No matter your experience level, we welcome you to our dojo. Prospective members can try 3 practices before joining. The Chapel Hill Shotokan Dojo has been teaching traditional Japanese karate in the Chapel Hill/Durham area since 1978. We are a member dojo of Shotokan Karate of America, a nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima, a direct student of Master Gichin Funakoshi, the recognized “father of modern karate-do.”
Regular Classes are held Monday and Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30 PM and Saturday mornings 8:00-9:30 AM
Classes are held at the Lower School Gym, Duke School (3716 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705). Turn into the main entrance and then right at the first driveway (often partially closed with a gate). There is a small newly-paved parking area next to the gym. For more information about our class times and location, check out our Class Schedule.
When you join the Chapel Hill Dojo, you join SKA, an organization with dojos throughout the US and affiliates worldwide.
As a nonprofit, we have simple, quarterly dues ($120 for 3 months or $40/month). All levels train together, with individual attention given to beginners. There are eight “kyus” or ranks (8th-4th white; 3rd-1st brown), and five “dans,” or black belt levels. This is in keeping with the original system used by Master Funakoshi, the founder of the Shotokan style. SKA does not charge fees for kyu tests.
About the Chapel Hill Dojo
Our dojo was founded in 1978 by LH Lazarus (godan, highest rank in SKA), who practiced under SKA’s founder, Mr. Tsutomu Ohshima, before moving to North Carolina. He continues to teach Saturday mornings. The dojo is currently headed by Dr. Rob Clark (godan), who has also studied under Mr. Ohshima. In addition to these high-ranking seniors, the dojo is fortunate to have numerous additional experienced and dedicated seniors.
Shotokan Karate of America
“for the betterment of the lives of those who train and to contribute positively to human history“
SKA members enjoy a direct link to ancient masters of martial arts through Mr. Ohshima and Master Gichin Funakoshi. We are proud of being part of the oldest traditional martial arts organization in North America. SKA is the organizer of numerous regional special trainings as well as the oldest, continuously-run karate tournament in America. One annual SKA event, Spring in the South, is organized by our dojo and held at Duke School. Please visit the Shotokan Karate of America website to learn more about our organization.
