Home › Rhode Island › Johnston › Derderian Academy of Martial Arts
Derderian Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 83 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Johnston, Rhode Island
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
- 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
- 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 derderian-academy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 401-946-0384
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–7 pm |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–7 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8 pm |
| Friday | 5–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9:30 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“I love that karate teaches children to redirect their natural impulses towards aggression into a more constructive, helpful and beneficial way.”
“As an adult who has never done martial arts, I was nervous about trying this, but Raffi and Susan made me feel comfortable.”
“My son is a part of the Tiny Tigers and he LOVES it here.”
“They gave me a one on one experience for my first few classes so I would feel comfortable in the class with seasoned students.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“ive taken various martial arts classes over the years and this is the first time ive seen Bruce Lees JKD offered.”
“the shirts are cool as hell and everyone that ive trained with has been super nice and supportive (even if i dont go to class as much as id like to).”
“My son is a part of the Tiny Tigers and he LOVES it here.”
“It's worth the time and effort to get to classes regularly!”
“Our son has been attending Derderian for almost a year :) In the last year we have seen such an amazing improvement in his confidence and social skills.”
From the reviews
I've been training in martial arts since 1987. I had taken a break from formal training in 2014 until I attended one of Sensei/Sifu/Guro Raffi Derderian's seminars. I continued as a seminar student until 2023 when I decided to join regular adult JKD and Kali classes. I was determined to stay a seminar student.
If you are looking to stimulate your mind and condition the body, then this is the place for you! i havent been a member for very long but each time i come to class,i learn a new way to move and to challenge myself.
I normally don't give reviews, but this martial arts school has earned my 5 star rating. I have been in martial arts all my life and have been currently training in this dojo for more than a few years now.
We are really happy with this karate school! The instructor is very friendly while also teaching the children discipline and respect, which I truly appreciate. I love seeing how he makes sure all the kids participate equally and keeps them engaged throughout class.
New to Karate? Start at Derderian Academy of Martial Arts
Derderian Academy of 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 Derderian Academy of 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.
More Karate dojos near Johnston
Mastery Martial Arts - Johnston
4.9 ★★★★★ 269 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
RI Self-Defense Center- Kenpo Kobudo Karate
5 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
The System Martial Arts and Fitness
5 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site