Dōjō Location & Weekly Schedule
Classes take place inside the main gymnasium at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center in downtown Menlo Park, serving students across Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Stanford, Redwood City, and the Peninsula.
Training Location
Arrillaga Family Recreation Center
700 Alma Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(Directly across from the Menlo Park Caltrain Station & a short walk from Stanford University)
Weekly Training Hours
- Mondays & Wednesdays:
- 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM: Youth & Beginners (Ages 8–12)
- 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM: Adults, Teens & Advanced (Ages 13+)
- Sunday Candidate Sessions: Special training, Kobudō & grading preparation (by invitation)
Direct Contact Line
(650) 394-6669
Call or text Sensei Johnpaul Williams for adult enrollment, youth registration, or dōjō observations.
Important Notice: Selecting the Correct Class at Arrillaga
The Arrillaga Family Recreation Center hosts multiple martial arts offerings throughout the week. SKSV is listed with the City of Menlo Park as “Traditional Karate” with Instructor Johnpaul Williams Sensei.
We are the only Traditional Karate (JKF Gōjūkai & Seiwakai) program in all of Menlo Park. When registering through the City of Menlo Park or visiting the center, please be sure you specifically select Traditional Karate to ensure you do not enroll in the wrong program by mistake.
When registering online or at the Arrillaga front desk, verify these details:
- City Listing: “Traditional Karate” (Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō)
- Instructor: Johnpaul Williams Sensei
- Affiliation: Seiwakai Karatedō & JKF Gōjūkai
- Ages: Youth (Ages 8–12) | Adults & Teens (Ages 13+)
Structured Training Pathways for Every Stage of Life
Traditional Japanese Karatedō tailored for character development in youth and practical physical mastery for adults.
The SKSV Standard: Authentic Japanese Budō
In an era dominated by commercial martial arts franchises, Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley remains faithful to the rigorous physical and philosophical roots of classical Okinawan Gōjū-Ryū.
Direct Japan Lineage
Direct pedigree tracing from founder Miyagi Chōjun to Shihan Seiichi Fujiwara. Official branch of the Japan Karatedo Federation (JKF Gōjūkai) and Seiwakai.
No Commercial Gimmicks
No multi-year binding contracts, no mandatory uniform markups, and no inflated testing fees. Rank is earned strictly through dedication and authenticated standards.
Municipal Non-Profit Setting
Operating at the City of Menlo Park Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Affordable community registration fees paid directly to the city with no studio overhead.
Johnpaul Williams Sensei
Chief Instructor / Shihan • SKSV
Instruction Grounded in Authentic Lineage
Sensei Johnpaul Williams has dedicated over three decades to the practice, propagation, and academic preservation of traditional Gōjū-Ryū Karatedō. Having completed more than 30 training expeditions to Japan, he trains directly under Hanshi Seiichi Fujiwara (8th Dan, JKF Gōjūkai Oversea Director) and serves as an official international examiner.
In addition to teaching at the Arrillaga Recreation Center, Sensei Williams is the author of multiple published research treatises on classical Karatedō history, syllabus progression, and dōjō lineage.
Beginning Your Training in 3 Simple Steps
How prospective students and families join Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley through the City of Menlo Park.
Select Your Program & Schedule
Review class times: Youth (Ages 8–12) train Mondays & Wednesdays from 5:45 PM – 7:00 PM. Teens & Adults (Ages 13+) train from 7:00 PM – 8:45 PM.
Register with City of Menlo Park
Search the Menlo Park Activity Guide for “Traditional Karate” under Instructor Johnpaul Williams Sensei. Complete registration directly with the City.
Step onto the Dōjō Floor
Arrive 10 minutes early at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center gymnasium wearing comfortable workout clothing. Uniforms are arranged after your first classes.
Common Questions
Do I need previous martial arts experience to join?
No prior experience is necessary. Our classes are structured with individualized instruction for complete beginners, introducing fundamental stances, breathing, and basic defenses at your own pace.
What should I wear on my first day?
Comfortable athletic attire (t-shirt and sweatpants or workout pants). Traditional Japanese dogi (uniforms) can be ordered after your first few classes.
Can prospective students or parents observe a class?
Yes! Prospective adult students, parents, and visiting karateka are welcome to visit the Arrillaga gymnasium during scheduled class hours to observe training firsthand.
How do I ensure I select the right class at Arrillaga?
The Arrillaga center hosts multiple martial arts offerings. When registering, confirm that your selection is specifically for “Traditional Karate” under Instructor Johnpaul Williams Sensei.
Send a Direct Message to Sensei
Have questions about beginning your training, evaluating previous rank, or arranging a dōjō visit? Fill out the inquiry form below and Sensei will reply promptly.
