Texas's Oldest Shorin Ryu Dojo
Authentic Karate · Krav Maga · Kobudo — Palestine, TX

Shorin Ryu Karate Academy has been training Palestine families in authentic Okinawan karate for over 50 years under Hall of Fame instructor Sensei Stephen Warren. Classes for children and adults. No experience required.

Your achievement is our mission.

Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.

Meet Your Instructor

Expert Instruction, Proven Results

Shorin Ryu Karate Academy is the oldest Shorin Ryu school in Texas — and one of the most decorated. Founded and led by U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee Sensei Stephen Warren, the academy has spent over 50 years training students of all ages in Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate, the original Okinawan fighting system. This isn't a belt factory. Students here learn the old combative style of karate the way it was intended — with real technique, real discipline, and real respect for the tradition. The dojo has earned its reputation the hard way: through decades of consistent, high-quality instruction that produces students who carry themselves differently in every part of their lives. Whether you're bringing your child for their first class or stepping on the mat as an adult for the first time, Shorin Ryu Karate Academy gives you something you won't find anywhere else in East Texas.

Sensei Stephen Warren, Founder & Head Instructor · U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame
Founder & Head Instructor · U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Sensei Stephen Warren

Founder & Head Instructor · U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Sensei Stephen Warren has dedicated over 50 years to teaching authentic Matsumura Shorin Ryu Karate in Palestine, Texas. An inductee of the U.S.A. Martial Arts Hall of Fame and honored by the Okinawa Shorin-Ryu Kenshinkan Karate & Kobudo Federation, he built the oldest Shorin Ryu school in Texas from the ground up. His teaching philosophy goes beyond technique: students develop self-discipline, problem-solving ability, and the kind of self-confidence that holds up under real pressure. Six-year students say this dojo feels like a second family — because under Sensei Warren, that's exactly what it becomes.

Why Shorin Ryu Karate Academy

The Shorin Ryu Karate Academy Difference

We don't just teach Shorin Ryu Karate — we build better people.

Serious Black Belt School

Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 4.9-star Google rating and 51 years in Palestine, our standards speak for themselves.

Welcoming to All Ages & Levels

From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Shorin Ryu Karate Academy. This is a family, not just a gym.

Results You Can See

Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.

What We Offer

Our Programs

Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.

Children's Karate at Shorin Ryu Karate Academy
Ages 5 & Up

Children's Karate

Children need challenge, structure, and a place to succeed on their own terms. Our kids' karate program delivers all three. Students learn authentic Shorin Ryu technique — real stances, strikes, kicks, and forms — in a patient, encouraging environment built for young learners. The results show up at school and at home: better focus, more confidence, and the discipline to follow through. Sensei Warren has been teaching kids in Palestine for over 50 years, and parents see the difference after just a few months on the mat.

Mon, Tue & Thu 60-min classes
Shorin Ryu Karate at Shorin Ryu Karate Academy
All Ages

Shorin Ryu Karate

Matsumura Shorin Ryu is one of the oldest and most effective striking arts in the world — a system built for real self-defense, not sport performance. Classes cover stances, strikes, kicks, throws, grappling, and traditional kata taught the way they were designed to be taught. Students progress through a structured belt curriculum that demands real competence at each level. No shortcuts. No belt inflation. Just honest training in a system that has proven itself for generations. Adults of all fitness levels are welcome — beginners are challenged and supported from their very first class.

Mon, Tue & Thu 60-min classes
Krav Maga & Self-Defense at Shorin Ryu Karate Academy
Teens & Adults

Krav Maga & Self-Defense

Israeli Haganah and Krav Maga training built for the real world. These aren't sport techniques — they're proven self-defense methods developed for high-stress, close-range situations. Classes also incorporate Kobudo traditional weapons training, giving students a well-rounded understanding of both modern and classical defensive arts. Whether your goal is practical self-protection or expanding your martial arts foundation, this program delivers skills you'll actually be able to use.

Mon, Tue & Thu 60-min classes
Simple Process

How To Get Started

Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.

Book Your Free Trial

Click the button below or call us at (903) 729-1473 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.

Come Try It Out

Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.

Join the Family

If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.

No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.

Rated 4.9 from 17+ reviews on Google

T
Tayler Gross
10 months ago
★★★★★

"This dojo is an amazing place to learn Karate! The Senseis and instructor are wonderful and enjoy teaching this wonderful martial arts! Sensei Warren has been at his craft for many many years and you won't find a better dojo to learn self defense at!! I highly recommend anyone wanting to start Karate to go here!"

via Google

A
Audrey Robertson
11 months ago
★★★★★

"Absolutely the best and oldest Shorin Ryu school in Texas. The Sensei's go in depth behind technique and explanation so you have all the information you need. They encourage open mindedness and problem solving skills because there is no one way to do anything. It takes time and hard work to achieve your goals but you will have all the tools at your disposal. The dojo is a family and I always enjoy going to class."

via Google

D
David Wilbourn
10 months ago
★★★★★

"I've been a student at this dojo for 6 years now. And it's been a long ride, but SO worth the time, blood, sweat and tears put into it. The people are fantastic, exciting and teach FANTASTICLY! Definitely the best (non related) family I've been a part of."

via Google

C
Colton Gross
10 months ago
★★★★★

"Without a doubt the best Sensei and school around. Not to mention the oldest with over 50 years of experience teaching. Their system is focused on the old combative style of karate the way it was intended. Would highly recommend them to anyone!"

via Google

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not! Most of our students start with zero martial arts experience. Our intro classes are specifically designed for complete beginners. Our instructors will meet you exactly where you are and guide you step by step.
We welcome students as young as 4 years old. Our programs are grouped by age so every student trains at exactly the right level. Call us at (903) 729-1473 and we'll help you find the perfect fit.
We offer several membership options to fit different budgets and goals. Fill out the Starter Kit form and one of our coaches will send you our full pricing guide, class schedule, and current promotions — no commitment required.
For your free trial, just wear comfortable athletic clothes — shorts and a t-shirt are perfect. No special equipment or uniform is needed until you decide to join.
We recommend training 2–3 times per week for consistent progress. Most students notice real improvements in fitness, focus, and technique within the first 30–60 days.
Safety is our top priority, especially for our youngest students. All classes are structured, supervised, and taught with age-appropriate techniques. Martial arts is consistently ranked among the safest youth sports.
Yes! We offer family membership packages for households with multiple training members. Ask about our family rates during your free trial.
Life happens! We offer flexible make-up class policies and some membership tiers include open mat times so you can train around your schedule. Just talk to us — we'll find a solution.
Find Us

Visit Shorin Ryu Karate Academy

103 W Spring St #2828
Palestine, TX 75801
(903) 729-1473
wakidokai@gmail.com
Mon, Tue & Thu 5:00–7:30 PM

More Confidence.
More Focus.

Take the first step toward the best version of yourself. Book your free trial or get our full pricing and schedule sent directly to you.

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