Traditional Japanese Karate
For Southern California
“Think not of the Martial Arts as combat alone; it is also the study of peace and seeking the way of harmony.”
One of Southern California’s Premium Karate Dojo’s, Nishimura Sensei offers instruction and training in Traditional Japanese Wado-Ryu Karate-do.
Wado-Ryu is one of the most dynamic and diverse styles of karate practiced today.
Karate Programs and Classes
Beginner Kids and Adults
This class is designed for students of all ages who are new to karate and want to build a strong foundation in a supportive, positive environment. You’ll learn basic stances, punches, kicks, and blocks while improving focus, confidence, coordination, and respect. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn, try your best, and have fun as you begin your karate journey.
Intermediate Kids and Adults
This class is designed for students who have a solid understanding of basic techniques and are ready to take their training to the next level. You’ll refine your stances, strikes, and combinations while developing stronger timing, control, and discipline. Training focuses on improved technique, kata, and practical application, helping you build confidence, power, and focus as you continue your karate journey.
Advanced Kids and Adults
This class is for dedicated students who have mastered the fundamentals and are ready to train at a higher level. Training emphasizes precision, power, speed, and strategy through advanced techniques, complex kata, and realistic applications. Students are challenged physically and mentally to deepen discipline, sharpen focus, and embody the true spirit of karate as they continue their path toward excellence.
Kobudo (Weapons)
This class focuses on the traditional weapons art that complements karate training. Students will learn the fundamentals of Kobudo, including proper handling, techniques, and forms using classical Okinawan weapons such as the bo staff, sai, and nunchaku. Training builds coordination, focus, respect, and a deeper understanding of movement and martial tradition while strengthening overall karate skills.
Competition Karate
This class is designed for students preparing for tournament competition in both sparring (kumite) and forms (kata). Training focuses on speed, precision, timing, strategy, and performance under pressure. Students will refine techniques, improve conditioning, learn competition rules, and develop the confidence and mental toughness needed to perform at their best in a competitive environment.
Best Kumite Award: Aiko Mejia
In the four to five years that I have been training at USA Wado Ryu, I have learned not only discipline and self-defense, but also self-control. You learn how to strike and defend, but you also learn how to control your techniques, which is extremely important.
Practicing Karate has improved me in many ways. For example, it has helped me perform better in other sports, and it has taught me to be more responsible through learning katas (Karate forms that are choreographed to simulate fighting an imaginary opponent).
I have also noticed that training at this dojo improves sportsmanship. You don’t just learn how to win — you also learn how to lose with respect, which is an important life skill.
That is why I highly recommend USA Wado Ryu Karate Dojo.
Best Kata Award: Leonardo Mejia
I have done Karate for 4-5 years to learn focusing, respect, self-discipline, and most importantly self-defense.
I started Wado Ryu Karate Dojo to learn to defend myself. You will also learn to punch, kick and other techniques which are very important for self-defense.
Learning Karate helps in different ways. For example, if a student is getting frustrated from failing a test at school, they can attend to this Dojo. You can learn how to stay calm and focused at school. Another example is if a student is scared of getting bullied or is worried about everything, they can learn Karate here to learn confidence and self-esteem.
Karate can help you with multiple things, including, confidence, self-control, physical fitness, focus and concentration, and respect. These are the Reasons why you should go to Wado Ryu Karate Dojo.