How long before soreness isn't so bad after working out?

I apologize if this has been posted before, but I couldn't find it.

I expect, and enjoy, a little muscle soreness after a good workout.  I just started taking karate again last week though, and after one hour-long workout (the head instructor is a slave driver, it's an awesome workout) I can't walk the next day and I need 3 days to really recover. 

Like I said, I don't mind a little soreness, but I need to be able to move!  How long am I looking at until this workout doesn't affect me so badly?

Depends on the exercise, but generally you should be fully adapted in 1-2 weeks of 2-3 times a week sessions. And remember to take your fish oil. Seriously - without taking it my DOMS lasts about a week, with it 2-3 days.

Personally, for me, I stop getting sore within a week or so of starting a new workout. But it depends how long it's been since I worked out regually, or how active I've been, that sort of thing.

Also, make sure you are stretching properly before and after you work out because this helps with soreness

Yeh two or three weeks sounds right, keep moving (brisk walks) especialy in the morning the day or two after walking or moving in genral seems to lossen me up again.