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Balance Martial Arts & Gaming
4.8 ★★★★★ 74 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Pinellas Park, Florida
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule balancegamingfl.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 727-513-7815
Hours
| Monday | 4–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–10 pm |
| Thursday | 4–10 pm |
| Friday | 4–10 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 12–10 pm |
The classes they run
What students say
“The karate dojo is awesome and the welcoming atmosphere, complete with entertainment lounge and gaming tables to spare, makes it a no brainer for gaming.”
“The karate dojo is awesome and the welcoming atmosphere, complete with entertainment lounge and gaming tables to spare, makes it a no brainer for gaming.”
“In terms of hygiene and keeping all spaces clean ; they definitely knock it out the park.”
“Female nerd perspective and acquaintance of Seth and Stavro!”
From the reviews
This establishment is nothing short of a unicorn on the gaming side. Wonderful, kind and knowledgeable staff that are interested in the wares they peddle and engages with their clientele. An open environment that is accepting of all who wish to use the space for it's intended purpose; play.
Been going to Balance for nearly 2 years now and it's truly a unique treasure in town. The karate dojo is awesome and the welcoming atmosphere, complete with entertainment lounge and gaming tables to spare, makes it a no brainer for gaming.
A great place to hang out! The store is uniquely split into two concepts of gaming and karate. On the gaming side, instead of the typical plastics tables and chairs Balance integrates professional wooden gaming tables with matching chairs. The staff does a wonderful job at making sure everyone feels welcome.
This is one of my favorite game shops ever. It’s always so accommodating. The space is quiet so my friends and I gather here to play dnd and play music to the theme of whatever is happening, which is something other game stores often don’t allow. The merch is always dope.
New to Karate? Start at Balance Martial Arts & Gaming
Balance Martial Arts & Gaming 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 Balance Martial Arts & Gaming
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.
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