Shotokan Karate of America

Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club

Kansas City, Missouri - Official SKA Dojo Since 1966

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          • Kansas City (1966 – )
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Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club

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Authentic, traditional karate for the mind, body & spirit.

Founded in 1966, the Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club is best in the area for traditional martial arts, self defense, fitness, and all-around self improvement.

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Reverse punches before kyu test

2000 Jon Beltram demonstrates vital points during godan testing

2016 Pam Logan helps brown belts with Bassai 2016 Kelly Rudolph, Keith Kirk, David Altman 2016 Mike Kostroske, Brad Markisohn, John Teramoto

March 20, 2023 group

1989 Ohshima Sensei wth Jon Beltram Mike Lyon, Mike Schuler

1998 Mr. Ohshima, Jon Beltram, Mike Lyon enjoy apple juice in the new Teramoto Tea Room after grand opening practice (photo: Keith Kohrs)

2000 Yodan test after Jion kata, Mr. Ohshima asked David Altman, “Did you make a mistake in your kata?” David replied, “Yes, I think I did…”

October 2022 practice before kyu testing for white & brown belts

Group Shotokan Karate Practice at the beautiful Shotokan Karate of America – Kansas City Dojo

2016 David Altman leads practice focused on good health

David Altman, Mike Lyon, Carl Johnson, Takamasa Morita

April 19, 2025 – white belts demonstrate yoko-geri kekomi

2022 Takamasa Morita sweeps Andrew during sanbon gumite practice

2022 Jesus-David attacks Vladimir during October special training

Rei (courtesy) at the end of practice

Stepping in with mae-te in a very relaxed way with mental penetration.

1989 team competition medalists

Ohshima Sensei with Patrick Moeller

April 19, 2025 – Sanbon Gumite – Benja Smith vs David Pacer

Harmony 1990 – Carl Johnson with Jon Beltram

2022 Mike Lyon performs Tekki Sandan

2014 Chase Scroggins’ dramatic yoko-geri

2014 Pred Paul, Quang Nguyen, Mike Lyon, Lien Phan, David Altman, Greg Tunink

2022 special training – Zoom-mates finally practice together in person

2016 Lauren, Isabel, and Tiffany Chatfield with Noah Zach

Feb 2024 – KC wins Dojo of the Year Mike Kostroske Member of the Year

Nov 8, 2025 Kyu Test

1967 Jon Beltram maegeri with bag

April 19, 2025 – Benja Smith demonstrates Tekki Shodan

2014 Mike Bedinger announces April kyu test

2019 Midwest summer special training MWSU led by John Wood


Our Mission: “To preserve, perpetuate and advance the legacy of Shotokan Karate for the betterment of the lives of those who train, and to contribute positively to human history.“

Recent News posts:

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KC Dojo News

2026 Midwest Summer Special Training

KC Dojo News

April 25, 2026 Kyu Test

KC Dojo News

Nov 8, 2025 Kyu Test

KC Dojo News

Mark Kohagura Visit Sept 26-28, 2025

KC Dojo News

April 27, 2025 Spring in the South


We aim to build strength of mind and body with emphasis on self-confidence, willpower, character, and the ability to defend oneself in time of conflict.

60-second video by David Lightner and Eric Manuel from around 1998

The Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club:

  • Started in 1966, we are one of the oldest martial arts groups in North America.
  • Winner of SKA’s National Dojo of the Year award (2016).
  • Highest caliber martial arts and self-defense instruction.
  • Senior instructors have a minimum of 30 years’ experience.
  • No experience is necessary. Anyone 16 years of age or older is welcome to join in karate practices. You may observe or participate (much more fun!).
  • No long-term contracts – join SKA then pay month-by-month as you train (COST).
  • No charge to test or pass any rank.
  • Approximately 2,800 square feet of natural wood floor suspended on thick rubber shock absorbers, it feels great!
  • Separate men’s and women’s shower and dressing areas.
  • Punching bags, maki-wara and Olympic-style Judo / Aikido style tatami mats.
  • Beautiful tea room and library.
  • Free parking in our lot behind the building (2027 Washington St, Kansas City, MO 64108).

Have questions or need more information? Contact us!

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Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club
2026 Broadway (map>
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: 816-421-1110
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