The Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club practices traditional Japanese Shotokan karate, and fosters strength, confidence, and self-control. Students learn and develop blocks, strikes, kicks, forms, and partner drills in a positive, non-contact environment. Beginners and experienced students participate in regular training, as well as special clinics, tournaments, and camps.
The purpose of karate is not physical prowess or the winning of matches, but the development of character through training. We are members of the JKA WF America and Japan Karate Association, a world-wide martial arts organization, ensuring the same standards of instructors and training throughout the world.
The purpose of karate is not physical prowess or the winning of matches, but the development of character through training. We are members of the JKA WF America and Japan Karate Association, a world-wide martial arts organization, ensuring the same standards of instructors and training throughout the world.
Services
We welcome new students at any time, and visitors are welcome to observe or participate in a class. Please contact us to schedule a visit. For the first class, just wear normal workout clothes and come a few minutes early to stretch. Karate emphasizes endeavoring and perseverance, and setting a training goal is important for kids (and adults!)
We are now meeting three times a week at the UVA gyms! See Schedule for details. Masks are required for all participants, regardless of vaccination status. The Shotokan Karate Club at UVA was founded in 1997, and we train year-round. Members include undergraduate students, graduate students, staff, and faculty of the University.
Reviews (10)
Maxim Shugaev
Aug 18, 2021
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I've trained with Sensei Dave and Sensei Ellen for 8 years, and it was definitely one of the greatest things I did during my time at UVA. What I like here the most is the friendly atmosphere and the individual feedback I got, so I can work on my weaknesses and continue to grow. Sensei Dave and Sensei Ellen organized classes so that beginners and black belts always regardless the level had things to work on. Each class Sensei Dave and Sensei Ellen brought something new to make it interesting an exciting. In addition to the karate classes, the club also organizes social events, like celebration of
Erin Cary
Feb 05, 2021
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Sensei Ellen and Sensei Dave run a great karate dojo! They are awesome at working individually with students to help them with what they need most. Because of the pandemic, they've been doing virtual classes, which have been a big help to me since I'm currently out of the state. Incredibly fun and educative experience, and I would definitely recommend if you're looking for a martial arts program!
Avantika Mehra
Sep 19, 2020
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I have trained with Senseis Ellen and Dave through my 4 years at UVA, and it has been a fantastic journey - they are amazing instructors, and work individually with each student on form, speed, and technique. I’m extremely grateful to have been a part of this community, and would recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts or self-defense!
Catherine Gray
Jun 13, 2020
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
We love Sensei Dave, Sensei Ellen, and this club. We tried two other martial arts clubs/businesses before finding this gem for our 7-year-old. My son is highly sensitive and benefits so much from their instruction and the friendly, supportive, hard-working atmosphere.
We love Sensei Dave, Sensei Ellen, and this club. We tried two other martial arts clubs/businesses before finding this gem for our 7-year-old. My son is highly sensitive and benefits so much from their instruction and the friendly, supportive, hard-working atmosphere.
Michael Hemenway
Jan 03, 2020
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This is a terrific karate club that welcomes participants of all ages. Dave and Ellen are both excellent, highly skilled instructors who each have decades of training and experience. They have created, and continue to foster, a friendly yet focused environment in which participants receive a great workout while developing many helpful physical and mental skills, such as strength, flexibility, self defense, concentration and confidence.
Members of the club include students of all ages and grade levels, as well as parents and working professionals in many fields. This club is a wonderful learning
Members of the club include students of all ages and grade levels, as well as parents and working professionals in many fields. This club is a wonderful learning
John Naegle
Oct 11, 2019
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This is a great place to learn a martial art. Ellen and Dave do an excellent job balancing fun, fitness, camaraderie, self-defense, discipline, and the many other aspects of martial arts. It is a welcoming environment for those new to karate while remaining challenging and engaging for experienced practitioners. It is a great value and family friendly environment. Hope you'll join us!
Mary Rose Wade
Sep 24, 2019
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Mike McCollister
Aug 27, 2019
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I have trained with the Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club for almost ten years highly recommend this club. Anyone from young children to senior adults can train at this traditional karate club. Dave & Ellen, the instructors, split the class between children and adults to better accommodate for different skill and maturity levels. Dave & Ellen make each class different, are attentive to all students and push us all become better in so many ways.
I have come to know some of my best friends in this club and I am looking forward to training with them for years to come.
I have come to know some of my best friends in this club and I am looking forward to training with them for years to come.
Pat McKeithan
Jul 22, 2019
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My son started his karate training while in elementary school and last year earned his black belt. He has always had a very good time with the training and the other students and the teachers.
If you or your child is interested in karate you will see there are multiple karate schools in Charlottesville. Before signing up we visited with 4 schools, all of which were commercial, and were disappointed with each although for different reasons.
Why did we pick the Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club? The difference is in the last word in the name--Club. It just doesn't have the feel of a commercial
If you or your child is interested in karate you will see there are multiple karate schools in Charlottesville. Before signing up we visited with 4 schools, all of which were commercial, and were disappointed with each although for different reasons.
Why did we pick the Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club? The difference is in the last word in the name--Club. It just doesn't have the feel of a commercial
Leslie Beauregard
Jul 29, 2017
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