Traditional Okinawan Karate: Online, From Anywhere in the US
Self-paced online Karate lessons built from real live instruction, supplemented with purpose-made reference material—taught by a traditional Okinawan Karate instructor with 25 years of experience. Perfect for adult beginners and returning students seeking practical, authentic training without hype or gimmicks.
Inside the Course: See What It Looks Like
This short preview shows how the online course is structured. You’ll see two excerpts from the instructional videos, plus excerpts from the Basics and Seisan Kata reference videos that support your training.
“I think your online class is very well presented. I find it easy to follow along and all the material is clear and concise. It’s an excellent introduction to Isshinryu Karate.”
– Chris Babel, 8th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate“Not some run of the mill karate school / instructor. Actually focused on self defense / usable techniques”
– Robert H. Sabet, author of 12 books on Military Close Quarters Combat“The teacher is deeply knowledgeable…if you want to learn traditional karate with a modern application, I absolutely suggest Megami [Dojo]!”
– Zach Levine, from Google Reviews
What You’ll Learn
A Practical Foundation in Traditional Okinawan Karate
This online course provides a structured introduction to Isshinryu karate, taught exactly as it would be presented in a live dojo setting. The instruction is drawn from real live classes, refined for clarity, and supplemented with focused reference material to support individual practice.
You’ll train in core body mechanics, strikes, blocks, and footwork — all rooted in the traditional kata that have preserved Okinawan fighting principles for generations.
This course reflects what I wish I had when I started — real instruction from day one, from someone who had to actually use Karate in the real world.
You’ll Learn:
- The essential stances and striking mechanics of Isshinryu Karate
- How to generate real power with correct body alignment — not brute strength
- The first full kata (Seisan), step by step — including purpose-driven interpretation as taught by Isshinryu founder Tatsuo Shimabuku
- Self-defense fundamentals built from traditional technique
- How to train effectively from home — even with limited space
By the end of the course, you’ll know all the Isshinryu basics and Seisan kata, as well as have a deeper understanding of how traditional martial arts apply to real-life situations.
Who It’s For & Who It’s Not For
Is This the Right Fit for You?
🧍 This course is for you if:
✅ You’re an adult beginner looking to build real martial arts skill — not just burn calories
✅ You’ve trained before and want a return-to-basics course grounded in real world application
✅ You’re curious about Karate but want something deeper than sport or belt-chasing
✅ You prefer a serious, respectful approach that emphasizes learning, not hype
✅ You value structure, clarity, and personal growth through disciplined practice
🙅♂️ This course might not be for you if:
❌ You’re looking for a casual drop-in workout or cardio kickboxing
❌ You want a kids’ class (this program is for ages 18+)
❌ You’re mainly interested in tournament, competition, sparring, or full-contact MMA
❌ You expect one-on-one coaching in every class
❌ You dislike structured learning environments or traditional etiquette
If you’re serious about learning, and you’re ready to move with purpose, this course will meet you where you are — and take you further.
What This Course Is
Format Overview
Each lesson is 45 minutes long and focused on practical instruction, repetition, and structured progression. There are no gimmicks — just real martial arts, taught with a traditional approach adapted for online learning.
The course includes practice “homework” to support learning between lessons.
What’s Included
- Full recorded instruction covering Isshinryu’s stances, upper basics, and select lower basics
- Complete Seisan kata, demonstrated at multiple speeds
- Pre-recorded reference videos, including selected bunkai (application) examples
How It Works
- Purchase access through the secure payment link via Square
- You’ll receive instructions by email within 24 hours to access the video library
- Train on your own schedule, revisiting lessons as needed
What You’ll Need
You Don’t Need a Gi or a Dojo — Just Space to Move
✅ Required:
- A stable internet connection (laptop, tablet, or ability to cast to a TV preferred)
- Open floor space (e.g. living room or bedroom), approximately 8′ x 8′
- Comfortable clothing that allows free movement — athletic wear is perfect
- Willingness to try, repeat, and stay focused for 45 minutes each lesson
🥋 What About a Gi?
A traditional karate uniform (gi) is not required. Most students wear comfortable clothes — and if you continue your training beyond this course, you’ll have the option to pick one up later. For now, the focus is on movement, not wardrobe.
Meet Your Instructor
Sanjay Tirumala has studied traditional martial arts since 2000 and is one of only 12 certified Renshi instructors in the Isshinkai worldwide. He has trained under elite practitioners — including retired U.S. Marines — with collective experience in over 100 real-world self-defense encounters.
With firsthand experience in live altercations, Sanjay teaches karate not as a sport, but as a serious system for self-protection and personal growth. He blends traditional Okinawan training with a scientific approach to technique, empowering students to build effective, principled skill from day one.
What’s the Tuition?
This 6-session course costs $120 and includes:
✅ 6 progressive karate lessons with real instruction — not just follow-along videos
✅ Reference videos of the Isshinryu Upper Basics and Seisan Kata with Applications
✅ Instruction from a teacher with 25 years of experience
✅ A structured beginner curriculum rooted in traditional Okinawan Karate
✅ Solo practice guidance between lessons
You’re not just logging in to another online class. You’re learning from a serious instructor, in a serious program — one that respects your time and your commitment.
💳 Pricing
- $120 one-time purchase
- No subscription
- No recurring fees
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered as a set of recorded lessons drawn from real live instruction, supplemented with pre-recorded reference material. After purchase, you’ll receive instructions by email to access the full video library.
Can I really learn Karate online? Isn’t it better to be in person?
In-person training is ideal — but this course is designed to give you real skill development from home. You’ll build foundational movement, body mechanics, and kata with high-quality instruction and structured repetition. Many students find it’s an excellent starting point before pursuing in-person training later.
Will I learn real self-defense?
Yes. While this is a fundamentals course, everything you’ll learn is rooted in traditional Okinawan Karate as it was intended — not for sport, but for real-world application.
What is the refund policy?
Because this is a digital course with immediate access to recorded instruction, refunds are limited. That said, if you decide the course is not a good fit, you may request a refund within 7 days of purchase, provided the request is made in good faith.
Is this course for kids?
No. This course is for adults ages 18 and up.
Can I enroll if I don’t live in the U.S.?
At this time, enrollment is limited to students who reside in the United States. This is due to regulatory and legal restrictions around international instruction and compliance. We hope to expand access in the future, but for now, only U.S.-based students are eligible to purchase and access the course.
Does this course cover ground fighting?
No. Okinawan Karate, including Isshinryu, is primarily focused on punches, strikes, and kicks. While Isshinryu does include some ground defense principles, this course will not cover ground fighting. The emphasis is on foundational standing techniques and real-world self-defense from a traditional perspective.
Do I need a partner to take this class?
No partner is needed. The entire course is designed for solo practice — you’ll learn to move effectively on your own, which builds a foundation for any future training.
Will I receive rank or a belt for completing this course?
No. Megami Dojo does not award rank or belt promotions through online training. That said, it’s important to understand that rank, knowledge, skill, and experience are not the same thing just like a diploma isn’t the same as work experience. You’ll walk away from this course with real fundamentals, real technique, and a deeper understanding of traditional Karate — whether or not there’s a belt attached to it.
What happens after this course ends?
We may offer follow-up training options or a “Level 2” program depending on demand. You’ll also have the opportunity to continue training through private lessons or other formats if desired.
Train With Purpose. Move With Confidence.
Whether you’re brand new or returning to the path, this course gives you the structure, clarity, and focus you need to build a real foundation in Karate — from anywhere in the US.
The material in this course was originally taught live and reflects real instructional pacing rather than scripted studio production.
Click below to get started with our Online Karate Lessons!