Washington Karate

"More than just a great karate dojo and an excellent after-school program - it's a supportive and fun community! So happy my son became a part of it 5 years ago and continues to benefit from coming here!"

"This is my first google review, or any online service review in that matter. I gave one star because I do not think the man who seems to be the karate coach (the mid-aged man who has a bald spot in the back of his head, judging from the google photos) is capable of interacting with kids. I am morbidly shocked by the attitude that he gave me just a moment ago when I was trying to avoid the rain by standing under their roof while waiting for my Uber. He came out of the door and asked me for my business, I told him kindly that I was there to dodge the rain while waiting for my car to arrive. He then rudely asked me to get out of the property. “There are little kids coming in, little kids, man, little kids.” As he offensively guided me all the way on the street, he kept repeating “little kids” for at least a dozen time. It was so shockingly upsetting how he acted with no manner and rushed in treating me as a child molester out of nowhere. I have never been treated with such disrespect. I am a cancer survivor who studies nursing and dedicated to become an pediatric oncology nurse, it worries me greatly to see someone so offensive and rude is interacting with children and adolescents on a daily basis. The way he speaks about “little kids” was very unsettling. If I were a parent, I would not trust my kids with this man."

"Washington Karate Association is widely known as the best traditional Japanese martial arts training in the Northwest. Fantastic training from Sensei Day and Hanshi Thiry for all ages and all skill and athletic levels."

"Four of my children and I have been attending to the Dojo for over 3 years. Karate started as another activity to take the kids to after school; however it has grown to be an important part of our lives. It has helped the boys to build character, respect and self-confidence. For myself, Karate has helped me to recover from a two year-old disc herniation and sciatica. From not being able to reach my toes or to seat down more than 5 minutes I could say I am fully recovered. These are just some benefits that Karate from WKA Ballard Dojo has provided to our family. WKA Ballard Dojo is an exceptional place. Sensei Day, is a fabulous instructor. He teaches Karate not only in the form of kumite or kata but also in live lessons of respect, humility, perseverance, respect, courage and friendship. He is very approachable and teaches the majority of the classes. Other black belts are also incredible and very reachable and help you every time. There is a wonderful Karate community formed around WKA Ballard Dojo, very supportive and friendly. There are people of all ages and races; young children, teens, adults, moms and dads doing Karate with their kids. Everybody is welcomed. My kids and I feel as part of a big family here. There are kids-tailored classes, basic karate, advanced karate, kata-only classes, kumite classes and tournament oriented classes. Finally, there is Kata fund, a nonprofit that born from WKA which helps families, like ours, which need financial aid to fund Karate, lessons and tournaments. Thank you Sensei Day, Sensei Guitierrez and all black belts. Ossu."

"The Senseis are by far the best Karate instructors we've ever encountered in both their expertise and their instruction."