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Carrollwood Black Belt Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 41 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Tampa, Florida

Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens 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

  • 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule martialartstampa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (813) 264-5425

Hours

Monday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Tuesday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Wednesday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Thursday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Friday 7:30 AM–6:30 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Carrollwood Black Belt Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 35 mentions

“My daughters have attended Carrollwood Black Bell Academy for several years now and I can safely say that there is no one better than them.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners

“It was here where I experienced the first time in my life the martial arts and I will be forever grateful to Mr.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Taekwondo 2 mentions

“Our son has been here for 4 years for their after school program and to learn tae kwon do.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

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 41 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Sensei has a great group of instructors who keep the kids engaged and eager to learn.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“Chosing the family at Carrollwood Black Belt to be a part of my son's life is one of the best decisions I made raising him.”

🧒 strong kids program 8 mentions

“Both of my kids have been coming here for years. We love the school and Sensei Miranda is great with the kids.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 14 mentions

“He teaches you to not only respect yourself but respect others and how you do that is by maintaining a good appearance and a good work environment .”

From the reviews

I believe I was 8 years old when I attended Carrollwood Black Belt Academy in their after school program. It was here where I experienced the first time in my life the martial arts and I will be forever grateful to Mr. Lay and Mr. Miranda for being such wonderful teachers.

★★★★★ — Sofía, Jan 2014

My son has been attending for almost a year now and he is doing great! We switched to Carrollwood Black Belt Academy from another local school and we could not be happier with the results! My son is happier and I have seen a new level of confidence and focus in him since switching.

★★★★★ — Tiffany, Jun 2016

My son loves it here. Having the same dedicated staff over the years is comforting for parents. Sensei Miranda is always available to answer your questions and any concerns you may have.

★★★★★ — Karen, Apr 2022

My son has been attending Carrollwood Black Belt for three years and I wouldn’t want it any other way! He has learned so much and everyone is so great with him! I highly recommend this place for your children!

★★★★★ — Katryna, Feb 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 41 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Carrollwood Black Belt Academy

Carrollwood Black Belt 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Carrollwood Black Belt 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 Carrollwood Black Belt Academy

4125 Gunn Hwy, Tampa, FL33618

Get directions

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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.