Traditional Okinawan Karate: Online, From Anywhere in the US
Join a live, 6-session online course in Isshinryu Karate — taught over 6 weeks 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.
Doors open for the next cohort in August 2025. Sign up for our email list to get the first dibs at joining!
“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
What You’ll Learn
A Practical Foundation in Traditional Okinawan Karate
This 6-session live course builds your foundation in Isshinryu Karate — taught in real time by a certified instructor, with structure, progression, and accountability. Whether you’re brand new or returning after a long break, this program focuses on practical movement, personal growth, and traditional technique, without fluff or theatrics.
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.
Join our email list to be the first to know when our next cohort is live!
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 tradition
✅ 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
✅ You want to train from home but with live guidance, not just YouTube videos
🙅♂️ 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.
Where and When?
Format Overview
This course is taught live via Zoom. Each session is 45 minutes long and focused on practical instruction, repetition, and structured progression. There are no pre-recorded videos and no gimmicks — just real martial arts, taught in real time, with a traditional approach adapted for online learning.
There will be opportunities for Q&A throughout the series, and you’ll receive weekly practice “homework” to support learning between sessions.
📅 Course Dates & Times
- Start Date: To Be Announced
- End Date: To Be Announced
- Time: To Be Announced
- Live via Zoom (link provided after enrollment)
👀 What to Expect
- You’ll follow the same curriculum each week with new material layered in as you progress
- The course builds from basic techniques to a complete kata by the final session
- You are not required to be on camera
What You’ll Need
You Don’t Need a Gi or a Dojo — Just Space to Move
✅ Required:
- A stable internet connection and a device that runs Zoom (laptop or tablet 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 session
🥋 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 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-week course costs $120 total and includes:
✅ 6 live, progressive karate classes — not just follow-along videos
✅ Recordings of every class sent out after the class
✅ Real-time instruction from a teacher with 25 years of experience
✅ A structured beginner curriculum rooted in traditional Okinawan Karate
✅ Weekly recap emails and solo practice guidance
✅ Optional Q&A opportunities to reinforce what you’re learning
✅ A supportive learning environment with clear expectations
You’re not just logging in to another Zoom class. You’re learning from a serious instructor, in a serious program — one that respects your time and your commitment.
💳 Secure Your Spot
- Tuition: $120
- Platform: Zoom (link provided after signup)
You’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps, including how to complete your enrollment with our Terms & Conditions and Liability Waiver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a gi (karate uniform)?
No. You can wear any comfortable workout clothing. A gi is completely optional and not required for this course.
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 live 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 if I miss a class?
We encourage you to attend live each week to get the most out of the program. However, you’ll also receive a recording for every week’s session and optional solo practice assignments to help you stay on track.
Will I get personal feedback?
This is a group class and not designed for individual coaching. However, there may be opportunities for Q&A or general guidance depending on class size and format.
Will there be sparring?
No. This is a non-contact, beginner-friendly course taught online. It focuses on form, movement, and practical foundation.
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.?
Unfortunately, no. 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 participate.
Will 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 world.
Space is limited, and we begin Tuesday, May 20. If you’re ready to train with discipline and learn something meaningful, we’d be honored to have you in the first cohort.
💳 Tuition: $120 for 6 weeks
You’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps, including how to complete your enrollment with our Terms & Conditions and Liability Waiver.