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Keefe's Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 26 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Stoneham, Massachusetts
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- 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
- 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
- Website & schedule stonehamkick.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 781-281-9410
The classes they run
“I researched karate dojos around the area for my son and enrolled him in the trial program at Keefe’s Martial Arts to see if he will like karate.”
“Started training private lessons in Tai Chi with John at 'Keefe's Martial Arts'.”
“Anyone would be wise to choose this small focused setting to learn self defense and traditional martial arts over large factory farm schools who are just in it for the money.”
Other martial arts here
“I can't recommend his teaching enough -- he expertly helps kids learn mixed martial arts, but also so much more.”
“Anyone would be wise to choose this small focused setting to learn self defense and traditional martial arts over large factory farm schools who are just in it for the money.”
What students say
“John is an amazing teacher (who has had amazing teachers) who practices and teaches with great humility and kindness.”
“Sifu John not only is friendly and welcoming ,but very patient with his students and breaks down every stance you learn.”
“Sifu John not only is friendly and welcoming ,but very patient with his students and breaks down every stance you learn.”
“Sensei John not only teaches the fundamentals of martial arts but teaches the children discipline, self control and respect.”
“The introductory two-week trial is a great way to dip a toe in (so to speak) to tai chi.”
“Check his lineage in Tai Chi and Kenpo, it is solid.”
From the reviews
Their is so much I can say about my experience at Keefe's Martial Arts, all of it positive. I have been studying various kinds of martial arts at schools around the area and this has been my best experience.
This is not a "black belt" factory, but a Martial Arts Studio. I walked in skeptical having had a negative experience at a supposed MA "school." What I experienced from John Keefe is a committed and approachable teacher.
I researched karate dojos around the area for my son and enrolled him in the trial program at Keefe’s Martial Arts to see if he will like karate. He loved it. Sensei John does a wonderful job with the kids, he holds their attention in a participative, energetic, and fun way.
5+ stars, highly recommend. I started my 10 year old son in the kids karate class after the new year. Shihan Keefe has a great way with the kids. Seeing him teach seven or eight kids at three or four diffent skill levels at the same time, and keeping each moving forward has been inspiring.
New to Karate? Start at Keefe's Martial Arts
Keefe's Martial Arts 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.
Your first Karate class at Keefe's Martial Arts
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.
More Karate dojos near Stoneham
Body Mind Systems, Stoneham
4.8 ★★★★★ 21 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site