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North Valley Martial Arts

4.7 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Scottsdale, Arizona

Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — 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 ·
  • Phone (480) 508-2244

Hours

Monday 12–8 PM
Tuesday 12–8:30 PM
Wednesday 12–8 PM
Thursday 12 PM–12 AM
Friday 7 AM–1 AM
Saturday 7:30 AM–12:30 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 North Valley Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 15 mentions

“James is the best martial arts teacher I highly recommend him for adult classes and kid classes from 4 and older he's the best 🙏♥️”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I have been taking advantage of the adult fitness class, which includes a self-defense component, for about 3 years.”

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 Valley Martial Arts — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“I have been taking advantage of the adult fitness class, which includes a self-defense component, for about 3 years.”

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 15 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“James is an amazing instructor and my son has improved so much!”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“James is the best martial arts teacher I highly recommend him for adult classes and kid classes from 4 and older he's the best 🙏♥️”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“He is going on 5 yrs at the dojo, and his confidence and leadership development continue to rise, along with his accomplishments in Kempo.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“He is going on 5 yrs at the dojo, and his confidence and leadership development continue to rise, along with his accomplishments in Kempo.”

From the reviews

I just wanted to say that I’m impressed at how much our 8 year old son has learned in the few months he’s been coming to North Valley Martial Arts. He was showing me his repertoire the other day and I had no idea how well he knows the stuff. He really loves karate now, when before it was a fight to get him to go.

★★★★★ — Kris, Sep 2021

I have been taking advantage of the adult fitness class, which includes a self-defense component, for about 3 years. I love that the workouts are created to meet any fitness level and help each person to attain his/her personal goals in an energetic, judgement-free environment.

★★★★★ — Jenny, Oct 2019

We have been very happy with NVMA. Our kids have learned a lot and we like how calm yet disciplined Sensei James makes it for the kids. They get to do some fun kid games at times and I like how he pushes and encourages character growth in a controlled environment.

★★★★★ — Darcy, Sep 2021

North Valley Martial Arts has truly been a great experience for my son. He is going on 5 yrs at the dojo, and his confidence and leadership development continue to rise, along with his accomplishments in Kempo.

★★★★★ — Chad, May 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

Your first Karate class at North Valley 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 North Valley Martial Arts

7835 E Gelding Dr Ste F, Scottsdale, AZ85260

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.