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Dojo's Family Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 73 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Ankeny, Iowa
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 (ages 4–17) — 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
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- 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 mydojos.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (515) 963-9989
Hours
| Monday | 3–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–9 PM |
| Thursday | 3–9 PM |
| Friday | 3–6:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sometimes my 4 year old son doesn’t want to be in the class, they find a way to encourage him and make all the kids enjoy the class .”
“He has gradually increased his commitment, and now participates in regular, sparring, kata, and weapons classes.”
“He has gradually increased his commitment, and now participates in regular, sparring, kata, and weapons classes.”
“He has gradually increased his commitment, and now participates in regular, sparring, kata, and weapons classes.”
“They also have nicer facilities/equipment and better teachers than other area programs, and MUCH more one on one support.”
“Activities promote fitness, focus and confidence while teaching self-defense and bully-proofing.”
Other martial arts here
“Activities promote fitness, focus and confidence while teaching self-defense and bully-proofing.”
What students say
“My family and I have been attending the Ankeny Dojo's Family Martial Arts location for many years and have had the pleasure to meet and work out with numerous great people.”
“Every instructor we have had the privilege of meeting has helped my children thrive. The discipline and experience will be something they carry with them for a lifetime.”
“We love that they teach more than just karate, but life skills, self discipline, being responsible and respectful and to use those skills outside of the studio.”
From the reviews
They are amazing. My son is special needs child and they work very hard with him and have so much patience. I could not be more grateful to this place in helping guide my child with learning more focus , respect, and self awareness giving him more control of his body by focusing on sitting still, standing in place.
All of the instructors are top notch. They are excellent role models, both in and outside the classroom. They learn every student’s name immediately, and it is a very friendly, yet disciplined atmosphere. Kids learn not just karate, but life skills they can take with them. We absolutely love Dojo’s!
When my 5 year old son expressed interest in Karate, we did some research to see what place would be the best to get him started and ultimately decided on Dojos Family Martial Arts. PROS: From day one, we've had an excellent experience with Dojos.
My family and I have been attending the Ankeny Dojo's Family Martial Arts location for many years and have had the pleasure to meet and work out with numerous great people. The curriculum and training are top notch and have definitely challenged all of us to stay in better shape.
New to Karate? Start at Dojo's Family Martial Arts
Dojo's Family 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 Dojo's Family 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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