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International Karate & Self Defense Forney

5 ★★★★★ 57 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Forney, Texas

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 forneymartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 972-564-2999

Hours

Monday 12–8 pm
Tuesday 12–8 pm
Wednesday 12–8 pm
Thursday 12–8 pm
Friday 6–7 pm
Saturday 10 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 International Karate & Self Defense Forney, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 36 mentions

“We definitely recommend this school if you are looking for a karate class that teaches your kids a discipline and get them the exercise they need”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“If you're looking to learn martial arts, International Karate & Self Defense is the real deal.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“He provides a clean and inviting DoJo for adults to watch their children succeed.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at International Karate & Self Defense Forney — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“Both my boys enjoyed his clases and gain so many new skills, from taekwondo to self defense.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“If you're looking to learn martial arts, International Karate & Self Defense is the real deal.”

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 4 mentions

“Mike Ashwood is such a great karate instructor. He is so kind and patient with his students.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“This school provides top notch martial arts training in a tight knit family/community environment.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“We definitely recommend this school if you are looking for a karate class that teaches your kids a discipline and get them the exercise they need”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“But on top of that they can compete and strengthen themselves!”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“He provides a clean and inviting DoJo for adults to watch their children succeed.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“We definitely recommend this school if you are looking for a karate class that teaches your kids a discipline and get them the exercise they need”

From the reviews

Mike is amazing. My son loved his training here. Master Mike is great with the kids. They not only learn so much, but he also makes it so fun for them! If you're looking for a great martial arts home/family, this is definitely your place. I highly recommend this school.

★★★★★ — Jessie, Oct 2024

Mike is THE BEST karate instructor for kids!!! We fight traffic and drive across town just for his class, and it is 100% worth it. He makes learning karate fun, and my son has fallen in love with this sport. If you’re looking for a karate school in or around Forney, TX, this is the best place hands-down!

★★★★★ — Courtney, Mar 2023

Master Mike ,I want to thank you for teaching My son how to defend himself……it paid off today (2/8/22)as he fought back with a kid who he thought was his friend but today decided to pick on my son and well he clearly found out that my son wasn’t the same kid as before,so Thank you and keep up the GREAT WORK Sir.

★★★★★ — Gabriel, Feb 2022

Attending classes here for 3 years! My son has learned so much inside and outside of the mat! You won’t find a better karate school!

★★★★★ — Meagan, Mar 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 57 reviews →

Your first Karate class at International Karate & Self Defense Forney

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 International Karate & Self Defense Forney

124 E US Hwy 80 #200, Forney, TX75126

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.