Smart Karate Introduce
For those living in Honolulu and across the island of O‘ahu, finding a martial arts school that prioritizes personal development as much as physical skill is a significant quest. Smart Karate, located on South Beretania Street, is exactly that kind of place. Under the guidance of Sensei Manny, this academy offers a unique approach to martial arts, blending the traditional principles of karate and Aikido with a modern understanding of emotional and psychological growth. As the name suggests, the program is about more than just physical prowess; it's about building a well-rounded, confident individual. The mission is to give students the skills, energy, and confidence to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world. As one parent enthusiastically noted, the positive effect on their six-year-old daughter was "evident outside the dojo," and even her teachers at school noticed it. This speaks volumes about the program's effectiveness in instilling life skills that are valuable in everyday life. Sensei Manny’s background in Psychology and Philosophy helps him structure classes in a way that provides valuable lessons beyond the physical movements. He is known for his patience with the kids, allowing them to develop at their own pace, while providing firm but not "hard-core" traditional instruction. This balanced approach creates a nurturing yet challenging environment where students feel safe to grow. Whether you're a parent looking for a program to help your child develop discipline and focus or an adult seeking to learn self-defense and improve your physical fitness, Smart Karate offers a path to success. The small class sizes ensure that each student receives quality, individualized instruction, making their journey a personal and rewarding one. It is a place where every kick, block, and stance is a step toward building a better, more confident self, and a true gem in the Honolulu community.
Smart Karate is conveniently located at 1259 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814, USA. This prime location in a bustling part of Honolulu makes it easily accessible for residents of the city and surrounding areas. The academy's central position allows for a straightforward commute from various neighborhoods, including those in Moiliili, Kaimuki, and beyond. Parking options for the academy are a notable convenience. Students and visitors can utilize the free parking garage, which provides a hassle-free and safe place to park. Additionally, paid street parking is available for those who prefer it. These multiple options make attending class a smooth process. The facility is equipped with a restroom, adding to the comfort and convenience of all students during their training sessions. The easy access to the location, combined with thoughtful amenities, allows students to focus entirely on their learning and personal development without worrying about logistical challenges. This practical approach to accessibility is a key part of what makes Smart Karate so appealing to the local community.
Smart Karate offers a range of services designed to provide a comprehensive martial arts and self-defense education. While the core focus is on karate and Aikido, the curriculum is structured to support the personal growth of every student. The services include:
Karate School: The primary program, focusing on the techniques and discipline of traditional karate. Classes are designed to build physical strength, coordination, and mental focus.
Aikido School: Offering instruction in the gentle yet highly effective martial art of Aikido, which focuses on neutralizing aggression and using an opponent's momentum against them. This provides a valuable counterpoint to the striking focus of karate.
Self-Defense School: The programs are deeply rooted in practical self-defense, teaching students how to protect themselves in real-world situations with confidence and skill.
Instruction for All Ages: Smart Karate offers classes for students of all ages, with a particular focus on youth development. As reviews highlight, the program has a profound positive effect on children's emotional and academic lives.
Individualized Instruction: With small class sizes, Sensei Manny is able to provide personalized attention, working with each student on their "own unique path through life."
Trial Classes: The academy offers a trial class for prospective students, allowing them to experience the program firsthand before enrolling. This is an excellent way to see if the dojo is the right fit.
Smart Karate is distinguished by a number of key features and highlights that make it a premier choice for martial arts and self-defense training in the Honolulu area. These attributes contribute to its strong reputation and the profound impact it has on its students.
Sensei Manny's Philosophy: The school is led by Sensei Manny, whose background in Psychology and Philosophy allows him to teach life skills and valuable lessons alongside martial arts techniques. His patient and firm approach is a hallmark of the program.
Focus on Emotional Development: As highlighted in customer reviews, the program goes beyond physical training to build self-confidence and emotional intelligence, which positively impacts students' lives outside the dojo.
Small Class Sizes: The academy's commitment to small class sizes ensures that every student receives the attention they need to develop at their own pace.
Convenient Parking: The availability of a free parking garage and paid street parking makes attending class a stress-free experience for students and parents.
Accepts Debit Cards: The school offers a convenient payment option, making the enrollment and payment process simple and efficient.
For more information or to inquire about their programs, you can contact Smart Karate directly. The academy is located at 1259 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814, USA. You can reach them by phone at (808) 953-9476 or on their mobile phone at +1 808-953-9476.
Choosing Smart Karate is an excellent decision for anyone in Honolulu seeking a martial arts program that offers a holistic approach to personal growth. What makes this school truly worth choosing is the unique combination of physical training with a deep focus on emotional and psychological development. As a parent’s review attests, Sensei Manny’s program has an "immediate positive effect" on children, with teachers even noticing the change. This is a powerful testament to the school's ability to help students, or "keiki" as they are known in Hawai‘i, grow not just as martial artists but as confident and focused individuals. The patient and individualized instruction, a direct result of small class sizes, ensures that every student feels supported on their journey. The convenient location and free parking garage remove common barriers to entry, making it easy for families to participate. Furthermore, the inclusion of both karate and Aikido provides a well-rounded self-defense curriculum that is both powerful and practical. In a busy city like Honolulu, finding a program that can teach discipline and focus while also providing a safe and nurturing environment is invaluable. Smart Karate is a place where you can learn to defend yourself, get in great shape, and, most importantly, become a smarter, more confident person. For all these reasons, it stands out as a premier martial arts and self-defense academy on O‘ahu.
Smart Karate Details
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking garage
- Paid street parking
Smart Karate Photos










Smart Karate Location
Smart Karate
1259 S Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96814, USA
Smart Karate Reviews
learning
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Sensei many is great. He's patient with the kids and really wants them to develop at their own pace. The instruction is firm, but not hard-core, traditional.
August 10 · Garrett NakamatsuI am a huge fan of Sensei Manny's program. I have watched the keiki (kids) develop over time both physically, but more importantly, emotionally. The immediate positive effect the program had on my six year old daughter was evident outside the dojo and even her teachers at school noticed it. Great job Sensei!
September 14 · James PierceMy son started at Smart Karate when he was 6 years old. He is now 13 and a black belt. I have watched him turn into a confident, responsible, respectful young man and I attribute that in part to his time spent at the dojo. The instructors here teach more than just martial arts; the students learn to be responsible, respectful and self disciplined. They learn not every thing comes easy, to work hard to achieve and even you fail the first time to take pride in their effort and keep working until they reach their goals. The staff is great and each bring their own experiences and point of views which gives the students a wealth of knowledge to pull from.I have done so in the past and will continue to highly recommend Smart Karate. My niece, nephew and several kids of my co-workers are now students. Smart Karate is a great school and I can’t say it enough how glad I am my son started here.
June 23 · Rick MilliganWe are huge fans of Smart Karate. They have helped our daughter work on her focus and attitude. After a brief move to the mainland, we returned to this Dojo to give our daughter some consistency that the military life style can sometimes lack. They take the time to get to know each student and their learning style. We have watched her self confidence grow. As a parent we couldn't ask for anything more.
July 23 · Whitney WattsI have twins, a boy and girl, who have been attending Smart Karate since they were 4 years old. No matter if they were born the same weight/length – my boy is now 65 lbs. and the girl 40 lbs. Not being the kind of parent to cheer on while watching her little girl get ground into the mat as part of the “exercise,” yet having to balance the need of my son to exert his strength – I found the prefect balance at Smart Karate. The teacher/student ratio is unbelievable and the philosophy to build good character is unparalleled. We’ve tried Jujitsu/Taekwondo/Judo and none of them compare to the discipline and comradery of our karate class. Along with strength must come the humility and self-control to manage it. Seriously, Sensei Manny is extremely knowledgeable and vigilant of every single child in the class and makes sure they not only gain physical ability, but mental strength. In the violent world we live in where kids as young as ours (6 yrs.) are yelled at by parents in a UFC gym to “smash” the other child, it is nice to know there are decent places where your child is learning great skills, learning to be at peace with each other and is well taken care of while learning how to defend themselves. Check it out! The value of $/class is amazing, but the self-esteem of our twins has grown by leaps and bounds – and that is simply priceless.
March 03 · Yumi
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