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Apex Defense Waltham

5 ★★★★★ 204 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Waltham, Massachusetts

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 apexdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (781) 642-1700

Hours

Monday 12–1 PM, 3:30–9 PM
Tuesday 9–10 AM, 3:30–9 PM
Wednesday 3:30–9 PM
Thursday 9–10 AM, 3:30–9 PM
Friday 4–8 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Apex Defense Waltham, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“My 6 year old son has been attending 3 "Kids Karate" classes per week at Apex for the last 6 months.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Highly recommend Apex to anyone looking for high-quality self-defense, a confidence boost, endurance enhancement, and strength training.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“Their adult class looks pretty fun too!”

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 Apex Defense Waltham — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Highly recommend Apex to anyone looking for high-quality self-defense, a confidence boost, endurance enhancement, and strength training.”

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 204 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 8 mentions

“The enviornment that the people and instructors create is supportive and welcoming but still challenges you and encourages growth.”

friendly, respectful dojo 14 mentions

“The enviornment that the people and instructors create is supportive and welcoming but still challenges you and encourages growth.”

great workout & fitness 4 mentions

“As safe and great the environment is, make no mistake, you will learn true self defense and get in great shape.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 10 mentions

“It is truly a rewarding experience to be in an environment where one’s values are respected and a genuine sense of inclusion is fostered.”

From the reviews

Great courses and curriculum. The instructors are friendly and knowledgeable. The beginner courses' schedules are so great with my late day time schedule. Take a trial course first, and you will love it!

★★★★★ — G, May 2025

Apex Defense is fantastic. The community of students that attend are wonderful, you will make new friends for sure just as I have. The culture created here makes it an excellent, fun and safe place to learn. There are all types of people who attend with various levels of experience.

★★★★★ — Vic, Oct 2025

Apex Defense Academy in Waltham is outstanding! The instructors are knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely invested in student safety and confidence. The training is clear, practical, and welcoming for all experience levels.

★★★★★ — Bradley, Dec 2025

I have been going to Apex for 4 months. Everyone from the instructors to the students are so welcoming and fun! It is a great workout and you learn a life skill that makes you feel more confident and capable. I wish I had found them sooner.

★★★★★ — Tom, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 204 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Apex Defense Waltham

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 Apex Defense Waltham

130 Lexington St, Waltham, MA02452

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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.