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Modern Martial Arts - Upper East Side
4.8 ★★★★★ 51 Google reviews · Karate dojo in New York, New York
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
- Membership memberships around $200/mo — many dojos also offer a discounted first month and family plans, so ask about new-student rates
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule mmanewyorkcity.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 212-772-3700
Hours
| Monday | 12–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 12–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 12–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–8 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9:45 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | 9:45 am–2 pm |
The classes they run
“The workout is excellent for the children, and the foundation philosophy is discussed each class, underlying the importance of discipline, integrity, self control.”
“They do a really great job here of letting you find (or perhaps discover for the first time) your strength.”
“The receptionists are always so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, I strongly recommend if you are looking to have an excellent time while learning self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“In addition to the kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and defense skills he has learned in class, he has benefited a great deal other life skills, e.”
“In addition to the kickboxing, jiu-jitsu and defense skills he has learned in class, he has benefited a great deal other life skills, e.”
“My daughter and I have been training at MMA NYC for years, and it has truly been an incredible experience for both of us.”
“The receptionists are always so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, I strongly recommend if you are looking to have an excellent time while learning self-defense.”
What students say
“They are great coaches- professional and caring.”
“They do a really great job here of letting you find (or perhaps discover for the first time) your strength.”
“She earned her Black Belt last year, which was an enormous source of pride for our family.”
“Both my son and I love Modern for their challanging classes and gifted teachers.”
“If not for these two coaches and the competition class, we likely would have moved him to the same gym I train at.”
“The workout is excellent for the children, and the foundation philosophy is discussed each class, underlying the importance of discipline, integrity, self control.”
From the reviews
I am 12 years old, and I go to Modern Martial Arts, I've been taking classes since I was 3 1/2 years old, The coaches are amazing at teaching and what they do. The receptionists are always so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, I strongly recommend if you are looking to have an excellent time while learning self-defense.
My son is autistic; your instructors put both him and us- his parents at ease. They are great coaches- professional and caring. Keith is fantastic. His drills, beyond instilling a sense of confidence, is the best occupational therapy for those who need it. And Sandy- at the desk, is very helpful and kind.
My daughter and I have been training at MMA NYC for years, and it has truly been an incredible experience for both of us. My daughter has been taking classes for nine years, and I joined the adult kickboxing program three years ago.
MMA is possibly my favorite place on earth. My son started when he was 4.5 and has been going for about 6 months. He is a more quiet, introspective kid, but is his most confident self in this class. He volunteers, is loud, loves to be called - basically his best self.
New to Karate? Start at Modern Martial Arts - Upper East Side
Modern Martial Arts - Upper East Side 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.
Your first Karate class at Modern Martial Arts - Upper East Side
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.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site