About Peninsula Shotokan
Peninsula Shotokan is part of Shotokan Karate of America (SKA), with practices led by SKA blackbelts. SKA was founded by Tsutomu Ohshima, one of the last remaining students of Master Gichin Funakoshi, who is widely considered to be the father of modern karate. We are proud of our direct lineage from the founding of karate, as well as SKA’s unique status as the organizer of the oldest, continuously-run karate tournament in America.
Started in 1990, Peninsula Shotokan was the first SKA dojo founded by a woman. It is currently led by Erik Malone, a 3rd degree black belt.
Because of SKA’s strong resolve to offer high-quality martial arts to the public, we have remained non-commercial and non-profit. As a traditional karate organization, SKA has only three belts (white, brown, and black.) Fees are nominal and the only compensation received by Peninsula Shotokan instructors is the satisfaction of being able to pass their knowledge to the next generation of students.
If you are looking for an authentic, challenging martial art, with deep cultural roots and passionate, dedicated practitioners, come and train with us!
Benefits of Karate Practice
Karate can be practiced by everyone at any age for self-defense, to strengthen the entire body, improve balance, efficiency of movement, breathing and overall health. No special equipment is needed.
Karate helps to strengthen the mind, develop courage, fortitude, and the ability to achieve goals.
Karate practice emphasizes spiritual values of courtesy, integrity, humility, justice, honor, and self-control.
The study of karate benefits the student in all areas of their life.
To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.”
– Master Gichin Funakoshi
Welcome Newcomers!
We train at two YMCAs in the San Diego area — the Peninsula Family YMCA and the Mission Valley YMCA. If you are interested in observing a class, please contact us here or feel free to drop by one of our classes to speak with an instructor. You can find our class schedules here.
Participation in YMCA classes requires an active YMCA membership or monthly subscription. YMCA memberships are reciprocal, so a single membership allows you to attend classes at either location. There are no other mandatory fees for YMCA members.
If you wish to test or participate in other SKA activities, however, you must join SKA. Membership for beginners requires a nominal fee of $75 for the remainder of the year. Additional family memberships are offered at a discounted rate. As a member of SKA, you will be able to attend any SKA regional, national, and international events open to your rank, and you’ll be able to test for rank twice per year. Black belt testing is by invitation only.
