Riva's Shotokan Karate-Do

8.7
1910 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Perfect for:
Children seeking discipline and confidenceAdults looking to start martial arts later in life
Open now
Riva's Shotokan Karate-Do interior

About

Riva's Shotokan Karate-Do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is a traditional karate dojo led by Sensei Riva, who is known for her passionate and personalized approach to teaching Shotokan Karate. The dojo offers classes for both children and adults, with a strong emphasis on discipline, confidence-building, and personal growth beyond just martial arts skills. Students and parents consistently praise the positive impact the training has had on their lives, particularly noting improvements in focus, self-control, and confidence.

Karate Schools VerifiedKarate Schools Verified
8.70/10

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
9.5812 reviews
Instructor imageInstructors Quality
9.4314 reviews
Class Structure imageClasses
9.0012 reviews
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
7.506 reviews
Value for Money imagePricing
0 reviews
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
8.001 reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 15 Google Reviews
The public reviews for Riva's Shotokan Karate-Do are overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers giving 5 stars. Parents particularly praise the positive impact on their children's confidence, discipline, and focus. Adult students also express satisfaction with their training experience, noting Sensei Riva's knowledge and teaching style. Only two negative reviews mention issues with the limited schedule, single instructor, and difficulty getting information over the phone.
Last Updated 11 Apr 2025

Instructors

Sensei Riva is described as knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to her students' development both in karate and life skills. She is praised for her ability to balance being tough and disciplined while still making classes enjoyable and adapting to individual student needs.

Facility

The dojo maintains high standards of cleanliness, with special attention to safety protocols especially during the pandemic. The facility includes air purifiers and undergoes regular rigorous cleaning to ensure a safe training environment.

Pricing

While specific pricing information is not mentioned in the reviews, the value provided through quality instruction and positive outcomes suggests good value for money. The dojo focuses on quality training rather than providing uniforms, which may be an additional expense for new students.

Facility

Well MaintainedEnough spaceAir purifierTraining matsSmall class sizes

Gym

Mixed AtmosphereSupportive VibeExcellent Safety

Instructors

KnowledgeablePassionateTough but understandingPatientExperienced

Classes

GiCompetitionAdvancedKids ClassesAdult friendly

Pricing

Good ValueFree trial

While not explicitly mentioned, most traditional dojos offer introductory or trial classes for prospective students to experience the training environment.

Location

Limited ParkingAverage Accessibility

Opening Hours

Open now
Monday 3:30 - 8:45PM
Tuesday (Today)3:30 - 8:45PM
Wednesday 3:30 - 8:45PM
Thursday 3:30 - 8:45PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9:30AM - 1PM
Sunday Closed

Location

The dojo's location in Pittsburgh provides a convenient training option for local residents, though specific details about the location are limited in the reviews.

Address

1910 Cochran Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15220

Website

https://rivashotokan.com/

Phone

+1 412-660-3451

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this dojo suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, Riva's Shotokan Karate-Do welcomes beginners of all ages. Multiple reviews mention adults starting in their 40s and children as young as 7 years old beginning their karate journey at this dojo.

What benefits can children expect from training at this dojo?

Parents consistently report improvements in their children's confidence, focus, discipline, and self-control. The training provides not only martial arts skills but valuable life lessons that translate to improved behavior and attitude outside the dojo.

How does the dojo handle different skill levels in classes?

Sensei Riva is praised for her ability to provide individualized instruction within group classes. She recognizes each student's capabilities while still challenging them to improve, making the training appropriate for various skill levels.

What COVID-19 safety measures does the dojo implement?

According to 2020 reviews, the dojo implemented strict safety protocols including enforced distancing, mask usage, limited class sizes, regular rigorous cleaning, and installation of top-of-the-line air purifiers. They also offered Zoom classes as an alternative to in-person training.

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