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Karate International of Apex/Cary

5 ★★★★★ 45 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Apex, North Carolina

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons Competition team

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
  • 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 kiapex.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (919) 303-5695

Hours

Monday 11 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday 11 AM–8:30 PM
Friday 4:30–7:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM–1 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 International of Apex/Cary, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 30 mentions

“Houston is patient with the kids, very detailed in his instruction, emphasized on discipline and sincerity while having fun at the same time.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“Whether it's working new katas or teaching the younger students.”

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“He is willing to give one-on-one instruction when needed and is very encouraging.”

All dojos that run private lessons →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Houston blends many disciplines into his teaching of karate (judo, self-defense, jujitsu, etc.”

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 International of Apex/Cary — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🤼 Judo

“Houston blends many disciplines into his teaching of karate (judo, self-defense, jujitsu, etc.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 4 mentions

“Houston blends many disciplines into his teaching of karate (judo, self-defense, jujitsu, etc.”

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 45 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Wade Houston the Chief Instructor and is great with children of all ages.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“The supportive atmosphere is exceptional; regardless of skill level, every student is treated with importance and care.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 3 mentions

“Houston is patient with the kids, very detailed in his instruction, emphasized on discipline and sincerity while having fun at the same time.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Wade Houston the Chief Instructor and is great with children of all ages.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“The annual karate tournament presented her with a wonderful platform to uplift her self-confidence and overcome fears.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 19 mentions

“It has been a great experience in learning the discipline of karate with a firm but gracious hand as well as a great way to run off excess energy in our son.”

From the reviews

We were recommended by doctors to enroll our son in karate to improve his gross motor skills and have seen such a wonderful improvement in the last year he has been taking classes with Sensei Houston and his instructional team.

★★★★★ — Laura, Jan 2025

My son has been going to Karate International of Apex since he was 5. We started him in karate to gain confidence and to learn self defense skills. Mr. Houston has been so amazing with him, he is firm and commands respect as a 7th degree black belt, but is absolutely fantastic with the kids, and they love him!

★★★★★ — Wendy, Dec 2014

My daughter has been taking classes at Karate International in Apex with Mr. Houston for a little over two years now and loves it. Not only do the children learn karate, but they also learn about respect, discipline, and strength. It helps build their self-confidence and is a place all feel welcome. Mr.

★★★★★ — Jean-Marie, Dec 2014

We LOVE Karate International of Apex! Mr. Houston is wonderful with all the students and gives them great attention. He is willing to give one-on-one instruction when needed and is very encouraging. My son has attended classes there for over four years and received his black belt earlier this year.

★★★★★ — Jennifer, Dec 2014

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 45 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Karate International of Apex/Cary

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 International of Apex/Cary

3424 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC27502

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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.