I'm surprised to see so many glowing reviews for this place because from when I was a student here years ago I was bullied beyond belief along with other students Shihan Saito did not "favorite". He would insult us in front of others and especially liked picking on certain students, including me. It was more than tough love to me, it was just plain mean. I also had several friends quit because of the treatment. I should've spoken up long ago but I was too young. I stuck around till I barely got my black belt and left, at that point Shihan barely bothered to talk to me anymore. The only saving grace was Sensei Jill, I still remember her after all these years. If you're not a paying parent, cute kid, or respected adult, don't bother. read more

I spent my last semester there before heading back home in 2010. It's a place that made me fall in love with martial art. Saito sensei is extremely knowledgeable and he trained along with students . No BS. Just sweat a ton ! read more

I've been a student for a few months, and this school is fantastic. It teaches traditional moves and forms as well as sport-oriented conditioning and sparring. Sensei Saito is very expert, while also warm and funny - I'm sure he's great with kids, though I'm in the adult class. read more

Just attended the annual dojo picnic at Coyote Point. This was a perfect example of how the dojo is more family-oriented rather than just being a business. Over 100 people attended and no real complaints by anyone. Lots of food and everyone pitched in where ever they could, cooking, cleaning organizing. No one complained that they did not get the exact food they wanted (a pretty common thing at group picnics). The various people running the grill did so without complaint. A lot of people attended who didn't really know other people, which was fine. Everyone was expected to be connected and welcomed to the event. Kids and adults had a good time (especially the water fights). World Oyama Karate should be congratulated on having such a family-oriented organization. read more

Hello , we love your school, my son Martin attended your classes when he was very young . before we leave the US for Europe . We would love to get in touch with the school and thank you for your teaching sense , you are one of the best ! Merci . read more

Sensei Saito is amazing. All you need to do is sweat. And indeed, I leave with a soaked gi and feeling awesome. The sparring during each class is great. Unlike some other schools where one day is specified for sparring, here at World Oyama, you spar in each class to get yourself in the mindset to use what we learned in class. Great martial art! read more

This place it tough! You sweat tons, get a great workout and learn very good technique. Will you learn self control and dicipline? YES Improved coordination and balance? YES Will this place be good for your kids self-esteem? YES, but unlike a lot of the McDojos around the city, you will also learn valuable self-defense. You will be sparring hard every practice so you will come out with new a bruise or two every week. Thats OK, because you'll learn to defend yourself in a more naturalistic manner, and your body toughens up. read more

After 2 months of attending practice sessions at dojos/clubs all over SF and the Peninsula, I landed at the World Oyama Dojo in SF. It's now been over two years I've trained here and all I can say it that it's the best mix of tradition, modern application and downright heart-pumping, calorie-burning training. It will toughen you up! And no, it is not for the faint of heart, unless you're in the kids class where Sensei Saito trains and leads with a gentle touch but firm discipline. OSU! read more

World Oyama Karate - Annual BBQ at Coyote Park! - Karate Near Me - San Francisco, California

Osu! And welcome to a fantastic dojo that teaches traditional Japanese contact kumite in a friendly and encouraging environment. Expect to train hard and learn more. Punch fast and kick higher. Sweat, shout, spar, bruise, and grow stonger physically and mentally with every class. When it comes to finding a martial arts school, there are many different disciplines and styles to consider. I have to say that I truly appreciate that World Oyama is based on traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. The hardest part is putting on a white belt for the first time and feeling like you know nothing when you step on to the mat. But you'll find the discipline and practice and respect will influence almost every aspect of your life. And, no matter how broken and beaten you may feel along the way, if you stay the course, you will reach black belt. Which is where the true training begins. read more

World Oyama Karate is an excellent dojo. They care about their students and train them well. I started training in my early 50's and not only have I learned Karate well under the direction of Shihan Saito and Sensei Mike, but I have gotten into great shape. Every class is an excellent workout and challenging. We spar at every class which helps to build toughness. It's a great program. Students earn your promotions, it's not the kind of dojo that hands out promotions just because you pay your tuition. read more

My review is long over due...I found this Dojo on yelp, and I cannot believe how lucky I am to find this place(Thank you Yelp!). Sensei Saito is kind, funny, and also extremely experienced and great at teaching techniques with rationals. I think he draws in so many of the wonderful people(actually, there is no one who would not be nice to you) and keeps them coming back day after day of really challenging and rewarding classes. Oyama Karate is definitely an aggressive style of Karate. You have to fight in every class. It is not scary if you start however, because everyone understands how it is to be new at this, and lead you on to attack to build your skills and confidence before they start to attack you with more power in a few month. Passion and quality of instruction of this dojo really shines. (I've tried other places before, and believe me, some are much better than others) Another nice things about this dojo is that you can go to quite a few classes each week. I usually go 3-4 classes a week. Not many places have this much classes available. If you want to be good at it(only then it is enjoyable, right?), then you want to have this option for sure. So if you are thinking about learning Karate, and want to really enjoy coming to classes, this is THE dojo. Osu! Hope to see you there :D read more

We are so impressed with Sensei Saito and his Dojo. He is by far one of the coolest teachers we have ever met. Our 4 year old daughter loves going to class and has so much fun learning karate. What I didn't expect was how much more confident she has become since attending classes. Fantastic! If you are looking for a fun, energetic, kid friendly karate program this is the one to check out! read more

Osu! I've been training at World Oyama Karate for almost five years and my daughter has been training for two years. I love this place!! It's a fabulous workout, for your body and your brain, and it's a great community. I'm in great shape, have a ton of new friends and have learned excellent self-defense skills. Osu! read more

World Oyama Karate is a great dojo for three simple reasons: 1. The instructor, Saito Sensai is a gifted teacher and a consumate professional martial artist. He knows how to challenge you and lead students to progress in karate and from what I've seen in life. Great guy too. 2. The dojo is friendly and supportive but not wimpy. We train intensely and fellow students expect you to focus and make every effort during class. At the same time people enjoy their time here and there is lots of laughter after classes. I look forward to coming to train. 3. Karate is a way of life. The goal of Oyama karate training is not just to become capable of defending yourself but developing ourselves as people and individuals. We test ourselves in the dojo daily and through that we become more fit, capable and better able to learn more. Come meet everyone here and decide for yourself but be ready to train intensely, make every effort and be open to learn. I feel quite confident that once you do, your review will be as glowing as the others here. read more

Osu! World Oyama Karate has been a great experience for me. I was terribly out of shape when I started, but I have been making progress every class, from developing better stamina to being more flexible. It has also taught me greater insight and self discipline. Somewhere along the way it stopped being about getting the next belt, and just improving my technique. That is probably a good thing since you are not guaranteed to pass onto getting your next belt when you take the promotion tests, unlike some pay to play dojos. The dojo has a great family atmosphere about it, and Sensei Saito is great with the children too. I do have to admit I have come home with my share of bumps and bruises, but for me the experience has been well worth it. This is the dojo you want to go to if you want to be able to translate your formal movement exercises into actual fighting technique from day one. read more

We take our son to this dojo for karate and we love it! Sensei is so good with both kids and adults. Our son was very nervous when he started and now he loves it! He has made some friends in class and looks forward to going every time! He has learned many skills that have made him more agile and confident. I recommend World Oyama Karate to anyone who is interested in martial arts. You'll love it! read more

I have been training under Sensei Saito for 8 years. He is an exceptional teacher. Classes are fun, well-structured, and I am impressed by his creativity, strength and ability to motivate and inspire his students. I shopped around a good deal before I chose a dojo that was rigorous, while still welcoming. I would strongly encourage people of any age or fitness level to give it a try. As someone with a chronic illness, I find Sensei to be very understanding. He pushes you to do more than you ever imagined you were capable of while still respecting your physical needs/constraints. As an added perk, the Oyama community is great and supportive. You get an incredible workout, you learn a lot, and you have fun with great people every time you go to train. What more could you ask for? read more

Osu! Oyama SF is possibly the most rounded dojo I've ever trained at - meaning, everyone from the hardened tournament fighter to a family looking for a community-oriented karate school will have made a solid choice being under the tutelage of Saito Sensei. read more

My son and daughter have been practicing at Oyama karate for six months. We are very happy with the results. Kids love it, it helps them get more confidence, more flexibility and just have fun doing sports! I strongly recommend this place to anyone who has kids or even to adults. They have both kids and adult classes. Thank you Oyama karate and Sensei! read more

More than just a workout. More than just self-defense. More than just martial arts. World Oyama SF is truly a community based on hard work, dedication, respect and sweat! My daughters started training here almost 5 years ago, and then I joined them two years ago. In these past two years, not only have I pushed myself harder physically than I ever thought I could, but I have lost more than 20 pounds in the process (and gained all sorts of new muscles!) I love World Oyama San Francisco! OSU! read more

I have been training at World Oyama Karate for 6 years.(I have been training since 5 years old) The teachers are great. Oyama Karate is very supportive and everything is like a second family. World Oyama Karate taught me confidence, discipline, and respect. The events are great.I went to other dojos before I went to World Oyama Karate and they weren't nearly as good as World Oyama Karate. Our Sensei pays attention to everyone no matter how good at sports you are. THANK YOU SENSEI SAITO FOR MAKING ME STRONG and teaching me right values! read more

My son and I have been training with Sensei Saito for almost 7 years. This dojo is for anyone who wants to get in shape physically and mentally and become part of a great community. They don't run this dojo like a business but more like family. Sensei is great with kids and adults. This is serious training but you will see all types of people here from the young tournament fighter to middle aged mothers. Just come and check it out and you will see what a great place it is. read more

My son and daughter have been students at World Oyama since they were both 6 years old. They are now 12 and 8 years old and still love going to classes and participating in all of the dojo's events. The World Oyama SF community is very close, extremely welcoming and a great support system for all ages. My children not only benefit from learning a martial art, but they have the opportunity of being part of a second family that nurtures them by giving them self-confidence, discipline and respect for themselves and others. Sensei Saito is an extraordinary teacher who is able to make the student's learning experience fun and enjoyable and, at the same time, is able to instill the respect and honor that the art of karate deserves. I highly recommend this dojo for all ages. read more

Love it here! It was my daughter who picked the place and after a couple of months she wanted me to try it too, now we both train here and have a blast of a time. The vibe is down to earth, everyone is so friendly, it feels like a real community. Don't get me wrong, we train hard! Discipline and focus is required but it's encouraged in a healthy and fun way. read more

OSU! I've been training here about nine months and think it is a fantastic school, top instruction, and with a family dojo atmosphere. Sensei Saito and Sensei Yoko are both incredibly skilled and thoughtful instructors, who have their heart in the right place and are endlessly patient with their students. training includes a fair amount of contact sparring, if you are looking for something theoretical or flowery this isn't the right school for you. Sensei is very attentive with students of all levels, and it is a joy to see him work with the kids. To praise the instructors is only half of the story at this dojo, the other half is the dedicated students and upper belts that make every class a gathering of friends. Being a fairly small school, everybody knows everybody else and the goodwill between all is evident. If you want to learn real Karate and strong fighting techniques, this is the school. prices are very good as well. read more

i trained with sensei saito years ago, before he opened his dojo, and know the path that he followed to become an oyama karate black belt, and then a sensei. his love of the art and dedication to being the best he can be were evident all along the way. and throughout his training in a rough environment, he always maintained a sweetness and warmth. my son, now twenty two years old, took sensei saito's children's class in NYC years ago, and sensei was always the perfect combination of gentleness and firmness. when he opened his dojo on SF, i was so glad that we would have an opportunity to do what he loved, and to share his knowledge and spirit with others. i have visited his dojo and trained with him a few times over the years, and been impressed with how he has grown as a sensei. if i lived in SF, i would be training there. read more