Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
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Goju-Ryu Karate-Do
Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA traces its origins to the very roots of Goju-Ryu in Japan. Established in 1972 in Santa Monica, we recently reopened our doors in a new location in Westwood Village, Los Angeles, California. Shihan Vassie Naidoo travels to Japan every year to continue his karate education learning from the masters in Japan.

Shihan Vassie was recently promoted to 8th dan in 2016 by our Chief Instructor Seiichi Fujiwara from Omagari, Japan. He is one of the few 8th degree black belts outside of Japan who strives to teach traditional karatedo.
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Karate promotes healthy physical and mental activities for your child. It is fun because the students are learning through play and discipline. Your child/teen will advance when he or she is ready and we make sure that your child/teen prepare through practice and games. Karate is a goal-oriented activity, so every student will know how he or she is progressing through quarterly tests.
The adult training program incorporates (the 3 K's of Karate) kihon, kata and kumite exercises that serve as the foundation. As you advance, kihon, kata and kumite techniques will become more challenging and precise. The Adult training is a wonderful opportunity for students to practice karate and work toward your goals with other students.
Traditionally Okinawans practiced karate alongside a Sensei within a one-on-one setting. We offer this same tradition for individuals of all ages and fitness levels who wish to practice karate. Additionally, you will benefit from a customized workout to suit your needs and goals. Personal training sessions are perfect for individuals with demanding schedules.
Reviews (21)
MegaDude E.
MegaDude E.
Dec 09, 2021
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I have been training with sensei vassie for over 26 years and love every minute of it the fact that he is the only person outside of japan in this style with the highest rank does wonders for his teaching and when I'm training with him it's like I am being trained by the traditional masters in japan and yet he is so very humble worth a try if you want to better yourself and better your life
Reverend James Daly
Reverend James Daly
Nov 18, 2021
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This is a wonderful school to learn karate. Sensei Vassie is an Amazing teacher.
He is also outstanding with children.
I have never seen anyone with the ability to teach kids of all ages so well.
Dan
Dan
Nov 16, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality
A great place to learn traditional karate taught by a great instructor.
Levon Danielyants
Levon Danielyants
Nov 12, 2021
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This is a unique place! Goju Ryu Karate of Los Angeles is the only place in Los Angeles where you can learn one of the most well-known and respected karate styles in the world - Goju-Ryu. You will be trained by the most highly-ranked Sensei outside of Japan and the second senior person in the Seiwakai organization, Shihan Vassie Naidoo. Here, in a welcoming place, you will learn how to control your ego, energy and be disciplined during the training. You find friends and be treated as a family member regardless of gender, age, and experience.
Angie Nosho
Angie Nosho
Nov 03, 2021
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Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Karate of LA has been such a positive force in my daughters' lives. They started training at ages 4 and 5.
Early on, they had so much to learn and the kids classes at this dojo helped them tremendously. Their coordination, flexibility, and strength improved quickly. Beyond that, they learned how to focus and follow directions which has helped them in school and in other activities as well. They learned self-control, discipline, and respect. This has helped them in their relationships with teachers, friends, and family members. These are all valuable life skills that will benefit
Fiji
Fiji
Oct 26, 2021
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I’ve been a student and instructor for the past 25 years. It’s been my home and family. It’s great environment for anyone looking to enhance their life in ever aspect. Kids, teens, and adults.
Our head instructor Shihan Vassie Naidoo 8th degree black belt and is an amazing teacher. He teaches traditional GOJU RYU karate, and through his teachings life lessons are learned. Respect, honor, dedication and love for life and karate. Just to name a few. It’s a great school with awesome students and instructors that want the best for everyone.
Conrad Williams
Conrad Williams
Oct 25, 2021
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This dojo has the highest quality of karate instruction that anyone can find in the greater Los Angeles area! I highly recommend the adult classes for skilled karate practitioners and beginners alike. Also the kids/teens classes are great for students wanting to learn karate and/or take their skills to the next level. Vassie Shihan is a world renowned teacher of karate and i highly recommend his teachings and his dojo.
Mia Gobel
Mia Gobel
Oct 21, 2021
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The dojo is amazing. I learn so much and it is really enjoyable. The people are amazing too which makes the experience even better!
Crystal V.
Crystal V.
Oct 19, 2021
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If you’re looking for a place to learn martial arts, get fit, seek a mindful experience, and feel comfortable doing it, this is the place! Vassie Shihan is the absolute best! His method of teaching is both a vigorous workout and a form of meditation. You’ll learn traditional karate and discipline that you will carry into your life outside of the dojo. I love the location too! It’s close to UCLA and near lots of restaurants and fun places to go!
Malissa Alvarez
Malissa Alvarez
Sep 10, 2020
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Great family- owned small dojo in SM Great lessons work out respect for yourself , family,others and Dojo! TRY THIS SELF-DEFENSE CLASS
Stephen K.
Stephen K.
Feb 14, 2019
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Great Karate style. Very traditional and tough training. Very effective style. You can not miss the learning this style so call today and get signed up
Derek D.
Derek D.
Nov 16, 2018
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I remember Sensei Vassie Naidoo like it was yesterday (20+ years after being a kid in his class). He left an impact on me and I only wish I still lived in Santa Monica and could bring my son to his classes. I'm so glad to see he is still at it!
Christopher Norris
Christopher Norris
Jan 20, 2018
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I've been a member of this dojo for at least 8 years. It is a very knowledgeable and friendly community. Community is an ideal description because everyone helps one another in many ways, including teaching the kids, fund raising when needed, and making the environment a warm and welcoming family. A perfect example was after the fire, everyone chipped in to clean up, move and re-organize, and provide whatever was needed. What an awesome community!
Sean O'Leary
Sean O'Leary
Nov 10, 2017
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Vassie Shihan sets the bar very high as a teacher of the art. He leads by example and takes great care that we are practicing our karate with attention on the quality of what we are doing.
Oanh M.
Oanh M.
Jan 06, 2016
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Excellent instructions from a very knowledgeable karate Sensei Vassie Naidoo. Great community and true martial values. Too bad I had to move, but would still be going there if I was still in the area.
Manuela G.
Manuela G.
Jan 29, 2014
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This is an absolutely great dojo. if you want good professional karate lessons, feel welcomed the minute you walk into the room and actually have a teacher that cares about your progress; then this is the place for you
Roy R.
Roy R.
Oct 19, 2013
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If you are looking for a real authentic Karate experience, this IS the place to go to. Sensei Vassie is a true black belt and an amazing person. You can't go wrong training with him or any of his black belts. In addition, Sensei Tom Callahan is an amazing teacher. They are both truly amazing. Go try a class or a private with them and then you can see why...
Crystal G.
Crystal G.
Aug 26, 2011
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A great dojo! All are hardworking and respectful. Vassie Sensei brings many years of experience to the table. He seems to have this way of customizing forms and workouts to each person. Truly a rare gem of an instructor! One of the best things is that all students make you feel comfortable. You'll surely recieve a grueling workout while learning a both beautiful and brutal martial art. Recommend, recommend, recommend!
Armando H.
Armando H.
May 16, 2011
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Have trained with Sensei Vassie and I have and will recommend him for beginners and experienced practioners of Goju-Ryu Karate Do. Great descipline, great conditioning, great self-defense techniques plus more sensei Vassie has to offer. Come and join him for excellent training!
Brian B.
Brian B.
Jan 21, 2011
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This is an excellent Goju Ryu Karate Do School. Anyone looking for solid training, this is the place. Vassie Naidoo Sensei has an excellent reputation and demostrates his world class instruction regularly. Naidoo Sensei is sought after for training around the world is worth the time and effort. If you are thinking of karate instruction then just call. I do not believe you will be disappointed.
Jp X.
Jp X.
Dec 28, 2006
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A very strong Karate school easily located on Pico Blvd. Old traditional style with modern teaching techniques. A definate recommendation.