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Academy of Okinawan Karate
4 ★★★★☆ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Peoria, Illinois
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Membership memberships around $200/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule peoriakarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 309-692-2499
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–7 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“The teaching style varies for the audience: classes for young children have more fun/drill type exercises near the end of class, although discipline is expected even then.”
“Adult classes are more formal, with beginner classes being more of a repetitive workout, and more advanced classes being less physical work but more learning.”
“I still remember taking from this dojo 20 years ago back in high school so it was pretty easy for me to know where I wanted to take my boys.”
“Great place to learn discipline and self defense.”
“Adult classes are more formal, with beginner classes being more of a repetitive workout, and more advanced classes being less physical work but more learning.”
Other martial arts here
“Along the way I earned a black belt in judo, learned a lot of karate and sword, and most recently started getting a great workout in ground combat/grappling class.”
“Great place to learn discipline and self defense.”
What students say
“This has really become more of just a place to work out for me, it has really become a part of my family.”
“Worth the money to see your child thrive and better themself.”
“I have been attending classes at the Academy of Okinawan Karate for almost 3 years now and I have to say that it has been one of the best choices I have made.”
“The first time my son said "yes sir" after asking him to complete a chore he had, made it worth the price of admission.”
“The teaching style varies for the audience: classes for young children have more fun/drill type exercises near the end of class, although discipline is expected even then.”
From the reviews
My son started at AOK at age 4. In the beginning, it was unclear as to whether he was going to take to karate or not. We signed a one year contract, but I was not concerned as to whether we would be able to use the service for a year as they informed me at sign up that it could be transferred to any family member and…
I have been attending classes at the Academy of Okinawan Karate for almost 3 years now and I have to say that it has been one of the best choices I have made. From day one you can attend as many classes as you want from any of the three schools: Peoria, Morton and Eureka.
I've been a student at the Academy of Okinawan Karate since 1996. I am in better shape now at over forty than I was in my late twenties when I started. Along the way I earned a black belt in judo, learned a lot of karate and sword, and most recently started getting a great workout in ground combat/grappling class.
I have been at the AOK for 2 1/2 years now, and my only regret is not discovering it sooner. Since joining I've dropped 20 pounds (my boyfriend, who also attends, lost close to 100lbs) as well as gaining coordination and dare I say grace I never thought I was capable of.
New to Karate? Start at Academy of Okinawan Karate
Academy of Okinawan Karate comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Academy of Okinawan Karate
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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