A circular sticker featuring a blue illustration of a dragon emerging from ocean waves, with the word 'SHINKAI' written vertically on an orange torn paper background.

Where Purpose Meets Power

Traditional Shotokan Karate in New York City's Financial District

Small classes. High standards. Real progress.

Shinkai Dojo provides traditional Shotokan Karate instruction for children, teens, adults, and families seeking more than just an extracurricular activity.

Our students develop technical skill, discipline, confidence, and personal accountability through a curriculum built on measurable progress and earned achievement.

Start Your 2-Class Trial

Every prospective student begins with a private introductory lesson before joining a group class, allowing us to understand their goals, introduce our training philosophy, and ensure Shinkai Dojo is the right fit.

We believe martial arts should be taught with purpose.

At Shinkai Dojo, our goal isn't simply to keep students active—it's to help them grow. Through authentic Shotokan Karate, students develop genuine skill, confidence, discipline, and character in an environment where progress is earned through consistent effort and purposeful instruction. Every class has a purpose. Every promotion is earned because meaningful progress lasts far longer than quick rewards.

Why We Teach

Find the Right Program

  • Children in martial arts uniforms (gi) practicing punches in a karate class, with focus pads in the foreground inside a dojo or gym.

    Early Childhood Karate (Ages 3–5)

    Our Early Childhood program introduces young students to traditional karate through fun, structured classes that build confidence, coordination, listening skills, and respect while creating a strong foundation for future learning.

    Class Length: 45 Minutes

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  • Karate Fundamentals (Ages 6+)

    Students build confidence, focus, and discipline while learning authentic Shotokan Karate through structured, progressive instruction. Fundamental techniques, etiquette, movement, and kata create the strong technical foundation every student needs to continue growing.

    Class Length: 60 Minutes

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  • Family Karate (Ages 6+)

    Children, teens, and adults train together in a traditional dojo while progressing at their own individual level. Through authentic Shotokan Karate, students build confidence, technical skill, discipline, and mutual respect in an environment where everyone is challenged to become their best.

    Class Length: 60 Minutes

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Ready to Experience a Class?

A young boy in a martial arts uniform with a green belt flexes his muscles while standing on a blue mat, with an adult man in a karate gi sitting on a chair nearby, appearing to be in a martial arts dojo.

Every new student begins with a private introductory lesson followed by a traditional group class.

Start Your 2-Class Trial

Life at Shinkai Dojo

  • A martial arts class with children and an instructor in a room with mats and large windows. The instructor is an adult male in a white gi with a black belt, and the children are also wearing gis with different colored belts.

  • Martial arts students practicing on a blue mat in a training room, with some students in white uniforms with colored belts bending forward with their hands on the ground, under the supervision of their instructor.

  • Three young girls in white karate uniforms with colored belts, standing side by side on martial arts mats inside a dojo, holding a trophy and a framed certificate, with numerous trophies displayed on shelves behind them.

  • Group of five children and one adult in martial arts uniforms posing in front of a decorative metal sculpture outdoors in an urban setting.

  • Young woman in a white karate gi with a black belt practicing a martial arts stance on a wooden dock near a large ship and harbor.

  • Martial arts class with children sitting in a circle on blue mats, wearing white uniforms with colorful patches and yellow belts, listening to an instructor in a white gi.

  • Children in martial arts uniforms sitting in a circle around an instructor, in a dojo. Audience watching in the background.

What Families Are Saying

  • "The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about teaching martial arts. The atmosphere is welcoming for students of all ages and skill levels. I've seen tremendous improvement in my child's technique, confidence, and overall fitness since joining."

    — Sharon M. ★★★★★

  • "They're not only teaching my son karate, they're teaching him body awareness, discipline, and perseverance, all at just 5 years old. The best part is that he's having a blast while learning these important lessons."

    — Alex P. ★★★★★

  • "I absolutely love that my kids attend karate here. The instructors are amazing, their style of teaching is unique, and they meet the children on their level. I have seen the confidence in all three of my kids grow, and they have learned that knowing when not to fight is just as important as knowing how to defend themselves."

    — Krystal D. ★★★★★

  • "My daughter has learned not just karate, but self-discipline, respect for peers, parents, and teachers, along with leadership and teamwork. Both instructors love what they do, and their enthusiasm for karate truly rubs off on the kids."

    — Cindy G. ★★★★★

  • "My son loved the karate classes and had so much fun during the all-day workshop. He said Sensei is the best teacher and couldn't wait to do it again. I highly recommend this place for both karate classes and the workshops."

    — Galyna K. ★★★★★

Meet Your Instructors

Instructor Kristian Moses Perez

Person wearing a white martial arts gi with a brown belt, smiling indoors near a window.

Kristian Moses Perez is the founder of Shinkai Dojo. He began his martial arts journey at the age of six and has trained in Taekwondo, Goju Ryu Karate, Kodokan Judo, and traditional Japanese martial arts throughout his life. After years of teaching students across New York City, he founded Shinkai Dojo to create a school centered on authentic instruction, meaningful relationships, and measurable student growth. Today, he continues to train alongside his students, believing that the pursuit of mastery is a lifelong journey.

Instructor Katheryn Linares Sanchez

A young woman with dark hair styled in braids, wearing a white martial arts gi and a brown belt, stands in a dojo with a confident and happy expression.

Katheryn Linares Sanchez is an instructor at Shinkai Dojo. She began her martial arts journey at the age of ten and has spent years training, competing, and teaching traditional karate. Her experience working with children, combined with her background in public speaking and leadership, has shaped a teaching style built on patience, consistency, and genuine encouragement. Katheryn believes every student has the potential to grow through disciplined training and is committed to helping each individual build confidence, resilience, and strong character both inside and outside the dojo.

Begin Your Journey at Shinkai Dojo


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Every new student begins with a private introductory lesson followed by a traditional group class. Meet your instructors, experience our training, and discover if Shinkai Dojo is the right fit for you or your family.

Start Your 2-Class Trial

Located in the Financial District at 111 John Street, Shinkai Dojo welcomes students from FiDi, Wall Street, Seaport, Tribeca, Battery Park City, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Visit Our Dojo in Lower Manhattan