Japan Karate Do Organization

if you’re looking for a great workout, a workout that uses your brain and your bod, and a way to remove stress, this is the best place to do so.
this is a traditional Shito Ryu Karate studio where you will be required to learn the history of karate and Japanese terminology.
Sensie Sherry is an excellent instructor who genuinely cares about the health and well-​being of her students. she understands that people age and may not be «kids» anymore. she will push as much as she can to get the best out you. her classes are fun and challenging.
I can’t really speak to her work with children because I don’t have any, but I do know that parents love her. what I’ve seen is that she is «real» with kids and tough on them. she is also very maternal with all the kids. she trains champions and takes pride in the accomplishments of her students. she will toughen up your kid, teach them discipline, respect, and how to be gracious.
it’s a different dojo because it’s run by a women. I’ve found that other dojos can be a little too testosterone driven for me. So this one was refreshing.
this dojo is not going to make you an MMA fighter but it’s going to make you stronger, more able to defend yourself and give you a strong feeling of accomplishment.
highly recommended.

I enjoyed this dojo very much. Very good quality teaching and instructors — traditional karate at it’s best in San Diego. I travel a lot so I visit dojos when I am able so I seek out good dojos and try to train. They focus on good conditioning and building good people. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone looking for a karate school.

I agree with all of the reviews posted. This organization is very professional. We have watched as Sensai Sherri and Her daughter Alanna have been teaching our children with a firm but gentle approach. If you want your kids to get their black belts and you expect it to happen quickly, go somewhere else– this is not MTv Karate. All belts are earned and not based on how much money you have paid.
It is nice to see that all of the kids are engaged at appropriate levels– the senior level students are capable enough to help out and teach specific skills to younger kids and all students have a confidence and pride associated with their accomplishments. They are always offering introductory classes so that you can decide if this the right path for you or your kids and there are no huge required contracts afterwards.

My son & daughter have been attending the JKO dojo since the summer of 2006. Our experience here has been very positive. Both main instructors Hanshi Miki and his wife Sensei Sherry Miki are extremely knowledgeable in the art of karate and are very good instructors. Our children have not only gained confidence in self defense but also in invaluable character traits such as discipline, motivation, tenacity, self-​confidence, and respect. The teaching of the art here is very traditional with fun mixed in. I am truly grateful of the experience that our family has had here.

Sometimes people ask you about a defining moment in your life. I was asked that question a few days ago and thought I should share this with JKO.
Once you gain enough intestinal fortitude to walk through the door and begin training you will work up an energetic sweat that is intoxicated with addiction. You can’t wait to get back and do it again and again. The intoxication of endorphins is supplemented by the experience of the JKO instructor’s with their tenacious enthusiasms for the sport.
The defining moment comes when you are ready to take the test in order to obtain a belt. Wow, what a feeling to get color. You have graduated from nothing to something. Yes, you can go to a ‘Karate in a box’ and achieve many degrees quickly, but JKO makes it a true test along with the right amount of fun.

The Karate Instructors here at the «Real Thing». The classic training offered to students of all ages is second to none. Our family has grown stronger together. No only physically, but mentally and in leadership. My daughters learned more about respect and self confidence very quickly. Thank you JKO Team. Best Wishes.

Personally I am very satisfied with JKO. I signed my kids up a few years ago. After watching them for a while I signed up myself and have been going regularly for 3 years.
JKO has 2 locations and 2 highly qualified instructors. I mostly go to the Carlsbad location. While people go to karate for many reasons like self defense, discipline, exercises, flexibility, confidence or sport karate (competitions). This karate studio is a place that kids and adults can learn from the best. I believe Hanshi Miki and Sensei Sherry each bring a commitment to excellence and are passing on a rich traditional art.
I have seen parents bring their kids to these studios and watched these kids grow in character and the ones that choose to compete in sport karate are exceptional. The JKO team is always winning many trophies.

This is the best Karate Dojo in San Diego. Shihan Miki is the kindest Karate Master If ever known, and the best trainer. He knows his stuff, because most of the History of Karate and particularly Shito-​Ryu actually took place in and around his home. He personally knew the Mabuni family who began the Shito-​Ryu style.
Sensei Sherry is a fierce competitor and will produce the best you can be. The great thing is, they will train you at the speed you are comfortable with. If you want to join just for the benifit of cardio, or to teach your children martial arts, or if you want to be the best Karate competor in the curcuit, they have the collective experience and genuin desire to teach it all.
I was taught Bunkai for many Katas at another location and always wondered why most of the techniques didn’t make sense. After joining JKO, Shihan Miki corrected my bunkai and it made more sense, and his techniques were much more effective.
This is a great place for kids too. They never get bored, and they’re not over disciplined, and they are allowed to learn at their own pace and to be kids too.
I am currently not a member any more, so this review is completely unbiased. My advice from my experience in Karate is:
1. Never join a Dojo who’s only opinion that «They are the best!», only comes from the Sensei himself.
2. Never take your children to a dojo where the head instructors don’t have kids themselves.
3. Always take the more expensive, short term contract at first to get a feel for the teaching and the environment, then trust your instincts when its time to renew.

My kids have been training at JKO since they were 5. Hansei Miki, an 8^th degree black belt, and his wife Sensei Sherry are fantastic instructors. They make the classes fun and the children advance at their own pace learning traditional karate skills from a world master. They have a unique ability to turn kids with average athletic skills into competition level athletes. Some of their students have competed and won at National and International competitions. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking to get their children into a sport, but have concerns about the pressures and costs of team sport organizations.