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Martial arts classes near you

We list kids’ martial arts programs from across the country. Find your city in the list below and browse programs in your area.

Search martial arts classes in ANY CITY   

More than just after-school programs

Classes are just one way to advance through belts in a martial arts discipline. Here are other ways kids can immerse themselves in martial arts.

What will your child learn in martial arts programs

Here's a quick overview of what kids learn in the variety of martial arts classes listed on our site. Consult each program for specifics of what they offer. 

Self-control. Flexibility, coordination, spatial awareness, and physical strength are all part of martial arts programs. Kids explore various ways their body moves and, as a result, they gain greater physical and mental control over themselves. Through this, kids recognize where their physical strength lies and apply this knowledge in other areas of daily lives.

Self-defense. Martial arts are the path to self-defense. Students' focus is on protecting themselves from harm. Safe blocking practices are used in these programs, allowing kids to stay protected in class. They feel empowered by their improved physicality and their knowledge of how to defend themselves. 

Perseverance. Acquiring belts in any martial art comes with perseverance and patience. Programs encourage students to rebound from mistakes, and to push forward with their training and development. They internalize the value of independence, perseverance, and self-discipline.

Transferable physical skills. The flexibility, control, and strength acquired in martial arts programs can apply to other activities. Sports such as hockey, soccer, or even dance all need discipline, control, and commitment, to which kids can transfer skills.

Discipline. Martial arts programs focus on fun while requiring regular discipline. Kids are taught to refrain from flaunting using skills aggressively. In order to rise through belt levels, kids need to practice on their own and drive themselves to improve. 

The benefits of martial arts programs

Promotes fitness maintenance.  Each martial arts program promotes active living. Kids take part in various exercises, stretches, and drills that boost adrenaline. Personal exposure to the benefits of keeping active enhances children’s overall health and wellbeing. A love of martial arts can be carried into adulthood.

Satisfies kids’ need for energy release. Whether it’s a before- or after-school program, martial arts satisfies kids’ need to burn energy. Meditation and physical exercises taught in these programs allow kids to better understand their personal energy and how to use it wisely.

Raises leaders and helpers. Classes are led by strong, insightful, constructive leaders and young martial artists develop leadership skills as they observe. Social skills, responsibility, and emotional awareness are promoted in these classes. This growth will be useful to kids in class but also in school and work.

Focus on improving character. A child’s character definitely improves as a result of martial arts programs. They learn about empathy, responsibility, respect for others, and for themselves. Martial arts are rooted in philosophies that are holistic, aimed toward enlightenment through consistent practice. Development of a deep character from an early age gives kids advantages throughout life. 

Creates community. Kids approach martial arts individually, but peers are a great source of feedback and encouragement. They progress naturally alongside people their age. Through this, kids create a community that provides space for them to grow and be themselves.

Questions to ask martial arts teachers 

When reviewing martial arts classes, here are some questions to ask. These will help you sort through options and find the class that can best help your child.: 

1. What safety precautions are in place for accidents or injuries?
2. How long have they been teaching?
3. Do instructors have training in working with children and are they all police-checked?
4. Will uniforms or specific outfits be required? Where can I purchase these items?
5. How much practice is recommended?

Other camps and programs you might also be interested in

We also list camps and programs focused on specific martial arts as well as those that can help develop skills and strength that benefit martial arts training.  See our recommendations below:

Karate camps focus on this most famous and influential of martial arts. Karate is the art of "the open hand," focusing on linear, harder movements.  

Taekwondo camp focus on this powerful form of martial arts, originated in Korea. It can be said to be more physical than some other forms, as it involves using one’s leg, feet, arms, and hands. 

Yoga classes for kids, yoga camp, or meditation camp are all worthy complements to martial arts, giving kids a focus on stretching and breathing that comes from these disciplines.

Sports camp is ideal for martial artists who want to increase flexibility and leg strength. Some examples of camps that work the right muscles include soccer camp, skating camp, and gymnastics camp.   

Combine this with advice from the rest of our guide:

Sources and further reading

"How to pick the best martial arts class for your child." Claire Gagne. Todaysparent.com.

"How To Keep Your Child Motivated In Martial Arts." Evolve-mma.com

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Martial arts classes are there?
There are 10 programs specializing in Martial Arts. In addition, there are 4 programs offering martial arts as an activity. Use the filters to narrow by age and program type, then click on matched programs to see daily activities, dates, rates and registration information.

What are the fees to attend Martial arts classes?
Fees for Martial arts classes range from $55 to $550 per program (program types and lengths vary). Use the filters here to narrow programs by age and type.

What age do Martial arts classes start at?
There are programs available for children aged 4 through 16.

Where can parents meet with Martial arts classes?
Meet with program directors and staff at the Our Kids Camp & Program Expo. The Expo is held annually in February, and is a fun and informative day for parents, kids, and teens. Find event details and free tickets here.