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International Martial Arts Association of Utah

5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons 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
  • 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 4–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule imautah.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (801) 918-0671

Hours

Monday 4:15–8 PM
Tuesday 5–7:15 PM
Wednesday 4:15–8 PM
Thursday 5–7:15 PM
Friday 5–6:30 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 International Martial Arts Association of Utah, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 6 mentions

“We've attended the dojo for the past few years and he's really good with kids - knowing when to be firm and when kids just have to be wiggly.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners

“He is able to teach focus and discipline through athletic performance from black belts to brand new students.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

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 13 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Very knowledgeable instructor.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“We like the focus and determination that's taught, as well as the sense of accomplishment the kids get.”

From the reviews

We love Marius and his IMA dojo in Cottonwood Heights. We've attended the dojo for the past few years and he's really good with kids - knowing when to be firm and when kids just have to be wiggly.

★★★★★ — Jimmy, Feb 2020

Marius is the Shihan at this dojo and he is very impressive. We've been students of his for nearly a year and he is such a good instructor. He is so good with kids, as well as with adults. His style of instruction is low pressure and very encouraging.

★★★★★ — David, Aug 2020

By far the best Karate academy in SLC. The level of instruction is top notch. My girls have absolutely loved their experience here. They both have already participated at national competitions and wonedals and they have been training for a year only.

★★★★★ — Igor, Jan 2019

Our son has been going to the dojo for about a year now and we could not be happier. He has shown growth in focus, commitment and confidence. Sensei and his team are excellent. They take the art seriously and are able to graduate each student at the pace they need. We feel lucky to have the dojo in our neighborhood.

★★★★★ — Nicole, Nov 2014

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at International Martial Arts Association of Utah

International Martial Arts Association of Utah comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at International Martial Arts Association of Utah

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 Martial Arts Association of Utah

2258 Fort Union Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT84121

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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.