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Journey Martial Arts Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 138 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Youngsville, North Carolina

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 2–18) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule youngsvillemartialartsacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 919-931-0643

Hours

Monday 6:15–7:30 am, 3:45–8:30 pm
Tuesday 4:15–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6:15–7:30 am, 3:45–8:30 pm
Thursday 4:15–8:30 pm
Friday 5:15–7:30 pm
Saturday 8:15 am–12:30 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 Journey Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 24 mentions

“They have a wonderful structure to their classes, have high expectations for behavior, listening and attention from even the youngest of kids.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons

“The program is excellent, especially for young kids, with multiple teachers leading the Little Samurai and Mini Me classes.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We’ve seen a huge boost in my son’s confidence, discipline, focus, and respect—all while he’s learning valuable self-defense skills.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

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

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 6 mentions

“The best thing you can do for your kids and yourself is to sign up for Bjj of karate.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We’ve seen a huge boost in my son’s confidence, discipline, focus, and respect—all while he’s learning valuable 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 138 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“Some say that the hardest belt to get in BJJ is the white belt, because of what it takes to walk through the door, learn something new, and grapple (wrestle) complete strangers.”

friendly, respectful dojo 9 mentions

“From the time I walked in, during classes and after class everyone was very welcoming and encouraging.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“We’ve seen a huge boost in my son’s confidence, discipline, focus, and respect—all while he’s learning valuable self-defense skills.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 24 mentions

“The expectation of respect to eachother on the mat, discipline and building of confidence in an extremely positive atmosphere has been uplifting to our child.”

From the reviews

Our 10 year old son has fallen in love with karate, Journey Martial Arts Academy and Mr. Rowe most of all! I never really knew what karate offered but it definitely is more than just learning martial arts! It’s way more than that!!

★★★★★ — Brandi, Mar 2023

Truly Life-Changing Experience! Journey Martial Arts in Youngsville, NC has been nothing short of incredible for our family. My son has been attending for just over a year now, and the growth we’ve seen in him—both physically and mentally—has been amazing.

★★★★★ — Jamie, Mar 2025

We’ve been loving Journey Martial Arts! The program is excellent, especially for young kids, with multiple teachers leading the Little Samurai and Mini Me classes. Mr. Rowe brings great energy and holds the kids to a high standard. He expects respect and full effort. Mr.

★★★★★ — Alicia, Jan 2025

The level of care, dedication and training my daughter has received in a month of practice is amazing. The instructors are very patient and the children are learning so much so fast.. I can't wait to see how much she will grow with her Journey Martial Arts training.

★★★★★ — Sharlene, Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 138 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Journey Martial Arts Academy

Journey Martial Arts Academy 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 Journey Martial Arts Academy

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 Journey Martial Arts Academy

1130 US-1 Ste 320, Youngsville, NC27596

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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.