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American Defensive Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Keller, Texas

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 — 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 americandefensivearts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 888-568-9498

Hours

Monday 5–6 pm
Tuesday 5–8:30 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 am–12:30 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 American Defensive Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 17 mentions

“My daughter has been with this dojo for almost a decade and the teachers are extremely knowledgeable and have made her experience here wonderful.”

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🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“This is a place where beginners feel welcomed, experienced martial artists feel challenged, and everyone feels supported.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you want principled self-defense training in a wholesome family environment, you don’t need to look anywhere else; you have found the best.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“This is a great school for kids but it's also a great school for adults.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

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

🏟️ MMA

“I'm older and not interested in competition, so I didn't think an MMA or jujitsu school would fit my goals.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you want principled self-defense training in a wholesome family environment, you don’t need to look anywhere else; you have found the best.”

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 26 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Chris Folmar and Oliver Martinez are excellent instructors!”

friendly, respectful dojo 8 mentions

“If you want principled self-defense training in a wholesome family environment, you don’t need to look anywhere else; you have found the best.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Karate has been great for my son's confidence and has helped him to be more focused and disciplined at school.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“With an emphasis on building character and self-defense, they have learned a great deal.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 15 mentions

“I have been so impressed by the culture of respect and encouragement, and I love watching the students' confidence grow as they learn new skills.”

From the reviews

I've studied Aikido at this school for about 3 years after moving to the area. I also study at another school in Dallas, and studied in Arkansas for about 12 years prior to moving. I find the instruction excellent. And, the attitude and interaction of both the teachers and students is second to none.

★★★★★ — Wes, Mar 2019

This is a great school for kids but it's also a great school for adults. Our family started here with our kids, like most do and they loved the school and still attend. A few years back I wanted to start doing martial arts too and ADAA was and is the best fit for me.

★★★★★ — David, Jan 2019

Are you looking for the best martial arts class for your young person, or yourself? You need look no farther. American Defensive Arts Academy comes recommended by some of the top martial artists in the field. This school is well ran and well equipped. The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and approachable.

★★★★★ — Gk, Apr 2019

I am a new student at the ADA Academy and my experience so far has been one of my best when it comes to learning a new martial art. The instructors are always kind, patient and helpful when working through any technique with me or any of the beginners and I hope to learn much, much more under them in the months and…

★★★★★ — Amanda, Mar 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 26 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at American Defensive Arts Academy

American Defensive Arts Academy 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 American Defensive Arts Academy

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 American Defensive Arts Academy

405 Rufe Snow Dr, Keller, TX76248

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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.