NOSA DOJO - New Orleans Shotokan Academy

Hi! I am not just writing this review for this excellent dojo but maybe to encourage YOU to do something wonderful for yourself which could potentially change your life. I am 44 years old, and I started Karate just two months ago. I have been going to classes twice a week and practicing a little bit at home. Since then I lost almost 20 lbs, I have become physically and mentally stronger, healthier than I have ever been, most importantly my forever lingering Covid depression disappeared within the first few weeks. I was intimidated thinking that my first few classes might be too difficult or even embarrassing. You know like 200 knuckle push-ups while your Sensei is yelling at you that you must clean up your blood off the floor when you are done. On the contrary it was fun, engaging, and the learning curve was so mild that it is now hard to believe how much I can do in such a short time, and I merely had to break a sweat. Sensei Dimitri is compassionate, patient and very through. There are usually more black belts in the beginner class than white belts. They attend the beginner classes to help us. Beginners pair up with advanced karatekas to learn in a first hand experience setup and it is very effective. It feels incredibly amazing to be in a room full of supportive people who passionately root for you to be better. I have been told many many MANY times that practicing martial arts would change my life. The first step was the hardest. It always is. I am forever grateful that I was able to take it whenever I needed it the most. I can’t wait to see where this journey will take me in the years to come. If you see room for improvement in your life, if you are looking to get more fit, or more confident, or if you just want to try something new I can’t recommend enough practicing a martial art. For me it was Karate and this dojo. Don’t just take my word on it, take a lesson or two and see for yourself.

This is a great dojo with amazing instructors who are knowledgeable and helpful. The dojo is filled with warm and friendly people, so one would feel welcomed immediately—I did.

I have been a student of NOSA for 2 years now and have loved every moment of it! My husband and myself are participating in the karate classes offer. My father has been a member for almost 10 years and has also begun taking part in the Judo and Aikido classes. We have found it a wonderfully challenging yet meditative experience. I recommend it to everyone one I meet!

Best Dojo ever! Great training and great people! Instructors are extremely knowledgabe, caring and encouraging. So glad I found this place. They do an amazing job with kids as well. Very supportive envirnment and top notch training. I dravel 5 days a week from the westbank to train here. There a plenty of schools where I live, but none compares to this one! Very worth it!

I love coming to train. Since the quality of the dojo and teaching is top notch, it makes for a fun yet intense experience and you learn some amazing things along the way. Come check it out already!