Washington Karate Association

Four my children and I have been attending to the Dojo for over 2 years. Karate started as another activity to take the kids to after school; however it has grown to be an important part of our lives. It has helped the boys to build character, respect and self-​confidence. For myself, Karate has helped me to recover from a two year-​old disc herniation and sciatica. From not being able to reach my toes or to seat down more than 5 minutes I could say I am fully recovered. These are just some benefits that Karate from WKA Ballard Dojo has provided to our family. WKA Ballard Dojo is an exceptional place. Sensei Day, is a fabulous instructor. He teaches Karate not only in the form of kumite or kata but also in live lessons of respect, humility, perseverance, respect, courage and friendship. He is very approachable and teaches the majority of the classes. Other black belts are also incredible and very reachable and help you every time. There is a wonderful Karate community formed around WKA Ballard Dojo, very supportive and friendly. There are people of all ages and races; young children, teens, adults, moms and dads doing Karate with their kids. Everybody is welcomed. My kids and I feel as part of a big family here. There are kids-​tailored classes, basic karate, advanced karate, kata-​only classes, kumite classes and tournament oriented classes. Finally, there is Kata fund, a nonprofit that born from WKA which helps families, like ours, which need financial aid to fund Karate, lessons and tournaments. Thank you Sensei Day, Sensei Guitierrez, Sensei Ran and all black belts. Ossu.

My kids have learned so much and love their Saturday morning karate class! They are both working hard towards their next belt.

This has been a great place for my 5-​year-​old son to learn karate and with it discipline. We have been in the after-​school program all year and find that Sensei Day has a great knack for knowing just how much gentle leading students need versus when stricter discipline is necessary. With our son being on the young side, we’ve seen this develop all school year and through it, our son’s skills. Plus, they pick him up at school in a van so no transportation is necessary. Pickup in the evening is at 6:00 p.m. which is a convenient time for our family.
I would certainly recommend the program for those looking to supplement after-​school care during the school year. We’ll be doing it again next year too!

This place is not kid friendly, the sensei was really insensitive to my 5 year old and literally laughed at me when I asked to be refunded for the classes we are not going to use. In addition, the kids class on saturdays is taught by two young students, and while they are nice, they really don’t know how to teach kids. I would not bring young children here.

Obviously no other parents or themselves enrolled here…
But my 9 yr old son has been going here for 6 months now, already been promoted to Jr. Orange– yay! I’m so proud of him. Besides baseball, this is one thing he has really enjoyed and been motivated to do. And having a great dojo and sensei really helps. I would recommend this place to anyone– kids OR adults. Even makes ME want to join if I had the $ and time!
And it is also an after-​school program so my son can take the bus from school and they have study/​homework time, snacks, and play time before class. And really reasonable prices. You can go anywhere from 1 – 5 days/​week, the more the better. Currently my son goes 3 days for now– hopefully more once we have the fundage.
This place is really organized, well-​kept, and they are very communicative with the parents as well as being involved– with competitions, day camps, and care/​camps during school breaks as well as the summer. They go on field trips for day camps which is great as it keeps the kids active even when they aren’t doing Karate.
Highly recommended to anyone. :)