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Kells Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Baltimore, Maryland

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 (ages 4–13) — 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
  • Website & schedule kellskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (410) 499-2476

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Kells Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 32 mentions

“My daughter has been training at Kells for 2 years and I started training 10+ months ago after seeing how much my daughter is learning and how much she loves her experience there.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“But the experience has provided my kids with far more than just self-defense techniques (though I'm very glad they have those!”

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 Kells Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“Prior to switching to this dojo, they had practiced karate at another Jiu Jitsu / Karate dojo for about 6 months.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“But the experience has provided my kids with far more than just self-defense techniques (though I'm very glad they have those!”

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 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“And even though we're all black belts now, we still continue to grow and get better, thanks to the great teachers at the dojo.”

friendly, respectful dojo 13 mentions

“If you are looking for an inclusive, family-friendly, quality, and just plain fun martial arts experience, I highly recommend Kells Karate Academy in Towson.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“My daughter has been training at Kells for 2 years and I started training 10+ months ago after seeing how much my daughter is learning and how much she loves her experience there.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 18 mentions

“Even though she is one of the youngest and smallest in her class, she is learning new skills and building her strength, confidence and focus.”

From the reviews

My son just started a few months ago. He will be four next week. Ms. Karen runs an outstanding program. My son loves class. The independence, discipline, confidence, and core skills he is learning are wonderful. It is so convenient being at my gym- I can get a workout in and he gets a great break and fun class.

★★★★★ — April, Feb 2016

I'm grateful that my family and I are able to train at Pamfilis Karate Academy. I have two children enrolled as well as myself. Seido Karate is a traditional style that emphasizes a non-quitting spirit and it’s great to see how much my kids have learned over the course of two years.

★★★★★ — Mark, May 2014

My son has been attending Pamfilis Karate Academy since the 1st grade. He has always had a hard time keeping focus. The focus when he is in class is amazing to see. He absolutely loves karate and it has been so much fun watching him work hard and learn from Jun Shihan Karen.

★★★★★ — Katie, Feb 2019

An awesome Karate facility for kids. This is the second Karate club I found for my 5 y/o son, and I am glad my son love it so much. Ms. Karen makes the classes very fun via lots of different games to impart Karate skills and build their bodies as well.

★★★★★ — Huan, Feb 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Kells Karate Academy

Kells Karate Academy 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 Kells Karate 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 Kells Karate Academy

1220 E Joppa Rd #315, Baltimore, MD21286

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.