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Nashville Karate Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Nashville, Tennessee
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 (ages 4–16) — 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 nashvillekarateacademy.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 615-972-0989
Hours
| Monday | 3:30–8:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–8:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 3:30–8:15 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–8:15 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9 am–12 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“They have a great group of older sempais in class to help encourage and guide the younger children, and they are always mixing up the activities in class to keep the kids excited.”
“I started in fall 2024 to try something new and learn self defense.”
“Our kids continue to learn and grow through excellent instruction and the adult classes allow for all family members to learn as well.”
“Good for returning students like myself, or complete beginners like my wife.”
Other martial arts here
“I started in fall 2024 to try something new and learn self defense.”
What students say
“Our kids continue to learn and grow through excellent instruction and the adult classes allow for all family members to learn as well.”
“Sensei Ryan and Sensei Chelsie have cultivated a very welcoming, encouraging, and joyful environment in their dojo.”
“Ryan and Chelsea Guillemet are pure professionals when it comes to teaching, and have treated my family and I with the upmost respect.”
“They take the time to look what we need to improve and ensure that by the end of the class we have a clear understanding of the techniques that we are doing.”
“Through their guidance, I’ve found true confidence in myself and have seen major improvements in my mental health, focus, and overall well-being.”
From the reviews
New Visions Dojo is a truly exceptional place to learn Wado-ryu karate. Ryan & Chelsea Guillemet are gifted instructors with a clear love of teaching and mentoring. To those ends, they have created a welcoming environment of both balanced challenge and rigorous support.
This truly a family Dojo. My son and I have been going there for more than two years and we love it. My son especially has developed a big sense of discipline and he is able to focus more on his classes.
Regardless, if you are new to martial arts, a seasoned veteran, or if are looking for a fun, and safe place for your kids to learn self defense, I highly recommend New Visions Dojo.
I've been enjoying lessons here with my wife for over a year. I used to take martial arts for a number of years, and after moving away for college I had a hard time finding a good dojo again. New Visions is a warm and welcoming community, great for both kids and adults.
New to Karate? Start at Nashville Karate Academy
Nashville Karate Academy 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 Nashville Karate 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.
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