Brian and all of the instructors at Japan karate are outstanding! They go above and beyond to make things as easy for parents as possible especially during the pandemic. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Japan karate! My children love Japan karate and all of the instructors and friends that they have made. It teaches the importance of self-control and that is very important for children. Thank you Japan karate for being the best dojo in Charleston!Carie

We came to JKI partially because our sons needed an activity but also because once distance learning was over in the spring, I couldnt stay home from the office any longer. JKIs karate camp (and help with distance learning again briefly in the fall) was a life saver for us, and our boys go there for after school karate as well. Both camp and after school dont cost much more than the camp and after school care they went to in past years, but the difference is that they are getting structured physical activity, setting goals, and learning skills, discipline, and self-control. Additionally, this is something they can continue into adulthood. All the instructors are great not only at teaching karate but also at how to appropriately handle kids being, well, kids. Our boys love JKI, and I am very glad I sent that initial inquiry back in the spring.

Japan karate Institute West Ashley has been amazing for my daughter! I came to Japan Karate when my daughter was in Kindergarten in need of an after school program because everyone else had no open spaces. Something that was just a last option turned into something greater! Here we are 4 years later and I could have not have asked for a better program.The instructors are amazing and have helped mold her into who she is today. I am proud to say my daughter is striving, she even helps with assisting in the little ninjas class and takes pride in the dojo and what she has accomplished. Not only has Japan karate been wonderful for self confidence and everyday life lessons that are important, they have also been a second family and genuinely care about all the kids in the program. We plan on being apart of this amazing establishment for a very long time.

My wife and I started martial arts here for excercise almost six years ago. It has become one of the best decisions I made! Friendly staff, understanding instructors, and a great workout makes for great training! And now my 7 year old son trains as well! I highly recommend for both kids and adults!

Was interested in signing my children up for classes, I live in close proximity, and classes were under what I expected to spend. However when I attended a Halloween event that Japan Karate Institute was present at I quickly changed my mind. My son saw the Karate info table and got ecstatic! As we waited to approach the table and I watched 4 families speak and interact with the instructor. Each time the instructor cheerfully engaged and gave them a card with intent to have them join. When my family got to the table the instructor was completely uninterested and we did not receive the same respect that the other families did. I felt as if they assumed we were unable to afford their services and we were judged based on appearance. My 4 year old son was very upset because he really wanted to join. Fix your staff! I would never trust this place with my kid.

I am confused by a negative review. What I know of the whole JKI organization is that the staff and instructors are very polite and courteous. If someone had a concern I think if they discussed it with an instructor, they may find their was some misinterpretation or misunderstanding

Amazing place to learn Karate . Classes for Adults of all abilities . Little Ninja classes for young children from 3 to 6 . I highly recommend JKI West Ashley

Simply the best Karate instruction, lead by experienced teachers (Sensei). There are many pretend dojos, JKI is the real deal. I earned my blackbelt under the guidance of Shihan Coker and Sensei David.

Shihan Dale Coker has built a trustworthy karate school for the whole family. I earned my black belt In the mid 90s and have maintained a personal relationship with him for over 30 years.The staff is more then knowledgeable he has trained them and continues to lead JKI as the Senior Instructor. It’s a safe environment for everyone involved. His staff is very considerate and respectful to everyone no questions asked. Respect is what it’s about. 5 stars from me! OSU

I have known Shihan Dale Coker for almost 50 years, since our high school days. Over the course of our friendship, I have known him to be honest, fair & professional when it comes to his business, Japan Karate Institute. He does his absolute best to make sure each instructor is fully qualified & that each student realizes their potential in the field of Martial Arts, no matter the demographic. His character & integrity are vastly important to him & he is willing to help anyone that understands that Martial Arts is more than just a business to him, it is a way of life! He has spent over 40 years perfecting & honing his craft, earning accolades & many belts in more than one form of Martial Arts. He is the consummate instructor, articulate in instruction of the art, often comical & funny, but always pushing the student to better themselves. Any parent inquiring for their child or adult seeking to learn Martial Arts would greatly benefit from his teaching & experience, as well as the instructors in his dojos. Japan Karate Institute has a long history of promoting each student to the next level of this art & encouraging them to become the best they can be at any level. What a great place to learn Martial Arts & all of the aspects it incorporates. OSU SHIHAN DALE!

My son started in the Little Ninjas, six years later he still attends. Highly recommend

Great instructors, friendly environment. Instructor core is obviously committed to the betterment of their students. An amazing program for all ages!

At 5 years old, my oldest child started the little ninja program in the spring of 2006, and thanks to the dedication and skills of the JKI staff, my daughter finally earned a black-belt in September 2012. Now my twins also are students, as am I. Professional, highly skilled and nurturing instructors who care about the students and provide the holistic karate approach that really is about a way of life. I highly recommend JKI for persons of ALL ages!

In searching for a good defensive martial arts program for my 6-year old daughter, I found JKI in West Ashley. My daughter tried it out one evening and loved it. I signed her up that night and after two months of watching her progress through such excellent training, I decided to join her. Now I’m going through the ropes right along side with my daughter and loving it. There are many other parents who take karate with their children at this dojo as well. Great martial arts style, great workout, great instructors, and committed students. I am so glad that I found this dojo. It has made such a positive impact on my family in many ways.

Amazing program. I recommend the after school program.

Excellent martial arts instruction for all ages.