Youth Karate · Ages 6–17

Three paths for young karateka.

Every child begins in the general program. From there, the dojo opens two further doors — a competitive team that has won titles from regional to international level, and a leadership program that graduates certified young instructors.

The Foundation

The general children's program.

We love coming in to teach every day — because of how friendly and respectful the kids at this dojo are. New beginners sense that atmosphere and adopt it quickly. Character development comes first: through the dojo’s standards, children build discipline, focus, respect, and humility.

The karate itself is held to the highest standard. Even at young ages, our students develop a deep understanding of the movement principles beneath every technique — because correct patterns must be instilled from the beginning. The neuromuscular control they build is remarkable, and it carries over to every other sport and physical activity: cardio, strength, agility, flexibility, balance, coordination, and real-world self-defense confidence.

Every child is unique, so we identify where each one needs the most work — one child may need physical strength, another self-esteem. We work hard to make sure every child experiences success here, because once a child feels successful in one area of life, they carry that success everywhere else.

"In karate, the greatest opponent to overcome is oneself and one's ego."
Young students watching class at Rokah Karate Two young Rokah Karate students with tournament medals Young Rokah Karate students at a tournament Sensei Ruth with students at an outdoor dojo event
For Those Who Love to Test Themselves

The competitive team.

For children who enjoy the competitive side of karate, our junior and senior teams prepare students across all five tournament events — and members of this team have won numerous regional, national, and international titles.

Kata Team Kata Kumite Fukugo Enbu

Team training goes beyond technique: students learn tournament etiquette, the rules of judging, and what earns — and loses — points. Elite athletes from around the world, here to train with Sensei Rokah, regularly visit the team to demonstrate and coach as Sempais.

Sensei Nishiyama would not call it competition. He called it Shi Ai — "testing each other for future development."
— The spirit of the team

Those words embody what competition means here: a tool that tests skills, reveals weaknesses, and builds abilities that matter far beyond the ring — performing under pressure, sportsmanship, and control over one’s emotions.

And who makes the team? Not the fastest or strongest — we look for great learners: children who listen, think about what was taught, work to apply it, and carry themselves with humility and respect at all times.

Rokah Karate students with a first-place trophy at the World Traditional Karate-Do Championships Rokah Karate student wrapped in the US flag with a championship trophy US team members with Sensei Avi at the World Championships Rokah Karate competitive team in US Budo Karate jackets Rokah Karate teen performing kata in competition Rokah Karate student mid-jump during tournament kata
Grown From Love of the Art

The youth leadership program.

This program came to life on its own — grown through students’ love of karate and the fulfillment of being a valued member of the dojo community. Participants train and serve as Sempais (assistant instructors): opening class beside their Sensei, leading warm-ups, demonstrating techniques, and coaching younger students individually or in small groups.

After meeting the class, belt-rank, and technical requirements, students graduate as certified Rokah Karate Youth Instructors — with three levels of certification — qualified to teach for a salary when extra instructors are needed.

  • Leadership and confidence — developed by serving as instructors and role models.
  • Deeper karate — teaching forces students to analyze their own technique and strategy at a new level.
  • A real profession — graduates can teach at Rokah Karate, at affiliated clubs, at school clubs and summer camps.
  • A serious credential — certified instructor experience is a genuine boost to any high school or college application.

The younger students benefit just as much — learning from someone near their own age, in their own language, with older karateka to look up to. It is with great pride that we watch these young leaders grow, driven by love for karate and willing to go beyond what is expected.

Eligibility for the program is at the discretion of Rokah Karate.

Sensei Ruth presenting a medal to a Rokah Karate teen Rokah Karate teen with tournament certificate alongside Sensei Avi
Getting Started

Every path begins the same way.

Every child starts with a paid assessment class, scheduled personally by phone — Sensei evaluates their level and places them in the right group.

Call (310) 463-2385 to Schedule

Begin. This is the most important technique.

Assessment classes scheduled personally by phone.

(310) 463-2385