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Mid Eastern Karate Association
4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Burlington, North Carolina
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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mideasternkarateassociation.org — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (336) 570-9605
Hours
| Monday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 5–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 5–8 PM |
| Friday | 5–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Perkins and the MEKA staff have always encouraged our kids to be the absolute best versions of themselves in every aspect of their lives.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“Beyond his tremendous martial arts knowledge, Mr Perkins is a true gentleman—always approachable, respectful, and committed to helping others succeed.”
“The dojo has had such a positive impact on my son’s confidence, discipline, and growth.”
“Beyond his tremendous martial arts knowledge, Mr Perkins is a true gentleman—always approachable, respectful, and committed to helping others succeed.”
From the reviews
MEKA has been my home away from home for almost a year. The Senseis are awesome. This is not just a place to learn but a family. As a 43 year old it's amazing o. How I've grown. My confidence, focus, health all have gotten so much better. Even my 2 young children are going.
The Mid Eastern Karate Association (MEKA) is truly one of the finest martial arts organizations anyone could hope to be a part of. From its commitment to excellence in training to the genuine sense of community it fosters, MEKA stands out as an organization that embodies the very best of traditional martial arts…
My son has been taking Karate at MEKA for three years. My daughter has recently started to participate in the young kids class. My wife who is a black belt from a former Dojo participants occasionally. Cannot say enough about what a blessing and positive influence this Dojo has had.
My son has been part of Mid Eastern Karate Association for the past 5 years, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the experience. Perkins Sensei goes above and beyond—he doesn’t just teach karate, he truly cares about the kids and stays involved in their everyday lives, including their progress in school.
New to Karate? Start at Mid Eastern Karate Association
Mid Eastern Karate Association comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 Mid Eastern Karate Association
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.
