Practical Karate
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Practical Karate
Grappling, striking and the combination of both for fitness and practical fighting skills. Practical Karate is a traditional martial arts school that teaches practical self-defense skills and the culture of traditional martial arts to create healthier, happier and kinder students.

The core curriculum is traditional Isshin-Ryu Karate with techniques and training methods adapted from Shotokan Karate, Shito-Ryu Karate, Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing and Wrestling.This class teaches the students the fundamentals and skills to better prepare them for the self-defense focus of the Practical Karate class.
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Karate is a highly recognized activity for children to help teach them discipline. It is a form of activity that helps not only teach children discipline, it also helps boost their self-esteem. Many children today lack activity in their lives and sometimes become overweight. Practical Karate and Sensei Frank McCarroll offer kids karate in San Diego.
Sensei Frank McCarroll at Practical Karate teaches kids Karate, basic coordination skills as well as basic self defense. Sensei Frank McCarroll uses innovative educational techniques to teach kids basic self defense and practical karate. In this video Frank McCarroll is teaching some energetic 3-10 year olds how to use basic self defense techniques and how to break the grip of someone trying to grab you.
Fundamentals of Mixed Martial Arts with a focus on fitness and technical proficiency. This class is for all levels and abilities, from serious martial artists to complete beginners. Sparring optional after class. MMA classes at Practical Karate are a great way for martial artists to round out their skills and learn what works when competition rules are taken away.
Learn effective self-defense techniques while getting a GREAT workout. Learn to defend yourself against a bigger and stronger attacker. Bring your daughters and your friends and learn how to protect yourself! For more information on self defense classes for kids and adults in San Diego contact Frank McCarroll at frank@practicalkarate.com.
Reviews (17)
Khryztof H.
Khryztof H.
Nov 06, 2021
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I started attending karate classes about two months ago and from day one, I have had a great experience. There is only a handful of adults in the evening class, but even if I am partnering with the sensei, I feel like I am getting good training. Every class is progressive and builds upon skills that you learned before, so you are always developing and growing. It's a great workout, but unlike some martial arts gyms, they aren't just trying to blow you up. Eventually, I plan on enrolling my kids.
Tn S.
Tn S.
May 11, 2019
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Frank is an outstanding instructor and great role model for the kids.
He not only teaches them karate but also discipline, perseverance and respect.
The dojo is clean and also has a play area for the kids.
They also offer summer camps.
Akiko S.
Akiko S.
Mar 01, 2019
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My son started taking classes here this year. We are so happy we found this dojo. Frank Sensei is the best. He is a real karate master! He knows how to interact with kids and teaches them many skills including gross motor skills and self-discipline. My son loves Frank sensei and enjoys the program a lot. I would also like to mention that the facilities are clean and spacious. I highly recommend this dojo. Practical karate is the best!
Zack
Zack
Jul 01, 2018
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My son is 6 and just on the ASD spectrum and did not want to participate at all in the beginning, but the instructors here are able to work with kids of all levels and motivation and after a couple weeks my son was already starting to enjoy the class. He still has a ways to go, but after a month a can see a huge improvement in his attitude, motivation and skills.
Jeton Prince
Jeton Prince
Jan 09, 2018
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We have tried a few studios in San Diego for our two kids. We are so happy to have found Sensei Frank at Practical Karate. The kids absolutely love it. We have been going regularly for over a year and will be going for many more.
Bridge W.
Bridge W.
Sep 18, 2017
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Practical Karate is a gift to this community.

I don't think I can write this review without telling a bit of our story - so, here we go. Our 5-year-old son is a bright, high energy, intense boy who is tall for his age. In terms of cognitive and motor skills he's generally ahead of the curve - but emotionally and socially, he is very much a 5-year-old boy. Maybe you relate? It can be tough, right? And not just because our kids wake up, hit the ground running, sprint all day, and treat bedtime like the finish-line at the end of a 100-meter dash. It can also be tough because we don&apos
Oliver B.
Oliver B.
Sep 01, 2017
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Just started taking the boxing classes here, and beyond obsessed with the Dojo and the instruction. I am new to the sport at 30, and learning very quickly how much i don't know, but Frank and all the experienced students there are super helpful and willing to pass on advice and technique.

Great workout. Always leave there drenched and the best part is that Bitter Brothers Brewery is right next store for a pint at the end.
Joy E.
Joy E.
Aug 27, 2017
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This is one of the best karate places I've ever went to besides your martial arts but I learned a lot here I did the camp here and I got way better at my door so this is why I really like this place that's why my mom sometimes says Ethan want to do this please because one of the only camps that I'm able to do where I know a bunch of people and it's also really good because it's like it is good because I get to learn like I do take Wando I get to learn karate which is really good because two is better than one am I right?
R. Williams
R. Williams
Aug 16, 2017
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Absolutely wonderful, instructor is firm but has so much patience. Been an awesome experience for my son.
M. J.
M. J.
Jun 29, 2017
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I cannot say enough good things about this dojo and Sensei Frank. This is a "real" dojo teaching a specific style of karate. Sensei Frank lived and trained in Japan and classes are taught in both English and Japanese. He has an incredible amount of integrity and extremely high standards for his students both children and adults. Please don't come here if you are defensive/or easily offended by authority figures setting high standards of conduct and call you or your child out for not meeting them (you know who you are.) He not only teaches karate but incorporates social and safety
David Whitacre
David Whitacre
Jun 15, 2017
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We have two boys enrolled at Practical Karate (ages 6 and 4) and we think Sensei Frank is great. He starts them off having fun and gradually instills a greater sense of discipline as they advance.
King L.
King L.
May 15, 2017
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Awesome instructors & very well educated in the art!! Clean place and very big mat space. Kids have a play room and bathrooms and showers are always a plus!! Most of all You will love the instructor !!!
Sassi K.
Sassi K.
Feb 23, 2017
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Sensei Frank, an educator, as well as a diverse martial artist is AMAZING!!!!! Our 5 and 9-year-old sons are energetic, loud (which is an encouraged self-defense technique, and students must Kiai "like they mean it, every time") and seemingly inexhaustible. But, they come home from Practical Karate and Judo class sweaty, red and focused on the goals they've set for more stripes and higher belts. Sensei Frank and his wife have thoughtfully considered the comfort of everyone, from changing tables for babies in the restrooms, chilled filtered water, art classes for younger siblings
Ben B.
Ben B.
Feb 21, 2017
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Great Sensei, Great Environment! Our son (4yr) loves going to karate! Not only does Frank make the kids feel welcome he teaches them life lessons that even the littlest of kids have fun with i.e, what to do if a dog approaches, crossing the street, and what if there is a fire. Again great place, great teacher and enjoyable to watch kids grow and learn in a safe environment. Thank you Frank
Michael B.
Michael B.
Feb 21, 2017
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For any parent shopping around for a karate dojo, this is the perfect place. Frank is doing what he is born to do. My 7 and 10 year old go twice a week, and the self respect, self discipline, and self confidence I see growing in them is amazing. After a year of watching from the side lines, I decided I might as well start taking classes with them. It's helping me with my balance and core strength, and it's a great work out. Plus it's something we can do as a family which is rewarding in itself.
Gabrielle F.
Gabrielle F.
Feb 22, 2016
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My 4 year old son has been taking karate at this dojo for the past couple months and he loves it! First off, the facility is very clean and I love that it has a community vibe. There is a place for siblings to do homework and/or play in the play area during or after class. Frank is an excellent teacher and is the perfect mix of discipline and fun. I love that even when he corrects the children, he does it without judgement, from a neutral place. So important. My son already looks up to him and is so excited to go to class. Highly recommend!
B. P.
B. P.
Aug 27, 2015
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Franck is a great karate teacher. He find ways to teach karate in a very fun way and keep good discipline at the same time. His students have a good level and are polite with correct attitude.
Franck also keep training karate and other martial arts to bring some realistic self defense to his program.
Practical karate is very good place to learn or get better in martial arts.
I highly recommend this dojo. The place is very clean and the price affordable to everyone.