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Karate Classes in Washington, DC
Washington has 4 Karate dojos — including 3 beginner-friendly and 3 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All ages and levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
Premier Martial Arts Ivy City
5 ★★★★★ 28 reviews
Capital Kyokushinkaikan DC Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club Inc
4.4 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews
Good to know in Washington
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to Premier Martial Arts Ivy City, Capital Kyokushinkaikan DC Dojo and Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club Inc.
New to karate?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that sparring (kumite) builds up slowly and stays light and supervised. Everyone in the room started at white belt.
- Premier Martial Arts Ivy City ★★★★★ 5 (28)
- Capital Kyokushinkaikan DC Dojo ★★★★★ 5 (9)
- Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club Inc ★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)
Kids & teen karate in Washington
These dojos run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline, respect, and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.
- Premier Martial Arts Ivy City ★★★★★ 5 (28)
- Capital Kyokushinkaikan DC Dojo ★★★★★ 5 (9)
- Washington DC Shotokan Karate Club Inc ★★★★☆ 4.4 (9)
Karate in Washington: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Washington?
- Most Washington dojos don't post prices online. Karate is usually sold as a monthly membership, and rates vary by dojo and style. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
- Do any Washington dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- None of the Washington dojos list a free trial in our data, but many offer a free or discounted first class even when it isn't posted — it's always worth calling to ask.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Washington?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 3 Washington dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Sparring (kumite) is introduced gradually, kept light and supervised, and a good dojo never pressures newcomers — you learn the basics, stances, and forms at your own pace, starting at white belt.
- Are there kids' karate classes in Washington?
- Yes — 3 Washington dojos run kids' or youth karate. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.