Home › Best of › North Carolina
The best karate dojos in North Carolina
Ranked by the members who actually train there — Google rating weighted by review volume, across 3,947 reviews of North Carolina dojos. Minimum 20 reviews to qualify, real karate dojos only, one location per chain, and nobody pays for a spot. Updated 2026.
#1 Karate International of West Raleigh
4.9 ★★★★★ 103 reviews · Raleigh, NC
“From the first day Mr Weinberger had myself and my 2 younger boys (11 & 12) engaged. We were immediately introduced to blocks, punches and kicks. Our class time flys bye. Whats gre…” — Kevin
#2 Team Tiger Karate Club - Shotokan Dojo
4.8 ★★★★★ 109 reviews · Hope Mills, NC
“I couldn’t have asked for a better dojo and instructor! Initially, my son was anxious during the trial, but I’m glad we stuck it out. Sensei Cook is excellent with young children –…” — Fiona
#4 Championship Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 77 reviews · Cary, NC
“The level of patience, encouragement, and dedication that the staff have at Championship Martial Arts is unparalleled! Shihan Jenny and her instructors are diligent about meeting e…” — Shana
#5 Academy Of Kempo - Karate Inc
5 ★★★★★ 62 reviews · Charlotte, NC
“The Academy of Kenpo - Karate Inc. is a great place to train, especially if you’re looking for practical, technique-driven self-defense. The instructor is excellent—knowledgeable, …” — Corban
#6 Ancient Arts Family Karate/Ju-Jitsu Academy
4.5 ★★★★★ 95 reviews · Cary, NC
“My son has been going go Ancient Arts Karate for about 2 months now, and still really likes it! He is six years old and has tried basketball and soccer in the past and has not been…” — Sarah
#7 Sidekick Karate of Salisbury
5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews · Salisbury, NC
“Everyone should know how excellent and encouraging this place is for anyone seeking to learn a new skill or just have some fun with martial arts. They recently moved into much larg…” — V
#9 Triangle's Best Karate
5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews · Raleigh, NC
Longtime, local studio for karate, personal training & fitness classes for all ages & skill levels.
“We love this family-friendly, family-run dojo. It has been a great experience for our son. Warning: while everyone has fun, this is for serious students of karate and is not "child…” — Chris
#10 Vanguard Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 46 reviews · Clayton, NC
“So glad we made the decision to join the Vanguard family so many years ago. Although my son loves his karate journey, the families and the Sensei Gary are what keep us coming back.…” — Nadia