★ 5

I trained under Sensei Mazhari in Virginia for more than 17 years before Sensei moved his dojo to South Dakota and I had to return to Japan. My experience training with Sensei Mazhari has been life-changing.
As a Japanese person with a second Dan in Kendo, I had always wanted to learn Karate. I never even hoped to find a teacher of Sensei Mazhari’s exceptional caliber. Sensei Mazhari has dedicated his entire life to mastering the art of Karate. For this, Sensei has literally traveled the world to study with the very best—Sensei Enoeda and Sensei Mori, two world-renowned Masters of Shotokan Karate, one of the most traditional and respected schools of Karate. Sensei trained under these “Masters” from an era when “mastery” was not used lightly but truly represented exceptional standards achieved only through a lifetime of discipline and commitment to the art. Sensei’s strong focus on the fundamentals, the breadth of his training methods, and the depth of his understanding of the art speak to his exceptional background. The concentration, energy, and seriousness that fill the dojo during each training session reflect Sensei’s high standards and unwavering dedication as both a Karate practitioner and a teacher.
I had to experience it to understand what a rare and exceptional privilege it truly is to learn from a teacher of this level. I realized that what I was gaining went far beyond developing skills and physical and mental strength through hard training. The greatest and most enduring gift I have received comes from knowing Sensei and others who follow his training and from being exposed to these exceptional people who constantly strive for high standards in every aspect of life and cultivate the self-discipline needed to live with such goals.
Although I am not physically in South Dakota to train with Sensei, it has been a blessing for me that Sensei allows me to still consider myself his student and continue to learn from Sensei on various aspects of life and about leading a good life.

Source: Google

★ 5

I started training at this center around 3 months ago now, and I can absolutely say this is my favorite martial arts class I've attended in years. My teachers, Mazhari Sensei, and fellow students are kind as well as welcoming; which propels me to do my best each training session, and has me looking forwards to the next one each week. The training is most certainly hard, but I would say worth the effort and time you put towards it.
I've also noticed a certain mental shift towards a more positive and disciplined thought process in my day to day life as I've gone here, as well as an increased motivation to exercise more outside of class-which has made my quality of life as a whole feel better than it was before :)

I'm beyond grateful for how understanding everyone here is, as I have struggles with following directions closely; but I feel as though it's gotten much better as I've gone to each class. I'm also so, so happy that my dad introduced the idea of going here in the first place, and I hope I can continue to come and train for the far forseeable future.

Source: Google

★ 5

"I was looking for a martial arts school for my son here in Rapid City,SD. I have looked at all the other Gyms, Schools and Martial arts program available in our area,
the first time my son and I visited the Dojo, I was immediately impressed on how Mazhari Sensei conducted the class, it was more than learning Karate, His training is intense,meaningful and challenging to the mind and body and greatly promotes discipline and respect,He genuinely cares about his students and treats them like family, He embodies the values that Shotokan Karate teaches and motivates everyone to live by it, I later joined the Dojo since I was inspired by Sensei and the other instructors to constantly seek improvement.Since joining the Dojo we have seen so much positive change in our physical condition and mindset, We always look forward to our class every week and are truly blessed to be trained by one of the best Instructors in the World." Roland (44) & Eli (12) - Students

Source: Google

★ 5

A few years ago I thought to join Karate Classes. I was 13 at this time, and my father brought me to observe a training to see if I was interested. I was very interested, and surprisingly enough, my father also was interested. We both started in early January of 2020 and have been training regularly since then. Since I have joined I have become stronger both mentally and physically.

Through my research before joining this group as well as seeing other Senseis teach online I am confident in saying Sensei Mazhari is one of the most qualified people in the world to teach Shotokan Karate.

Source: Google

★ 5

I'm a guy in my late twenties who's stayed somewhat active throughout my life, with experience in team sports. My experience in martial arts started with Shotokan Karate in the fall of '22, and it's been far more rewarding than I initially thought it would be. The lessons are difficult, but it becomes clear that it's necessary to be challenged in order to develop the skills that the instructors are able to demonstrate.
I mostly study with a smaller group that's trained by Golnessa Sensei, but sometimes this group goes to the larger classes and camp(s) led by Mazhari sensei. While the training is physically and mentally demanding, all of the instructors have been welcoming and eager to help myself and the others learn. It is very impressive to watch what they've become capable of after decades of effort, which is personally inspiring. There is also a strong sense of camaraderie with the other students that has helped me feel welcome.

Source: Google

★ 5

Currently I'm in my late 20's and have had no formal experience in any sort of martial arts. So far I've been practicing with SKC for approximately one year and have had an exceptional experience.

Without a doubt there is nothing else quite like it. This is an all encompassing experience that teaches lifelong discipline and lessons. I train in Golnessa Sensei’s club and enjoy it's focus on well structured learning and training. Special trainings with Mazhari Sensei are all encompassing, intense and very thorough in feedback and attention in all aspects. I’m privileged to train with such world class practitioners and very skilled teachers.

I do a wide variety of physical activities to maintain my physical and mental health and by far this is the most beneficial. Aerobic, anaerobic, strength, flexibility; full mind and body presence and attentiveness; mental and critical thinking skills exercised with every session, "learning how to learn" is a great skill that is not easily trained elsewhere. For someone looking to grow and learn skills that will last I highly recommend SKC.

Source: Google

★ 5

I moved from Bend Oregon to Story WY last September. I am a 3rd Kyu (1st degree brown belt) and a proud member of the Bend Karate Club. Moving over a thousand miles from my home Dojo made continuing to practice Shotokan Karate nearly impossible as I could not find any Dojo within close enough proximity to train weekly at. I did find Shotokan Karate Center in Rapid City, SD which is a 3 1/2 hour drive from Story. I contacted them and was invited to come to the monthly Special Kihon/Kumite class. When I arrived the first thing Mizhari Sensei advised me was that if at all possible I should try to continue training under my own Sensei. I personally found that to be very revealing about the
character and loyalty qualities of Mizhari Sensei and I assured him that I had BKC Sensei Allan Heaton's permission to take training from a well respected dojo and that I would always consider Allan Sensei my Sensei, and that remains true to this day. But I am also now both fortunate and proud to be considered a student of one of Karate's few remaining Masters who was trained by legends! This is real Shotokan!
If you take the time to read a little about Mizhari Sensei you will find that he has a pedigree that is hard to find. He has trained under and been awarded Dan rankings from the most revered names in Shotokan Karate. He is a genuine Master and training with him and his team of teachers and students is a very rewarding experience. I will continue to make the journey as often as possible and hope to increase the frequency.
I will finish this with a short background on my martial arts journey. I suspect I may be Mizhari Sensei's oldest current student. I am 74 years young. I was exposed to Shotokan Karate in college in Minnesota in 1970. I thoroughly enjoyed it for 6 months but then the Army scooped me up in the draft and when I returned to college I had other priorities. Fast forward to Portland Oregon in the late 90's and I received my 1st degree Black Belt in a Chinese system and did tournament full contact point fighting for the next 10 years until I could no longer compete with the fresh crop of 45 year old's coming up from the open division! Then I had another 10 year hiatus from martial arts until I was fortunate enough to rediscover Shotokan at BKC. And now I am in good hands there and at SKC!
I will now continue to train until I am no longer fogging the glass, and I am a firm believer that this wonderful discipline will insure that that is well down the road!

Respectfully submitted, Garrett Erickson 3rd Kyu

Source: Google

★ 5

I previously practiced Shotokan at a martial arts club in college, and I was looking to get back into training after falling out of it for several years. I was very lucky to find such a high-quality dojo here in Rapid City. I'm now in my 30s after training here for over 6 years, and I can say that the difference in quality and the intensity of the training are readily apparent. It may not be for everyone--it is definitely not a casual experience, and Mazhari Sensei pushes all of his students to their maximum. This is the most hardcore traditional karate instruction you will find anywhere, and I'm very grateful to have practiced here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

My children and I were extremely fortunate to be able to train here while living in RC. I was looking for a highly disciplined, traditional dojo and SKC is exactly that. All of the senseis set high expectations which makes it that much more rewarding when earning your next belt or simply receiving praise in class.
It's not easy but that's what makes it so worth it. I wish we never had to leave.

Source: Google

★ 5

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Rapid City had a true practitioner and master of karate - Sensei Mazhari. I enrolled my 7 year old son at this dojo because of sensei's expertise and the devotion of his students to improving their martial art skills. This dojo is for the disciplined and those who seek to learn and advance their mind and bodies in karate. Sensei Mazhari intends to not only teach the technical aspects of karate, but to use karate to seek perfection in your everyday life.

Source: Google

★ 5

My teenage son researched martial arts disciplines, and schools in the area and came up with SKC being the “only one” to check out. After we went to observe training, and Mazhari Sensei decided my son we be a good fit, I myself asked to train, and it has truly been a great experience. At 43 years young, I find the training sessions to be physically and mentally challenging, Mazhari Sensei puts together a very traditional and productive training. At this point my oldest child has also began training. She and her brother have never been into athletics, but do well under Sensei. Never in my life did I ever think we would be involved in Karate. Our SKC experience has made the three of us Stronger physically, mentally, and as a family. This area is lucky to have a world renowned trainer such as Mazhari Sensei . We are grateful for the opportunity, and look forward our future under his guidance.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have studied traditional Shotokan karate for many years and have been fortunate to study with master instructors over the years. Moving to Rapid City a few years ago, I was extremely pleased to discover that such an outstanding (world class) karate school existed in Rapid City lead by Mr. Mazhari (Mazhari Sensei). What a treasure we have in Rapid City! Mr. Mazhari has studied with the "best or the best" Shotokan karate masters and has been teaching karate for many decades. Mr. Mazhari is an incredible karate instructor and a true master of the art form. He is also a wondering person and has become a great mentor/friend. This is the REAL deal...highly challenging and the highest level of true karate.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have been fortunate and grateful practicing Shotokan Karate with Sensei Mazhari since 2000 as my instructor, and also my mentor. His vast experience and knowledge of karate comes from training with masters such as Master Mori and late Master Enoida. He is a well trained and certified instructor, teaching us respect, discipline and humbleness. His dojos in Northern Virginia and in Rapid City is uniquely designed for people with strong desire to learn, and continuously enhance their character. Under his leadership, we should get better than what we were yesterday. Sensei always promotes traditional and good karate, and shows the details and application of each technique. He is extremely caring and detail-oriented on individual level. Every day I learn something new from Sensei, and much appreciate being his student.

Source: Google

★ 5

It has been twenty-four years since I found my karate master, Mazhari Sensei and started training at Shotokan Karate Center. Over the years, I have participated in many training sessions offered by other world known instructors and can confidently say that there is no other karate training, as intense, engaging, or captivating as those led by Mazhari Sensei.

Once we get to the dojo, no matter how tired or exhausted we might be, physically, mentally and/or emotionally, Sensei moves us through the training that is always masterfully composed; technically precise; and energetically conducted. The concentration that is demanded not only promotes mental sharpness and clarity, but also results in such an intense physical workout that might appear intimidating to an observer; however, those involved, young or old, novice or experienced endure the training without exception, almost as if meditating in motion. We advance in learning the art of Shotokan Karate step-by-step and session after session while engaging in an extraordinary mental and physical workout.

Even though, karate training is all about repetition, due to Mazhari Sensei’s vast repertoire, even after thousands of hours of training with Sensei, practice is still challenging, exciting, diverse, and enlightening every time!

In short, being lazy by nature, I cannot imagine any other way, that could keep me active and invested in my physical and mental wellbeing for nearly a quarter of a century, than Karate, the Mazhari Sensei’s Way.

Source: Google

★ 5

Mazhari Sensei's school is for the true seeker of traditional karate training- there is truly no other school like it. Training is wonderfully intense and the standard, exceptionally high. I have been fortunate enough to train under Mazhari Sensei for over 20 years and have benefitted, immeasurably, in every area of my life.

Source: Google

★ 5

I've been training at this dojo since October of 2016. This is a fantastic group of martial artists. Sensei Mazhari is exceptionally talented both as a martial artist and instructor, and all of the other instructors are exceedingly capable and dedicated. You WILL get into excellent physical condition with this training!

Source: Google