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Kenja Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 21 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Old Hickory, Tennessee
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 (ages 4–12) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kenjamartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 615-680-0404
Hours
| Monday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 4–7:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:15 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My children and I all train with him, and what he's built isn't just a dojo — it's a community rooted in a true love for the art.”
“My pre-teen needed to build their confidence, coordination and discipline.”
“In today's world everyone needs to know self-defense and I cannot think of a better instructor.”
Other martial arts here
“In today's world everyone needs to know self-defense and I cannot think of a better instructor.”
What students say
“Sensei Tommy Lindsay is incredibly patient, encouraging, and he truly cares about each student’s progress both on and off the mat.”
“The environment is positive, structured, and welcoming, making it a place where kids feel supported while still being challenged to do their best.”
“The environment is positive, structured, and welcoming, making it a place where kids feel supported while still being challenged to do their best.”
“My son has been taking karate lessons, working on technique, discipline and the little life lessons that go along with it.”
“Karate has been so good for my kids to learn discipline, focus, self-control and respect.”
“My son has been taking karate lessons, working on technique, discipline and the little life lessons that go along with it.”
From the reviews
Kenja Martial Arts is an outstanding dojo, and Sensei Tommy is truly one of a kind. His passion for teaching and genuine care for each student is evident in every class. He strikes the perfect balance between discipline and encouragement, helping kids grow in both skill and confidence.
I have two elementary kids in karate at Kenja Martial Arts and we absolutely love it there! Karate has been so good for my kids to learn discipline, focus, self-control and respect. KMA is a family run business: Mrs. Lindsay is very welcoming at the desk and Mr.
Kenja Martial Arts is an exceptional place for students of all ages and skill levels. My husband and oldest daughter both have their black belts, and my youngest daughter is currently a black belt candidate—all three absolutely love their experience. Mr.
I’ve had such a great experience at Kenja Martial Arts that I had to share. The instructor is extremely kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. He creates an environment that’s both respectful and encouraging, and he welcomes and honors different styles of karate.
New to Karate? Start at Kenja Martial Arts
Kenja 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 Kenja 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.
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