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Next Level Martial Arts

4.9 ★★★★★ 203 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Harrisonburg, Virginia

Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 2–18) — 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule nextlevelmartialartsva.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 540-432-8400

Hours

Monday 1–9 pm
Tuesday 1–9 pm
Wednesday 1–9 pm
Thursday 1–9 pm
Friday 1–6 pm
Saturday 9 am–12 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 Next Level Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 29 mentions

“I can't say enough good things about the Next Level after-school program and the martial arts classes that my son has been attending!”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“He helps beginners classes once per week, he enjoys working with smaller kids and that gives him motivation to continue with karate.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🐉 Little Dragons

“We started my younger one at 2 years old in the mini ninja group, which really is Mommy and me karate since parents are fully involved in all the classes at that age.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

Other martial arts here

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

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 203 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“He helps beginners classes once per week, he enjoys working with smaller kids and that gives him motivation to continue with karate.”

friendly, respectful dojo 11 mentions

“The camaraderie among the students and the supportive relationships they've built with the instructors foster a positive atmosphere that keeps kids engaged and excited to attend.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“My kids have been going here for years and we love this sport and the community we've found at the school.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 26 mentions

“The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly invested in each child’s growth; not just in their skills, but in their confidence and character as well.”

From the reviews

I can't say enough good things about the Next Level after-school program and the martial arts classes that my son has been attending! From the moment he joined, I noticed a remarkable transformation in him.

★★★★★ — Carla, Apr 2026

We couldn’t be happier with Next Level Martial Arts! Both of our girls absolutely love coming to class every week. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly invested in each child’s growth; not just in their skills, but in their confidence and character as well.

★★★★★ — Sydni, Apr 2026

My son was in karate before covid. He started again a year ago when we moved here. I've loved seeing his progress. He is becoming more confident and motivated to come to class. Now he is in Black Belt Club and it has been a great experience. The Instructors are amazing and the school has a friendly atmosphere.

★★★★★ — Angela, Apr 2026

Next Level Martial Arts is AMAZING! Such a fun and welcoming community of instructors and students to help your future black belt grow not only their karate skills, but also their manners, discipline, and respect that extends well beyond classroom instruction!

★★★★★ — Brenton, Apr 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 203 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Next Level Martial Arts

Next Level 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 Next Level 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 Next Level Martial Arts

81 Betts Ct, Harrisonburg, VA22801

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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.