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National Karate Institute

5 ★★★★★ 33 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Salem, New Hampshire

Karate dojo Affiliated 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

  • 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 nkimartialarts.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (603) 205-1157

Hours

Monday 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday 9 AM–8 PM
Friday 9 AM–7:30 PM
Saturday 9 AM–1:30 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 National Karate Institute, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 29 mentions

“My daughter has been going to NKI for almost 2 years now and signing her up for karate was one of the best decisions I could have made for her.”

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Teens 2 mentions

“He is easily one of the best professionals I have ever seen working with children and teens.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you are looking for a school that teaches refined martial arts or a school that teaches hands on applicable self defense you will not be disappointed.”

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 National Karate Institute — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“If you are looking for a school that teaches refined martial arts or a school that teaches hands on applicable self defense you will not be disappointed.”

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 33 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Even after moving further away we continue to attend NKI because of the amazing teachers, and excellent program!”

friendly, respectful dojo 14 mentions

“I would recommend this school, sport and teacher to anyone looking for a quality experience for their child and family.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“We have watched our son blossom & grow more confident over the years with the help & encouragement of Kyoshi and the other instructors”

💵 good value / fair pricing 3 mentions

“He keeps it both challenging and fun, the session passes so quickly but not before the students learn a great deal every time.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 14 mentions

“Not only are the children taught about Karate, Kyoshi’s teaching incorporates a constant stream of respect and a high moral code.”

From the reviews

My son has been attending the school since he turned 3. Kyoshi is amazing at making the class educational and individualized for each student’s ability. Kyoshi knows what each child is working on and what they are interested in that can help them achieve their goals.

★★★★★ — Nicole, Jul 2019

Our son and daughter have been students at the National Karate Institute since kindergarten. We’re going on 7 years now. We could not be happier. The staff is incredibly talented, skilled and professional. They all excel in martial arts and have the resume to back it up.

★★★★★ — Stephen, Jul 2019

The NKI family is just that. FAMILY. You’re not a number, you’re a valued member of this karate family. My daughter gained courage, confidence and determination with all of the teachers at this school. I can not recommend it enough.

★★★★★ — Danielle, Jul 2019

Kyoshi- in 2013 you started my daughter on this Karate journey and your classes. You ignited a fire in my daughter when she was just 3. Unfortunately as I was military and she was a military brat- we moved from NH and we had to leave. She continued in NC as well as now in AZ.

★★★★★ — Wendi, Dec 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

Your first Karate class at National Karate Institute

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 National Karate Institute

401 Main St, Salem, NH03079

Get directions

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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.