Business Details
38 Years
experience
Award-Winning Martial Arts Training in Santa Barbara, CA
South Coast Karate has been a trusted leader in martial arts instruction for over 35 years, dedicated to empowering individuals through structured, values-driven programs. Founded by Chief Instructor Brian Jordan, our studio offers age-specific classes including Tiny Tigers (ages 3-6), Kid Power (ages 5-12), and traditional Goju-Ryu Karate for teens and adults. Recognized with the KEYT Children First Award and voted 'Best Martial Arts Studio' by the Santa Barbara Independent for four consecutive years, we emphasize mental focus, physical conditioning, and self-defense skills in a safe, respectful environment.Our community-focused approach includes school safety seminars, scholarship programs, and partnerships with local organizations to ensure accessibility for all. With decades of combined teaching experience, our certified instructors prioritize character development alongside technical proficiency, serving families across Santa Barbara County through multiple dojo locations and satellite programs in schools.
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Summer Camps
School Safety Seminars
Private Lessons
Community Programs
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of martial arts instruction experience
- Four-time 'Best Martial Arts Studio' winner by Santa Barbara Independent
- Community partnerships with schools and nonprofits
- Specialized programs for ages 3-16 with certified instructors
- Scholarship availability for financial accessibility
What people say
Dedicated instructors
Effective programs
Positive impact
Engaging seminars
Community involvement
Services
Martial Arts Classes
Structured martial arts instruction for all ages, focusing on Goju-Ryu techniques, mental discipline, and physical fitness. Classes promote respect, self-confidence, and safety awareness through progressive skill development. Ideal for families seeking character-building physical activity in a supportive environment.
School Safety Seminars
Interactive safety education programs addressing bullying prevention and stranger awareness. Delivered in schools through role-playing scenarios and practical demonstrations. Designed to equip students with conflict resolution skills and safety protocols while meeting educational standards for personal development.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer programs combining martial arts training with character-building activities. Features daily skill sessions, safety drills, and team-building exercises. Provides structured physical activity while reinforcing discipline and self-defense principles in a fun, engaging environment for ages 5-16.
Private Lessons
Customized martial arts instruction tailored to individual skill levels and goals. Available at our home dojo or on-location with flexible scheduling. Focuses on personalized technique refinement, accelerated learning, and specialized training needs for students seeking additional development opportunities.
Community Programs
After-school karate programs and fundraising initiatives for local schools. Includes curriculum-aligned character education and physical fitness components. Supports community development through accessible martial arts training and scholarship programs for underserved populations.
People
Brian Jordan
Chief Instructor / Founder
With 35+ years of martial arts experience, Brian Jordan founded South Coast Karate and developed the award-winning KID POWER program. Recognized for community impact through safety seminars and school partnerships.
Austin Elovitz
Lead Instructor
12+ years of teaching experience, specializing in program development and youth instruction. Former student turned lead instructor, focusing on structured curriculum and student engagement at multiple locations.
Anthony Sanchez
Lead Instructor
20+ years of martial arts expertise, teaching all levels with specialization in aerial techniques. Key instructor at Goleta's main dojo and after-school programs, emphasizing physical and character development.
Chris Martin
Senior Instructor
23+ years of training and teaching experience, holding a second-degree black belt. Specializes in discipline and perseverance instruction, with expertise in kenpo, kali, and Okinawan kobudo techniques.
Jenae Hodges
Instructor
17+ years of teaching experience, specializing in Tiny Tigers program. Combines child development expertise with martial arts instruction, currently pursuing academic studies in child development and business management.
Questions
What martial arts programs do you offer?
We offer Tiny Tigers (ages 3-6), Kid Power (ages 5-12), and traditional Goju-Ryu Karate for teens and adults, focusing on physical fitness and character development.
Are there community safety programs available?
Yes, we provide school safety seminars addressing bullying prevention and stranger awareness through interactive role-playing and practical demonstrations for students K-12.
Do you offer flexible payment options?
We have monthly programs starting at $99 with no hidden fees, plus scholarship opportunities and financial assistance for qualifying families.
What locations do you serve?
We operate in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Goleta, Buellton, and Lompoc with multiple dojo locations and satellite programs in local elementary schools.
Are private lessons available?
Private lessons are offered at our home dojo for $40/30 minutes or $60/hour, with on-location options available at additional travel cost.
Do you have summer programs?
Our summer camps combine martial arts training with character-building activities, available at $40/day or $149/week for ages 5-16 in Buellton.
