West Adams Karate

06/30/2025

Hello,

This is Eric with his sister Alexandra. Eric came to me about a month ago with a gift bag. I had no idea why. He and his family thanked me. I was confused and then Eric explained. After school one day, he was attacked not by 1, not by 2 but by 3 boys in his class. I checked for bruises and injuries. He said that he was unhurt. This was surprising as fighting one attacker is hard enough.

He fought them off with blocks that we teach every class to youth. He was so effective that the boys gave up and walked away!

Naturally, I queried as to whether he hit back.

“I did not want to hurt them.”

He stunned me with his response and resolve!

If anyone tells you that karate is not effective for self defense or building character, relate this actual story.

I thanked him. In my thirty plus years of instruction I have never been prouder and that includes those who I have trained up to black belts.

Our next cohort starts up on July 8th.

Vineyard Recreation Center
2942 Vineyard Ave.
Los Angles, CA 90016

Come to the office or sign up here.

https://www.laparks.org/activity-details?activity_id=658121501

Ages 5-12
Tuesday 6 pm
Adults
Tuesday 8 pm

Ages 5-12
Saturday 9 am
Adults
Saturdays 10 am

Your West Adams Sensei Mike
[email protected]
310-710-6334

03/15/2025

Next training cohort start:

Vineyard Recreation Center
2942 Vineyard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

April 8th

https://www.laparks.org/activity-details?activity_id=658421501

6-7 pm Youth Tuesday nights
7-8 pm 13+ adults

9-10 am Youth - Saturday mornings
10-12 am 13+ Adults

8 weeks
Cost $20/ youth
Free uniform

Cost $30/month adults
Free uniform

Your West Adams Sensei
Michael DeDonato
Call rec center or visit for more info

My email: [email protected]

My FB group: Southern California Uechi
Search for it.

12/19/2024

Next training cohort start:

Vineyard Recreation Center
2942 Vineyard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

January 14th

6-7 Youth Tuesday nights
7-8 13+ adults

9-10 Youth - Saturday mornings
10-12 13+ Adults

8 weeks
Cost $20/ youth
Free uniform

Cost $30/month adults
Free uniform

Your West Adams Sensei
Michael DeDonato
Call rec center or visit for more info

My email: [email protected]

My FB group: Southern California Uechi
Search for it.

09/27/2020

Due to COVID restrictions, we cannot conduct in person classes. We are, instead, providing remote trainings via Zoom.

The trainings are conducted for 30 minutes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 6:30 pm.

I will provide links to the trainings on each Tuesday and Thursday.

I hope that all who want youth to train will encourage their kids to join.

Thank you,

Your West Adams Sensei Mike

03/13/2020

Class is cancelled until Stay at Home Order is lifted

Out of an abundance of caution and in accordance with guidance from State and local health officials to prevent the spread of COVID-19, LA County Parks is implementing following changes effective as of March 13, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. through March 31, 2020:

Parks locations will remain open as outdoor-only facilities during regular hours of dawn to dusk. Restrooms will be open during regular hours.
All programming at LA County Parks facilities will be canceled. This includes all recreational activities, indoor and outdoor sports leagues, aquatics classes, instructional courses, and group sessions.

02/09/2020

Okikukai West's presentation in honor of George Mattson.

01/12/2020

Training in martial arts can offer valuable experiences to anyone; however, some of the benefits it offers are especially suited to young girls. If you are focused on raising empowered daughters, here are six reasons why you should give martial arts a go.

01/10/2020

We are at:

Vineyard Recreation Center
2942 Vineyard Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90016

4-7 years old
M, W 6:30-7:00 pm, Sat 9:00-10:00 am

Intermediate youth
M, W 7:00 - 7:30 pm, Sat 10:00-11:00 am

13 - Adults
M, W 8:00 - 9:00 pm, Sat 11:00 am-12:30 pm

Cost
$20 per month for one family member plus $5 per month for each additional family member

Your West Adams Sensei
Michael DeDonato
310 710-6334
[email protected]

Traditional Okinawan Karate in Los Angeles

01/10/2020

The reason why Martial Arts is a beloved art form and way of life is because of the beautiful paradox that it presents. Martial arts is all about learning to fight so that you don’t have to. Wait, what?! Yes, it is true. The main and most crucial lesson that Martial Arts teaches is for one to know...

01/09/2020

⭐️“”I DON’T PAY FOR KARATE“”⭐️

From a Karate parent.....

One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money and spend so much time running around for your son to do karate ?" Well I have a confession to make: I don't pay for Karate! I don’t pay for my son’s karate lessons. I don't pay for his mitts..... or suits or his competitions.

So, if I am not paying for karate, what am I paying for?

- I pay for those moments when my boy becomes so tired he feels like quitting but doesn't.
- I pay for the opportunity that my boy can have and will have to make life-long friendships.
- I pay for the chance that he may have amazing instructors that will teach him that karate is not just about movement but about life.
- I pay for my child to learn to be disciplined.
- I pay for my child to learn to take care of herself.
- I pay for my child to learn to work with others and to be a proud , supportive, kind and respectful dojo member.
- I pay for my child to learn to deal with disappointment, when he doesn't get that score he hoped for, or fell during a move he has practiced a thousand times, but he still gets up and is determined to do his BEST next time...
- I pay for my boy to learn to make and accomplish goals.
- I pay for my boy to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight.
- I pay so that my boy can be in the dojo instead of in front of a screen...

I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for karate; I pay for the opportunities that karate provides my child to develop attributes that will serve him well throughout his life and give him the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen for many, many years, I think it is a great investment!

PSKO Karate Havant

01/09/2020

As well as increasing physical fitness and mental health, martial arts can boost brain cognition too