I had a great time. Nori-san was a great instructor, highly knowledgeable and was able to clearly and simply explain complex concepts. Highly recommended for both complete beginners in martial arts and enthusiasts.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Bottled water
- Rental Karate uniform
- Two alcoholic beverages, such as beer or sake, and snacks. (Non-alcoholic beverages are also available)
- Tenugui Towel
Excludes
- Please bring your own T-shirt to wear under your karate uniform.
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- It is a building with navy blue walls. There is a Japanese-style signboard for the dojo hanging on it.
Return
- It is a building with navy blue walls. There is a Japanese-style signboard for the dojo hanging on it.
Itinerary
This experience takes place in Soshikan Dojo, built in 2023. It is a modern space with traditional elements such as a kamidana and a wooden floor. Training on a real floor helps you feel balance and grounding through the feet — an important part of budo practice. The session is not sport karate. It is a cultural introduction to budo, focusing on how posture, breathing, and attention connect body and mind. Practice is gently customized so beginners can explore essential movements and notice how small changes affect stability and calmness. You will wear a Japanese‑made karate uniform. Many guests describe tying the belt as refreshing — the pressure around the waist creates a centered feeling that supports the practice. You will learn essential movements that you can remember and take home as a small but meaningful souvenir. After training, you will visit a traditional standing‑style sake bar next to the dojo. Guests often highlight this relaxed “cozy time” — enjoying two drinks and snacks while talking about karate and daily life — as a warm ending to the experience. Uniform rental, water, and a Japanese towel are provided. This activity is for adults aged 20 and over.
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
My trip to Japan had many highlights, but training with Norizaki-sensei was absolutely unique. Nori has an incredible way of teaching: he explains every single detail so perfectly and thoroughly that you truly understand the meaning behind each movement.I was particularly impressed by the authentic atmosphere in the dojo. You can instantly feel the tradition and respect in the air. Practicing together with Nori went far beyond a regular workout—it deeply touched me and made me think and feel Karate on a whole new level.Thank you so much for this inspiring experience! I highly recommend Budo Experience to anyone from the bottom of my heart.
Nori is so friendly and approachable but so good at teaching the basic skills of Karate (Budo). My friend and I learnt so much and we watch the videos Nori filmed often as it was one of our favourite, most authentic Japanese experiences of the trip! Definitely recommend
As a young karate practitioner, this was my first trip to Japan and my first experience of karate there, and I wasn’t disappointed. I was welcomed by Nori-san, who is a very kind and patient teacher. His lesson was very informative. My only regret is that time flew by too quickly ^^ Before I left, we had a chat over a drink, which gave us the chance to get to know each other better, including discovering a shared passion for certain manga. I left wanting to come back, and I’ve already planned my next visit! See you soon, Nori-san, and thanks again 🥋🙏
Fantastic experience with the great Sensei Noriaky Nakazawa, thank you so much for the wonderful day! We have been welcomed in a very friendly way. The lesson lasted enough time to study a very interesting Kata that I did not know about. Everything concluded with us celebrating with a delicious icy beer, Kanpai! The experience is extremely recommended to every tourist that is staying in Tokyo for a couple days. I am italian and I will tell all my friends to pay a visit for sure! Massimo from Italy
I'm really happy to be learning karate here, not only do we learn the basis of karate from friendly instructors but we also get to learn a little about japanes culture. So If you're visiting Japan don't just go sightseeing come and experience karate too!
I had the incredible opportunity to train with Sensei Nori Nakazawa and I would wholeheartedly recommend this experience to everyone. It is a truly remarkable chance to connect with an extraordinary budo teacher. Sensei Nakazawa is not only an expert in traditional karate, affiliated with one of the most renowned Japanese associations worldwide, but also an open-minded teacher who has spent years with martial artists from diverse disciplines. His perspective on Japanese martial arts goes far beyond that of a typical sensei. Training with him was a profound experience, not only did I deepen my technical skills, but I also learned how to engage my whole body in harmony, allowing me to reflect the true spirit of karate. The location is amazing, there’s a great atmosphere, a nostalgic vibe like being in a classic 90s movie, having a personal journey with a master. On top of all that, Sensei Nakazawa is a warm, humble, and caring person, always attentive to your needs, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second,if you want a genuine karate experience, book Tokyo Karate Experience with Sensei Nori Nakazawa.
My friend and I absolutely loved this experience! The class was so much fun and we learnt a lot of skills as well as how busier is part of the Japanese culture. Nori our sensei was very skilled and super friendly!
I am a martial arts practitioner for over 10 years and karate black belt. I came to Nakazawa-san's dojo to learn traditional ways of training and to get back to basics. It didn't disappoint! Nakazawa-san is a great teacher and passionate about karate and sharing his experience and knowledge. I was so inspired by our training session that I returned a 2nd time at the end of my trip. I brought back what I learned to my dojo and am looking forward to return later this year to train and learn more from him. Life-changing experience!
An extraordinary and unforgettable experience!!! I had an absolutely fantastic and extraordinary experience in Japan thanks to Tokyo Karate Dojo Experience. Participating in the karate lesson held by Nori San with my wife was a fascinating journey into Japanese philosophy and culture, full of unique details and interesting facts about the discipline.Special praise goes to Nori San for his incredible courtesy, extreme professionalism, and the meticulous care put into every single detail, from the technical movements to the deep meaning behind every gesture.I highly recommend this fabulous experience to anyone wishing to discover the true essence of karate directly in Japan.
Authentic karate taught by a friendly experienced teacher Sensei also taught about the culture and history of the art
Having stayed in Japan for half a year, I had the chance to practice together with Nakazawa-sensei several times. Learning from his approach to karate was elucidating and definitely provides for a valuable experience for beginners as well as those who are already further advanced. I enjoyed the many conversations we had after training over one or the other glass of beer and took away many lessons and food for thought to improve my own karate.
Had the chance to train with Nori San at the Soshikan Dojo in Tokyo. It was an amazing opportunity to experience traditional Japanese Budo Karate Training which definitely makes me want to work on myself and my skills even more. I learned that Karate isn’t just about being strong and fighting but more about the control of body and soul and harmonising both. It’s not only about what you can see but also about what you don’t see and that impressed me the most. The atmosphere was welcoming and Nori San also helped me a lot with organising so I could connect my travel plans to this training. Super thankful for that. After our training we spend some time together and drank a beer near by, which was a great opportunity to connect and get to know each other a little better. I also learned that this is a kind of tradition after training, which means the experience class is not only about the karate itself but includes much more around it. You shouldn’t miss this! Thank you again Nori San and hopefully see you soon! Greetings from Daniel and Inga!
I had the privilege of taking a private Shotokan karate class with Nakazawa‑sensei at his dojo in Tokyo, and it was exactly the authentic training I was looking for. I’m not new to karate or budo, but I’m still quite new to Shotokan. Sensei patiently guided me through the fundamentals of the Shotokan Oi-zuki, showing me how to use my whole body correctly, with focus on balance, breathing, and ki. He took the time to correct my stance in detail and explained how even small adjustments can make a big difference in power and precision. What really made this experience stand out is that sensei didn’t just teach technique, he shared the deeper side of karate as budo, a way of life. He explained the origins of karate, its roots in Okinawa, and its evolution into a modern discipline. It was a great reminder that karate isn’t just about fighting, but about discipline, respect, and a mindset you carry into everyday life. Having a one-on-one lesson meant I had his full attention and clear, personalized feedback. The dojo itself was calm, clean, and had a welcoming atmosphere that reflected the true spirit of Japanese martial arts. Whether you’re just curious about karate or already training in another style, I highly recommend Nakazawa‑sensei’s class if you’re in Tokyo. It’s not only an opportunity to learn authentic Shotokan techniques, but also a chance to experience real budo culture firsthand. I left inspired and excited to continue my practice. 中澤先生、ありがとうございました!また日本で!
This is a great way to get introduced to what real karate training is all about. Sensei Nakazawa is the real deal and he will show you the basics and hopefully get you started on your karate journey. He is very patient and makes sure you understand the important points of each technique. You will also realize that the "after training" is also part of the karate experience. After training, we headed to a "kakuuchi" affectionately called the "Kuro Obi Bar" (Black Belt Bar). A "kakuuchi" is a little drinking nook inside a local liquor store where locals meet up for a quick drink after a day's work (or hard training!) This is a very unique experience where we enjoyed a few pints plus snacks, and even ramen ordered from the ramen shop across the alley! It was the perfect setting to talk about all that we have learned and also talk about non-karate things that build a special bond and camaraderie. You can't get this experience by simply walking into a Japanese pub.
We were able to participate in a 2-hour lesson with Noriaki San; I have been doing karate for more than 20 years, my partner has never done karate. He knew how to manage the lesson very well, touching on themes perfectly understandable to a beginner and at the same time of such depth as to give me more than a year of work. The kindness and competence of Noriaki San completed this magnificent experience. Highly recommended.
It was a great experience to train with the great masters of karate. From the planning to the help with the arrival, the actual training, and the great conversation, there was a lot offered. We were already greeted at the door; the small private dojo was very beautiful and traditionally furnished. In addition to the karate uniform, we also received towels and something to drink, but the best part was the great conversation. We learned a lot about Budo and specifically Shotokan Karate and had a lot of fun! Noriaki Nakazawa is a great teacher and a very experienced master who conveyed a great deal of interest in karate. And after the training came another highlight; right next to the dojo is a beverage store, where we sat together comfortably and talked about Japan, Budo, and many interesting things and laughed a lot. I can recommend the event without reservation!
I recommend to everyone, really everyone, to treat themselves to this opportunity and live this one-of-a-kind experience. People often think that karate is a discipline accessible only to those who have practiced it for years, but the approach of this lesson breaks down any barrier. It is the perfect mix of physical well-being, mental focus, and cultural discovery. Whether you are simply curious, a fan of Japanese culture, or someone who wants to challenge themselves with something new, it will absolutely be worth it. You will come out of it regenerated, enriched, and with incredible energy. Highly recommended, a ten-out-of-ten experience that leaves a mark! 💯
Beautiful experience that I highly recommend to all karate fans. Noriaki sensei showed me basic aspects of karate budo, starting with Kihon and moving from Kata to Kumite. Karate focused on effectiveness, pure and direct. I couldn't have asked for more. In the chill, post-practice moment, we also had the opportunity to chat about the history of karate and Japan. Highly recommended!
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to train with Noriaki Nakazawa Sensei. It was an exceptional experience, not only because I was able to practice in Japan, in the atmosphere of a traditional dojo, but also because of the quality of teaching. Noriaki Nakazawa Sensei is not only a highly qualified expert, but also an excellent teacher. I was able to progress and advance in my practice, all thanks to his kind and respectful gaze. I returned to France with new knowledge that I was immediately able to apply. What a joy! We were able to extend the experience a stone's throw from the dojo, for a convivial moment in the wine shop of Naka Sensei's brother-in-law. A very pleasant setting where we could continue our exchanges around Karate, Japan, travel... It was a very pleasant moment that allowed to conclude this very rewarding experience. I am very grateful to have been able to enjoy this moment and I will return as soon as possible with pleasure! See you soon!
A magical moment and an unforgettable meeting with Noriaki Nakazawa Sensei. Two intense hours on the tatami, rich in sensations, teachings and sharing. All extended by a wonderful moment of conviviality at the home of Naka Sensei’s brother-in-law, owner of a wine shop right next to the dojo. We were about ten Swiss karatekas, mostly high-ranking (3rd to 7th dan), gathered around the common passion of karate. A fabulous moment, full of respect, tradition and friendship. Thank you Sensei — and warmly next time!
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