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Center For Traditional Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Zanesfield, Ohio
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 5) — 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 cftmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (937) 592-0036
Hours
| Monday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–8 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sensei Smith is tough and has high expectations, but it's easy to see he genuinely cares for all the kids in the class.”
“He has grown in self confidence and has learned so many self defense techniques.”
Other martial arts here
“Our boys have been gone to Karate and BJJ classes for five years and they enjoy the atmosphere and the instruction.”
“He has grown in self confidence and has learned so many self defense techniques.”
What students say
“I’ve taken my son there for quite sometime and he loves it and the teachers Sensei Ron and Sensei Kam. Both are great with kids and adults!”
“Great family, friendly environment for your kids to learn, grow and burn off some energy.”
“He has grown in self confidence and has learned so many self defense techniques.”
“I truly believe that through karate, both of my kids have learned discipline,leadership,and confidence that has helped them both to be successful in school and life.”
“He has gained a great deal of confidence.”
“I truly believe that through karate, both of my kids have learned discipline,leadership,and confidence that has helped them both to be successful in school and life.”
From the reviews
Very friendly, love the price and flexibility. My 5yr old looks forward to class every week and gets mad at me when we miss a class. They work very well with the young ones and are very patient with them. Great place to sign your kid up especially if they are full of energy.
I've been training under Sensei Smith for 9 years and counting and I have enjoyed the experience very much. It's a safe and friendly place to learn and grow both as a martial artist and a person.
Sensei Ron Smith is an amazing teacher and person. He changed my kids life. Learning karate was the best thing that has happened to both of my kids. My daughter Emily and my son Michael both lost their central vision when they were 10 years old and could no longer play organized sports due to blind spots in their…
We are very happy with the Center for Traditional Martial arts and what it has done for Ben. In just a little over a year he has gained confidence and has also learned a lot. Sensei Smith is tough and has high expectations, but it's easy to see he genuinely cares for all the kids in the class. Highly recommend.
New to Karate? Start at Center For Traditional Martial Arts
Center For Traditional 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 Center For Traditional 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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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site