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Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 184 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bradenton, Florida

Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 3–17) — 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
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule awmaa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (941) 756-0800

Hours

Monday 2–9 PM
Tuesday 10:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 2–9 PM
Thursday 10:30 AM–9 PM
Friday 2–7 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–12 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 Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 19 mentions

“We immediately fell in love with Miss Jannel as she is so fun, vibrant, enthusiastic and encourages all the children!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons

“I enrolled my 5-year-old in the Little Dragons program.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Ancient Ways has done so much for my three children - so much more than just self defense skills!”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“I joined adult martial arts to get in shape.”

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 Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 2 mentions

“We tried the kids’ jiu-jitsu class for our shy 9-year-old.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Ancient Ways has done so much for my three children - so much more than just self defense skills!”

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 184 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“They genuinely care about their students and maintain a welcoming, respectful environment.”

friendly, respectful dojo 16 mentions

“Ancient Ways is a wonderful, family oriented place where kids and adults can further grow mentally and physically.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“In just a short time, we have seen our son become more confident, focused, and excited to learn.”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“The facility is very clean, organized, and we immediately felt welcomed and included.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Finding this place we sat and planned that it was worth the money and the time to get back into martial arts.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 15 mentions

“Since my autistic daughter has started with her classes she’s slowly coming out of her cocoon and having more confidence and her sensory and anxiety issues are calming down.”

From the reviews

I had moved to Bradenton with my partner, and he had been so stressed and needed a place to help. Finding this place we sat and planned that it was worth the money and the time to get back into martial arts. The place has become a home, amazing friends and place to be.

★★★★★ — Jonathan, Feb 2023

Ancient Ways has done so much for my three children - so much more than just self defense skills! They have gained confidence in their abilities and , therefore, have better self- esteem. They all are doing well in school with improved grades and focus. They have made good friends at Ancient Ways .

★★★★★ — Natalie, Apr 2025

The instructor is great with my kids they both have a blast when they come they both can’t wait till it’s time to go to class the instructors all work very well with my kids sometimes one on one witch is great cause my youngest is artistic I would highly recommend this place to anyone

★★★★★ — Joanna, May 2024

Ancient ways is wonderful !! My Granson started a year ago this month and is doing so well. Our goal was to build confidence and focus. He's doing amazing ! He thoroughly enjoys and looks forward to going each week. Staff is welcoming, caring and compassionate. Couldn't ask for any better !!

★★★★★ — Robin, Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 184 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Ancient Ways Martial 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 Ancient Ways Martial Arts Academy

5334 26th St W, Bradenton, FL34207

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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.