Interested in practicing a traditional martial art? Looking to learn self-defense? Searching for a new activity to get healthier?
Whatever your reasons, welcome to Portland Shotokan Karate!
We are a nonprofit karate school that has been teaching karate and self-defense in Portland for over 25 years. Being nonprofit allows us to keep our monthly fees low so that everyone can afford to train and grow in an authentic traditional Japanese martial art. While we encourage you to explore this website, the best way to learn about what we do, and how it can enrich your life, is to come in and check out one of our practices. You can observe, or even better, participate, and see if karate is for you!
Class Times and Locations
Body Vox (map & directions)
1202 NW 17th Ave
Portland, OR 97209
Monday’s: 7:00 – 8:30pm
Matt Dishman Community Center
(map & directions)
77 Knott St.
Portland, OR 97212
Wednesday’s: 6:30 – 8:00pm
Saturday’s: 9:30 – 11:00am
Start your karate journey by submitting the form below…
Affordable Martial Arts
Because of our strong resolve to offer high-quality martial arts to the public, we have remained non-commercial and nonprofit. Monthly dojo fees are only $45, with an annual fee of $125 for white belts and brown belts ($250 for black belts) for membership in our parent organization, Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). These fees are a fraction of those charged by for-profit dojos, and there are no testing fees.
Karate Training for Life
Anyone can enjoy and benefit from karate. We welcome all, including college students, professionals, and seniors. Our dojo is a supportive, encouraging group of people from diverse backgrounds. We strive to provide an environment in which each member can attain their personal best. We welcome those who want to get fit, learn self-defense, become more mindful, challenge themselves, and have fun.
About Portland Shotokan Karate and SKA
Portland Shotokan Karate is a member dojo of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA). SKA was founded by Tsutomu Ohshima, one of the last living students of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the father of modern karate. We are proud of our direct lineage from the founding of karate, as well as SKA’s unique status as the organizer of the oldest, continuously-run karate tournament in America.
The Portland Shotokan Dojo has been open at the historic Friendly House Community Center since 1997. Our Dojo Leader is Stuart Iwasaki, a 3rd degree black belt and student of Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima. Stuart began training at age 17 at the Maryknoll Karate Club under current Shihan, John Teramoto.
