About
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo offers Karate practice that includes self-defense, clinics, exchange practices, tournaments, and special classes. Specific events at the dojo include a Jiyu Kumite Clinic and a Women Self Defense Clinic.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Adult beginner and advanced practices on Mondays and Wednesdays in the evening
• Price: Shotokan Karate of America registration fee is $125 per year.
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo is an affiliate of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit organization that has been teaching Karate in the traditional Japanese manner in the United States since 1955. The dojo’s leadership includes Olof Tornblad, Jose Corbacho, Saratoga Dojo founder Craig Hamman, and Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder and chief instructor of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). The stated aim of the program is that the ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.
Members of the Saratoga Dojo participate in regional special events such as clinics, exchange practices, tournaments, and special classes at the Ohshima Dojo. As a member of SKA, participants can attend SKA regional, national, and international events that are open to their rank. The class structure allows for the admittance of new adult students at any time of the year, and new children students are admitted at regularly scheduled dates, with children’s practice having limited enrollment that can fill up quickly. Members can test for rank twice per year at no additional charge, and black belt testing is free but by invitation only and takes place at Special Training events open only for members 16 years old and above.
Newcomers may attend practice without a Southwest YMCA membership but must join the Y to continue with class, and the YMCA coordinates entry dates for child Karate students. Karate at this dojo is described as something that 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, and it emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control. No special equipment is needed, and students are asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as sweat pants or yoga pants and a T-shirt, with the option of a gi-do (karate uniform), remove shoes and socks before practice, and remove jewelry for safety.
Last updated March 9, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Adult beginner and advanced practices on Mondays and Wednesdays in the evening
• Price: Shotokan Karate of America registration fee is $125 per year.
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo is an affiliate of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit organization that has been teaching Karate in the traditional Japanese manner in the United States since 1955. The dojo’s leadership includes Olof Tornblad, Jose Corbacho, Saratoga Dojo founder Craig Hamman, and Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder and chief instructor of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). The stated aim of the program is that the ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.
Members of the Saratoga Dojo participate in regional special events such as clinics, exchange practices, tournaments, and special classes at the Ohshima Dojo. As a member of SKA, participants can attend SKA regional, national, and international events that are open to their rank. The class structure allows for the admittance of new adult students at any time of the year, and new children students are admitted at regularly scheduled dates, with children’s practice having limited enrollment that can fill up quickly. Members can test for rank twice per year at no additional charge, and black belt testing is free but by invitation only and takes place at Special Training events open only for members 16 years old and above.
Newcomers may attend practice without a Southwest YMCA membership but must join the Y to continue with class, and the YMCA coordinates entry dates for child Karate students. Karate at this dojo is described as something that 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, and it emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control. No special equipment is needed, and students are asked to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as sweat pants or yoga pants and a T-shirt, with the option of a gi-do (karate uniform), remove shoes and socks before practice, and remove jewelry for safety.
Last updated March 9, 2026.
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