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Karate for Kids

4.9 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Willoughby, Ohio

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule willoughbykarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 440-943-9999

Hours

Monday 1–8 pm
Tuesday 1–8 pm
Wednesday 1–8 pm
Thursday 1–8 pm
Friday 2:30–8 pm
Saturday 9:30 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 Karate for Kids, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 37 mentions

“I have been here for a while and the instructors and junior instructors make me smile and I get to have a fun time”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“The instructors were very patient with him, worked with him, and even did a one on one to get him more comfortable!”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“This is a wonderful place for little kids and big kids to learn respect, self defense, listening skills and focus.”

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 Karate for Kids — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“This is a wonderful place for little kids and big kids to learn respect, self defense, listening skills and focus.”

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 46 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 15 mentions

“The instructors are incredibly patient, supportive, and truly passionate about working with children—they make learning fun while still teaching important life skills.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“We have been here for a year, and my sons absolutely love it.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 13 mentions

“At first two ppl had to be by his side just to keep him focus but now it’s just one person and every now an then refocusing him for the task at hand.”

From the reviews

My daughter has panic and anxiety disorder. This place is fantastic, she has gotten emotions under control. She is focused and determined. I have noticed a huge improvement in her flexibility and balance. The staff is so kind and helpful to all the kids!! Her confidence is soaring :)

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Feb 2020

I love this place for my kids!!! I was worried because my son has Autism and ADHD. I express to them his diagnosis and they were willing to work with him. At first two ppl had to be by his side just to keep him focus but now it’s just one person and every now an then refocusing him for the task at hand.

★★★★★ — Queenblackgypsy, Feb 2020

My 6 year old daughter had trouble finding an interest after ballet, gymnastics, cheerleading, swimming, horseback, etc... We found kids karate and let me just tell you- she gets EXCITED for the days she gets to take her classes. The smile is on her face from the start of class until well into the evening.

★★★★★ — Nicole, Oct 2017

We absolutely love this karate program for kids! From the moment my granddaughter started, we noticed such a positive difference in her confidence, focus, and discipline.

★★★★★ — Hollie, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 46 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Karate for Kids

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

34601 Ridge Rd #8, Willoughby, OH44094

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.