Our Dojo

Shotokan Karate Center (SKC), established in 1982, is the oldest Shotokan karate dojo in Northern Virginia. Shotokan, a traditional style of Japanese karate, is scientifically proven to provide aerobic, anaerobic, callisthenic and isometric exercise via systematic training.

Classes are offered for beginners to advanced students of all ages and gender. These exhilarating, rejuvenating classes promote overall health and well-being, and are designed for dedicated students who seek to learn karate through intense, traditional training.

Our goal is to help individuals reach their highest potential through the true art of Shotokan Karate.

SKC offers private lessons, upon request, for students of all ranks. Students may take advantage of private lessons to meet specific goals such as kata improvement or exam/tournament preparation, etc. Advanced private lessons for Kata and Kumite training are conducted by Ahmad Mazhari Sensei. Detailed information should be obtained, in person, at Shotokan Karate Center.

Shotokan Karate Center offers C, B, and A class Instructor Training Courses under the masterful eye and guidance of Ahmad Mazhari Sensei. These courses are open to dedicated individuals who have a commitment to furthering their own knowledge and preserving the true art and spirit of Shotokan Karate. Currently enrolled in the B class instructor training course, Golnesa AsheghAli shares, “Being a student of Mazhari Sensei, simply being in the presence of Sensei, is an incredible experience. Being accepted into the Instructor Training Course and having the opportunity to spend hours of intense training every week with Mazhari Sensei is an experience that is beyond words. The amount of detail and knowledge that is conveyed is extraordinary and the intensity and challenge of being in the course is indescribable; one must experience this in order to understand it.” Instructors from all traditional Japanese styles are welcome to apply. Applicants must have a minimum of 15 years of active experience. Detailed information about the SKC Instructor Training Program should be obtained, in person, at Shotokan Karate Center.

Exams at SKC are a learning experience for all in attendance, not just the examinees. The SKC Kyu Examination is held every three months and the Dan Examination takes place twice a year. The exam reflects Mazhari Sensei’s incredibly high standards and students must demonstrate that they have met the standard, both technically and with regard to the development of their character. There is nothing superficial about exams at SKC and the exam is not a formality; students of Shotokan Karate Center, under the tutelage of SKC instructors, work very hard and truly earn their rank.

The children who train at Shotokan Karate Center are held to the very same high standard as adult members. It is for this reason that SKC does not offer separate classes for adults and children. SKC students, young and old, are known for their discipline and dedication to training. This spirit is a reflection of the famed intensity and rigor of Mazhari Sensei’s trainings and Sensei’s emphasis on the ultimate goal of seeking perfection of character.

Beginners are allowed to practice in sweatpants and loose t-shirts; however, the uniforms are cut specifically to flow with the types of movements required in karate and to help establish the spirit for training.

Please inquire about our special introductory rates for new students. For more information, see the current schedule and contact us below.

SKC examinees, December 2012 Kyu Examination

Shotokan Karate Center (SKC) is an international organization, known for the diversity of its students. Students from all different nationalities and ethnicities train at our dojo. The flags below represent members of Shotokan Karate Center.