Karate school · Moncks Corner, SC · reviewed since 2013
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%84+58.2Reliability 31%77+23.7Momentum penalty89−1.1Experts Score= 81Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.81SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#19 of 21 martial arts schoolsiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 10%
4.8★★★★★26 Google reviews · 12 photos
96%five-star reviews
4.76★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
5%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate Japan Karate Institute 4.8 out of 5 based on 26 reviews, with the owner responding to 65 percent. Customers frequently praise the school for fostering discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills in children, while also noting reasonable pricing, flexible scheduling, and effective communication regarding belt testing schedules. A recurring criticism in low-star feedback involves an instructor's unprofessional conduct during a trial class, specifically citing inappropriate behavior and discussions about violence in front of students.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 26 reviews (96% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 26 Google reviews (20 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 65% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 16, 2026.
Service: Martial Arts School serving Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated November 3, 2026.
Score profile vs other martial arts schools
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
Japan Karate InstituteMartial Arts Schools median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Japan Karate Institute: 84/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
84
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Japan Karate Institute: 77/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.B
77
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 90.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Japan Karate Institute: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
89
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 87.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
26 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars2596%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star14%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 20 written reviews
82%praise
Praise982%
Complaints218%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
5topics
Would recommend436%
Staff & attitude327%
Price & value218%
Communication19%
Honesty & trust19%
What customers talk about
We read 20 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The instructors are great and I highly recommend it for young and old.”
“Sensei's are amazing and very talented and very helpful with all the students.”
“Great price and good communication, they test for belts at good intervals and my son loves em.”
“This is a great program- not only for self-defense but self discipline, integrity, etc.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
JJacqueline6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
I absolutly love this for my daughter!!!! She has been in Japan Karate for a little bit more than a year and she never wants to miss a day. Camps are the best also, great for kiddos you want to keep off their phones and tablets.
GGregory3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 6 months ago★★★★★
This is a great program- not only for self-defense but self discipline, integrity, etc.
LLauren2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★
I have no idea how this place has so many 5 star reviews. We took our child for a trial class and lasted all of 5 minutes before pulling him out of there. The instructor was incredibly unprofessional and did not set a good example for children at all. He was encouraging disrespecting teachers and was discussing…
Jjason9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
My son has absolutely grown in so many ways since beginning classes here. Discipline, focus, teamwork, strength, etc... Great fun too. Sensei's are amazing and very talented and very helpful with all the students. I would recommend to everyone of any age. 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
MMary3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
My son is enjoying his time and classes. He is learning discipline and self defense and making new friends. The instructors are awesome.
JjesusLocal Guide · 32 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 7 months ago★★★★★
My son absolutely loves it. He keeps talking about it everyday. Classes keep them entertained and focused.
I absolutly love this for my daughter!!!! She has been in Japan Karate for a little bit more than a year and she never wants to miss a day. Camps are the best also, great for kiddos you want to keep off their phones and tablets.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are thrilled to hear how much your daughter enjoys karate and that she has been part of Japan Karate Institute for over a year. It means a lot to us to know that she looks forward to coming each day.
We are also glad she enjoys our camps. Providing children with a fun, active environment where they can build friendships, learn new skills, and spend less time on screens is something we take great pride in. Thank you for trusting us with your daughter and for being part of the JKI family.
G
Gregory Ramsey3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gregory has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This is a great program- not only for self-defense but self discipline, integrity, etc.
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you, Gregory! We truly appreciate your kind words. Building self-defense skills is important, but just as valuable are the discipline, integrity, and confidence our students develop along the way. We're grateful to have your family as part of our community!
L
Lauren2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lauren has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have no idea how this place has so many 5 star reviews. We took our child for a trial class and lasted all of 5 minutes before pulling him out of there. The instructor was incredibly unprofessional and did not set a good example for children at all. He was encouraging disrespecting teachers and was discussing violence in classrooms right in front of the children. When it was time for class to begin he told the children to go play a game. He didn’t even bother getting off the bench to begin class. He didn’t provide any instruction for how to play the game, even though it was our child’s first time there. He didn’t introduce the children to one another. Overall, just a very poor experience and I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone looking for positive role models, structure or character building for your child.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Lauren,
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m very sorry for what you and your child encountered during your visit—that is not the standard of professionalism, structure, or positive leadership we are committed to providing.
What you described is concerning, especially in a first class setting where students should feel welcomed, guided, and supported. We take pride in teaching respect, discipline, and strong character, and I sincerely apologize that this was not reflected during your trial.
Please know that your feedback is being taken seriously and will be addressed directly with our team. Situations like this are not taken lightly, and we are committed to ensuring they are corrected immediately.
I would truly appreciate the opportunity to make this right. If you’re open to it, I would love to personally invite your child back for a complimentary class with one of our senior instructors so you can experience the structure and positive environment we are known for. You can reach us directly at 843-408-0503 or reply here, and I will personally make the arrangements.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and I hope we have the chance to earn back your trust.
J
jason litchfield9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews jason has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son has absolutely grown in so many ways since beginning classes here. Discipline, focus, teamwork, strength, etc... Great fun too. Sensei's are amazing and very talented and very helpful with all the students. I would recommend to everyone of any age. 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for the kind words, Jason! We’re incredibly proud to hear how much your son has grown in discipline, focus, teamwork, and strength since starting classes. That’s exactly what we strive for every day. We’re grateful to have your family as part of our dojo and truly appreciate your recommendation. Looking forward to seeing his continued progress on the mat! 🥋
M
Mary Clark3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son is enjoying his time and classes. He is learning discipline and self defense and making new friends. The instructors are awesome.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for the kind words, Mary! We’re so glad to hear your son is enjoying his classes and building discipline, learning self-defense, and making new friends along the way. That’s exactly what we aim for. We appreciate your support and are grateful to have your family as part of our dojo! 🥋
E
Eli Dauphin5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Eli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you for the 5 stars, Eli! We’re glad to hear your son has been enjoying his time at the dojo. It’s always great to see our students having fun while learning and growing through their karate training. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing him in class! 🥋
J
Jade Shoreh11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jade has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Thank you so much, Jade! We’re glad you love it here. We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have you as part of the JKI dojo community. Looking forward to seeing you at the dojo! 🥋
J
jesus ZavalaLocal Guide · 32 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews jesus has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My son absolutely loves it. He keeps talking about it everyday. Classes keep them entertained and focused.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for the great review, Jesus! We love hearing that your son is enjoying his classes and talking about karate every day. Keeping students engaged, focused, and excited to learn is exactly what we strive for. We’re grateful to have your family as part of the dojo and look forward to seeing him continue to grow on the mat! 🥋
M
Mike KahnLocal Guide · 214 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mike has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Very good with our son. Very reasonable and flexible. They care.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for the kind words and the 5 stars, Mike! We truly appreciate your support. We care deeply about our students and families, and we’re grateful to have you as part of our dojo community! 🥋
M
Martin MurphyLocal Guide · 14 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Martin has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I've been a student at JKI since 2020 and absolutely love it! The instructors are great and I highly recommend it for young and old. I've studied at a few dojos in my life and JKI Moncks Corner is the best by far.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you for the kind words, Mr. Martin! We truly appreciate your support and dedication since joining us in 2020. It means a lot coming from someone who has trained at multiple dojos. We’re grateful to have you as part of the JKI Moncks Corner family and look forward to many more years of training together! 🥋
