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Johnny Karate NYC

5 ★★★★★ 194 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Brooklyn, New York

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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 — 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 johnnykaratenyc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 718-490-2883

Hours

Monday 2–8:30 pm
Tuesday 2–8:30 pm
Wednesday 2–8:30 pm
Thursday 2–8:30 pm
Friday 2–6:30 pm
Saturday 10 am–2:30 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 Johnny Karate NYC, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 15 mentions

“The karate instruction itself is excellent, and the staff creates a warm, encouraging environment where kids feel supported and motivated.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I went here for the first time and absolutely flopped and fell and hurt my ankle BUT.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🥋 Adult Karate

“The kids classes and the adult classes are excellent for people who want to progress mentally and physically.”

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 Johnny Karate NYC — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 3 mentions

“The BJJ, Muay Thai, and Karate programs are all well-structured and great for students of any skill level.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“The BJJ, Muay Thai, and Karate programs are all well-structured and great for students of any skill level.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

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 194 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Excellent dojo with knowledgeable instructors and a welcoming atmosphere.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“His very first class I felt at ease he was welcomed with Open Arms and his staff was incredibly nice.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“It’s been an amazing experience for our family, and we highly recommend Johnny Karate to anyone looking for a fun, supportive, and structured environment for their child.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“The instruction is based in fundamentals and expands to advanced levels for experienced students but still makes training fun.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“The kids classes and the adult classes are excellent for people who want to progress mentally and physically.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“He was able to come in first place at his very first tournament.”

From the reviews

Hands down the best!!! My 3 girls have been with Johnny and his team from day 1 of karate. Every instructor is amazing with kids. They instill the perfect balance of discipline, integrity and fun into the study of karate.

★★★★★ — Janelle, May 2022

My son Elijah has been going to Johnny Karate for 5 1/2 years. His very first class I felt at ease he was welcomed with Open Arms and his staff was incredibly nice. One thing I can say this School doesn’t give up on the children they push you until you complete your task.

★★★★★ — L, Jun 2026

Fantastic Martial Arts School in Brooklyn. The instruction is based in fundamentals and expands to advanced levels for experienced students but still makes training fun. Has great class options for both experienced martial artists and beginners a like.

★★★★★ — Harrison, Jun 2026

Our daughter, Ellianna, has been attending Johnny Karate, and she absolutely loves it! We’ve seen such a positive change in her discipline, confidence, and respect since she started. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly care about helping each child grow, both in karate and in life.

★★★★★ — Gabriel, Jun 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 194 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Johnny Karate NYC

Johnny Karate NYC 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Johnny Karate NYC

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 Johnny Karate NYC

164 Union St, Brooklyn, NY11231

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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.