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Gilbert Defense Arts
5 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Gilbert, Arizona
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
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule gilbertmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (480) 855-7586
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM–8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12–6 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–2 PM |
The classes they run
“As a parent who gets busy transporting too many kids to too many activities, I love that the studio allows our son to learn at his (or our) own pace without extra pressure.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say!”
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
What students say
“Sensei Casey and Danielle are very patient and know how to work with different age groups and per the ability of each individual.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“Whether you're a beginner or experienced, there's something for everyone, and the atmosphere is welcoming, with a community that's both supportive and encouraging.”
“The classes are challenging but supportive, and the instructors take time to help you learn proper form and techniques, especially in kickboxing and self-defense.”
“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”
“It's really clean, affordable, and really seems like everyone is having fun and proud of the work they put in.”
From the reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Gilbert Defense Arts is absolutely amazing! From the moment you walk in, you can tell this place is something special. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and truly care about every student who walks through the door. It’s not just a martial arts studio—it’s a community.
Gilbert Defense Arts has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, from the moment you walk in, the vibe is welcoming and inclusive, whether you’re a complete beginner or already have some experience.
Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say! He loves the instructors, the supportive environment, and the fitness he has developed in his time with GDA.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I had an incredible experience at Gilbert Defense Arts, and I can't recommend this studio enough! The standout feature of this place is Sensei Casey and his unwavering dedication to his students.
New to Karate? Start at Gilbert Defense Arts
Gilbert Defense Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Gilbert Defense 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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