About
Santa Monica Dojo Youth Karate Program offers traditional Shotokan karate training that includes basics (kihon), form (kata), sparring (kumite), self-defense techniques, and one-step sparring. Youth participants may also take part in special kata classes for brown and black belts, special team trainings, early morning classes, winter and spring training, classes by special guest instructors, youth tournaments, special parties, camps, and training sessions.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: In-person youth classes for all levels are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1–2 p.m., with advanced classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6–7 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5–6 p.m.
• Price: In-person class fees are $20 per class, with a three-month unlimited training option for $300, kyu exams at $45 including belt and certificate, and dan exam pricing available on request.
Santa Monica Dojo was founded by Sensei James Field in 1972 and has been teaching traditional Shotokan karate for over 50 years under chief instructor James Field. James Field is an eighth-degree black belt, one of the first four Americans certified as an instructor, a highly ranked examiner and judge, and has been teaching karate locally, nationally, and internationally since 1968. His background includes serving as captain of the US International Karate Team, being a many-time National Collegiate Champion, two-time National Grand Champion, two-time Pan American Champion, US Representative to the Olympic Games in Mexico, medalist in the 1976 World Tournament, and assistant coach of the US team for the 1983, 1992, 1993, and 1994 All Japan Tournaments in Tokyo.
The program follows the mission of karate-do as a martial art with the ultimate aim of the development of character through training, with the main focus and objective of karate training stated as the perfection and development of character, and karate also described as a practical and effective self-defense system. Santa Monica Dojo is a fully accredited traditional martial arts dojo affiliated with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), and ranks achieved there are recognized worldwide. The dojo has produced numerous champions at local, national, and international tournaments and is operated by the Community Karate Foundation, a California non-profit corporation.
Training is highlighted by personal, individualized instruction in small class settings, with children’s classes for ages 5–12 that include special training in basics, form, and one-step sparring, and a semimonthly special kata class for brown and black belts. Membership includes daily class training, unlimited attendance of regular classes, an orientation seminar, optional participation in regional karate camps and tournaments, training seminars, exams and gradings, newsletters, and an instructor training program at the ni-dan level, and there are no contracts to sign. Facilities include punching and kicking equipment, a stretching barre, showers, and mirrors, and for the first week new students may wear loose clothing such as a T-shirt and sweat pants, after which they are expected to wear a traditional white gi, with no shoes allowed. Parents and visitors are welcome to observe at all times, with a request to remain off the floor and be as quiet as possible.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: In-person youth classes for all levels are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–5 p.m. and Saturdays from 1–2 p.m., with advanced classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6–7 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5–6 p.m.
• Price: In-person class fees are $20 per class, with a three-month unlimited training option for $300, kyu exams at $45 including belt and certificate, and dan exam pricing available on request.
Santa Monica Dojo was founded by Sensei James Field in 1972 and has been teaching traditional Shotokan karate for over 50 years under chief instructor James Field. James Field is an eighth-degree black belt, one of the first four Americans certified as an instructor, a highly ranked examiner and judge, and has been teaching karate locally, nationally, and internationally since 1968. His background includes serving as captain of the US International Karate Team, being a many-time National Collegiate Champion, two-time National Grand Champion, two-time Pan American Champion, US Representative to the Olympic Games in Mexico, medalist in the 1976 World Tournament, and assistant coach of the US team for the 1983, 1992, 1993, and 1994 All Japan Tournaments in Tokyo.
The program follows the mission of karate-do as a martial art with the ultimate aim of the development of character through training, with the main focus and objective of karate training stated as the perfection and development of character, and karate also described as a practical and effective self-defense system. Santa Monica Dojo is a fully accredited traditional martial arts dojo affiliated with the Japan Karate Association (JKA), and ranks achieved there are recognized worldwide. The dojo has produced numerous champions at local, national, and international tournaments and is operated by the Community Karate Foundation, a California non-profit corporation.
Training is highlighted by personal, individualized instruction in small class settings, with children’s classes for ages 5–12 that include special training in basics, form, and one-step sparring, and a semimonthly special kata class for brown and black belts. Membership includes daily class training, unlimited attendance of regular classes, an orientation seminar, optional participation in regional karate camps and tournaments, training seminars, exams and gradings, newsletters, and an instructor training program at the ni-dan level, and there are no contracts to sign. Facilities include punching and kicking equipment, a stretching barre, showers, and mirrors, and for the first week new students may wear loose clothing such as a T-shirt and sweat pants, after which they are expected to wear a traditional white gi, with no shoes allowed. Parents and visitors are welcome to observe at all times, with a request to remain off the floor and be as quiet as possible.
Last updated August 2, 2026.
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