We welcome new students and visitors to join our classes. We train according to JKA standards, as established in Japan, and the traditional approach to karate-do taught by the late Mori Sensei of New York. Everything is built on a foundation of fundamentals. 

Location 

1548 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
located inside the Hanwen School

We're a five-minute walk from the North Berkeley BART station. There's free parking in a small lot and on the street after 6:00 PM. The instructor arrives no later than 6:30 PM on the nights when there's class. Ring the doorbell at the front door when you arrive, and someone will let you in.

Class Schedule ​

Mondays: 6:45 to 8:15 PM
Wednesdays:  6:45 to 8:15 PM
​Fridays: 6:45 PM to 8:15 PM

Instructor arrives no later than 6:30 PM.

More class times coming soon.

Note that all ranks above beginner are welcome in every class. Beginners will receive individualized instruction during regular classes.

Students must be 12 years of age or older, unless at least one parent takes the class with the child, and then only with permission of the instructor. 

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Fees
Visitors: $20 per class
Member adult: $120 per month

Visitor under 18: $15 per class
Member under 18: $100 per month

All fees must be paid with cash, check, or Venmo. No credit cards. Checks must be made out to T.J. Stiles.​

Uniforms
Beginners may start in regular exercise clothing. Before graduating from the beginners course, at the end of the first month, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi (uniform) is acquired. These can be purchased from the instructor, or acquired independently. Beginner's uniforms are not expensive.

For all ranks above beginner, a traditional all-white Japanese karate-do gi is required in all classes.​

Rank Examinations
Kyu (ranks below black belt) examinations will be held quarterly. The testing fee is $20. In addition, to test for rank a student must be a member of JKA Shotokan Karate-Do. Annual memberships cost $10, plus $2 handling fee.

Dan (black-belt rank) examinations are held twice yearly in Connecticut and New York. Notice will be posted if special examinations are scheduled for San Francisco or the Bay Area.​

A Note on Liability
Properly practiced, traditional karate is quite safe. However, every student will have to sign a liability release. Respectful and safe behavior is required at all times. The instructor reserves the right to expel any student for dangerous or disrespectful behavior at any time.