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National Karate of Rochester
4.7 ★★★★★ 24 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rochester, Minnesota
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.
Long-standing chain providing martial arts training for all ages & skill levels.
Plan your first class
- 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 5–13) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule nationalkaraterochester.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (507) 204-2467
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 4:30–7:30 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–8 PM |
| Friday | 4:30–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–12:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Coming from the original karate kid movie generation, I have been impressed by the number of girls enrolled in national karate.”
Other martial arts here
What students say
“The place is super clean, instructors are fantastic and my kid loves it.”
“Nelson and his entire staff of instructors are incredible at teaching discipline, respect and hard work.”
From the reviews
National Karate has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my boys. It teaches them the importance of martial arts AND discipline, responsibility, confidence, and growth. Mr. Nelson and his team have been absolutely amazing and they run the class perfectly. New customers can sign up for a $29.
National Karate is a wonderful place to attend for all ages! You have a level of learning at your level, while helping you develop and go to the next level. My daughter loves it there. It has helped her be stronger and more confident in every area of her life and it is still building along with her skill!
Great school! My daughter has attended classes for several years now. I cannot recommend National Karate enough!
Coming from the original karate kid movie generation, I have been impressed by the number of girls enrolled in national karate. Usually around 50% at any given class. I believe this is a particularly good thing!
New to Karate? Start at National Karate of Rochester
National Karate of Rochester 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 National Karate of Rochester
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.