Bensonhurst, Brooklyn · Since 1972
Karate and Martial Arts Classes in Bensonhurst
Zen Goju Temple has taught karate in Brooklyn since 1972 - over fifty years in the same room at 2533 65th St, in Bensonhurst. We teach U.S.A. Goju, the system founded by Grandmaster Peter G. Urban, under head instructor Sensei Vladimir Ferdman.
Welcome to Zen Goju Temple, Urban Goju Hall #004, where tradition meets evolution. Rooted firmly in the rich legacy of U.S.A. Goju Karate, we honor the deep principles and techniques of this martial art, fostering discipline, respect, and strength. At the same time, we believe that martial arts is a constantly evolving practice, and we integrate the best aspects of other combat disciplines, including mixed martial arts, grappling, and Aiki JuJutsu. Our goal is to create well-rounded martial artists who are prepared for any challenge. Come train with us and discover how traditional techniques and innovative practices can work together to make you the best version of yourself.
A dojo, not a franchise
We pride ourselves in teaching U.S.A. Goju, the way Grandmaster Peter Urban taught us. Our dojo is a house of discipline where all martial artists, who want to train hard, are welcomed.
Zen Goju Temple has one address, one lineage, and a standard that has not moved in fifty years. There are places in Brooklyn where you sign a two-year contract at the door and collect a belt every ten weeks. This is not one of them.
That suits some people and not others, and we would rather you find out which before you pay us anything. Stand on the mat for an hour. You will know quickly.
Learn to defend yourself
Improve your fitness, strength, endurance, coordination and concentration. Gain confidence and peace of mind while enjoying the spirit of camaraderie and having fun. Fifty years in, that is still the tradition here.
Karate classes in Brooklyn, by age group
KidsAges 6–12
Children train in the same system, in the same room, as every student who has trained at this dojo. The pace is different; the standard is not.
TeenAges 13–16
Teenagers get treated as capable. The training is demanding and the expectations are clear, which is usually the point for anyone who walks in at this age.
AdultAges 17+
You do not need any experience to start. We welcome students of any skill level, starting from zero. Zen Goju Temple is a fighting school and there is sparring: Thursday is motion study sparring and Friday is harder. The lower rank sets the pace. Friday classes also teach conditioning and grappling.
Check the current schedule or call (718) 645-2402 and we will tell you what fits.
What you are actually learning
U.S.A. Goju was built by Grandmaster Peter G. Urban (1934–2004), who trained in Japan in the 1950s and founded his own American system in 1968. This dojo carries that line directly. Our lineage runs from Urban through Shihan Vincent Merenda, who led this dojo for decades, to the instructors teaching here now.
In practice that means kata, conditioning, and self-defense that is meant to work - taught in the order it has always been taught here, not a modernized sequence.
Karate is the core, but it is not the whole mat. What gets taught here across the week: karate, self-defense, wrestling, mma, grappling, aiki-ju-jutsu, strength training. There are also private sessions and self-defense for women.
Where to find karate classes in Bensonhurst
Brooklyn, NY 11204
(718) 645-2402
We are in Bensonhurst, and students travel in from Borough Park, Bath Beach, Dyker Heights, Mapleton and the surrounding blocks.
Common questions
Where in Brooklyn is the dojo?
2533 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11204 - in Bensonhurst. We have been at this address since 1972.
Do I need any experience to start?
No. Most adults who join have never trained before. Beginners are taught from the first movement and nobody is thrown in.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. You do not need a uniform to try a class - get one once you decide to stay.
How old do children need to be?
Children start at six. Teens are roughly 13 to 16 and adults 17 and up, but those are guidance rather than hard lines - Sensei Ferdman decides when a student is ready to move up, and teens of 14 and over sometimes train in the adult class.
How much do classes cost?
Call (718) 645-2402 and we will tell you straight away. Your first class is free either way.
Start with a free class
Prefer to talk? Call (718) 645-2402. Otherwise send this and we will get back to you.