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North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I.

4.6 ★★★★★ 11 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Knoxville, Tennessee

Part of Isshinryu Karate

Karate dojo Affiliated

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

Hours

Monday 6:30–7:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30–8:30 pm
Wednesday 7–8:30 pm
Thursday 6:30–8:30 pm
Friday Closed
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 North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I., confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“We learn kumite (sparring/fighting), kata (forms), and self-defense.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

🥊 Kumite / Sparring 2 mentions

“We learn kumite (sparring/fighting), kata (forms), and self-defense.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We learn kumite (sparring/fighting), kata (forms), and self-defense.”

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 North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I. — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“This gym also has MMA classes taught by actual MMA fighters after the karate classes, so I feel well-rounded in my training.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“We learn kumite (sparring/fighting), kata (forms), and self-defense.”

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 11 Google reviews — in their own words.

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“We learn kumite (sparring/fighting), kata (forms), and self-defense.”

From the reviews

I have been going here since May 2024, and this group has become like family to me. Greg is an amazing instructor with 50+ years of experience alone, and we also have two fifth degree and one fourth degree teaching us as well. This gym is what isshinryu karate is supposed to be.

★★★★★ — Hahley, Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 11 reviews →

Your first Karate class at North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I.

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 North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I.

2501 Ellistown Rd, Knoxville, TN37924

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.