About
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo offers Karate practice that includes Kata, Jiyu Kumite Clinic, Women Self Defense Clinic, Dan Test, Kyu Test, and other special classes. Participants also take part in clinics, exchange practices, and tournaments through its connection with Shotokan Karate of America (SKA).
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Adult beginner and advanced practices on Mondays and Wednesdays in the early evening
• Price: There is no charge to observe or to practice once or twice. After that, if a participant decides to stay, they must join Shotokan Karate of America and the registration fee is $125 per year.
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo is an affiliate of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit organization teaching Karate in the traditional Japanese manner in the United States since 1955. The dojo’s mission follows Master Gichin Funakoshi’s statement: “The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” Saratoga Dojo held its first practice in 1995, its 5th Anniversary Practice in 2000, and its 10th Anniversary in 2005. The Saratoga Dojo founder is Craig Hamman, and the leadership team includes dojo leader Olof Tornblad and Jose Corbacho, with Tsutomu Ohshima as the founder and chief instructor of Shotokan Karate of America. Members of the Saratoga Dojo participate in regional special events such as clinics, exchange practices, tournaments, and special classes at the Ohshima Dojo, and as SKA members they can attend SKA regional, national, and international events open to their rank. The dojo operates in coordination with the Southwest YMCA, which coordinates entry dates for child Karate students.
No special equipment is needed to start. Newcomers may attend practice without a Southwest YMCA membership but must join the YMCA to continue with class. Adults are advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as sweat pants or yoga pants and a T-shirt, and children may wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing or a gi-do (karate uniform) for practice. The dojo observes the custom of removing shoes and socks prior to practice and asks that participants remove jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces for safety.
Last updated June 7, 2026.
• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: Adult beginner and advanced practices on Mondays and Wednesdays in the early evening
• Price: There is no charge to observe or to practice once or twice. After that, if a participant decides to stay, they must join Shotokan Karate of America and the registration fee is $125 per year.
Saratoga Shotokan Karate Dojo is an affiliate of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), a non-profit organization teaching Karate in the traditional Japanese manner in the United States since 1955. The dojo’s mission follows Master Gichin Funakoshi’s statement: “The ultimate aim of the art of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants.” Saratoga Dojo held its first practice in 1995, its 5th Anniversary Practice in 2000, and its 10th Anniversary in 2005. The Saratoga Dojo founder is Craig Hamman, and the leadership team includes dojo leader Olof Tornblad and Jose Corbacho, with Tsutomu Ohshima as the founder and chief instructor of Shotokan Karate of America. Members of the Saratoga Dojo participate in regional special events such as clinics, exchange practices, tournaments, and special classes at the Ohshima Dojo, and as SKA members they can attend SKA regional, national, and international events open to their rank. The dojo operates in coordination with the Southwest YMCA, which coordinates entry dates for child Karate students.
No special equipment is needed to start. Newcomers may attend practice without a Southwest YMCA membership but must join the YMCA to continue with class. Adults are advised to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes such as sweat pants or yoga pants and a T-shirt, and children may wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing or a gi-do (karate uniform) for practice. The dojo observes the custom of removing shoes and socks prior to practice and asks that participants remove jewelry such as rings, earrings, and necklaces for safety.
Last updated June 7, 2026.
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