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American Karate Studio

5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Minnetonka, Minnesota

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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
  • 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 americankaratestudio.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 952-935-5425

Hours

Monday 2–7 pm
Tuesday 2–7 pm
Wednesday 2–7 pm
Thursday 2–7 pm
Friday 2–7 pm
Saturday 8:30–11:30 am
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 Karate Studio, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 13 mentions

“Moving back to the Minnetonka area many years later, I enrolled my 3 kids here and each have had the same physical and mental benefits I experienced.”

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Teens 2 mentions

“There is also a generation of teens and young adults assistants who, yes, are good at karate, but more importantly are who are kind, supportive, encouraging, and well-mannered.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Plus self defense is certainly a useful life skill.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Taekwondo 2 mentions

“The first 10 years were as a child and teenager, where I was able to learn Tae Kwon Do and its associated behaviors of discipline, focus, persistence, and self-confidence.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“Plus self defense is certainly a useful life skill.”

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 22 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“The young people in his class are so very kind and supportive of his progress!”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“There is a team/club feeling as well as a sense of personal accomplishment in the sport as my daughters develop new skills and technique.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 9 mentions

“The first 10 years were as a child and teenager, where I was able to learn Tae Kwon Do and its associated behaviors of discipline, focus, persistence, and self-confidence.”

From the reviews

The skills taught where not only the techniques of karate, but life skills that carry on in a persons life . My daughter Kyra, started her karate career at 5 earning her black belt when she was 12. Here brother Chris started at age 10 and received his 3 degree BB his senior year in HS.

★★★★★ — Steve, Sep 2017

My son started at American Karate Studio 18 years ago when he was 4 years old- he is now 22, a college graduate and an instructor at AKS. Mr Marotta not only taught my son karate but also life skills that have molded him into the young man he is today. A great place to call a second home!

★★★★★ — Cory, Aug 2012

I cannot say enough good things about American Karate Studio. The quality of instruction, the people who teach and train at this school, and the curriculum are all immeasurably excellent! This school really does everything well!

★★★★★ — Chryle, May 2026

My son started at American Karate Studio when he was four. He was confused at first that he might get in trouble for “hitting things” ;) but once he understood that karate is about learning skills, self defense, and growing stronger, he really took to it.

★★★★★ — G, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at American Karate Studio

American Karate Studio comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Karate Studio

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 Karate Studio

13110 Excelsior Blvd, Minnetonka, MN55343

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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.