As one of two SKA dojos in San Diego county (the other being in Encinitas), Peninsula San Diego is proud to carry on the teaching and preservation of traditional karate in America’s Finest City. We serve as the home dojo for SKA members in Southern and Eastern San Diego County, Downtown, Point Loma, and areas just north of the City.

Located in the epicenter of American karate, Peninsula San Diego members routinely train with SKA dojos around Southern California, attending special trainings and events around the state and country. Being in a top vacation and business destination, we also regularly host traveling SKA members from other dojos. With San Diego’s perfect climate, we are able to practice indoors and outdoors year-round, including at an annual practice on the beach.

The Peninsula San Diego Dojo was the first SKA dojo founded by a woman, being started in 1991 by Lisa McQuade. Lisa ran the dojo for the first 8 years. Jeff O’Steen managed the dojo for 15 years. Over the past decade-plus, the dojo has been led by Yodan Erik Malone.

The Peninsula San Diego Dojo previously taught classes at two areas YMCAs, including at the Ryan Family YCMA (formerly, Peninsula YMCA) for nearly 30 years. Post-COVID, the dojo moved to Pioneer Park in Mission Hills for outdoor practices, and the Dorothea Laub Dance Place in Liberty Station for indoor practices.

Members of the dojo perform demonstrations regularly at cultural festivals around San Diego, including at the San Diego Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. If you see us at a festival, please come by and say hello!