Shotokan Karate Leadership School

Shotokan Karate Leadership School offers Kids Karate, Leadership Training, and Adult Martial Arts. Kids Karate includes respect, courtesy, self-control, self-discipline, self-confidence, self-defense, and better behavior at home and school. Leadership Training uses the Black Belt Shoka Leader Program, which trains students to defend themselves and to lead.

Programs

• Kids Karate — roughly ages 7 to 12 · Kids karate classes in Santa Rosa focus on respect, courtesy, self-control, self-discipline, self-confidence, better grades, less bullying, self-defense, and better behavior at home and school.
• Adult Martial Arts — teens & adults · Traditional to modern martial arts training in a safe and fun environment; develops physical fitness, situational awareness, self-confidence, self-respect, self-defense, and more.
• Leadership Training — children and parents · The proprietary Black Belt Shoka Leader Program trains students to not only defend themselves but also to lead.

At a glance

• Ages: 7–18 years old

About the provider

Shotokan Karate Leadership School was founded in 1981 in Santa Rosa, CA. Marty Callahan is listed as Chief Master Marty Callahan, Master Marty Callahan, and Sensei Marty Callahan, and the site says he has taught, coached, supported, and trained over 20,000 students in 50,000 classes. It also says he is an 8th Degree Black Belt and a graduate of the Japan Karate Association Instructor Training Program. The school says it embraces diversity and inclusivity and supports children with ADD, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other challenges.

The school says every child is welcome regardless of age, skill level, or physical ability. It says consent for SMS is not a condition of purchase. It also says the first visit is a no-pressure introduction before committing.

What families say

“People have been telling us how amazed they are with the difference they see in Jordan since he started taking karate at Shotokan Karate Leadership School. Before he used to be quiet and hidden, he kept to himself and now he's a chatter monster! It's unbelievable; he's so much more confident and sure of himself. We are so happy, thank you so much, Sensei Callahan.” — Kim Corn

“Our son is now a professor at an Ohio University. What he learned at Shotokan Karate Leadership School played a big part in making him into the man he is today. Your training will carry him through the rest of his life.” — Jim Thompson

“Sensei, my name is Dean. I was your student 15 years ago. I’m calling because I want to thank you for giving me the foundation for a wonderful life. The training I received from you has helped me in innumerable ways. I have a wonderful life and I don’t believe it would have turned out this way without the training that I received from you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” — Dean Jones

Last updated October 4, 2026.