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American Karate Center
5 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Ellington, Connecticut
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 (ages 5–6) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule excellenceinamericankarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 860-222-6307
Hours
| Monday | 4–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:30–11:30 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“In the past month of being a part of American Karate Center, my child has learned and grown not only through the instruction, but through the kind and helpful fellow classmates.”
“Through the mandatory first two private lessons, we knew this was the place for us.”
“While the self defense aspect is important it is the holistic approach that we feel sets this school apart from others.”
Other martial arts here
“While the self defense aspect is important it is the holistic approach that we feel sets this school apart from others.”
What students say
“Every class is positive, structured, and fun, and the entire team at American Karate does an amazing job creating a motivating and respectful environment.”
“After six months at American Karate, thanks to the instructors' attention to proper technique, she no longer needs physical therapy!”
“This staff and curriculum focus on my kids strengths, builds confidence in them, and helps realize their true potential through there monthly life lessons.”
“This staff and curriculum focus on my kids strengths, builds confidence in them, and helps realize their true potential through there monthly life lessons.”
From the reviews
Our boys (6 & 9) have been students here for about 2 months, and we could not be happier. We have seen them grow immensely both in karate class and at home. Mr. Sanchez and Co. do a brilliant job of balancing holding the students accountable while treating each of them with kindness and respect.
I am SO impressed with American Karate Center and thankful that my son is enjoying his time there already! We started a few months ago with a few karate camp days to introduce him to the space, the instructors and some elements of karate and when the new year began he was ready to dive right in!
Great center. My daughter and her friend started here a few months ago from another local school and couldn't be happier with the transition. They welcomed them and met them where they were skill-wise while giving them a little extra attention to help them catch up.
This staff and curriculum focus on my kids strengths, builds confidence in them, and helps realize their true potential through there monthly life lessons. The school focuses on the youth and how to best train them.
New to Karate? Start at American Karate Center
American Karate Center 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.
Your first Karate class at American Karate Center
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.
