★ 5

The Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo and Sensei Sweigart have positively impacted my grandson's life. They have supported him both in and out of the dojo. He is no longer shy and unsure of himself; he has developed confidence, has become a leader, and is more willing to try new things. I highly recommend the Lakewood Dojo.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is by far the best dojo in town! The Sensei's are very knowledgeable and skilled. The discipline and respect displayed is remarkable! My son lives it here!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son started kinder karate 3 months ago and im so glad we did! The sensei is so patient but strict when he needs to be and I love that. My son has made wonderful progress, friends, and I also have made great parent friends there while we all support our kids from the sidelines. Great dojo!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

I’m sharing this review as a caution to other parents or individuals considering this karate dojo. After attending just one class with my 5-year-old, I was heavily encouraged - honestly, pressured into - signing a year-long membership contract costing over $2,000 between my membership and my child's, the very day we audited our first class. As a single mom with a lot on my plate, I made the mistake of rushing into it, genuinely excited about the idea of community and support through karate, and trusting it would be a good fit, despite my apprehension about the rigid authoritative culture of the dojo.

I didn't want to make yet another rash decision and quit so I pushed my child to try one more class while I cheered on from the sidelines, but it became clear the dojo environment was too loud and overwhelming for her, and difficult life circumstances made it impossible for us to return. Within a week, I kindly requested to back out of the contract, only to be told that the cancellation window was just 3 days, something I hadn't fully realized in the rush to sign. Months later, I respectfully appealed again, explaining our situation and asking for at least a partial refund. The owners refused again, citing the contract. I found their response cold and rigid, especially given my repeated respectful efforts and the fact that I'm a single parent who acted in good faith. The owners stand strictly by the contract, regardless of individual circumstances or compassion. I understand business policies, but I was disappointed by the lack of flexibility and empathy—especially considering I never used the membership.

If you’re considering this studio but are unsure about your long-term ability to commit, I strongly urge others who might be in a similar position as I was to take your time, read the fine print carefully, and not let enthusiasm or pressure cloud your decision. Karate is a wonderful discipline, but this experience left me beyond disheartened. I love karate, but what I received here was not support or understsanding, only inflexibility and regret, and a financial hole I felt for a long time afterwards.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son started this dojo about 2 months ago and I could not be happier. This the place is wonderful. The teachers are amazing. All of the staff is wonderful. They treat you like family here. I feel so comfortable and they are so disciplined with their students. And everything is earned here. It is not given to you. They are very loving and caring. Great business. I recommend if you would like your child in a great karate, establishment, I highly recommend Washington karate association. I recommended lakewood dojoestablishment, I highly recommend Washington karate association. Lakewood, dojo. The owners are amazing.

Source: Google

★ 5

My son is going on his second year at this dojo. But I have known Sensei and Tunde for long before that, both of my brothers and my sister have all gone through their dojo and I can honestly say we are all lucky to be a part of this karate family. Because that's what it truly is, they don't just teach you karate, they become invested in your family and your wellbeing. They teach discipline, respect and courage. If you are looking to sign your kid up for karate, or even try it yourself, don't go anywhere else because I can guarantee you won't find anything better than them!

Source: Google

★ 5

Our son has been here for over a year in Kinder karate. He has grown so much not just through physical strength but emotionally and socially. They’ve taught him self discipline, respect, and so much more. We couldn’t be happier with everything. And best of all, he loves it tremendously. Looks forward to every class. He started with 3 days a week and is now going 4 days. Yet still asks to come more days!

Source: Google

★ 5

Wow! Fantastic instruction and conducive learning environment for starters and beyond. It starts from the top! Sensei’s set up an awesome sense of community and discipline throughout and it resonates with students. Highly recommended!

Source: Google

★ 5

If you have been looking to learn a real martial art trained in the traditional Japanese way, look no further than Lakewood Dojo! I train here with my two kids as part of my parenting strategy. We learn and practice some of life’s biggest lessons around discipline, respect while developing self confidence. You will not find a better dojo in this region!

Source: Google

★ 5

This dojo is life-changing! My son has been training for over 10 years and it has helped him in every way. For example, better student, better grades, better community member, trained leadership and help me as a parent. Sensei Chuck Sweigart and Sensei Tunde are first class!

Hard work pays off. There has been multiple national team members and champions from this Dojo.

Most currently, my son was selected to the United States national competition team.

Let’s go USA 🇺🇸 and Lakewood Dojo 👊 🥋 🙇🏻

Source: Google

★ 5

I started taking karate at the age of 40, after retiring from the Army. I love that I find camaraderie and healthy physical training that I haven’t had since retirement. The more I learn the more eager I am to learn more. Sensei Chuck and Sensei Tünde make you feel like family while instilling discipline and teaching everything there is to know about karate in a way that is geared toward each students understanding. Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo also has Semphi’s that are excellent teachers who are capable of delivering very quality instruction. If you have ever considered a martial art practice your search for a dojo is over! Come and join Washington Karate!

Source: Google

★ 5

STOP LOOKING, THIS IS THE ONE! Okay, so I am one of those moms! I do a ton of research to make sure that what we as a family get involved with/in is the right fit. We have a child that is now five, and has been a part of the Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo since he was four. When I spoke to Sensei Tunde on the phone I knew this was the place for us (she is a black belt, champion in Karate, FYI)! When we arrived there was a warmth that you feel when you are at the family members home that you adore. At the same time as you observe the surroundings there is a strong sense of discipline, respect, consistency, support, kindness, authenticity, commitment, wisdom, a sense of family, motivation, mentorship, and a lot of encouragement. Then all of a sudden you see and meet Sensei Sweigert and you will be in awwwwwww! He is a world-renowned athlete, he is humble, he is a champion, leader, patient, kind with that knowledge and skill ooozing out of every pore. I seriously have the upmost respect. So, I assumed that he would NOT be teaching the kinder karate and I was a little disappointed by this. Guess what....HE TEACHES THE KINDER KARATE CLASS! My child gets lesson from a world-renowned Karate champion - he is being taught the all-encompassing Karate discipline by a person who legit embodies all those things. It is not just going in there and jamming through different color belts like you are eating a bag of skittles, you earn all that by all the skills mentioned above. It takes time, patience and a demonstration of skills. I will not talk about the amazing Sempais, bc that is another conversation to go on and on and on about. Buuut, since I mentioned them, they are just the best. We have a Sempai named Sempai Jean and she pretty much is the most amazing human ever. She encompasses all the above qualities, she is a black belt and she is someone you would want to be in your life...as goes with Sensei Tunde and Sweigart, and frankly all the other sempais. There are also young adult and kid sempais, and I will tell you I am overly blown away by their skill, patience when helping the littles, and leadership (like I hope my child is like him or her when my child gets bigger). I will stop babbling about how amazing this place is. This is the place you want your child to be a part of, to learn, to grow and to achieve.

Source: Google

★ 5

I have had my 2 oldest, 25 and 23 yr old, start here when they were 4 and 6. And they have grown to very respectful young adults. Now I have my 2 youngest, 11 and 8 yr old, taking classes and it is definitely a game changer with the listening and willingness to help out around the house. The Sensei and his Senpais are in tune to what his students need and require to become self confident and successful. I highly recommend this dojo if you or your children are looking for somewhere that will give you direction life and a great support system.

Source: Google

★ 5

best Dojo hands down! The senseis and this dojo are simply the best and are worldclass! First of they will assess your child first if they are ready or not to start their karate journey. It is not merely about the money for them but they want to make sure that they make a lasting impact on the quality of life for their students. The lessons the senseis and sempais impart are priceless, all the kiddos love going every single class. As far as the everyone that I've met and encountered at the dojo, let me just say that this dojo is not just a building, it is a family and a community that are kind and help each other out. If you are still looking for somewhere for your child to learn martial arts specifically karate, look no more, I guarantee this is THE best.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the Dojo where real Karate is taught. If you want to learn discipline, perseverance, confidence, develop your character on top of improving your athletic skills, this Dojo is for you. Sensei Sweigart’s knowledge of the art of Karate is inspiring and motivational, guiding beginners to become high level athletes and shaping students characters into becoming the best they can be, as athletes and individuals. It’s a place where you’re constantly challenged to become the best version of yourself. I’ve been training at Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo since 2019, there’s no other Dojo I’d rather be a part of and no other Sensei I’d rather have as a mentor. We’ve been through so much together and achieved what at times seemed unachievable. I’m super proud and thankful to Sensei Tunde and Chuck Sweigart for being such an important part in my Karate journey. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita.

Source: Google

★ 5

Highly recommend - I have been training at the Lakewood Dojo for a year now. Sensei Chuck Sweigart brings over 40 years of karate expertise to the dojo. He is a man of honor and integrity. He leads by example and is one of the best instructors I have known. Lakewood Dojo is also well-equipped, spacious, and an overall great place to train. Fellow students learn physical karate, but also build character, integrity, and spirit. It's also a great dojo for children who are just starting out. There's a strong sense of family and community. I can't recommend it enough. Thanks, Sensei!

Source: Google

★ 5

My son loves his dojo

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Postive place to get fit and learn karate

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Outstanding School!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic traditional karate dojo, and arguably the best school in the Pacific Northwest. The Sensei is a three-time National Champion in his own right, and his school routinely produces more National and International Champions than any other dojo in Washington. Of importance, their approach focuses on a holistic development of their students, offering a blend of traditional karate, civic responsibility, teamwork, and leadership - belts are earned in this dojo, not bought. Everyone is welcome - stop by anytime if you want to see a real karate dojo in action!

Source: Google

★ 4

Seems great. But they do not take groupon, even though a search shows that they do, through go2karate.

*Not all karate schools show up on the website. But I am glad you contacted them about it.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great Sensei's and Sempai's, a nice dojo with multiple training rooms, and 4 students on the US National Karate Team.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing dojo. Sensei is World Karate Federation referee and an amazing teacher.

We travel 60 miles from Bothell to take classes there. The result has been that my son has made the USA Karate Team and earned #1 spot 5 years in a row.

I've made many great friends here as well - a great family atmosphere, warm and welcoming.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing dojo!! Amazing students and families!! What I have learned in 19 years and 4 children at this dojo is that this is the place where you want your family to learn Karate. Sensei Sweigart is a gifted teacher, trainer, and coach. The sempai's are exceptional. Sensei Sweigart's competition team members win National Championships every year and they continually win championships and medal in international competitions. So very active yet always a dojo family. Kids excel here and learn to be the best that they can be....in the dojo... and in everything else that they do in life.

Source: Google

★ 5

The Senseis (instructors) are awesome here. They can teach every age group and skill level. It's amazing to watch Sensei Sweigart train World Champions to beginners with the same compassion and dedication. We are very fortunate to have this dojo in Lakewood, WA.

Source: Google

★ 5

This is the real thing. We have been to other dojo's, and this one has the best Instructor for teaching real karate

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 5

Amazing sensei! Amazing dojo!

Source: Google