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Excel Martial Arts

4.8 ★★★★★ 117 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Roanoke, Virginia

Karate dojo Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule excelmartialartsroanoke.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (540) 345-1436

Hours

Monday 2–9 PM
Tuesday 2–9 PM
Wednesday 2–9 PM
Thursday 2–9 PM
Friday 2–9 PM
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 Excel Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 45 mentions

“Master Palmer and everyone else are wonderful with my daughter, they have great patience and keep the classes very engaging.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Teens 2 mentions

All dojos that run teens →

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 117 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 8 mentions

“Master Palmer is very knowledgeable in all things karate and is an excellent instructor for children and adults!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“I've stayed because the Palmers make the school a welcoming place that builds martial skills and community spirit.”

friendly, respectful dojo 20 mentions

“Sensei is supportive and understanding of our sons needs and has been great in helping him break out of his normal routine and push his boundaries”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My daughter has really enjoyed the kids classes and has made many great friendships with other kids from the local area.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“I am particularly grateful for the discipline, courage, and confidence that Master Palmer has instilled in my daughter.”

From the reviews

I started training at Excel 6 years ago as an activity to do with my family. I've stayed because the Palmers make the school a welcoming place that builds martial skills and community spirit. The training challenges me physically but also mentally to change old, bad habits for better ones.

★★★★★ — Michele, Jul 2025

Master Palmer is an amazing instructor. He is compassionate, skilled, and teaches responsibility and character. Miss Donna has done so much to make us feel at home and is helpful and understanding. We love taking classes here!

★★★★★ — Emily, Jan 2026

Master Palmer is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond to support his students. His kindness and patience are evident in his interactions with both children and adults. He is incredibly encouraging to all his students, particularly those with potential and those who demonstrate hard work and dedication.

★★★★★ — Jasmine, Dec 2025

This is a very professional, welcoming, and honorable environment. Your children will be treated equally, with respect, and as one of their own. The training is impeccable and the best you will find around the area. The facility is very clean.

★★★★★ — Jacqueline, Dec 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 117 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Excel 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 Excel Martial Arts

2203A Orange Ave NE, Roanoke, VA24012

Get directions

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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.