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Merrimack Valley Martial Arts Academy

5 ★★★★★ 13 Google reviews · Karate dojo in North Andover, Massachusetts

Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule mvmaa.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 978-237-5956

Hours

Monday 4–7:30 pm
Tuesday 4–7:30 pm
Wednesday 4–6:30 pm
Thursday 4–7:30 pm
Friday 4–6:15 pm
Saturday 9:30 am–12:30 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 Merrimack Valley Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 2 mentions

“My kids started karate here at 4+ and have loved it ever since.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Sensei Louie teaches the students about respect, self defense, all while having fun!”

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 Merrimack Valley Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“If your considering doing karate or kickboxing please consider here it’s affordable and amazing.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Sensei Louie teaches the students about respect, self defense, all while having fun!”

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 13 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Sensei is an incredible instructor who is phenomenal with his students.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“Very friendly, energetic, welcoming, kind, just amazing overall.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“This place is wonderful, the parents are super nice and welcoming, and the price is so so so worth it!”

💗 welcoming to women 2 mentions

“I take female kickboxing classes at MVMAA and absolutely LOVE my class.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“Sensei Louie teaches the students about respect, self defense, all while having fun!”

From the reviews

Structured, Humble, Kind, Relevant, Fun. You can see the respect the kids naturally have for Louie. He's an amazing Sensei. We tried several other karate places and found it to be like a performance for the parents rather than a real class for the kiddos.

★★★★★ — Jen, Dec 2022

Sensai is a Great guy! Very friendly, energetic, welcoming, kind, just amazing overall. I highly recommended his dojo! It’s clean and child safe! Just a great community overall! If your considering doing karate or kickboxing please consider here it’s affordable and amazing.

★★★★★ — Alex, Jan 2023

I take female kickboxing classes at MVMAA and absolutely LOVE my class. Sensei is an amazing teacher, mentor and leader. We have a class of 20 women that have become regulars for each session for the past couple of years !

★★★★★ — Tracey, Jul 2012

My kids started karate here at 4+ and have loved it ever since. Sensei Louie teaches the students about respect, self defense, all while having fun!

★★★★★ — Tatiana, Jan 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 13 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Merrimack Valley Martial Arts 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 Merrimack Valley Martial Arts Academy

200 Sutton St, North Andover, MA01845

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.