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Karate for Kids - South Salem

5 ★★★★★ 16 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Salem, Oregon

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
  • Membership memberships around $99/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule salemartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (503) 371-4856

Hours

Monday 3–8 PM
Tuesday 3–8 PM
Wednesday 3–8 PM
Thursday 3–7 PM
Friday 3–8 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 Karate for Kids - South Salem, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 3 mentions

“He helped my daughter find her strengths, independence, and helped sculpt her into finding who she really is.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Teens

“My teenager is in his Krav Maga class.”

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Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Karate for Kids - South Salem — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My teenager is in his Krav Maga class.”

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 16 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Amazing Instructors who promote respect during class and encourage kindness and respect toward others outside of school as well”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 5 mentions

“They do provide healthy activities for children and adults, but also examples of respect, discipline, and courtesy for everyone.”

From the reviews

Karate for Kids is more than an activity, a private school, or a gym. They are a shining star of consistency in an ever changing world. They do provide healthy activities for children and adults, but also examples of respect, discipline, and courtesy for everyone.

★★★★★ — Kimberly, May 2020

Outstanding service, dedication, and support of our community! Mr. And mrs. Vp have dedicated their lives to serving others, through honor, integrity, and education. Empowering all who are willing, through discipline and education to NEVER BE A VICTIM! And to always help others! #always be ready

★★★★★ — Brent, Jun 2018

Jerry is an amazing instructor and knows exactly what he is doing. My teenager is in his Krav Maga class. He helped my daughter find her strengths, independence, and helped sculpt her into finding who she really is. Jerry and Theresa are wonderful people! Completely recommend.

★★★★★ — Christina, Mar 2020

Amazing Instructors who promote respect during class and encourage kindness and respect toward others outside of school as well

★★★★★ — Jeff, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 16 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Karate for Kids - South Salem

Karate for Kids - South Salem 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 Karate for Kids - South Salem

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 Karate for Kids - South Salem

4564 Commercial St SE, Salem, OR97302

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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.