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Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 44 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Forest, Virginia

Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–16) — 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 blueridgema.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (540) 676-4348

Hours

Monday 4–8 PM
Tuesday 4–8 PM
Wednesday 4–8 PM
Thursday 4–8 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 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 Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 13 mentions

“Their class combination of physical activity, self defense training, self discipline, teaching respect and a lot of class fun are perfect for kids these days!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons 4 mentions

“My oldest started in the Little Dragon program, and we both have been training together now for almost two years.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Their class combination of physical activity, self defense training, self discipline, teaching respect and a lot of class fun are perfect for kids these days!”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥊 Kickboxing

“Lil Dragons for the youngsters, karate classes for all ages, and kickboxing for anybody wanting to burn some major calories and get in shape.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🏟️ MMA

“I’ve met some great people here and I am so glad I decided to go through them to learn mixed martial arts!”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“Their class combination of physical activity, self defense training, self discipline, teaching respect and a lot of class fun are perfect for kids these days!”

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 44 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“It’s great for kids and adults alike, Sensei Burns is terrific, and he is surrounded by other great instructors in a family friendly environment.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy is a positive environment with excellent instructors in a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere.”

friendly, respectful dojo 25 mentions

“It’s great for kids and adults alike, Sensei Burns is terrific, and he is surrounded by other great instructors in a family friendly environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My children have gained confidence in many areas of life thanks to the valuable life lessons learned in addition to karate skills.”

traditional style & affiliation 4 mentions

“I have been going to Blue Ridge Martial Arts for over 6 months now and have learned so much in the Kenpo 5.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 34 mentions

“Their class combination of physical activity, self defense training, self discipline, teaching respect and a lot of class fun are perfect for kids these days!”

From the reviews

Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy offers programs for everyone. Lil Dragons for the youngsters, karate classes for all ages, and kickboxing for anybody wanting to burn some major calories and get in shape.

★★★★★ — Codey, Jul 2017

Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy is the best family friendly dojo in the state of Virginia. The instructors are very friendly and are able to teach children and adults in a compassionate respectful way.

★★★★★ — Lorna-Marie, Jul 2017

Most of my family has taken lessons here. My children have gained confidence in many areas of life thanks to the valuable life lessons learned in addition to karate skills. As an adult, I am thrilled with the improvement in my physical fitness and also in my mental fitness as a result of my training.

★★★★★ — Debbie, Jul 2017

The best family friendly, top notch academy around! They provide kids & adults with training, support & encouragement to be the best they can be. They teach respect, discipline & build self esteem. We are so grateful to have found this dojo. Instructors are professional, caring & courteous. We love them all!

★★★★★ — Boggess, Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 44 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy

14805 Forest Rd Ste 223, Forest, VA24551

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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.