Testimonials

 

This is the real thing!

We have been to other dojo's, and this one has the best Instructor for teaching real karate!

—Maria Welker


The Senseis are awesome here. 

They can teach every age group and skill level. It's amazing to watch Sensei Sweigart train World Champions to beginners with the same compassion and dedication.  We are very fortunate to have this dojo in Lakewood, WA.

—Darlene Pekkanen

Great Sensei's and Sempai's, a nice dojo with multiple training rooms, and 4 students on the US National Karate Team.

—Scott Foster

I have recommended WK Lakewood Dojo to some of my friends’ kids. I totally believe in the success of this business and its leadership.

—Candy Kenoyer

Amazing dojo! Sensei is World Karate Federation referee and an amazing teacher.


We travel 60 miles from Bothell to take classes there.  The result has been that my son has made the USA Karate Team and earned #1 spot 5 years in a row. I've made many great friends here as well - a great family atmosphere, warm and welcoming.

—Jerry Penna

WKA Lakewood Dojo is one of the very best karate schools in the nation.  Head Instructor, Sensei Chuck Sweigart, is the epitome of what a great leader, teacher, mentor, and friend is.  His students are a great reflection of his teachings and he has gone on to produce numerous National, Pan American, and International champions for the past two decades.  His students also embody the principles of respect, discipline, humility, and most importantly, great character.  Sensei Sweigart is not only producing high quality athletes, but individuals who will become successful members of our society.  I have known Sensei Sweigart for 25 years and the passion and devotion he has put into his karate program is of the highest standard and second to none.  Your child will benefit tremendously from WKA Lakewood’s outstanding program and will have an experience of a lifetime.

—George Kotaka- Sensei IKF Hawaii, 2-Time WKF World Champion

Best dojo that we’ve enrolled in

All the Sensei are very passionate and in shows in and off the mat.  Highly recommend for anyone at any level.

—Nadine & Matt Tan

Joining the Washington Karate Association- Lakewood Dojo began as an activity for my elementary school daughter.

That was 14 years ago. It wasn’t long before I joined and then my younger daughter. I had never imagined that there would be an activity in which all of us could participate at the same time- different ages, different abilities all in the same class learning from one another. While the stated lessons were about the art of karate, the learning extended well beyond. Sensei’s values for character development, self discipline and compassion are evident in everything he does. Those values are one of the reasons that the dojo soon begins to feel like an extended family. As the mother of two young women I am very grateful that all of us feel more confident about who we are and that we have some skills to help defend and protect ourselves because of our opportunity to train at the Lakewood Dojo. Earning a Black Belt was pretty cool too!

—Karie Rainer

The Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo is a fantastic place to learn traditional karate

With beautiful, safe, clean facilities, tons of training space, and a fun, family-oriented atmosphere. The karate learned here is a completely authentic Japanese style of karate. I can only say that what Sensei Sweigart teaches and the way he teaches is world class. He is incredibly professional and has more than a great knowledge of the martial arts. Sensei Sweigart has always placed my goals at the forefront, as he does with all his students. That is what really sets the Lakewood Dojo apart from other schools. The dedicated pursuit of the students excellence is the priority and it shows. I know because I started when I was 17 years old. Now, as a 40 year old father of two, I get to insure my children also receive the best karate training possible. I Highly recommend the Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo as the premiere choice for martial arts instruction!

—John Mc Millian

Amazing dojo!!

Amazing students and families!! What I have learned in 19 years and 4 children at this dojo is that this is the place where you want your family to learn Karate. Sensei Sweigart is a gifted teacher, trainer, and coach. The sempai's are exceptional. Sensei Sweigart's competition team members win National Championships every year and they continually win championships and medal in international competitions. So very active yet always a dojo family. Kids excel here and learn to be the best that they can be....in the dojo... and in everything else that they do in life.

—Joe Hillyer

Sensei Sweigart is one of the best teachers I've ever had - for any subject

—Dr. Rachael Kaufman M.D.

Fantastic traditional karate dojo, and arguably the best school in the Pacific Northwest.  The Sensei is a three-time National Champion in his own right, and his school routinely produces more National and International Champions than any other dojo in Washington.  Of importance, their approach focuses on a holistic development of their students, offering a blend of traditional karate, civic responsibility, teamwork, and leadership - belts are earned in this dojo, not bought.  Everyone is welcome - stop by anytime if you want to see a real karate dojo in action!

—Rex Bruce