SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY

9.2
700 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA 94025
Perfect for:
Traditional martial arts enthusiastsThose seeking authentic Japanese karate
Closed today
SEIWAKAI KARATE SILICON VALLEY interior

About

Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley in Menlo Park, California is a traditional dojo offering authentic Goju-Ryu Karate training under the leadership of Sensei Johnpaul Williams, a 6th Dan instructor with decades of experience. The dojo emphasizes not only physical techniques but also the philosophical aspects of karate, creating a supportive community dedicated to personal growth and mastery. Students consistently praise the depth of knowledge, teaching excellence, and welcoming atmosphere that makes this dojo stand out in Silicon Valley.

Karate Schools VerifiedKarate Schools Verified
9.17/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Overall Vibe imageOverall Vibe
9.569 reviews
Instructor imageInstructors Quality
10.0010 reviews
Class Structure imageClasses
9.405 reviews
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
8.205 reviews
Value for Money imagePricing
0 reviews
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
8.673 reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 11 Google Reviews
The public reviews for Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley are overwhelmingly positive, with students consistently praising Sensei Johnpaul Williams for his exceptional knowledge, teaching ability, and dedication to traditional Goju-Ryu Karate. Many long-term students highlight how they continue to learn and grow under his guidance, even after years of training.
Last Updated 11 Apr 2025

Instructors

Sensei Johnpaul Williams is consistently described as an exceptional instructor with deep knowledge of Goju-Ryu Karate, Japanese culture, and martial arts philosophy. His teaching style balances technical precision with accessibility, making complex concepts understandable for students of all levels.

Facility

The dojo is located inside a community center in Menlo Park, which provides a safe and comfortable training environment. While not luxurious, the facility appears to be well-maintained and suitable for traditional karate training.

Pricing

While specific pricing information is not available on the website, the value provided through high-quality instruction from a 6th Dan Sensei appears to be excellent. Students would need to contact the dojo directly for current rates and membership options.

Facility

Well MaintainedEnough spaceLocated in community centerSafe environmentTraining equipment

Gym

Mixed AtmosphereSupportive VibeExcellent Safety

Instructors

Highly experiencedTraditionalTechnical expertPatientKnowledgeable about Japanese culturePublished author

Classes

GiCompetitionAdvancedKids ClassesAdult friendly

Pricing

Good ValueFree trial

While not explicitly mentioned, most traditional dojos offer an introductory class or trial period for new students to experience the training before committing.

Location

Limited ParkingGood Accessibility

Opening Hours

Closed today
Monday 5:45 - 9PM
Tuesday (Today)Closed
Wednesday 5:45 - 9PM
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 5 - 7PM
Sunday Closed

Location

The dojo is conveniently located at 700 Alma Street in Menlo Park, inside a community center that provides a safe and accessible training environment.

Address

700 Alma St, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Website

https://www.gojuryu.net/

Phone

+1 650-394-6669

Frequently Asked Questions

What style of karate is taught at Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley?

The dojo teaches traditional Goju-Ryu Karate from Okinawa, Japan, with an emphasis on both physical techniques and philosophical aspects of the martial art.

Who is the head instructor at the dojo?

Johnpaul Williams Sensei, a 6th Dan instructor who has decades of experience and regularly travels to Japan to deepen his knowledge and skills.

Is this dojo suitable for beginners?

Yes, reviews indicate that Sensei Williams is patient and skilled at teaching students of all levels, making the dojo welcoming for beginners while still challenging for advanced practitioners.

What can I expect to learn at this dojo?

Students learn traditional Goju-Ryu Karate including kihons (basics), kata (forms), kumite (sparring), self-defense applications, and the philosophical aspects of karate-do.