Redwood City Shotokan Karate Dojo
Sequoia YMCA, 1445 Hudson Street, Redwood City, CA 94061
About
Redwood City Shotokan Karate Dojo offers practice in basic techniques (kihon) such as blocks, kicks, and punches. Students also work on kata, which are stylized combinations of techniques against imaginary opponents, and kumite, which is real fighting against real opponents. The program also includes a self-defense clinic.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Practice on Tuesdays in the evening and on Thursdays in the evening
• Price: Participation in practice is free to YMCA members; There is no charge to observe or to practice once or twice; Members of the YMCA may practice at the Sequoia Y free of charge, as it is a Y class; You may decide to join Shotokan Karate of America ($75 for the year); There are no fees to participate in kyu tests; New members pay $75 for SKA membership through the end of the year; Those who join in July or later receive $25 off their next year’s renewal.
The dojo is part of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) and has been meeting at the Sequoia YMCA as SKA’s Redwood City dojo since November 2012. Practice resumed in person as of June 2022. The leadership team includes leader Shrijeet Mukherjee, SKA President Ron Thom, Founder Tsutomu Ohshima, SKA Shihan John Teramoto, Canada Shotokan Shihan Norman Welch, and Kathy Watts. The curriculum is designed to incorporate beginners anytime, and no special equipment is needed, as beginners can start practicing by wearing any comfortable clothing suitable for physical activities.
The dojo holds rank testing (kyu test) for SKA members each year in April and November, and black belt testing is free but by invitation only. On occasion, the dojo hosts special events by visiting seniors, such as the self-defense clinic led by godan Tom Muzila on June 6, 2015. Unique practices typically include kids practice for kids and parents who are practicing in June, open practice after the Nisei Week Tournament on the Sunday following the first Saturday in August, senior practice for white belts over 40 years old in October, and the last practice of the year with Ohshima Sensei on the first Saturday in December. Each year, Ohshima Sensei also leads a practice for women, brown belts, and black belts.
According to its mission statement, karate at this dojo can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing, and overall health, without needing special equipment. The mission statement also says karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals, and that practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control. It states that the study of karate benefits the student in all areas of life, describing karate as more than a sport or martial art, more than self-defense, blocks, punches, and kicks, and as a way to become physically strong and have a strong mind and spirit to face problems, difficult situations, and to learn how to face oneself.
Last updated April 11, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Practice on Tuesdays in the evening and on Thursdays in the evening
• Price: Participation in practice is free to YMCA members; There is no charge to observe or to practice once or twice; Members of the YMCA may practice at the Sequoia Y free of charge, as it is a Y class; You may decide to join Shotokan Karate of America ($75 for the year); There are no fees to participate in kyu tests; New members pay $75 for SKA membership through the end of the year; Those who join in July or later receive $25 off their next year’s renewal.
The dojo is part of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA) and has been meeting at the Sequoia YMCA as SKA’s Redwood City dojo since November 2012. Practice resumed in person as of June 2022. The leadership team includes leader Shrijeet Mukherjee, SKA President Ron Thom, Founder Tsutomu Ohshima, SKA Shihan John Teramoto, Canada Shotokan Shihan Norman Welch, and Kathy Watts. The curriculum is designed to incorporate beginners anytime, and no special equipment is needed, as beginners can start practicing by wearing any comfortable clothing suitable for physical activities.
The dojo holds rank testing (kyu test) for SKA members each year in April and November, and black belt testing is free but by invitation only. On occasion, the dojo hosts special events by visiting seniors, such as the self-defense clinic led by godan Tom Muzila on June 6, 2015. Unique practices typically include kids practice for kids and parents who are practicing in June, open practice after the Nisei Week Tournament on the Sunday following the first Saturday in August, senior practice for white belts over 40 years old in October, and the last practice of the year with Ohshima Sensei on the first Saturday in December. Each year, Ohshima Sensei also leads a practice for women, brown belts, and black belts.
According to its mission statement, karate at this dojo can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing, and overall health, without needing special equipment. The mission statement also says karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals, and that practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control. It states that the study of karate benefits the student in all areas of life, describing karate as more than a sport or martial art, more than self-defense, blocks, punches, and kicks, and as a way to become physically strong and have a strong mind and spirit to face problems, difficult situations, and to learn how to face oneself.
Last updated April 11, 2026.
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