Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club

“Amazing senseis, Dave and Ellen. This dojo is fantastic for both kids and adults, and the best part is that kids and adults can train together. From white belt to black belt, the training is demanding, authentic, and deeply rewarding. There’s a true community feel here; everyone is welcoming and supportive. This is the real deal; you will learn real Karate, not a “McKarate” version with high-pressure sales tactics or fake/bought reviews. Couldn’t recommend it more!”

— Christian Wernz, Google Review

“I have been training with this club for over 3 years and I highly recommend to anyone who is interested in martial arts. Sensei Dave and Sensei Ellen made me feel incredibly welcome, and have fostered a great environment in which to train and learn this art. Their knowledge, as well as their passion and decades of experience, can be seen throughout all levels of the class. The class is open to all ages, from young kids to working adults, to retired folks, and each person brings helps to foster a community where we all learn and help one another, while training our minds and bodies.”

— Alyson West, Google Review

“Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club is a wonderful place! Our grandson started when he was 8 ½ years old and is now 9. He has thoroughly loved each and every class these past 6 months. The Senseis, Ellen and Dave Stackpole, are truly amazing. They have trained for 35 years and are proficient in their knowledge of Shotokan Karate. They are able to share their love and knowledge to all the students. The class has a variety of students of all ages and experience. The class starts with a warm-up with all of the students and afterwards they are put into two groups – the beginners and the more advanced. All of the students in the Club are willing to help others and they do it with a smile. They make everyone feel included. Sensei Ellen and Sensei Dave lead the classes with firmness and kindness combined. We are so grateful to have found the Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club. It has given our grandson an outlet for his boundless energy and has built his level of confidence tremendously. Thank you, Senseis.”

— Janet King, Google Review

“This is a terrific karate club that welcomes participants of all ages. Dave and Ellen are both excellent, highly skilled instructors who each have decades of training and experience. They have created, and continue to foster, a friendly yet focused environment in which participants receive a great workout while developing many helpful physical and mental skills, such as strength, flexibility, self defense, concentration and confidence. Members of the club include students of all ages and grade levels, as well as parents and working professionals in many fields. This club is a wonderful learning environment for everyone, and is highly recommended!”

— Michael Hemenway, Google Review

“I have trained with the Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club for almost ten years highly recommend this club. Anyone from young children to senior adults can train at this traditional karate club. Dave & Ellen, the instructors, split the class between children and adults to better accommodate for different skill and maturity levels. Dave & Ellen make each class different, are attentive to all students and push us all become better in so many ways. I have come to know some of my best friends in this club and I am looking forward to training with them for years to come.”

— Mike McCollister, Google Review