Karate of LA Presents
The K.I.C.K. Crew
Where Character, Lineage, and True Self-Belief Are Forged
Discover a dedicated Westside community space focused on building a resilient foundation for your child's developmental journey.
In an age dominated by digital screens and academic pressures, true strength isn't about physical force—it’s about mental clarity. The real-world martial arts training we provide through The K.I.C.K. Crew centers on a child's character development. Yes, our students build the physical safety skills and boundary awareness needed to navigate bullying with confidence. However, the truest victory we teach is Zanshin—a state of focused awareness and calm poise that empowers kids to diffuse difficult situations before conflict ever begins.
Shaping the Leaders of Tomorrow, Together
We take our role as your partner in parenting to heart. The timeless values you value most—courtesy, perseverance, and accountability—are woven into every single bow, drill, and lesson on our floor. We don't just teach karate; we build a safe, encouraging community where Westside youth thrive.
Our core curriculum focuses explicitly on the milestones that matter: fostering a proactive mental attitude, inspiring purposeful goal setting, building physical coordination, and nurturing the authentic self-belief your child needs to lead with courage and respect. Through our specialized youth curriculum, we mentor your child to develop the deep-seated confidence required to make independent, positive choices in the classroom and out in the world.
Explore Our Age-Appropriate Programs
Select a specialized curriculum tier designed explicitly to meet your family's unique milestone and developmental goals.
Preschool Crew
Ages 3–4: Fostering coordination, student listening habits, and early social independence in an upbeat format.
Elementary Crew
Ages 5–12: Goal setting, traditional Kata forms, and supervised light sparring to build schoolyard confidence.
Teen Crew
Ages 13+: Advanced defensive application, leadership skills, and a constructive outlet for stress management.
Adult Karate
Ages 14+: Traditional Goju-Ryu fundamentals focusing on Kihon, Kata, and self-defense for all skill levels.
The Goju-Ryu Seiwa-Kai Difference
Led by world-renowned Chief Instructor Shihan Vassie Naidoo (8th Dan Black Belt), our programs move beyond standard after-school activities. We focus on building fundamental coordination, real-world self-defense skills, and essential mental fortitude through traditional martial arts design. Learn more about our core program goals and values.
Shihan Vassie Naidoo
Chief Instructor / 8th Dan
As a globally respected authority in traditional Goju-Ryu, Shihan Vassie brings a lifetime of martial arts mastery to our mat, ensuring every child receives the highest standard of technical guidance, technical precision, and heartfelt mentorship.
Senpai John Dean
Youth Program Director
Senpai John combines dynamic, high-energy training with gentle, encouraging mentorship to guide our young martial artists on the mat. Having successfully navigated ADHD himself, he is a passionate champion for inclusive learning. He excels at designing highly engaging, active lessons where kids can fully release extra physical energy while staying entirely focused on learning traditional Goju-Ryu fundamentals, mastering stances, and sharpening their technical skills.
Character
We build leaders from the inside out by instilling a foundation of honesty, courtesy, and personal accountability in every lesson.
Mental Focus
Nurturing a state of calm awareness (Zanshin) that empowers students to cut through modern distractions and excel in the classroom.
Physical Resilience
Developing structural alignment, core agility, and real-world self-defense skills that provide lifelong health and boundary confidence.
Ready to step onto the mat?
7-Day Trial Pass
Conveniently Located for Santa Monica Families
Conveniently located at 12416 Santa Monica Blvd (at Centinela Ave), Karate of LA provides a structured after-school environment for Westside families. Whether your child attends local SMMUSD schools or your family spends the afternoons at Santa Monica Beach, our dojo offers the perfect, accessible mat space for traditional Goju-Ryu character development.