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Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School

5 ★★★★★ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Knoxville, Tennessee

Part of Uechi-Ryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule okknoxville.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (413) 822-5409

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday 9:30–11:30 AM
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 Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌀 Kata (Forms) 2 mentions

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

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 Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing

“Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🤼 Judo

“Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🐉 Kung Fu

“Many of our members have trained or currently train in other arts including: Shorin Ryu, Isshinryu, BJJ, Judo, Kung Fu, HEMA, Kickboxing, Escrima, and Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

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 6 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“Some of our members to compete in tournaments also.”

traditional style & affiliation 8 mentions

“This is the perfect school to learn traditional Okinawan style Karate that is more self-defense focused than sport-focused.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 3 mentions

“The curriculum focuses on self-defense stuff, with an emphasis on Kata, the application of Kata, and pressure testing through sparring.”

From the reviews

I'm not from Knoxville and trained down in Florida for a long time in traditional Okinawan Karate. I had a really hard time finding a karate home up here. So naturally when I found this dojo I was really happy. The space is a bit small but I always have a great class on Saturday morning.

★★★★★ — David, Nov 2019

Started training here back in October 2019. Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family. If you've ever been curious about karate, this is definitely the place to start. It's kid and family friendly as well.

★★★★★ — Erin, Feb 2020

Great place to learn traditional Okinawan karate. Bob is a great instructor that truly has a desire to pass on his art. He accepts all regardless of organization or previous training, and believes that past training can bring valuable perspectives into our own art.

★★★★★ — Dave, Apr 2023

This is the perfect school to learn traditional Okinawan style Karate that is more self-defense focused than sport-focused. Some of our members to compete in tournaments also. Sensei Noel is a seasoned veteran of Uechi-Ryu karate and teaches in a way that everyone can learn.

★★★★★ — Jake, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 6 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School

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 Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School

1023 Summer Wood Rd, Knoxville, TN37923

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.