Shinzen means Friendship.
In 2019, Sensei Anh Son Le founded the Shinzen Dojo Berlin — not to open a gym, but to create a place where people can grow through karate, connect, and find a true community.
Shinzen (真善) — the Japanese word for friendship — is more than just a name. It is the foundation upon which every training session, every grading, and every shared experience is built.
Why people stay
Family atmosphere
“You feel welcomed immediately – just like in a family.”
Personal training
“Sensei makes time for everyone, regardless of their level.”
Genuine respect
“Nobody is laughed at here. Making mistakes is part of it.”
Genuine Community
“We train together, eat together, travel together.”
International experience
“Seminars in Japan, IKO connections worldwide.”
For all levels
“Whether a beginner or advanced – you won't be left alone.”
How the Shinzen Dojo began
2019. By this time, Sensei Anh Son Le had already been training in Kyokushin Karate for over a decade — starting in 2008 with Sensei Yoshihiko Nakahata in Bremen (IKO1), and from 2010 in Berlin under Shihan Ingo Freier. What drove him was not competition, but the conviction that karate changes people.
Berlin was missing a place that teaches authentic Kyokushin — without compromise, but with heart. No anonymous gym, no mass classes. A real dojo built on friendship, respect, and personal development.
He called it Shinzen — 真善 — the Japanese word for friendship. In August 2019, the dojo opened on Möckernstraße 111. Teenagers, adults. Beginners and advanced students. Everyone is welcome.
Today: 2 locations, black and brown belts, tournament winners, and — above all — a community that stands up for one another.
Book a trial classShinzen means friendship
Joint training. Gradings. Seminars. Travel. This is Shinzen.
This is where I want to belong.
Anh Son Le
3rd Dan Kyokushin · Dojo Founder · Germany Representative IKO World Zen-Kyokushin
Born in 1985, Anh Son Le began Kyokushin Karate in 2008 with Sensei Yoshihiko Nakahata in Bremen (IKO1). He returned to Berlin in 2010 and trained under Shihan Ingo Freier until 2019. In 2018, he passed the Shodan grading in Berlin.
In 2019, he founded the Shinzen Dojo Berlin. Since 2020, he has represented the IKO World Zen-Kyokushin as the Germany Representative. In 2023, he achieved Nidan at the Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, and in 2025, Sandan in Bydgoszcz.
Children's instructor since 2014, adult instructor since the founding of the dojo — daily personal training with every student, regardless of level.
- 3rd DanKyokushin Karate
- Since 2008Kyokushin experience
- Since 2020IKO World Zen-Kyokushin representative
- Since 2019Shinzen Dojo Berlin
What our members say
Showing 3 selected reviews out of 9 Google reviews.
“Für Kinder und Jugendliche eine Top Adresse für Kinder 👶 Karate 🥋 in Berlin!”
To L.
Google review
“Ein toller Trainer, der with Herz and Leidenschaft unterrichtet. Die familiäre Atmosphäre voller Freundschaft und Unterstützung sorgt dafür, dass man sich sofort wohlfühlt und mit jedem Training wächst. Weiter so!”
Haidar H.
Google review
“Kann nur weiter empfehlen, meine Tochter geht sehr gerne hin und ist weiterhin sehr motiviert.Danke Schön 👍”
Nevin K.
Google review
ReviewForest
This content is provided by a third party and is loaded only after you consent to external media.
Your Trainer
Anh Son Le
Sensei · 3rd Dan
Founder & Head Instructor
Kihon, Kata, Kumite for children and adults
Alex Valkov
Senpai · 2nd Dan
Instruktor Kinder, Jugendliche & Erwachsene
Kumite, Kombination und Kumite
Marco Krüper
Senpai · 2nd Dan
Instructor for Youths & Adults
Technique, combinations and kickboxing
Harald Zühlsdorf
Senpai · 1st Dan
Instructor for Adults
Endurance, basics, beginner support
Fedor Smirnov
Senpai · 1st Dan
Instructor for Adults
Kata and Kumite
Yusuf El-Madani
Senpai · 1st Dan
Instructor for Adults
Kihon, Kata and Kumite
Julia Frolova
Senpai · 1st Dan
Instruktorin Kinder, Jugendliche und Erwachsene
Children's Karate, playful learning, patience
Mazen El-Sari
Senpai · 1st Kyu
Instructor for Adults
Technique, Kata, exam preparation
Become part of the Shinzen family.
Train Kyokushin Karate in a community based on friendship, respect and personal development.
No contract · No risk · Sports clothing is enough
Read more
Staying fit in winter: Karate, nutrition and healthy training routines
Staying fit through the winter with Kyokushin Karate: At the Shinzen Dojo Berlin, regular exercise, a good warm-up and sufficient recovery go hand in hand. Read why dry clothes after training, a clean karate gi and well-maintained equipment are important. We also provide practical tips on broth, herbal tea with honey and a balanced diet. We explain when Vitamin C, Vitamin D or magnesium might be useful and why you should rather take a break from training if you have a cold.
Read more
IFK German Open 2026: A first competition that remains in memory Black belt
A white belt, his first tournament and straight away an experienced black belt as an opponent: For Victory Ogbonna, the IFK German Open 2026 became a special experience. In Naunhof, the 27-year-old from Shinzen Dojo Berlin competed for the first time in the Kumite +90 kg category. After regular fight time and extra time, he lost by Waza-ari, but showed fighting spirit and got back up after a hard head strike. A first competition, an important experience – and definitely not the last.
Read more
First World Zen-Kyokushin German Summer Camp 2026 at Werbellinsee
Three days of Kyokushin Karate, intensive training sessions, grading and true community: From August 28 to 30, 2026, the first World Zen-Kyokushin German Summer Camp took place at Werbellinsee. Karateka of different generations and grades trained Kihon, combinations, Kata and Kumite together. A review of a special weekend full of training, challenges and shared experiences.
Read more