HomeMissouriIndependence › ActivStars Athletics Midwest

ActivStars Athletics Midwest

4.9 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Independence, Missouri

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • 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
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule activstarsathletics.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (816) 994-2644

Hours

Monday 9 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–5 PM
Thursday 9 AM–5:30 AM
Friday 9 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
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 ActivStars Athletics Midwest, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 23 mentions

“My daughter enjoys going to class every week sensei Arthur makes sure everyone gets time no matter how little or big the class is.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“The instructor is very patient with each and every last one of the students he works with them one on one until they get their movement and understands.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“She has learned a lot about self defense, respect and some sweet karate moves.”

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 ActivStars Athletics Midwest — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“She has learned a lot about self defense, respect and some sweet karate moves.”

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 51 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“The instructor is very patient with each and every last one of the students he works with them one on one until they get their movement and understands.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“My daughter goes to this class every week she enjoys all of the new techniques that she learns to keep her safe.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“ActiveStars has been awesome for our daughter. She has gained so much confidence and strength.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 10 mentions

“It's a great program that focuses on child safety and teaches specific escape drills if for some reason they are ever approached by an adult trying to take them or harm them.”

From the reviews

My daughter goes to this class every week she enjoys all of the new techniques that she learns to keep her safe. The instructor is very patient with each and every last one of the students he works with them one on one until they get their movement and understands.

★★★★★ — Sharonda, Jul 2023

We have been part of ActivStars for going on 8 years. It's a great program that focuses on child safety and teaches specific escape drills if for some reason they are ever approached by an adult trying to take them or harm them. It's a noncompetitive environment which means the kids don't feel intimidated.

★★★★☆ — Amanda, Aug 2023

Sensi Peter is the best teacher. My grandson is very active and needs structure and focus. He has learned that with his sensei. He is very excited every week to go to class. There was a lot of bullying at his school but that has dwindled since he has been going to classes. He is very very happy! Thank you Activstars!

★★★★★ — Laura, Aug 2023

ActivStars karate has been wonderful for my child’s self-esteem, attention span and self-control. I love that she is learning about stranger danger and that she is proud of what she is learning. Sensei Ray is wonderful with the kids! Thank you ActivStars Athletics!

★★★★★ — Julie, Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 51 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at ActivStars Athletics Midwest

ActivStars Athletics Midwest 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at ActivStars Athletics Midwest

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 ActivStars Athletics Midwest

13665 E 42nd Terrace S A, Independence, MO64055

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More Karate dojos near Independence

AKKA Karate Independence

4.9 ★★★★★ 314 reviews

4420 S Noland Rd Ste b, Independence, MO

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

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

under a mile away

Long's Shotokan Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 70 reviews

US-40, Independence, MO

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseiwelcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojo

2.5 miles away

Wilcox Karate Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 156 reviews

2400 S Lee's Summit Rd, Independence, MO

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team friendly, respectful dojostrong kids programbuilds confidence, discipline & respect

2.7 miles away

All Karate dojos in Independence, MO →

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.