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Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
4.8 ★★★★★ 63 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Norfolk, Virginia
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 3–15) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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 norfolkkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 757-623-8997
Hours
| Monday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 4:30–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 5–6 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–12:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
“Great instructors, everyone seems to be happy across the board with what norfolk academy has to offer at all levels.”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“" He's also around all these older kids and teens who are both really helpful to him and really respectful, so it's great modeling.”
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
Other martial arts here
“We obviously worked with her and talked to the coach, but when I saw there was a trial of "Bullyproof" at the Jiu Jitsu studio, we decided it was a good opportunity!”
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
What students say
“Great instructors, everyone seems to be happy across the board with what norfolk academy has to offer at all levels.”
“" He's also around all these older kids and teens who are both really helpful to him and really respectful, so it's great modeling.”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“Our daughter loves the classes, instructors and other students!”
“As a woman, I especially like this place and learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because the techniques are easy to understand, perform and are very effective.”
“This place started as a way to get the kids strength, motivation, accountability, discipline, self defense, etc and it’s become so much more.”
From the reviews
My 6 year old was going to summer camp with a boy with anger issues who kicked her, called her names, etc. We obviously worked with her and talked to the coach, but when I saw there was a trial of "Bullyproof" at the Jiu Jitsu studio, we decided it was a good opportunity!
Studied Gracie Jiu-Jitsu there for a while. The instructors are the greatest in the area and having the Gracie's come out a few times a year adds to the level of instruction. I can't say enough kind words about the owner.
I never imagined I would enjoy jiu jitsu this much. I first joined through a free women’s seminar, and I was surprised by how much I loved it. Even though I had never tried any type of martial art before, I felt comfortable and excited to learn.
I absolutely love this place! It is fun for the whole family. I decided to sign my son up and then I ended up signing up and taking g the women’s empowerment class. The staff is warm, welcoming, and genuinely love sharing their passion of karate and Jiu-Jitsu with beginners..
New to Karate? Start at Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk 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 Norfolk Karate Academy/Gracie Jiu Jitsu Norfolk
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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