This dojo has offered a meaningful experience to our 5 almost 6 year old. He performed in the Cherry Blossom festival & broke a board on stage. The guidance & leadership provided by this dojo has impacted our entire family positively. Thank you, Zanshin! read more

My grandson loves this place and his parents and I love this place as well. Sansei Mirko does fantastic job and I can only highly recommend this place. read more

ZanShin Dojo is a long-standing center of a martial arts community and sits adjacent to Golden Gate Park near The Haight. Welcoming to students of all levels of fitness and experience age and ability. There are a number of multi-generation members, and families are welcomed. Whether your goals are general fitness, self-defense, or for youngsters to experience a healthy and rich tradition while having a lot of fun, ZanShin Dojo, led by Sensei Mirko Buchwald, is a friendly, welcoming and vibrant place. read more

Zanshin Dojo - Outdoor kids class on Saturday morning in Golden Gate Park near The Haight. - Karate Near Me - San Francisco, California

My son loves it here! I love the flexibility. No need to commit to a certain day of the week. With the ever shifting activities schedule this place is the perfect solution. read more

Learn Karate from a traditional school. All ages 5-80 years I observed a Saturday practice, and there were lots of different levels represented. The sensei, is an expert, so this school could take you to any level. read more

I've let my little boy try lots of different sports to find something he enjoys doing to stay physically active and fit. In the two months he's been at Zanshin Dojo, he's become stronger, more focused and has developed some serious self-defense skills. You never know when you might need them! Sensei Mirko is a gentle giant with a British accent and a quiet yet imposing demeanor. While peaceful conflict resolution is the goal, you know with one kick or punch his opponent is going to be flat on the ground. Mirko walks the children from school to the Dojo and the kids get an intense, 75 minute workout in the studio. Exercises incorporate focus, strength training and endurance. For my little boy, it's great exercise he loves doing and it also helps focus his attention. Mirko zeroes in on what the kids need and is a little stern when warranted- but in a good way. He's always respectful and the children respond positively. In his spare time, this black belt can be found volunteering for an animal rescue, saving helpless puppies from heartless mills. His fluffy Pomeranian can be found on the bench, watching and patiently waiting for his master to finish class. #36/2017 read more

Classes are now both indoors and outdoors following Covid precautions. My son has thrived attending karate for the past 4 years with Sensei Mirko! read more

See all

Excellent teacher!!! My grandson has learned so much from the outdoor karate setting. The teacher is very patient with young kids and does a wonderful job! read more

We had my son's 5th birthday party here today everyone had so much fun. They bounced, had a karate class and pizza and cake. Perfect, thank you! read more

I signed up for the two-month introductory period and really enjoyed the karate lessons. The students are cool, too, but the place is unprofessionally run (not to mention needs a good clean). The teacher bailed on one class and it was taught by a senior student and then we were sent email saying the teacher will be away for a week and all classes will be taught by senior students. Um...I paid $150 for two months to be taught by an instructor, not a student. So, when I wrote to the dojo, the Sensei's response was defensive (along the lines of I've been doing this for 30 years, who are you to judge?). Then when I said I just made an observation and respect his perspective as much hope he respects mine, he basically accused me to not getting the "dojo" way. Well, IMHO, you don't pay $100 a month to go to yoga to be taught by a student, however long they've been practising - why would you not expect the same from other teacher-led classes? Or maybe I'm just being naive... read more

CREDIT CARD FRAUD! We gave prior notice to cancel automatic payments, but the card was charged. We contacted the school and were assured they would correct this. But they never fixed it, and they even charged us again the following month! We complained again, and again they have not corrected the fraud. We had to cancel our credit card. I see another review with the same complaint, so our experience is not isolated. If this happens to you, please file a report with the Federal Trade Commission. If the Commission get enough reports, they may investigate. We are also looking into taking them to small claims court - a lot of work, but it's the principle involved. read more

If you're looking for a traditional martial art, you've found your dojo! The style taught in the Zanshin dojo is a form of Okinawan karate known as Goju Ryu, which focuses on strength and body conditioning, self-defense, concentration and spirit training. I was lucky enough to be able to spend two years in Japan and a year training full-time with Master Morio Higaonna Sensei (the founder of this style of karate). When I left Okinawa, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to find that kind of training again in the West. I'm very grateful to have since discovered Mirko Sensei's dojo - a hidden gem that's remained true to this style of teaching and the heart of this practice. Mirko Sensei is a powerful and extremely experienced teacher and his classes offer an excellent balance of strength and body condition (including hojo undo training with traditional tools like gripping jars, hand weights and weighted levers); pad-work, sparring and grappling; technical training and kata; and practical self-defense. It is an extremely well-rounded system. Classes are accessible for complete beginners while also promising to challenge even the most experienced martial artists! The dojo students are also humble, kind, disciplined and devoted to their training (and their teacher). In my experience, I've studied muay thai, jujitsu, systema, krav maga and kung fu, but I'm yet to encounter a more complete system than Goju Ryu. I've also been practicing in this style for approximately 12-13 years now, and I'm very grateful to be able to train with Mirko Sensei and his students. read more

I've been going for over 8 years. It's hard to imagine a better workout or instructor. Caution: this is for those who want to learn traditional Okinawan Karate as self defense and get a great workout, it's not kickboxing. read more

I like this place and more importantly, my son(5), really enjoyed the classes and the instruction. I am also having difficulty getting the charges off of my credit card. 2 months have been charged so far since I have given written notice. read more

When I moved to SF and decided to get back into karate, there were two things I looked for. One, an incredible teacher, and two, incredible students. After trying different schools around the city, I found both at Zanshin. Bonus: it has a welcoming vibe and laid back attitude (while the training is intense, no one has an ego) What do I mean by "incredible"? For the teacher, Sensei Buchwald is the real deal; not only is he a master of the traditional style, he is also a competitive world champion who still trains everyday be better at both. More importantly, he preaches non-violence as the primary means to conflict resolution, which I believe is a lesson most martial arts school fail to teach. On rare occasions when Sensei Buchwald is invited to teach seminars in other cities, a senior student will lead class. In other schools and other styles student led classes are actually much more frequent and might even be required. But not here, not only does Sensei Buchwald teach the kids class majority of the time, he also teaches the adults personally. Even when a senior student does lead the class, these are still top notch classes because the other students are great! They are very nice and welcoming and incredibly supportive of each other. While the classes are sweat intensive, the attitude is always positive and a pleasure to attend. I have been training here for over five years and would highly recommend this school to anyone who is interested. read more

This is authentic Okinawan karate. Zanshin dojo is a fantastic place to attain the best physical conditioning (strength, flexibility), and learn a form of self-defense that is both devastating and beautiful. Goju Ryu uses strikes, kicks, take-downs and grappling techniques, in a system that concentrates power through a circular, powerful use of balance and momentum. And workouts may make you fitter than you've ever been before. Sensei Mirko pushes his students, and inspires through his own devastating ability and dedication. And there is a great sparring class for those ready to improvise on the techniques they have practiced. This place is great. So glad I discovered it. (And it's great for kids too: my son is getting great benefits - physical, mental, confidence - by taking kids classes 2/week.) read more

Amazing Sensei, who was honest enough my kids were too small for karate practice, when I brought them in. I was shocked by his sincere and professional approach, so, I decided to take a class myself... Amazing level of instruction, amazing Sensei with contagious energy and love to Karate and fantastic students made Zanshin dojo my lifetime home dojo. The classes are very well structured- you do basics, you learn kara, you sweat, you do kata drills, self defense and pad/pair work, finish with kata and short meditation. It always starts and finishes on time, senior students are willing to help out before and after classes if you ask them. it is always pleasure to come here, I would give 10 stars if I could!!!! read more

I trained at Zanshin for about two years but had to stop a year ago when I moved to the East Bay. Now that I'm back in SF, I'm looking forward to resuming my training with Sensei Mirko. He provides clear instructions and practical tips on how to improve your form and overall practice. He is also perceptive in picking up on what you are having difficulty with even if you don't ask for help. I really appreciate his no-nonesense approach and his passion for teaching and sharing his knowledge with students is quite obvious. It was disconcerting to hear about the difficulty some reviewers had mentioned about credit card charges. I didn't get unwanted credit card charges after I had to cancel my membership due to my move. The cancellation policy was pretty clear when I asked about it when I joined and, since I was aware of what I needed to do to cancel and took the necessary steps, it may explain why I didn't have any issues. read more

I used to take classes here, but switched dojos after moving. Great place, I started when it first opened in 1998. The karate classes are taught very well and the things you learn are useful. After a few months, you'll probably be able to spar and you learn how to best defend yourself (KEEP YOUR HANDS UP, for sure!) Not sure about the other classes, but I'm sure that they are good as well. read more

Anne A.- I am so sorry for your experience. It seems you may have gotten aan outdated flier, as we have not been doing the sunday 5:45 class for a while now. Please check our website for up to date class times: yoga-chikitsa.com. I hope you give it another try. First class is FREE! Namaste Sharon read more

Can't say too much just yet because I haven't had the opportunity to sit in on a class however I've visited during the off hours and am aquainted [casually] a few mothers of children whom have taken classes there. They teach the same style as I teach [Goju Ryu] and this is one of the very few locations [not including SFSU and with myself] that you can take classes for this style in San Francisco. The dojo is what I classify as modern - traditional. It's a passionate dojo and the instructor, Mirko Sensei has done a great job of helping the people of the area get aquainted with Gojuryu Karatedo and traditional Okinawa - Japanese Budo. Almost unfair for me to write a review because I am hard on standards for teachers [especially my own style] however this one is just fine. read more

We had our son's 5 year old birthday party at Zanshin and it was a HIT! with the kids and parents. Everyone was amazed with the 3 jumpy houses that were blown up indoors for the first part of the party. This was fantastic because the weather was like winter outside and a jumpy house park party would have been horrible. The karate training part of the party was inclusive and great to watch and Mirko made our son feel special on his day. $300 for the party was sooo worth it and highly recommend the experience to other families looking for a unique kids birthday party in San Francisco that checks off a lot of boxes. read more

This place is just half a block from me so it is pretty convenient.. I have been going to the karate classes for 4 months now.. slowly making improvements.. Sensei Mirko has been very patient and encouraging with me throughout my journey.. I find his instructions quite balanced for both the beginning and advanced students.. He is very active, possibly one of the most aggressive/active person I have seen, who can possibly fight with a bunch of people without any weapons and stay as the last person standing.. what is to note is that he is a pacifist at heart and is a vegan, which makes vegans like me proud and inspired by him.. karate is not for inflicting pain on others but for self protection and control of the situation, the option is with the other people to get into a fight or not.. Also he doesn't believe in mumbo-jumbo of religions just like me and is an atheist.. good to find logical people around.. (not judging others, but it feels good to call spade a spade, and their are lots of spades in all religions, we are just made too afraid to call them that).. About credit cards.. the place seems to hire an external agency to charge credit cards, I was also charged twice in a month, once by the sensei when I joined, another time by the agency, it took a bit of time but eventually the charge was reversed.. Sensei Mirko is not one of the people who would look forward to making money through indirect ways.. he is far more gifted and focused on things that matter than to waste his time getting involved in those kind of excursions.. Do make sure you give your notice the right way to avoid any unwanted charges.. read more

I have been studying Goju Ryu, an Okinawan traditional style of Japanese karate style at Zanshin Martial Arts for over 4 years now. As some one who had joined as an adult I've found my passion in life with the help of Sensei Mirko who is one of the best instructors I received coaching from. Sensei continually strikes the right balance of achieving an intense physical workout through practicing traditional forms with light mixed sparring. One thing I love about Sensei Mirko's style is it is deeply rooted in the traditional Japanese style but mixes it up with BJJ, Muay Thai and traditional boxing. I'm a huge MMA fan and can now better appreciate and respect this sport through the insight and training I've received at Zanshin. With respect to some of the comments I've read about credit card charges, it's really just a timing issue. Given sufficient advance notice there shouldn't be a problem and if there is, Sensei has always made it right. read more

Our son attends weekly karate classes at Zanshin and it has been a delight. Sensei Mirko is wonderful with the children - firm but kind, disciplined, and he really challenges them to grow in many ways. We are big fans of this studio and the other parents have extremely positive things to say as well. read more

Have been taking my 7 year old daughter here for about a year now. Sensei Mirko is amazing with the kids. He has a great blend of fun and discipline for all ages. The kids love him. My daughter always looks forward to karate class. It's been really great for her focus and ability to pay attention in a group setting. I highly recommend this dojo for students that want to have fun and possibly nurture a long term karate relationship. read more

I enrolled my kid here, who tends to be a little shy and introverted socially. Even the first day when I picked him up he seemed more confident and just had this glow about him. Since then his ability to speak up and feel comfortable in a communal environment has improved tenfold. Mirko Buchwald really is so great and patient with all of the kids as well, he's extremely knowledgable in his practice and has a unique way of teaching those skills to a diverse group of kids varied in age and skill level. :) read more

EXCELLENT people, EXCELLENT place! My son just had his 3rd birthday party here on Sat., April 4th. From beginning to end (the process in reviewing the 2 locations for Zanshin (decided on 21st Ave.), talking to Sensei Mirko, reserving the 21st Ave. location, having it set up for the party, the easy going and flexible approach and communications with Sensei Mirko was ABSOLUTELY smooth. Our experience was so great and so smooth, that I made a note to myself that I would recommend this place for a child's birthday party on the various children's activity websites for the Bay Area. I did so much research on venues and was lucky enough to find the posting for Zanshin on gocitykids. I had my son's birthday at The Habitot Museum in Berkeley last year and it was great, but I believe I will be holding a few more of my son's future birthdays here at the Zanshin Martial Arts Center. We even paid for an additional class for the adults during the party since so many of our guests were really interested in the idea. My best friend drove from Los Angeles to attend the birthday party and she did not have much time to rest, but had a grand time and also enjoyed the adult class. The children ABSOLUTELY loved the overall experience and the parents even noted that they were also looking forward to holding birthday parties here as well. I'm so relieved that everything turned out even better than I had hoped and it really was because Sensei Mirko and our 2nd teacher, Sensei Alex were just incredible, very helpful, and knew what they were doing. The inflatable jumpers were great too! They had a good mix of different levels for the varying age groups and the kids loved those. A few guests even thought that I separately rented the jumpers because there were so many and a good number of games out on the floor. The place is HUGE and offers a great mix for both adults and children. Parents- do yourself a favor and don't waste your money on a cheesy bday party that despite all your efforts, time, and money, unfortunately, becomes unimaginative and is essentially the same party that everyone else in your kid's class has thrown. The teachers at Zanshin regularly teach children's classes and also hold children's birthday parties and highlight the understanding that the arts are intended for protecting oneself. We enjoyed our time so much so that I'll be taking self defense classes and my son will also take his martial arts classes here at Zanshin Martial Arts Center. My husband was skeptical in the beginning and as we were leaving ended up telling our guests that he was blown away and was going to apologize to me for initially laughing at and doubting my idea. Now, I'm going to take classes here and use them on my jackass husband. =) read more

I started training here just a bit ago and I love it. The instructors are friendly, patient and intuitive to the needs of each student. Few things have proven successful to quiet these legal demons in my head that constantly remind me of deadlines, appearances, etc. but somehow trying to kick the crap out of someone else makes the stress absolutely dissipate - I highly recommend it! The only drawback for me is that I'm in a perpetual state of soreness and had to demote myself to girly push-ups ... grrrr. Anyhow, this place is great ... two very enthusiastic thumbs up! read more

I don't know about kids parties, but I know a great karate / martial arts dojo when I see one. I moved to San Francisco from England about 5 years ago and found it hard to locate a martial arts club that offers both real world combat / self-defence training and pushes students to train hard. As a second dan in Goju Karate, I wanted a club that offered far more then the "kick boxercize" basic pad drills that seemed to be on offer at most San Francisco martial arts clubs. Sensei Mirko Buchwald offers world class Goju Karate, Muai Thai, and a host of other mixed martial arts through his Zanshin Dojo. Additionally, and this is what I found so refreshing at this club, Mirko hosts cross style seminars with specialists in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and other martial arts to give students a flavor of the range of styles and training philosophies out there that make a complete fighter. Sparring is offered at various levels for those interested in mixing it up and getting an opportunity to drill timing, tactics, distancing, and conditioning. Sparring classes are often visited by members of other clubs, allowing people an opportunity to spar with different people (avoids falling into a rut with the same group). Great gym, weights, and work out facilities also available in this large, well lit, warehouse sized space. Train hard, train often. read more

I have recently started karate lessons at Zanshin dojo and fell in love with it! This is definitely a place where I can develop and concentrate my focus. Sensei Mirko is an amazing instructor - skilled and disciplined in his approach to teaching, while also very patient and encouraging with his students. He works surprisingly well with the kids also...highly recommend this dojo for anyone interested in traditional Japanese martial arts (the real kind)! read more

After finding a posting on craigslist for this place, I signed a rental agreement with a guy named Mirko, for one night from 9pm until 2am. After a month of e-mails and phone calls pre-event (my birthday party), the night finally came around. I met Mirko at 8:30 where he showed me where to turn on/off the lights and how to work the sound system. I paid him the amount we agreed on. He wished me a good night and told me he'd be back to check on the party later. At 10 pm, Mirko ran into the place, started shoving my $200 in my face telling me that everyone needs to leave immediately. The owner of the building's son lives behind this martial arts studio and had apparently seen me and my guests and called his dad. The owner called Mirko and threatened to kick him off the lease, because it turns out he is not allowed to host events in the building after 9pm! This guy knowingly rented out this place to me, hoping to make some money for himself on the side. He knew he wasn't allowed to do this, and thought that somehow he could get away with it. When he ran in at 10, he was extremely rude and offensive, screaming at my guests to "get the F*CK out". I am 19 years old and this grown man was yelling at me an inch away from my face saying that he's not going "to lose [his] business, [his] LIFE, over a stupid birthday party". I tried talking to him calmly, told him that we signed a rental agreement, and that I wanted to talk to either the owner or his son or both. He kept screaming that I was going to make it worse for him and that I just need to leave or he's going to call the cops on me. This guy was flipping out at me like I did something wrong!! He knew what he was doing when he agreed to rent the place out. Things happen, I realize that, which is why his approach to the situation was what upset me the most. I had 70 ppl on the way, many that just drove all the way from Stanford, and no place to put them! This was his fault, and he was screaming at ME. It wasn't enough that he just sabotaged something I had spent a month planning. After seeing that there was nothing I could do (the son wasn't answering his door), I left. He locked the place up and left a few minutes later. Please learn from my mistake. Don't rent this place out for your event! This guy knew what he was getting himself into. He's unreliable and selfish. There were numerous ways this whole situation could have been avoided or at least better handled, but he only thought about himself - not the owner of his building and his regulations or about me and my counting on him. He is dishonest. DO NOT TRUST HIM. Don't let this happen to you too. read more

CREDIT CARD ISSUE. One more complaint on the same topic, which means this issue is well known to the owner but he isn't making changes on purpose. I signed up for the trial class, gave my credit card info, stopped going and continued to be charged nonetheless. I called multiple times, was ignored and charged for 2 more months. The credit card company eventually stopped charges from Zanshin but they only reversed the last month. I went to the club to ask for a refund for the difference but was denied. According to these reviews and assuming other parents had the same misfortune but didn't write a Yelp review, Sensei Mirko has repeatedly weaseled his way into charging for a service he didn't render and then refused to refund people despite evidence that said service was never provided. A Sensei should be an honorable man who teaches many values including integrity and honesty. Stay away. read more

The fitness kick boxing classes are great - never boring and always a good work out. This ain't no Tae Bo in stretch gear - you punch, dodge and kick butt! Wednesdays there are yoga classes as well. read more

My son has ADD and I was at first concerned to send him here because I thought it was too intimidating for him. He has a hard time learning something he is not into. But after 2 weeks I noticed a big difference in his focus and thoughts, Unknown to me my son needed a bit more attention, come to find out Sensei Mirko noticed these things and would always take extra time to put him back on track. In a good way, The fact that Sensei took extra time for my son and never even brought it up, Is a true judge of character. Thank you for all of your efforts. read more

Nice big facility. Lots of classes to choose from. I will have to bring my little one back and see if he wants to take classes here. So I will update when the time comes. read more

I looked a long time to find a dojo that put all the right elements together and Zanshin has it. Everything from a great and knowledgable sensei, caring and supportive students, and respect at every level. I'm only sad I can't make it to more practices. read more

This is the third school I've tried in the past few months. While the others were ok, Zanshin and the instructor/owner, Mirko, are great. I finally feel like a welcome novice. Mirko is very patient and with his beginners, like me, and somehow makes for all of his students. I don't feel like I'm just another revenue source, like I did at the others. The past month has been both fun and a great learning experience. I highly recommend Mirko and his school. Parking wasn't too difficult either. read more

I have been training in Martial Arts since I was little and have found it to be an integral part of my life. It has been beneficial in so many ways: confidence building, discipline of mind and body, physical fitness and knowledge of an incredible art form and culture. When I was looking for a training center after moving to San Francisco, I did a lot of research to find one that encapsulated my previous experiences. Zanshin Martial Arts teaches a discipline that blends both traditional Japanese karate and Chinese martial arts- Goju Ryu ("hard and soft style"). This combination makes it a highly effective self-defense style and incorporates deep traditional roots. Zanshin also combines grappling techniques, kickboxing and weapons training which is why I ultimately chose this dojo. It offers an excellent well- rounded experience. The head instructor, Sensei Mirko, has dedicated his life to Goju Ryu and it shows in his enthusiasm and passion when teaching. I am proud to have been a part of Zanshin Martial Arts and Goju Ryu since 2008. read more

This is a great Martial Arts place for the community. They offer a variety of classes for kids and adults that include Karate, the Brazilain Martial Art Capoeira, and Yoga. Sensei Mirko is a dedicated and disciplined master of Karate. We are lucky to have shuch an awesome place to take classes in the neighborhood. read more