West Los Angeles Karate School

West Los Angeles Karate School https://linktr.ee/wlak
We teach traditional Japanese style Shotokan Karate-Do. The practice of basics and katas are performed “solo”. Visitors are welcome.

West Los Angeles (WLA) Karate School has been a Westside community resource since its founding in 1972 by George Takahashi of the UCLA Oriental Languages Department. A published scholar and a karate practitioner since 1952, George Takahashi has been a prominent proponent of the Japanese martial art of Shotokan karate-do in Southern California. Now retired, the tradition is carried on by his senior

students, many of whom started training in the UCLA Extension Program which he taught regularly in the 1970s. The ultimate aim of karate is “in the perfection of human character” through dedicated training. While trained to “kill with one blow” in the protection of one’s precious life, a karate practitioner favors awareness and avoidance over confrontation and conflict. Karate training involves practicing the basics of blocking, punching, and kicking, utilizing body dynamics in accordance with physics principles. “Katas” or forms provide the next level of training. They are a set of choreographed movements which link basic karate techniques against imagined opponents in combat. However, applications or “bunkai” from the katas are often explored with the aid of one or more partners. Finally, sparring or “kumite” drills with a partner or with multiple partners allow the practice of the art in realistic (yet controlled) combat and self-defense situations. Karate drills emphasize core body movement, hip rotation, rapid limb expansion and sharp physical focus. Sustained training provides physical exercise, builds endurance, enhances flexibility and fosters mental discipline. WLA Karate differs from conventional karate studios in its adherence to karate as a martial art rather than as a competitive sport. Each person works towards self-improvement in accordance with his or her abilities. Located in the beautiful Collins & Katz Family YMCA – Room # 221 located at 1466 S Westgate Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90025, the school membership is diverse, comprising students to senior professionals. Present and past members include educators, artists, writers, entrepreneurs, doctors, attorneys, IT professionals, engineers and scientists as well as high school, college and law students. The school is operated on a non-profit basis. Instructors are all volunteers who share teaching duties while continuing to train themselves. Classes are held on Wednesday nights and on Saturday mornings.

03/01/2025
There is a great semiar coming up in April with Naka Shihan.Las Vegas 4/4 (North America open in LV 4/5 - 4/6)Phoenix 4/...
02/17/2025

There is a great semiar coming up in April with Naka Shihan.
Las Vegas 4/4 (North America open in LV 4/5 - 4/6)
Phoenix 4/9 - 4/11
Los Angeles 4/12 - 4/13

Los Angeles Seminar:For non JKA Member•4/3 Q&A Clinic: $75/50•1 day: $125/65 (1-2 seminars)•2 days: $215/115 (3-4 seminars)

Las Vegas Seminar:•1 day: $135/75 ( 1-2 seminars ) for non JKA Member

Phoenix Seminar:•1 day: $125/65 (1-2 seminars)•2 days: $215/115 (3-4 seminars)

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN_VVlQSwcdjm52URFT1Rk3JeFDxQJuFfPdaiUArSGKIe9YQ/viewform

12/03/2024

Our favorite Ukrainian, Maya Palshyna, performed kata Unsu for the first time in a competition. Very well done and needless to say she got first place

07/28/2024
04/14/2024

-Maya and Emily showing of some kumite skills

- It has been a pleasure to have train with us for the last 2 years. We wish you all the best in this next chapter of y...
04/07/2024

- It has been a pleasure to have train with us for the last 2 years. We wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life.

Great seminar with hosted by . Thank you, it was great fun.
03/18/2024

Great seminar with hosted by . Thank you, it was great fun.

Congratulations to our new brown belts!wlakarate.org
03/18/2024

Congratulations to our new brown belts!
wlakarate.org












Nice Ura mawashi geri. speciality! 
 
 
 
 

03/14/2024

Nice Ura mawashi geri. speciality!














 
 
 
 


Address

1466 S Westgate Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
90025

Opening Hours

Wednesday 6:30pm - 8pm
Saturday 10:30am - 12:15pm

Telephone

+13104635119

Website

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