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Missouri Karate Association

5 ★★★★★ 108 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Ellisville, Missouri

Karate dojo Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome 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

  • 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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • 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 mokarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (636) 675-3956

Hours

Monday 9 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–9 PM
Thursday 9 AM–9 PM
Friday 9 AM–9 PM
Saturday 9 AM–5 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 Missouri Karate Association, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 22 mentions

“My two kids have been attending Missouri Karate Association for the past three years, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for our family.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Coaches are really good and well structured steps from beginner to advance level.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I've learned self-defense skills and have grown more confident in my abilities.”

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 Missouri Karate Association — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I've learned self-defense skills and have grown more confident in my abilities.”

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 108 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“Led by Sensei Sean and Sensei Barry, I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best teachers in the martial arts community.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“The classes are both challenging and rewarding, and I highly recommend it to anyone—of any age or skill level—looking for authentic martial arts and a welcoming place to train!”

friendly, respectful dojo 16 mentions

“My two kids have been attending Missouri Karate Association for the past three years, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for our family.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“The Sensei are not only highly skilled in karate, but also incredibly patient, encouraging, and great with kids.”

traditional style & affiliation 5 mentions

“I like to do my research and as a parent, I was looking for a good dojo that was authentic to its martial arts and Missouri Karate Association (MKA) was it.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 24 mentions

“They teach discipline, focus, and respect in a way that really connects with young students, while still keeping classes fun and engaging.”

From the reviews

I've been training at this dojo for about 10 years now, and at just 16 years old, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative experience. Led by Sensei Sean and Sensei Barry, I have had the privilege of learning from some of the best teachers in the martial arts community.

★★★★★ — Kai, Apr 2025

I recently joined MKA in Ballwin. I didn't know what to expect when I first stepped foot in the dojo. I was immediately greeted warmly by instructor Sensei Sean, who invited me to return for a trial class. Having come from a different dojo earlier in life, I wasn't sure I would fit in.

★★★★★ — Kenny, Oct 2025

My 9-year-old son has been training here for the past 3 years, and the experience has been absolutely amazing. The Sensei are not only highly skilled in karate, but also incredibly patient, encouraging, and great with kids.

★★★★★ — Sujeet, Aug 2025

My two kids have been attending Missouri Karate Association for the past three years, and it has been an incredibly positive experience for our family. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about the growth and development of each student.

★★★★★ — Sridhar, Aug 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 108 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Missouri Karate Association

Missouri 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Missouri 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.

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 Missouri Karate Association

15648 Manchester Rd, Ellisville, MO63011

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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.