HomeMarylandDarnestown › Challenge Martial Arts

Challenge Martial Arts

4.8 ★★★★★ 103 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Darnestown, Maryland

Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kentlandstkd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 301-330-4004

Hours

Monday 12–8:30 pm
Tuesday 12–8:15 pm
Wednesday 12–8:30 pm
Thursday 12–8:15 pm
Friday 12–7:15 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 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 Challenge Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 24 mentions

“The classes are well organized, the instructors are great, and the variable schedule of classes make it easy to plan on having your kids attend multiple classes per week.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens

“We originally signed my teenager daughter up to learn self-defense techniques.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We originally signed my teenager daughter up to learn self-defense techniques.”

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 Challenge Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo 7 mentions

“We have been enrolled at American TKD Academy for 10 months and our son, Aaron, has really enjoyed it.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We originally signed my teenager daughter up to learn self-defense techniques.”

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 103 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“very happy with everything Adrian & Izel have learned since the first day they started.”

friendly, respectful dojo 9 mentions

“I highly recommend Challenge for any family who is looking for their child to grow in confidence, take risks and believe they are capable of doing hard things.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“We originally signed my teenager daughter up to learn self-defense techniques.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My son has grown in confidence and follow through on tackling challenges since joining a year ago.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 25 mentions

“I highly recommend Challenge for any family who is looking for their child to grow in confidence, take risks and believe they are capable of doing hard things.”

From the reviews

very happy with everything Adrian & Izel have learned since the first day they started. It has been about discipline, learning and responsibility even for us as parents to have the dedication to bring them because every day they learn something new and everything is excellent. I recommend it one hundred percent.

★★★★★ — Brenda, Feb 2025

My 5 year old son started in American TKD Academy about 5 month ago and has loved it. I noticed that just after 2 weeks my son was more focused, confident and respectful. After attending class for 3 month his twin sister wanted to join and I also signed her up.

★★★★★ — Edwin, Sep 2018

Both my kids are student here for couple years now, and we can’t speak enough about how the academy has been a gift to us. They were able to continue to take their class virtually throughout the pandemic, they started from no Martial Arts skill and knowledge to confident, eager to learn and improve their skills and…

★★★★★ — Jahnavi, Apr 2022

We started my 5 year old son a few months ago with the level 1 group with Mr. Sullivan. He has so much patience with the students and my son is loving it! He is so excited to "level up" to yellow belt! This place has given him a great experience so far and he has been doing a lot better at home as well.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Dec 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 103 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Challenge 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.

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 Challenge Martial Arts

14120 Darnestown Rd, Darnestown, MD20874

Get directions

More Karate dojos near Darnestown

Kicks Karate - North Potomac

4.7 ★★★★★ 73 reviews

12109 Darnestown Rd, Gaithersburg, MD

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 3–13

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons Affiliated welcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

2.5 miles away

WARRIOR3 - Karate, Kickboxing, & Jiu-Jitsu

4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

9737 Traville Gateway Dr, Rockville, MD

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens welcoming to beginnersfriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

4.9 miles away

Master Method Karate Gaithersburg

5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews

Inside the Power House studio in the rear, 212 E Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg, MD

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial

5.9 miles away

All Karate dojos in Darnestown, MD →

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.