HomeMichiganClinton Township › Academy of Soo Do Thai

Academy of Soo Do Thai

5 ★★★★★ 68 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Clinton Township, Michigan

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • 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 (ages 3–10) — 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule academyofsoodothai.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 586-484-1488

Hours

Monday 3–8 pm
Tuesday 3–8 pm
Wednesday 3–8 pm
Thursday 3–8 pm
Friday 3–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Academy of Soo Do Thai, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 21 mentions

“Sensei Harris is phenomenal with the kids, and the other instructors I'm sure they're senses too I forget their names but I give them credit too!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They also demonstrate how to use these techniques in real life self defense situations.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Academy of Soo Do Thai — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“Whether it’s karate, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, MMA, etc.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🏟️ MMA

“Whether it’s karate, Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, MMA, etc.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“They also demonstrate how to use these techniques in real life self defense situations.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 68 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“I have not a single bad thing to say about my experiences or encounters so far but we are now members of this family for life!”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The instructors are amazing, but stern in learning the correct technique.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“From competing at a high level in tournaments, to earning a plethora of trophies and honors, the Academy of Soo Do Thai provided life changing moments for me and my son.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 14 mentions

“It's a nice place that covers a lot of basis like positivity, discipline, respect and self-control all in a friendly family atmosphere.”

From the reviews

Academy of Soo is a GREAT place. Students will learn confidence, respect, discipline, and so much more. The instructors are professional, supportive, and knowledgeable. They want your child to succeed, and are dedicated to their craft.

★★★★★ — Wesley, Nov 2025

We’ve had an amazing experience with the karate instructors here. They are incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and truly know how to connect with kids of all ages. The way they balance discipline, respect, and fun makes every class something the kids look forward to.

★★★★★ — Angelo, Apr 2026

I have had the chance to travel across the United States and Canada with Grand Master Gathings. Lots of adventures fun and 1st place trophies. From training in Detroit to hrs in a car you will enjoy your journey to black belt at this school.

★★★★★ — Professor, Nov 2025

I would say this is one of the greatest training places you can find out there with an array of knowledge. I started learning karate from this school at around 14 years old. I didn’t just learn karate, I learned some valuable life lessons from different view points along with a lot of support.

★★★★★ — Tim, Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 68 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Academy of Soo Do Thai

Academy of Soo Do Thai comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Academy of Soo Do Thai

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.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Academy of Soo Do Thai

33147 Southbound Gratiot Ave, Clinton Township, MI48035

Get directions Instagram

More Karate dojos near Clinton Township

Petrocy's Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews

31511 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI

Karate dojo Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

1.2 miles away

PKSA Karate-St. Clair Shores

4.9 ★★★★★ 65 reviews

30123 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI

Karate dojo Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

1.8 miles away

Jabari's Martial Arts Academy (JMAA)

5 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

13261 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI

Ages 3+

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

4.3 miles away

All Karate dojos in Clinton Township, MI →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.