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Classical Martial Arts Academy

4.8 ★★★★★ 17 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Frankfort, Illinois

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated 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

  • 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
  • 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 karate-cmaa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 815-780-7026

Hours

Monday 6–7 pm
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 6–8:30 pm
Thursday 6–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
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 Classical Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 19 mentions

“The instructors are patient and clear, and the structured drills make learning karate fun and rewarding and the supportive atmosphere keeps my kids motivated.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Skills he developed in class will not only help him with self-defense but will also aid in other sports and activities.”

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

🦵 Taekwondo

“My son used to do taekwondo and it was a joke - every six weeks a new belt, a trophy, constant praises for nothing and I saw 7 year olds become black belts.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Skills he developed in class will not only help him with self-defense but will also aid in other sports and activities.”

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 17 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Sensei does a great job keeping the kids focused.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“The instructors are patient and clear, and the structured drills make learning karate fun and rewarding and the supportive atmosphere keeps my kids motivated.”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“In addition, over the past two years we have noticed both our sons improve tremendously with focus, concentration, memorization, respect, listening and their school grades.”

active competition / tournament team 3 mentions

“My son used to do taekwondo and it was a joke - every six weeks a new belt, a trophy, constant praises for nothing and I saw 7 year olds become black belts.”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“The training equipment is well‑maintained and the dojo is spotless, which adds to the overall great experience.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“Here your child will learn real discipline, what it means to earn something, learn how to deal with failure and how to get back up and practice.”

From the reviews

This is hands down the best Martial Arts academy I have ever been too. My son used to do taekwondo and it was a joke - every six weeks a new belt, a trophy, constant praises for nothing and I saw 7 year olds become black belts. This is why I have been looking for a long time to find a REAL Martial Arts academy.

★★★★★ — Patrycja, Dec 2023

My boys really enjoy CMAA karate classes! The instructors (Sensei) are excellent! Not only is it a respectful art but as a parent, I like the fact that my boys know how to defend themselves.

★★★★★ — Dale, Oct 2015

My son has been involved with CMAA for 4 1/2 years. I have watched him grow from a shy, unfocused and low self-confidence boy to a confident, secure young man. Sensei Tommy expects his students to work hard and try their best. My son has loved his experience.

★★★★★ — Jeanann, Jul 2018

All 3 of my children have taken classes from Classical Martial Arts Academy. We love CMAA! After doing some research in the area a friend recommended CMAA. I absolutely love there are no financial contacts and pricing is month to month. It was very affordable as I had 3 children in at one time.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Mar 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 17 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Classical 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 Classical Martial Arts Academy

67 Bankview Dr, Frankfort, IL60423

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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.