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Martial Arts America

4.6 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Karate dojo in San Ramon, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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 2–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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 maablackbelt.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 925-718-5111

Hours

Monday 3:30–8 pm
Tuesday 3:30–8 pm
Wednesday 3:30–8 pm
Thursday 3:30–8 pm
Friday 3:30–8 pm
Saturday 10 am–1 pm
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 Martial Arts America, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 27 mentions

“My kids have been taking classes at MAA for the past 5 years, and we just registered them for 3 more years.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great workout and self defense techniques.”

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 Martial Arts America — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo 3 mentions

“They have taught my kids the tenets of Taekwondo (courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, victory), which are valuable life-lessons.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The discipline and conditioning my kids receive from martial arts (Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Eskrima, and Krav Maga) have helped them do well in school, sports, and community service.”

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 33 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Joe, his instructor, was amazing- my son had a lot of fun and is enjoying his karate classes.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“It’s not just about physical training, it’s about building confidence, focus, discipline, and resilience, all in a safe and welcoming environment.”

great workout & fitness 2 mentions

“The discipline and conditioning my kids receive from martial arts (Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Eskrima, and Krav Maga) have helped them do well in school, sports, and community service.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Their program has helped our daughter with staying focused, paying attention and listening to instructions, always trying her best, and developing valuable leadership skills.”

clean, welcoming dojo 3 mentions

“The studio itself was spotless, and you could tell they take pride in maintaining a clean and organized space.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 14 mentions

“What truly sets them apart is how they respect each child’s individual pace, never rushing progress and always offering personalized support based on each student’s unique needs.”

From the reviews

Great Martial Arts place for kids. My 10 year old daughter has gained a lot of confidence since she started.

★★★★★ — Alex, Apr 2025

We recently celebrated our son's 5th birthday at this martial arts studio, and I can't express how fantastic it was! From the moment we walked in, the staff was incredibly friendly and went out of their way to ensure everything was perfect.

★★★★★ — Rich, Jan 2024

I resided primarily at the Martial Arts America Pleasanton school, but over my 16 years, I have trained many times at this San Ramon studio. The instructors, especially Senior Master Celina Hespen, epitomize what it is like to be a great taekwondo instructor in the modern world.

★★★★★ — Kai, Oct 2023

We couldn’t be happier with this Martial Arts America San Ramon! What truly sets them apart is how they respect each child’s individual pace, never rushing progress and always offering personalized support based on each student’s unique needs.

★★★★★ — K, Jun 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Martial Arts America

Martial Arts America 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 Martial Arts America

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 Martial Arts America

2432 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon, CA94582

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.