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Forged Self Defense Academy

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rochester, New Hampshire

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 forgedmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 603-948-9272

Hours

Monday 1–8 pm
Tuesday 2–7 pm
Wednesday 1–8 pm
Thursday 2–9 pm
Friday 12 am–2 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 Forged Self Defense Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 8 mentions

“My son has been going to Forged Self Defense for almost 2 years and it is one of the most supportive and positive environments he has in his life.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“My son has been going to Forged Self Defense for almost 2 years and it is one of the most supportive and positive environments he has in his life.”

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 Forged Self Defense Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“They are always willing to answer questions and help with techniques, whether in Jiu-Jitsu or Krav.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 6 mentions

“My son has been going to Forged Self Defense for almost 2 years and it is one of the most supportive and positive environments he has in his life.”

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Fantastic team, amazing coaches, and a wonderful workout!”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“This is such a welcoming environment to new students of all ages They specialize in the newcomer who may feel intimidated to start martial arts.”

friendly, respectful dojo 9 mentions

“My son has been going to Forged Self Defense for almost 2 years and it is one of the most supportive and positive environments he has in his life.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“They are always willing to answer questions and help with techniques, whether in Jiu-Jitsu or Krav.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“If you are looking for a place for yourself or for your child to learn and grow in Martial Arts disciplines, you found the right place.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 9 mentions

“If you are looking for a place for yourself or for your child to learn and grow in Martial Arts disciplines, you found the right place.”

From the reviews

I've been a member of many martial arts gyms throughout my life, and Forged does a fantastic job of building a dynamic, fun, accepting team environment. The classes combine hard exercises with important self-defense skills, and it makes getting in shape so fun!

★★★★★ — Kj, Mar 2023

My son started classes a year ago and is just as motivated and excited as the first day. There are days that he doesn’t want to go after an hard day at school. However, after his Forged class that same day, he’s smiling and so glad he went!

★★★★★ — Cyndi, Mar 2023

I started going here 6 months ago knowing nothing about fighting or self defense. I was so nervous to go that I almost didn’t show up for my first class but I am SO glad I did. Not only are the coaches encouraging but no one makes you feel dumb or embarrassed if you don’t know what you’re doing.

★★★★★ — Shannon, Mar 2023

I've been in the Krav program at Forged since opening last year. I was very hesitant at first as I've never experienced any type of self defense training prior. Joining Forged was one of the best decisions I've made. Coach Matt and Coach Alexis are incredibly patient and thorough.

★★★★★ — Samantha, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Forged Self Defense 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 Forged Self Defense Academy

323 Gonic Rd St 2b, Rochester, NH03839

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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.