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July 2025 by Susan Katz
Hidy Ochiai Karate of Northern Virginia provides an inspiring, traditional Japanese martial arts experience. When you enter the dojo you experience a beautiful, light, clean airy space. Everyone is kind, warm and welcoming.
Sensei Winkler is an amazing instructor. He is every where at once, helping each student learn karate at their own pace; developing their strengths. Sensei is especially engaged with the children. He challenges them....and us adults; while interacting in a fun, encouraging way. Everyone seems to grow their martial arts techniques right before your eyes. Training at Hidy Ochiai Karate is truly life changing.
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June 2025 by David zigas
What a remarkable school!
The website for Hidy Ochiai Karate – Northern Virginia -- hidyochiaikaratenova.com – says it teaches “Traditional Japanese martial arts at its highest level.” In my experience, Sensei William Winkler more than delivers on this promise.
What does traditional Japanese martial arts mean? It refers to a balance of physical training that can help boost strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, with mental focus that improves concentration, confidence and self-development.
Above all, the school emphasizes teaching based on individual capabilities, safety and respect for fellow students. Everyone starts at a different age and level of ability and is encouraged to progress at his or her own pace. In that regard, it is especially wonderful to see how kids connect with Sensei Winkler – his enthusiasm and passion for karate are contagious, and there are always beaming parents in attendance.
Even if you have never considered martial arts before, I believe it is worth a visit to Hidy Ochiai Karate – Northern Virginia. The school is a rare jewel, and you may just see your reflection.
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April 2025 by Gregory Crew
Training at this dojo has been an amazing experience. Sensei is a fantastic instructor. He is very knowledgeable and truly passionate about what he teaches. You can tell he really cares about his students and the art itself.
If you’re thinking about signing up, this is your sign to go for it! I’ve been taking classes for almost a year now, and I’m so glad I started this journey and found this dojo. The physical and mental skills and discipline you learn here are exactly what you’d want from a real traditional martial arts school.
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April 2025 by Arockiadass Irudayasamy
Great place to learn Karate, discipline, awesome lessons. Two of my kids been practicing for about an year now and continuing. Ofcourse should mention Master Sensi has an unimaginable energy and great way of teaching everyone to grow with care, guidance and attention.
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January 2023 by Teresia Nz
This is the most excellent Karate camp I've ever been! They're very friendly and experienced and also cautious with the everyone. They always wear a smile throughout the entire class. I just love watching them !!!
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January 2022 by Ashley Kear
What a great dojo! My son is 5 and attends the little pandas class. He has so much fun, especially with the obstacle course. Sensei Will and all the staff are SO patient and great with the little ones. The dojo is also impeccably clean, which as a healthcare professional I appreciate. I took karate growing up myself and I wanted my son to do so as well. I think we really lucked out finding this wonderful dojo. Thank you!
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January 2021 by Asha Madhu
This place is great. Very happy to get instruction from this martial arts school. :)
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January 2020 by Chris Neumann
I'm a dad who studied with Hidy Ochia in Upstate NY when I was a kid. I learned things then that I still utilize today. I was pleasantly surprised when I learned that there was a dojo in NoVA when I was looking for places for my son to study. I was even more surprised when I leaned that the legend Hidy Ochia still comes down once a month to teach. He is over 80 years old and still an amazing teacher. Sensei Winkler is just as awesome. He is patient with my 6 year old son but still holds him accountable for his learning. I would recommend this dojo to aspiring karate students of all ages. Their is truly nothing like it in NoVA.
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January 2019 by Valarie Kendall
We are beyond thrilled to have found such a wonderful class and teacher. Sensei Winkler instructs his students in karate but also with lessons that extend beyond the dojo. I am thrilled to see the principles of respect, strength, and gentleness that are taught in every class becoming a part of my daughter’s self image. She stands a bit straighter and is more calm and confident every day! I can offer no higher recommendation!
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January 2019 by Jen Diffenderfer
Fantastic experience with Hidy Ochiai's karate program. The Senseis are patient, thoughtful and a great influence on the class. Highly recommended!
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January 2018 by Keren Jayne Homes
My boys and I have been taking classes at Hidy Ochiai Karate for over a year now in the Little Pandas and Karate Do programs.If you are looking for an authentic program that will teach not only self defense, but most importantly confidence, respect, self control and discipline this is the place for you. Sensei Winkler does and excellent job of engaging with his students and challenging them to do their very own best.PS. He also teaches some kick a** kickboxing classes!
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January 2018 by Dionne Cornell
Our family enjoys being part of this wonderful Dojo. Sensei Winkler is highly trained and proficient, he has patience and provides a well balanced, structured martial arts experience.We practice Kata, Kumite and self defense techniques. We are also fortunate that Master Ochiai visits on a frequent basis from Headquarters in New York. Each visit from Osensei is a wonderful learning experience, he is an inspiration and wealth of knowledge to all.We are taught valuable life and self defense skills which are helping us all to get in shape. Our time spent together at class and practicing at home has had a positive effect on us all. It has been hard to find an activity that suits my husband and I and also our children given their age difference (7 & 16).We are so happy to be part of the Dojo, all of the students are friendly and welcoming.Would highly recommend to all seeking First Class Martial Arts training.The Cardio Kickboxing is also a great workout which the adults in the family can enjoy.
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January 2018 by Mark Thorpe
Many years ago I was fortunate to study with Master Ochiai in New York. He is a man of great character and dedication. Today, through Sensei William Winkler, Master Ochiai's teachings are being offered in Northern Virginia and I have been able to resume my study after a 36 year leave of absence. I have found that Mr. Winkler replicates Hidy Ochiai's dedication and teachings exactly and the community is very fortunate to have him here. Emphasis is on self improvement through traditional Japanese martial arts training where respect for one's self and others are the foundation. There is something for everyone (and every age group) in this school; from the simple desires of getting into better shape or learning how to defend yourself, or (as in my case) becoming a competent practitioner of Washin-ryu karate. There is no other school in the area offering this degree of authentic, traditional Japanese martial arts training. Finally, you'll have the opportunity to meet a living legend in Master Ochiai, who visits the school regularly.
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January 2018 by Sameer Verma
My son loves and respect Sensei very much. I would recommend it all who are looking for karate for their kids.
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January 2017 by Catherine Grant
I could not ask for a more comfortable, challenging, honest and supportive environment for my child to study traditional karate. Sensei Winkler is not only dedicated to sharing his knowledge, but is wholeheartedly devoted to developing, encouraging and inspiring his students. Frequent visits by Master Ochiai are awe-inspiring for the students. I know that this program, and the leadership of Sensei Winkler will have a lasting, positive impact on my child and serve her well for many years to come.
