Best Karate Classes Washington Near Me

Kisha DeSandies Lester: Earlier this spring, I was looking for a martial arts academy for my five year old son, who was about to start kindergarten. My husband and I wanted to help him get used to being about other kids, since he had been in quarantine for over a year with little to no other time to play with kids his age. We also wanted to instill confidence, respect and self-control and believe that mixed martial arts is a good way to achieve that. I had planned on starting our son in a program in the fall, but as I looked for summer camp programs, I discovered Fort Washington United (FWU). Initially, we wanted to make sure that our son could keep up with the summer program and the evening classes. The staff was great is working with us and our son to assess his ability and we were able to register him for 5-6 weeks of summer camp and the daily martial arts classes. Our son LOVES FWU! He enjoys the structure and working with the coaches and all of the moves that he learns each week. He also is making friends with the other students. Because our son doesn’t attend school nearby, we are not enrolled in the after school program, but we would if we could. Martial arts has given our son confidence and he’s excited to practice his moves at home to anyone who will watch! The summer camp was simply phenomenal! Our son loved the weekly themes, lessons and field trips they went on. The coaches taught the kids important values and taught them how to speak up, be respectful, be responsible, and be a good citizen of the academy. We also loved how the kids worked in teams, by age and presented their projects each week. We were blown away that our 5-year-old was doing PowerPoint presentations and building airplanes and coming up with business plans. There is also a wonderful education track during the summer camp week and after-school program to help keep your child learning at their grade level and beyond (if they are able to). This summer camp also prepared him for the social aspects of kindergarten (eating lunch, playing with others, transitions to different activities, keeping up with your personal items, etc.) I read a review about how this program may not be for younger kids. I would say that it would depend on the child. My son has thrived at FWU. He was one of the youngest kids in the summer program and he did great! He also is inspired and motivated by the older kids, and teens who help with the summer camp. I also think that a lot of our kids need to get a little real-world consequences for their actions when they don’t follow the rules. My son is motivated by that and the point system is an appropriate tool in the academy setting. He doesn’t like losing points because other kids on his team aren’t listening, so he tries to be a leader and example, which we like to see. Overall, I have and will continue to recommend FMU to parents. It’s a safe and nurturing place to have your kids. The staff (Steve, Nicole, Karen, Jason, Charles) are all upbeat and keep you informed on what’s going on. I love how Coaches Jason and Charles are with my son and all the kids. We love that Steve and Nicole are veterans and they have made the decision to pour into the lives of kids. Karen is always helpful, pleasant and supportive every time I see her. My husband and I have been really happy with the decision to enroll our son in this program.

Dawn Washington: I am the mom of a special needs child. I was very hesitant to put him in martial arts. I’m glad we did, best decision we ever made! Grappling and striking have boosted my sons self esteem. During summer camp, the group went on museum tours. Each week had a educational theme. They learned coding, finance principles and received points for each book they read over the summer. The points could be used for toys and games. Now that school has started, the focus is on homework. I worried the staff wouldn’t be one on one with my son for his studies so I didn’t bother sending his homework. Imagine my surprise when his teacher sent multiplication homework home and my son already knew it! He’d work with staff using Kahn academy. Great place, great staff!!!

Jazmin Simms: I highly recommend UMAA. My son Mason has attended the after school program for almost 2 years now and I could not be more thankful to the coaches and staff. Since attending, Mason has become a lot more confident, disciplined and an overall better student. The coaches and staff care a lot about the kids and always go the extra mile to help whether it’s with training or homework.

Steven Hoang: The United Martial Arts Academy has classes for the entire family! The classes are great for people of all ages that want to learn top rated self defense and get fit! The kids have a ton of fun during classes! I would recommend this gym to anyone again and again!

Charmicielle Goodine: This establishment does not know how to handle primary children. The punishment for a 5 year old should not be the same for a 12 year old. The point system that the children are on is very subjective. And thinking that a 5 year old should have the same responsibility as a 12 year is ridiculous. It is probably a great establishment for older students but not for younger children.

fairlane urbina: My son goes to UMAA to their after school program. The coach never misses a day to update us that my son got picked from school, in the van and when they’re in school. We celebrated my son’s 11th birthday at UMAA and the theme was Nerf Blast. The party was a “BLAST” all kids had a great time and the staffs did a “BLAST” job! I highly recommend this school. Not only they love what they do, but they care the well being of their students.

Jaquan Butler: United Martial Arts Academy is great environment to build a foundation for martial arts. With a diligent staff and wonderful community it is an excellent environment for learning, guaranteed to instill the calmness and confidence needed to succeed.

Gideon Culman: Nothing but high praise for DC Aikido! I joined the studio last summer for two reasons: to work up a sweat and to use aikido as a physical prism that casts new light on the conversations I conduct day-in, day-out for work as a life coach. From day 1 it has superseded my expectations in the following ways: Everybody is supportive. Anytime I have been stuck, somebody has been there to show me the way. The instructors are eager and attentive. The sparkle on the sheen of DC Aikido’s bright culture is its students, who patiently and respectfully help bring less advanced students to their next level. Every lesson is enlightening. Each class points to new ways I can better serve my clients. Whether we study balance, flexibility, striking or grabbing, not a single lesson goes by without offering up new insights. These insights translate immediately into more adroit and powerful conversations – and satisfied clients.

Shah Alom Khokon: Good for kids.

lynn simmons: Great service!

Aaron Williams: My son began his path here two years ago. I have to say, this has been a fantastic experience for us both. He looks forward to his training and practices constantly at home. Thank you Master Middleton for give this great learning environment for all people young and old.

Stephania Gomez: DCSDKA has been the best investment for my son! They allow parents to participate alongside their children for the first few months to ensure the child adapts well. I was pleasantly surprised to know that my son was not only learning new technical skills, but was also being taught values and life lessons. The staff/instructions are very friendly, professional, organized, and thorough. I had tried two other martial arts organizations for my son but they always lacked structure and DCSDKA definitely has that! As far as the location I have lived in Brightwood for 25 years and was not pleased to see it being described as “ghetto”. The negative comments are simply not true. There is a fire station on the same block, plenty of parking. DC is a city where you will find a mix of businesses.I have never felt unsafe. Highly recommend!!

Justin Hunt: Great experience both for myself and for my family. We started with my son taking classes in the family class and I enjoyed it so much I later started the adult class. I have found it to be both a good workout and a challenging activity that I am improving at thanks to the instructors encouragement and ability to offer useful feedback. I also love the positivity of instruction and the life lessons Sensei does as part of the kids class, teaching self-respect, confidence and ways to deal with the challenges our kids face in school and the world.

V V: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, ValueThis is a great and welcoming community of karate players. It has a good mix of all levels. Instructors are very knowledable and care about the students and their development. The kids and adults classes are excellent. I would definitely recommended it for beginners and those with karate experience.

Kei Agajani: Super authentic, they put a lot of work into teaching it correctly.

Anthony Lin: Very good instructors in my opinion! Also, sometimes games of dodge ball needed.

M B Delissaint: Awesome place to learn. They do well in balancing between strict regimenand and patience with young kids.

Claudia Escobar: Great teachers and methods. Kids just loose to go and learn new techniques!

Kenny Hensley: I found Sensei Nick by chance after a 20 year break from training. Kyokushin is my life!! This dojo is my family. Sensei Nick is absolutely incredible. No one in the dojo would trade him for the world. He is amazing. He knows what he is doing and will show in the training. He has a passion that is displayed in the dojo. If you want to try karate then this is the place!! It will change your life. Osu!! Sensei Nick Toma!!

Ivan Moore: This is an amazing Taekwondo studio! My two sons and I took classes at Yong Studios over a number of years. The instructors are top notch and break down the difference kicks, punches, blocks, forms, etc. so they are easier to learn and you can develop good technique. They vary the different activities in different classes to keep it interesting. Their emphasis on physical fitness, stretching and mental focus helps their students. I love how they incorporate some kickboxing elements in their instruction, which results in even better self defense techniques. The instructors command respect, but have developed a real family friendly atmosphere. I have moved away from the DC area and Yong Studios is one of the things I miss the most! Tip: You really need to commit to coming to class at least 2-3 times per week to see the best results.

Jim LoScalzo: My kids have gone to Yong Studios for more than ten years—I can’t recommend them enough. Founder Master Kim and teacher Master Surage offer fun, empowering, no-nonsense training for a variety of ages. One aspect I find especially appealing: kids are required to leave the horseplay at the door. If you don’t behave, you get called out. Also, advanced belts do get to spare in full protective gear. For my kids, Taekwondo is now more than a martial art—it’s a lifestyle. And Yong Studios is more than a studio—it’s an institution.

David Blair: This is the first martial arts school I ever attended. I left the District ten years ago and have trained in more schools than I care to count, but this remains the unqualified gold standard by which I judge all others. No other school I have attended matches Yong Studios in the thoroughness or precision of the instruction. What sets Yong Studios apart, in my view, is that the instructors explicitly break down each technique into its constituent parts and explain how each part should be performed, and how it adds to the greater whole. Most instructors simply demonstrate a round kick once or twice and expect the students to replicate the movement. This leads to a lot of very, very sloppy technique, particularly among the lower belts. Yong Studios instructors explicitly perform each step of the technique and insist that students learn these steps individually before attempting to perform the entire movement. This means that learning each technique takes more time, but it also means that when the student learns a technique, he or she learns it correctly. I can assure you, that’s something that far too few studios can boast. As a wise man once said, if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

Bill Peyser: I can’t say enough good things about Yong Studios. Master Kim and Master Surage have developed and sustained a fantastic Tae Kwon Do program grounded in friendship, respect, knowledge, honesty, discipline, and strength. These values are apparent in the way they run the studio and instruct the students. Yong Studios offers a great combination of traditional Tae Kwon Do along with practical sparring training. Even though repetition is key to learning, retaining, and perfecting martial arts skills, every class is unique and offers just the right balance of stretching and fitness training. Both masters have the unique ability to demonstrate techniques, break them down step-by-step, explain their rationale and application, and fold them into the curriculum. I highly recommend this studio to kids, teens, and adults.

Jack Cantlay: The instruction is top notch. Your instructors are amazing and follow a coherent system of training so that each week is a new thing. The gym culture is very friendly and welcoming but I still feel like I can get competitive live rolls. It really matters that your instructors are so friendly. That goes a long way. But they still push me! I love the balance.

Thuhuong Dao: - Coach to child ratio was excellent. - Coaches did a great job working the room and - working with each child/group. - Introduction/greet for my children’s first class was great and energetic. - Disciplining the students during class was thorough and appreciated. - Dismissal of students was organized (liked how the coach only let the kids go when he say the parents).

Tara Trinity: Coach Carlos, coach D, everyone is amazing. We love Beta!!!! My son has come into an environment that supports him and is compassionate as well as disciplined. The diversity is something I was personally looking for, and that’s something that is even more a bonus.

Tim .G: We were in DC on vacation and they welcomed us in for open mat, even stayed later to roll. Coach Gabriel was awesome. Awesome facility! Super friendly community! I definitely recommend!

Tyrone Calvin: I’m no strange to BETA academy and every time I go, I leave better than I arrived. Everyone is very friendly and professional. The Brazilian Ju Jitsu class is informative and state of the art in self defense.

CJ Francis: I love the welcoming culture, the high level and clarity of instruction, the daily availability of no gi classes as well as gi. Also the ample amount of time given for both drilling and sparring.

Saron Dessalegn: Friendly Coaches are willing to help and give good instructions!! Definitely recommend for a great education in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu.

Carene Simon: Full Circle Martial Arts Academy provides an amazing program for the community! The staff and instructors foster a family atmosphere that is welcoming and friendly. They are very professional and teach respect and self confidence. I highly recommend this school. Plus, they are COVID-19 conscious.

Rob Smith: Having been involved with martial arts prior to being introduced with Full Circle, I had a subconscious expectation all martial arts training being somewhat the same. Any notion I previously had has been far, far exceeded!! The focus on all participants having a high level of moral values, respect for all people as well as respect for martial arts, the intentionality around family/ the spirit of family being a cornerstone of that community and the community at large, the commitment to young people being molded into well-disciplined, respectful, intelligent, strong citizens, all those characteristics and more, have made the Full Circle environment a place that I trust having my family develop, fellowship, and interact on many levels. Great, highly recommended institution!!

Azeb Kinder: When I visited Full Circle in February (2020) , I was apprehensive about taking up martial arts at my age and with no experience. During that first visit everyone was so warm and welcoming, they answered all of my questions and made me feel comfortable and confident. I’ve been training with them ever since. Grand Master Scott and the Guros are amazing instructors and it truly feels like family!

Diane Cannon: My son have been attending Full Circle Martial Art twice week for a years and he has been doing well. It was a family decision to put my son into martial arts program so he could learn how to protect himself and build up his confidence. Full Circle has met all my expectation for my son. There are professional people work there and a great men and women who are good mentors for young people. I will be looking into summer camp for my daughter. I do recommend this school for any child.

Shanietta Muhammad: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueI love Full Circle Martial Arts Academy. From the moment you walk in it feels like family. The instructors are GREAT and the atmosphere is very nurturing. My only regret is not bringing my family there sooner.

Hope Cruz Clark: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueFull Circle is for everyone - young and old, male or female. They do not just teach self-defense, but they also help builds self-esteem and grow leaders. The school is a family atmosphere and the owner consistently gives back to the community. Check them out and I promise that you will be glad that you did.

Jehaan R: Yong Studios has been a part of my life for over 15 years now. I came in as an awkward 7 year old with zero coordination, no confidence, and no friends. I’m proud to say I now actually have all of those things thanks to Master Kim and Master Surage, and what they’ve built here. They make this place feel like home, and I’m a happier, stronger, more confident person because of it. If you’re looking for a place for your kid to grow in a safe space with incredible instructors and mentors, choose Yong Studios. If you’re looking for a place to continue or start your Taekwondo journey as an adult, this is it, you will not find a better studio (trust me, I’ve tried).

_ olival: Exceptional teachers make this studio great. Masters Kim and Surage combine technical expertise and high expectations for students with humor, warmth, and genuine joy in interacting with young people. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate that this studio has been almost a 2nd home for our son over the past decade, as he has grown from a skinny and fidgety 7 year old into the strong, confident high school senior he is today. If you are a parent looking for a safe place for your child to grow and thrive--Yong Studios is it!

serena loscalzo: Tae kwon do at Young studios has changed my life. I started going there when I was five years old, and I’ve never stoped going there since. They inspire they’re students to work hard in the studio, and out. During COVID, I have needed them more than ever to stay in shape, and luckily, they have installed safety measures such as mask wearing, sanitation, and social distancing. If you are not comfortable with going in studio, they have online classes.

Jada Fife: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueI recently switched to going to Yong Studios Bethesda as opposed to the studio in Tenleytown. Although the space is different, the same quality instruction and community is still there even in this pandemic. Classes are limited so that students can social distance and everyone wears masks. Also, parking is plentiful.

John Hansen: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueExcellent classes with instructors who have adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic with online and in-person (with masks) instruction that has been essential to staying in shape and learning new skills in this difficult period.

Madeline Taub: Best studio in the area! The instructors really care about the students and create a community that will make you want to keep coming back. Great for children and adults!

Rock Madari: The best judo club in the DC area. Exceptional instruction for beginner through advanced inOlympic style ,kodokan judo. Priced right.

Joshua Ogboenyiya: I have been a member at pentagon for about 3 years now and I can’t think of a better gym to train at. All the coaches take their time explaining the different techniques, and they really have an attention for detail. I can tell this is more than fitness and being in shape. Everyone at pentagon truly wants students to grow and improve as martial artists. Everyone is warm and inviting and you can immediately get the feeling of a community among the student, coaches, and staff. I would recommend training at pentagon to anyone who has thought about joining a gym but hasn’t taken the leap yet – you won’t regret it.

B: Thoroughly enjoyed my time at PMMA over the course of 3-4 years. Was a great way to keep in shape while learning self defense arts. Also a great way to keep yourself humble while sparring against other focused driven individuals. Can’t recommend enough. Coaching staff was also excellent abs they kept the place clean and tidy.

Carl Weis: After looking at several MMA gyms in the area, I decided to give Pentagon MMA a try. Their involvement in the community and kids programs are what appealed to me at first, because I was looking for a place that my 4 year old could attend, but it was everything else about this gym that convinced me to start training there as well. This place is awesome! The staff, instructors, and students are very professional, friendly, and welcoming. I have seen so much improvement with my son and his behavior after going here, and I have seen huge improvement in my training as well. I cannot say enough good things about this gym. If you are looking to get into martial arts, Muay Thai, Brazilian Ju Jitsu, or any of their other programs you owe it to yourself to try it out. I promise you won’t regret it. You will get into the best shape of your life, and will be part of a family that encourages you to be your best self inside and outside of the gym. You will make friends and above all you will build habits that last. Thank you for everything that you do. I’m proud to represent Pentagon MMA and recommend it to everyone I know.

Eleanor D: I came to Pentagon MMA after trying a few other martial arts gyms in the area and immediately liked the atmosphere, the classes, and the people. The trial program was awesome, and I signed up to start the second I finished it. While I love the Muay Thai classes, and how they push you outside your comfort zone and work every part of your body, the best thing about this place is the community they have cultivated. There’s no better place to train!

Celine Ferguson: This gym is amazing! The staff is friendly, professional, and incredible at what they do. They’ve made me feel welcome since day one and really do their best to make sure you understand the technique & train hard. In just a few months I’ve learned so much and still feel physically challenged every time I walk in. I highly recommend pentagon MMA.

Nicholas Hunter: I started at Pentagon MMA when I was only 11 years old in the young warriors program. Ever since I started the instructors there focused on teaching not only martial arts but discipline and respect too. They made sure to push everyone in the class and to make sure they learned not only martial arts but life lessons as well. I am now 18 and still attend classes at pentagon MMA however, now they are the adult classes. The instructors make the classes a lot of fun for everyone while also pushing us to become better. The environment at pentagon MMA is one of the best things about the gym. Everyone is so nice and always willing to help, it’s just one big friend group where everyone has fun.

Rachel Wang: The community at DMA was incredibly welcoming even for beginners -- people remembered my name and gave me helpful tips from the very first class I attended. Not only do they have boxing and muay thai classes, they also have weekly yoga, which I really appreciated. Definitely recommend checking out this community, even if you’re a beginner like me!

Gerald Bryant: Pros: The gym offers a good variety of martial arts with instructors that are very knowledgeable and lead great classes.Cons: Gym is smaller so make sure to schedule classes enough ahead of time to ensure a slot in the class.

Andrew Turner: My girlfriend and I attended a free trial class the other day. At first we were both nervous and confused, but this was partly because we showed up late and without signing our waivers yet. When we jumped in we felt a bit out of place, but that changed quickly. I have a small amount of experience but my girlfriend has next to none but we both found the MMA class to be accommodating (especially with the kind and patient instructor). Overall, a wonderful environment with quality equipment, great people, and excellent instruction.

Laura Gross: Positive: QualityI really enjoy my classes at this gym, everyone is so welcoming. For a new person just getting into martial arts all my instructors were super supportive and provided clear direction. Whether you are looking to change up your workouts or learn a new skill I would highly recommend giving this gym a try.

Gori Olufon: I go to District Martial Arts for Brazilian Juijitsu, BJJ and it is excellent.The coaches are knowledgeable and encouraging and the facility is beautiful. I’m really looking forward to the new Judo class! Here’s to another amazing year!

Kristin Torkelsen: My daughter has been with Kaizen Karate for 10 years. She currently attends 5 classes/week and is about to get her black belt soon. This isn’t some cookie-cutter karate where you earn a belt by paying money and/or showing up. This school teaches real karate and how to fight, compete, respect one another, build integrity and confidence... my daughter is 15 and calls this her family. She also attends the summer camp which she tells me is her favorite time of the year. Great place. Great instructors.

Christopher Arnold: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueThis is an outstanding program! I recommend it for the youth program. Also a chance for adults to participate too! Great chance to bond and do something together!!

Mark Saltman: Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, ValueThis is really a fantastic organization. Instruction from caring, positive teachers who seek to uplift and motivate students.

Karina Guzman: This is the 2nd time that they cancel my daughters yoga class for the whole semester. They literally let you know the day of. Worst company ever

Katrina Roux-Bernstein: Positive: Professionalism, Quality, ValueWe have had excellent experiences with this company. My son has been doing this for a while now and we are very happy

Paola Martinez: Kogaion Academy is one of the best places that I’ve been trained Judo at. They helped me improve my Judo skills for my next competition. I even drove 8 hours just to train with them with my family!

Gary Hilleshiem: Outstanding school. Instructors had high level detail and value added in transitions and drills throughout the entire class. Students were encouraging, welcoming friendly to visitors. If you are in the area and looking to start jiujitsu or just visiting do yourself a favor and check this place out.

Isra Harahap: The perfect and complete martial arts dojo!! I considered my self lucky to find Kogaion Academy, it is the perfect and complete gym with a bargain price. This a dojo where you can workout as a beginner, an experienced martial arts practitioner, or you can be a competitor it you want test what you have learned. You can get great training and instructions everyday and in a very safe environment. Victor and Beatrice are great instructors with attention to details and will work and engage with you individually in the class, it feels like you are getting a private lesson. There are very few gyms that will teach you Judo and Brazilian Jujitsu the combination gives you the knowledge to safely take your opponent/attacker from standing to the ground and controlling the person on the ground. You can come to workout at the dojo everyday of the week, again this is a bargain!!

Kristen Medvetz: I started doing BJJ because my husband kept begging me to try it with him. Originally I had agreed thinking, hey, I’ll try anything once. Now I can’t get enough of it. I was immediately welcomed by so many kind and accepting people. I was amazed at what these people could do and I wanted to be just like them. It’s a great place for beginners and experienced people alike. There’s a good variety of people, and a great group of women. If you’re a woman thinking about doing BJJ this is a great place to start.

Samuel Salazar: For those who are looking for a nice environment where you can learn something you’re interested in like Brazilian Jiu jitsu or Judo, then this place is perfect for anyone out there at any age. The moment you join this academy, you enter into a world where you’re always welcomed, a world where you become part of a family that’s always there to help you to achieve your goals. Whether your goal to own all the belts in Judo or to simply burn some calories, this is a good place to start or continue this path. People here are really nice, supportive, fun, and overall it’s place where you can enjoy the experience of martial arts. The schedule of this academy is pretty solid since there’s classes every day and you can participate in tournaments if you want as well. Don’t feel committed to this academy either, if it’s not your thing, there’s no shame in leaving, you can always comeback again with the doors open. Just want to mention that there’s an extreme low amount of teenagers in this academy from what I’ve seen in the adult classes, the majority are men and women although mostly men. If you’re a woman, you’re always welcome to come, there’s no judgment or anything like that, in fact, the best fighter I know is a woman, so don’t feel intimidated or ashamed if you’re interested in learn something new or trying to progress on your favorite martial art, we are all here to help and support you. Now, for the teenagers, unless you’re interested fighting people who are like 50 pounds heavier than you, then this is the right place for you, take it from a guy in his high school years who’s been here for over a year. Although we can change this situation if more teenagers join. This is without a doubt a good academy worthy of what it has to offer to everyone.

Beatrice Jin: I have been training at Kogaion for three years. While we train hard, Victor also places a high emphasis on skill development and learning. The jiujitsu and judo teaching is rooted in fundamental principles but techniques are always updated to keep up with the sports which are growing and modernizing. In my opinion this is one of the best places to become a well rounded grappler, where students are proficient on their feet and on the ground, in the gi and without it.

Min Hwangpo: Kogaion is a great environment with friendly people. There is a lot of talent and knowledge in the room. Professor Vasile and coach Jin are detailed in their instruction. Their teachings translate well into competitions. Would definitely recommend to anyone wanting to learn or be part of the Judo/BJJ community.