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Black Belt Leadership Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 43 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
- 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 4–5) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- 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 blackbeltleadershipacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (414) 258-4111
Hours
| Monday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 4–7 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM–1:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“It’s very well organized and they are always adding new things to keep the kids engaged and motivated.”
“We love Black Belt Leadership Academy for our little ninja!”
“I started taking kobudo here and I'm glad I did.”
“If you want a fun, friendly, self defense course that will get you in shape, then BBLA is great.”
Other martial arts here
“It's like how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a real thing (Jiu Jitsu originated in Japan) and Japanese Karate is different than Okinawan Karate.”
“If you want a fun, friendly, self defense course that will get you in shape, then BBLA is great.”
What students say
“Great Sensei and very knowledgeable staff.”
“Black Belt Leadership Academy has been an incredible experience for our family.”
“Also: American Karate is an Americanized form of Karate, which originated in Okinawa, (before it was a part of Japan).”
“Anyone looking for that "thing" for your child, that activity that helps them feel confident, strong, build coordination and athleticism - this is IT!”
“Also: American Karate is an Americanized form of Karate, which originated in Okinawa, (before it was a part of Japan).”
“It is not expensive if you take advantage of all the class time provided.”
From the reviews
I've been studying at BBLA for 3 years now and the instructors are truly excellent practitioners of martial arts and inspiring humans. There is a strong bond of community & encouragement fostered among the students as well as a healthy competitive spirit.
I started taking kobudo here and I'm glad I did. I love martial arts and I'm now taking karate in addition to kobudo. All the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. There's a real family atmosphere at BBLA.
This is a great karate academy and it is very fun. It teaches kids to be respectful and responsible. It's very affordable for the prices of other academy's. The instructors are very nice and strict at the same time. And the expect you to do your best. Also they have classes for adult I give this five stars.
I love being in a fun, multigenerational space where I can find exercise, community, and opportunities to grow. I am grateful for such a space and place. Additionally, the instructors continue to engage in their own ongoing learning and therefore are always bringing in new perspectives and approaches-which to me is…
New to Karate? Start at Black Belt Leadership Academy
Black Belt Leadership Academy 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 Black Belt Leadership 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.
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