About our Dojo
Traditional Japanese Karate
Fremont Shotokan Karate was founded in 2006 by Bernardo Mercado Sensei and Harry Imamura Sensei. They were committed to offering high quality training in traditional Japanese karate, mainly focused on the style of Shotokan, though their backgrounds were broad .
In 2020, the dojo was forced to close due to covid restrictions and sale of the building that the dojo had been located in for over ten years. In this period, a devoted group of students continued training in the park with Bernardo Sensei. Tragically, Bernardo Sensei passed away in a car accident in December 2022. From our loss and grief grew the desire to continue in Bernardo Sensei’s path, and rebuild the Fremont Shotokan Karate Dojo once again.
Our dojo is open to anyone interested in training in traditional Japanese Karate. Returning students and beginners are welcome. We are excited to train with you and share our passion for Karate and continue in the footsteps of Bernardo Sensei’s legacy.
Everyone is welcome
People of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels can practice karate. Now is the best time to start.
Ages 7+
We accept students ages 7+. All you need is a positive attitude, commitment, and discipline to succeed.
Multi-Disciplinary Training
Classes focus on technique, fitness, mobility, and self-defense principles.
WHAT IS SHOTOKAN KARATE?
Master Gichin Funakoshi, regarded as the ‘father’ of modern karate, started studying at age 11 under Okinawa’s top masters, Itosu and Azato. His 1922 demonstration introduced karate to Japan, leading to his teaching success. Transforming ‘karate’ into ‘karate-do,’ he integrated Japanese budo philosophies, establishing the ‘Shotokan’ style in 1936, later expanded by Nakayama in the Japan Karate Association (JKA). Nakayama’s vision propelled Shotokan worldwide, influencing various instructors and associations like Hirokazu Kanazawa, Hidetaka Nishiyama, Tsutomu Ohshima, Teruyuki Okazaki, and Tetsuhiko Asai. The JKA’s formation in 1948 further spread Shotokan, shaping its current global presence.
Location
Our dojo is located at 37427 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536, also home of Tri City Aikido.
Classes
We offer training three days a week currently for beginners and continuing students. No experience is necessary, but we also welcome those who have trained elsewhere or even in other styles of karate or other martial arts.
Tuesdays & Thursdays
5:30 – 6:00pm Beginners (Children & Adults)
6:00 – 7:00pm Basics (Children & Adults)
7:00 – 8:00pm Intermediate/Advanced (Ages 12 and up)
8:00 – 8:30pm Open Mat Practice
Sundays
10:00 – 11:30am Intermediate/Advanced (Ages 12 and up)
11:30am – Noon Open Mat Practice
*Occasionally, we will offer an additional Basics Class on Sunday afternoon/evenings. Enrolled students will be notified by email of additional training opportunities or changes to the regular training schedule.
Newly renovated dojo on Fremont Blvd., as of June 2025.
CONTACT US
Please fill out the contact form below with your inquiry
or email us at fremontshotokankarate@gmail.com
or by phone to leave a message at (510) 520-8177.