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Mongrel Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Richmond, Virginia

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule mongrelmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 804-794-5080

Hours

Monday 6–10 am, 4–8:30 pm
Tuesday 4–8:30 pm
Wednesday 6–10 am, 12–1 pm, 4–8 pm
Thursday 4–8 pm
Friday 6–10 am, 1–2 pm, 4–7:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–1 pm
Sunday 9 am–12 pm

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 Mongrel Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“Very accommodating to adults and children also.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Whether you are brand new or have been training for years, this is a place where you can grow and enjoy the process.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Mongrel Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu 12 mentions

“If you are looking for a BJJ school in the midlothian area, you won’t find a more dedicated and supportive team.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🥊 Kickboxing 2 mentions

“If you're not into jui-jutsu they have Muay Thai judo and a couple things that I'm not remembering.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🤼 Judo 3 mentions

“If you're not into jui-jutsu they have Muay Thai judo and a couple things that I'm not remembering.”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

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 46 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 4 mentions

“Been at mongrel for a few months now- incredible owner- excellent coaching.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 3 mentions

“The staff is very professional and welcoming.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“If you are looking for a BJJ school in the midlothian area, you won’t find a more dedicated and supportive team.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“The adult gi class had a good mix of skill levels, and the techniques we worked on were practical with smart variations that I can actually use.”

active competition / tournament team 4 mentions

“Would highly recommend this school for both the hobbyist and the serious competitors.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“Mongrel offers various martial art disciplines.”

From the reviews

I was in Richmond visiting my sister and wanted to get some training in while I was up there. I usually train in Miami, so I reached out to Mongrel BJJ through their website just to see if I could drop in. Frank actually called me himself and we started texting from there. He made it easy and told me to come by.

★★★★★ — Danielmccormack1, Feb 2026

I have been a member for several years now. Great instructors and great atmosphere. They always treat you like family. Give them a try if you are interested in learning martial arts.

★★★★★ — Donn, Oct 2022

Always friendly, always helpful and everyone makes you feel welcome. You can be a returning member or a brand new person, and it is always welcome. The martial arts programs, both jiu jitsu and karate, are amazing! The teachers are helpful and accommodating!

★★★★★ — Harrison, Dec 2017

Mongrel is an awesome, family-style martial arts gym. The Jiu Jitsu program is second to none in all of Metro Richmond. And most importantly to me is how they treat people....with respect and consideration.

★★★★★ — Blair, Feb 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 46 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Mongrel Martial Arts

Mongrel Martial Arts 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 Mongrel Martial Arts

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 Mongrel Martial Arts

11617 Busy St, Richmond, VA23236

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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.