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Independent Martial Arts School

5 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Nashua, New Hampshire

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Weapons / kobudo Competition team New

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 6) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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 imasnh.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 603-365-4189

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 5–7 pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 5–7 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 7:30 am–11:15 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 Independent Martial Arts School, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 9 mentions

“I am incredibly proud of the contributions these wonderful teachers have had in shaping the characters of my son and daughter.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“The instructors here are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping every student succeed—whether you’re brand new or have years of experience.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“It’s a great school to get stronger, both mentally & physically, while learning real self-defense skills.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

⚔️ Weapons (Kobudo)

All dojos that run weapons (kobudo) →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Independent Martial Arts School — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“It’s a great school to get stronger, both mentally & physically, while learning real self-defense skills.”

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 57 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Aside from the amazing instructors and exposure to lots of material, the community is what sets the dojo apart.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 4 mentions

“The atmosphere is welcoming, encouraging, and focused on real growth, both inside and out of the dojo.”

friendly, respectful dojo 10 mentions

“They don’t just teach martial arts - they teach integrity, self-discipline, respect, and strong family values.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 19 mentions

“Whether you are looking for physical fitness, self confidence or any other myriad of benefits usually associated with the martial arts, this school is a true diamond in the rough.”

From the reviews

I have been involved with this school (and its predecessor) since 1989, and I can speak firsthand to the values and benefits that have been imparted to me through my association with this organization. There are very few martial arts schools around today which resemble what the IMAS stands for.

★★★★★ — Jeff, Mar 2026

I have been a member of this school for years off and on. My kids also come here with me. The owners and fellow students are like an extension of my family. The discipline instilled in my children to be better people is second to none. Not only that, they're helping to build my children's confidence, and identity.

★★★★★ — Kyle, Mar 2026

IMAS is all about building confidence & character. It’s a great school to get stronger, both mentally & physically, while learning real self-defense skills. Great team of instructors with decades of experience.

★★★★★ — Mark, Feb 2026

I can’t say enough great things about Independent Martial Arts. The instructors here are knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in helping every student succeed—whether you’re brand new or have years of experience.

★★★★★ — Chris, Feb 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 57 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Independent Martial Arts School

Independent Martial Arts School 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Independent Martial Arts School

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 Independent Martial Arts School

138 Lake St, Nashua, NH03060

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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.