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American Freestyle Karate

4.8 ★★★★★ 50 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Salem, Virginia

Karate dojo Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • 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 afksalem.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (540) 387-0450

Hours

Monday 12–8:30 PM
Tuesday 12–8:30 PM
Wednesday 12–8:30 PM
Thursday 12–8:30 PM
Friday 12–5 PM
Saturday 10 AM–1 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 Freestyle Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 20 mentions

“While the atmosphere and facilities were nice and the instructors and staff were very nice and informative my kids just decided it wasn't for them.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens

“I used to go here when I was a teenager, I recently came back with the whole family.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I know I won't always be there to protect them and this day and age every girl/woman should learn self defense IMO.”

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 American Freestyle Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I know I won't always be there to protect them and this day and age every girl/woman should learn self defense IMO.”

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 50 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“My family and I have recently joined American Freestyle Karate and it has been a wonderful start of a new journey.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“The instructors are patient and work with the class, breaking down the techniques so they can be learned efficiently and correctly.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“The stretching that is taught, cardio, and strength building has improved her mobility and reduced the constant pain to the point there are days she is pain free.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“My daughter loves AFK and the instructors are wonderful!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 7 mentions

“They've both made new friends and the combination of structure and discipline paired with the fun and activities have helped both at home and at school.”

From the reviews

My daughter is loving karate at American Freestyle Karate! The classes are great. She has learned a lot in just a short time and is always excited to go. I like that the beginner classes include a range of ages so she fits right in even as an older kid. The instructors are very skilled and knowledgeable.

★★★★★ — Rebekah, Feb 2025

I love this school. All of the instructors are highly experienced good people. Everyone there including the students are such amazing respectful people. I've been doing karate here for over a year and this school helped me find my true passion.

★★★★★ — Liliana, Jan 2026

My family started with AFK around 9 months ago and its one of the best decisions we've made. We've gone from that daily rut of sleep, work, eat, and repeat, to getting out and doing something together as a family.

★★★★★ — Freddie, Feb 2026

We did a 4 week introduction with my 3 sons with Mr.Wright. While the atmosphere and facilities were nice and the instructors and staff were very nice and informative my kids just decided it wasn't for them. The instructors have a vast knowledge and skill set to teach and train.

★★★★☆ — Nathan, Sep 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 50 reviews →

Your first Karate class at American Freestyle 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.

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 Freestyle Karate

1780 Apperson Dr, Salem, VA24153

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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.