Martial arts Berlin
Karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai, BJJ, judo, or MMA: Which direction suits you? Shinzen specializes in Kyokushin Karate and helps you with initial orientation here.
Martial arts in Berlin
Anyone wanting to do martial arts in Berlin has many options — karate, judo, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA. Every martial art has its own focus, and not every one suits every goal.
The Shinzen Dojo Berlin does not offer all these disciplines, but is specialized in Kyokushin Karate. Therefore, we provide a transparent classification of the differences: Those specifically looking for boxing, BJJ, or classic kickboxing should choose a corresponding specialist school. Those looking for intensive stand-up fighting with karate structure, Kihon, Kata, and Kumite can take a closer look at Kyokushin.
On this page, we help you orient yourself in the Berlin martial arts scene. If you would like to know if Kyokushin suits you, arrange a free trial session.
What are you really looking for?
Not everyone looking for martial arts in Berlin is looking for the same thing. Choose the entry point that best fits your situation.
I am looking for intensive stand-up fighting
Strikes, kicks, conditioning, and controlled contact are important to you.
Understand KyokushinI am comparing martial arts
You are still undecided between karate, kickboxing, Muay Thai, judo, BJJ, taekwondo, or MMA.
Comparing martial artsI am looking for martial arts for my child
Age, training format, safety, and a sensible start are crucial to you.
Compare children's offerI am a complete beginner
You want to know if you need to be fit, have to fight immediately, or need equipment.
To the beginner's guideWhich martial art suits me?
An honest overview of the most important martial arts — neutral and without claiming one is 'the best'. The choice depends on your goals.
Kyokushin Karate
Standing combat · Punches & Kicks · Tradition
Japanese martial art with Kihon (basic technique), Kata (form patterns), and Kumite (combat practice). In Kyokushin, training is done with contact to the body.
Contact form: Full contact (advanced)
If you are looking for standing combat, traditional karate structure, the belt path, and long-term full contact.
Boxing
Punching techniques · Footwork · Conditioning
Classic combat sport with a focus on punching techniques, movement, and defense. Only punching techniques, no kicks.
Contact form: Full contact
If you want to focus on punching techniques, guard, footwork, and boxing sparring.
Kickboxing
Punches & Kicks · Combinations
Combines boxing techniques with kicking techniques. Dynamic and conditioning-intensive, popular as a fitness combat sport and for competition.
Contact form: Full to semi-contact
If you are looking for punches and kicks without the focus on Kata or belt traditions.
Muay Thai
Punches · Kicks · Knees · Elbows · Clinch
Thai combat sport with fists, kicks, knees, and elbows. Clinch work is a central component.
Contact form: Full contact
If you want to additionally train knees, elbows, and clinch as central elements.
Taekwondo
Kicks · Distance · Dynamics
Korean martial art with a strong focus on fast and high kicking techniques. Traditionally or strongly competition-oriented, depending on the school.
Contact form: Depending on the style, point to full contact
If spectacular kicking techniques, flexibility, and distance work are your priorities.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Ground combat · Joint locks · Chokes
Grappling system with a focus on ground combat and submission techniques. Technique takes precedence over strength, few punches.
Contact form: Grappling (no strike contact)
If you are looking for ground combat, position control, and submission grips instead of punch and kick training.
Judo
Throws · Gripping techniques · Ground combat
Japanese combat sport with a focus on throws, joint locks, and ground techniques. Without punches and kicks. Olympic discipline.
Contact form: Grappling (no strike contact)
If your priority is throws, grip combat, and ground techniques without punches and kicks.
MMA
Striking · Wrestling · Ground combat
Combination of striking, throwing, and ground techniques from various combat sports. Comprehensive, but no independent tradition like the individual styles.
Contact form: Full contact
If you want to combine striking, takedowns, and ground combat as comprehensively as possible.
Were you actually looking for kickboxing in Berlin?
Shinzen does not offer kickboxing. However, Kyokushin can be interesting if you are also looking for punches, kicks, intensive conditioning training, and sparring — but additionally want a traditional karate system with Kihon, Kata, belt ranks, and a clear long-term training path.
Kickboxing and Kyokushin: history and comparisonWhy Kyokushin at the Shinzen Dojo?
The Shinzen Dojo is not a multi-discipline gym. We teach Kyokushin Kyokushin Karate — a Japanese martial art with a clear structure: Kihon (basic technique), Kata (formal patterns), Kumite (fighting practice), and conditioning. The advantage of this specialization is a clear methodical line from entry to advanced training, examinations, and competition.
In Kyokushin, training is done with contact to the body. This distinguishes it from many other karate styles that only imply contact. This form of training demands physical and mental development — it is not for someone who just wants to do relaxed fitness. But it is not done unprepared: beginners are gradually introduced.
Anyone who trains Kyokushin, learns a tradition that has existed since 1964. The belt path provides structure, values like respect and discipline are not decoration, but part of the training.
Combat sports for Adults in Berlin
Adult training takes place at the Dojo Berlin-Schöneberg location, Kolonnenstraße 26 — Mondays and Thursdays, 20:30–21:45. Beginners without previous experience are welcome; training builds up step by step.
You can find the currently valid membership fees and conditions on the Membership page. USC, EGYM Wellpass and ClassPass are accepted — details can be found under USC & Wellpass.
Are you looking for sport instead of the gym?
Not everyone starts with the goal of becoming a karateka. Many adults are initially just looking for a regular athletic balance after work or study, want to get fitter, and don't want to train alone on machines.
Kyokushin can be interesting for this reason because physical training is combined with technique, partner work and a long-term learning path. However, it is not a fitness class with occasional martial arts elements: those who stay learn Karate with Kihon, Kata and gradually also Kumite.
Full-body exertion
Strength endurance, coordination, mobility and conditioning are all challenged together during training.
Focus after the daily grind
Technique and partner exercises require focus. For many, this is a clear counterbalance to the office, screen and studies.
More than a workout
You don't just train for the next session, but develop technique, control and experience over a longer period of time.
Martial arts for beginners in Berlin
Many who would like to start martial arts hesitate — because of a lack of experience, because they don't feel fit enough or because they don't know what to expect. These concerns are normal. Here is an honest answer to the most frequent questions before the first training session.
Do I have to be fit?
Fitness is not a requirement. You should be ready to be physically active — strength, endurance, and flexibility will come with training.
Do I have to fight immediately?
No. Kyokushin has a full-contact tradition: In advanced training and tournament fighting, training is done with real contact to the body — this differentiates the practice from many point-oriented karate formats. Getting started is built up in steps: first basic techniques (Kihon) without a partner, then partner exercises with controlled contact, then Kumite at your own pace. Kumite remains a fixed component in the long term — anyone training Kyokushin long-term should be prepared to engage with it. Injuries can never be completely ruled out in martial arts; training is carried out in a controlled manner with a focus on safety, but a residual risk remains.
What do I need?
For the trial session, comfortable sportswear and a water bottle are sufficient. You take off sneakers before stepping onto the mat. A karate-gi (uniform) is only added with regular training.
Do I need prior experience?
No. Kyokushin is suitable for beginners without any martial arts experience; techniques are taught from the very first day. You will learn the Japanese technical names during training — no one expects you to know them beforehand.
What if I can't keep up?
Everyone starts at their own level. Coaches adapt exercises to experience and training level; beginners are introduced to the routines step-by-step.
How does the first appointment work?
Come about 10–15 minutes early so you can be briefed and warm up before the training begins. You will be directly integrated into the training and will learn movements and sequences step-by-step.
Core message: You can start without any prior experience. You don't have to be fit already, but you should be prepared to be physically active and develop gradually. A Trial training will show you whether Kyokushin is right for you — with no obligation.
How is the training structured?
Kyokushin training at Shinzen Dojo consists of four pillars that can appear in every training session.
Kihon
Basic techniques: Stances, strikes, blocks, and kicks. Repetitive and precise — the foundation of every training session.
Kata
Fixed movement sequences against imaginary opponents. Trains technique, coordination, timing, and concentration.
Kumite
Partner and combat practice. Prepared step by step — from controlled practice to free fighting.
Conditioning
Strength, endurance, and physical resilience. Without equipment, using your own body.
Combat sports for different people
The Shinzen Dojo offers training for different age groups — at two locations, with different times. Here is an overview with links to the respective pages.
Adults
Training from 18 years in Berlin-Schöneberg, Mon & Thu 20:30 hrs. Beginners without prior experience welcome.
View adult karateWomen
Adult training is mixed. Women and men train together. There is no separate women's class.
View karate for womenChildren
Children from 5 years old in Berlin-Steglitz, on Saturdays. Small groups, playful learning, no full contact.
View Kids' KarateTeenagers
Teenagers aged 13 to 17 in Berlin-Steglitz, on Saturdays. Self-assertion and competition opportunities.
View youth karateMartial arts in Berlin Berlin-Schöneberg
Adult training takes place at the Dojo in Berlin-Schöneberg. The location is easily accessible by U7 and S-Bahn and is also aimed at adults from neighbouring districts like Friedenau, Tempelhof and Kreuzberg who are looking for consistent Kyokushin training in Berlin.
Kolonnenstraße 26, 10829 Berlin-Schöneberg
Adult training: Mon & Thu 20:30–21:45
Google Maps – Kolonnenstraße 26, 10829 Berlin-Schöneberg
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- Kleistpark (approx. 5 min. walk)
- Julyus-Leber-Brücke (approx. 8 min. walk)
- Kolonnenstraße
Martial arts in Berlin-Steglitz
Children and teenagers train on Saturdays in Berlin-Steglitz (Gardeschützenweg 57, 12203 Berlin) — three age groups from 5 to 17 years old, playful and age-appropriate, no full contact for children. The location is particularly relevant for families from Steglitz, Lichterfelde, Zehlendorf, Lankwitz and Friedenau who are looking for martial arts or karate for children in the south-west of Berlin.
Adult training only takes place in Schöneberg.
Who teaches at the Shinzen Dojo?
The Shinzen Dojo Berlin is led by Sensei Anh Son Le He has been training Kyokushin Karate since 2008 — starting with Sensei Yoshihiko Nakahata in Bremen, and from 2010 in Berlin under Shihan Ingo Freier.
He founded the Shinzen Dojo Berlin in 2019. Since 2020, he has represented the IKO World Zen-Kyokushin as the Germany representative. In 2025, he reached his 3rd Dan.
3rd Dan
Kyokushin Karate
Since 2008
Kyokushin experience
Since 2020
IKO World Zen-Kyokushin representative
Since 2019
Shinzen Dojo Berlin
Google Reviews
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
Martial arts guides
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 moreMartial arts Berlin explained
Martial arts in Berlin try it out for yourself
Comparisons help with orientation — but you will only know if Kyokushin is right for you once you experience a training session. Arrange a free trial training session, with no obligation.
Book a trial training