Home › Maryland › Gaithersburg › Kicks Karate - North Potomac
Kicks Karate - North Potomac
4.7 ★★★★★ 73 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Gaithersburg, Maryland
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
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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 3–13) — 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule kickskarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 301-947-4700
Hours
| Monday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Lee and his team are wonderful with the kids - teaching them self discipline, boosting confidence and creating an environment where kids feel comfortable learning and having fun.”
“My child started with just a few classes and quickly took liking, I would definitely recommend Kicks for kids at beginner or higher learning levels.”
“My kid has been in the little ninjas program for almost a year and he's gained so much confidence and met new friends.”
“For groups of 7-10 kids, no one is slighted as they are all receiving one on one instruction and each are learning at their own pace.”
Other martial arts here
“As a bonus, over the last year, I’ve joined their kickboxing classes and have seen my own transformation.”
What students say
“My child started with just a few classes and quickly took liking, I would definitely recommend Kicks for kids at beginner or higher learning levels.”
“My family has been coming to this location for more than 5 years and it’s had a tremendous impact on my boys and their physical/mental/social health.”
“Since beginning karate a few years ago, I’ve seen a huge boost in my son’s confidence, both in and out of class.”
“Lee and his team are wonderful with the kids - teaching them self discipline, boosting confidence and creating an environment where kids feel comfortable learning and having fun.”
From the reviews
My 4 year-old son has been going to Kicks Karate North Potomac for about 9 months. It's been an amazing experience! The instructors are excellent--they break things down in an age-appropriate way, make the class fun, and work with your kiddo on their particular issues.
We’ve had a great experience with Kicks Karate. Since beginning karate a few years ago, I’ve seen a huge boost in my son’s confidence, both in and out of class. The instructors do an amazing job of making the lessons fun while still keeping the kids focused and working hard.
My son just transferred to this location a few months ago from another Kicks Karate location. We have been with Kicks Karate for over 10 years now and love the studio. My son is especially enjoying the staff at the QO location and has enjoyed being challenged more recently with his curriculum.
After twenty-seven years, our time at Kicks Karate is coming to an end. It's not them - we're moving out of the area. We've studied under Master John Bussard, the one and only Master Mike Brown, watched Lee Anderson evolve from a fellow student of our seven year old son into a Grand Champion and Master in his own…
New to Karate? Start at Kicks Karate - North Potomac
Kicks Karate - North Potomac 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 Kicks Karate - North Potomac
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 Gaithersburg
Challenge Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
WARRIOR3 - Karate, Kickboxing, & Jiu-Jitsu
4.8 ★★★★★ 36 reviews
Master Method Karate Gaithersburg
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site