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Ballantyne Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 84 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Charlotte, North Carolina
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 4–15) — 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule ballantynemartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (704) 931-8629
Hours
| Monday | 6–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6–9 PM |
| Friday | 6–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–2 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My daughter is been attending SMA from past 3 years and it has really helped her a lot in terms of discipline, building confidence and keeping up with physical activities.”
“In nearly 2 years of attendance, our son's instructors have helped him advance from student karate to teen kickboxing.”
“He did one-on-one evaluations with each of my kids, and welcomed us to come try whatever classes we wanted.”
“We get a GREAT workout during our adult kickboxing classes while learning invaluable self defense techniques.”
“I highly recommend them for learning martial arts, no matter if you are a beginner or have a great amount of experience.”
Other martial arts here
“My 7 year old daughter wanted to start taking jiu jitsu classes and we were excited to find a gym close to home.”
“In nearly 2 years of attendance, our son's instructors have helped him advance from student karate to teen kickboxing.”
“We get a GREAT workout during our adult kickboxing classes while learning invaluable self defense techniques.”
What students say
“Sensei Sparks is great with the kids; teaching them discipline and respect and a very fun and encouraging way.”
“What started out as us looking for a place for our kids to train has ended with our entrie family training together.”
“The adults that train are all different ages and skill levels which is helpful when learning kickboxing technique.”
“We get a GREAT workout during our adult kickboxing classes while learning invaluable self defense techniques.”
“It's immaculate with comfortable seating so you can watch your child during class. My daughter's confidence has soared!”
“My daughter is been attending SMA from past 3 years and it has really helped her a lot in terms of discipline, building confidence and keeping up with physical activities.”
From the reviews
We have been part of the Sparks Family for about 10 months. We love it there. The instructors are not only interested in helping our kids get better at karate but to also grow into better people. The classes have been great for my kids. We have also done a birthday party at Sparks.
I started Training at Sparks about two years ago with my brother and sister. We all love it so much we're there just about every night! Its such a great environment so many great people everyone's so open and excepting and ready to help.
We LOVE Sparks Martial Arts! We moved from High Point a little over 1 year ago, and were leaving a GREAT martial arts school (Tiger Rock - High Point, owned and run by the Snyders, in case you find yourself moving to High Point/Greensboro). I asked for any really good personal recommendation from Mrs.
My husband and I wanted the kids to learn self-defense, so we signed them up at Sparks Martial Arts. They are getting so much more! Confidence, knowledge of martial arts, learning how to deal with bullies, learning karate, doing exercises and making life long friendships! The teachers are AMAZING!
New to Karate? Start at Ballantyne Martial Arts
Ballantyne Martial Arts 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 Ballantyne Martial Arts
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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