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Budokai Academy of Martial Arts Middletown

5 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Middletown, Ohio

Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons Weapons / kobudo Competition team

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule budokaiacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 513-433-1814

Hours

Monday 5–8 PM
Tuesday 5–8:45 PM
Wednesday 5–8 PM
Thursday 5–8:30 PM
Friday 5:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–12:15 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 Budokai Academy of Martial Arts Middletown, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 25 mentions

“My children thoroughly enjoy going to classes; its one of the few places that we can get them out of the door ontime to go to.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons 2 mentions

“She is in the little ninjas and loves all the running and the obstacle course every class, definitely let's her get some energy out.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

Teens

“Budokai has been an incredible experience for our teen daughter.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Awesome program for kids who are shy and need a little push like my kiddo when it comes to self defense against bullies.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Awesome program for kids who are shy and need a little push like my kiddo when it comes to self defense against bullies.”

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 58 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“The instructor(s) are great with the kids and take their time and have lots of patience.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“Great place that is super welcoming to everyone!”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“If this doesn’t tell you how wonderful this family is at their trade, you need to stop in and see for yourself.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“This place is great and my son absolutely loves it!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“She has gained strength, discipline and confidence I never thought would come in such little time.”

From the reviews

My son is new and I can tell in 1 class he is going to love it here! Awesome people also great for all ages!

★★★★★ — Ashly, Feb 2023

Budokai just opened their second location in West Chester. If this doesn’t tell you how wonderful this family is at their trade, you need to stop in and see for yourself. They have consistently gained more athletes from the very beginning.

★★★★★ — Maria, Jun 2022

My son love everything about BUDOKAI! They are very welcoming. Master Rj is very patient. My son does have a lot of questions and Master Rj does really pay attention to what his concerns are. Our first time going there they made us feel that we are already part of the family.

★★★★★ — Vanessa, Mar 2023

My kids started year and really loved it. They treat kids with disorders with patience. One of my children has ADHD, it was very difficult for me to maintain their attention in an activity for an extended amount of time.

★★★★★ — Ghia, Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Budokai Academy of Martial Arts Middletown

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 Budokai Academy of Martial Arts Middletown

1725 Yankee Rd, Middletown, OH45044

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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.