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Northampton Karate

4.9 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Florence, Massachusetts

Karate dojo Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • 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 5–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • 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 northamptonkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (413) 222-1059

Hours

Monday 6–7:15 PM
Tuesday 4:30 AM–5:15 PM
Wednesday 6–7:15 PM
Thursday 4:30–6:45 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM–11:45 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 Northampton Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 13 mentions

“Both of my daughters started here before me and my oldest recently earned her adult black belt after almost eight years of hard work and dedication.”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I've been practicing for 6 months and am still surprised when I find myself in an all levels class surrounded solely by black belts and above.”

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🌀 Kata (Forms)

“Recently she completed the 100 Kata challenge!”

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Teens 2 mentions

“They have inspired confidence and grace in our teen meeting her where she is and pushing her gently to reach ever higher.”

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👤 Private Lessons 2 mentions

“We in the valley are very fortunate to have a dojo that blends, among so many noble things, patience, discipline, and one on one attention with high level black belts.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“This is a group of dedicated people who are learning techniques of self defense while not only getting more physically fit, but developing stronger bodies and minds.”

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Other martial arts here

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

🛡️ Self-Defense

“This is a group of dedicated people who are learning techniques of self defense while not only getting more physically fit, but developing stronger bodies and minds.”

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 37 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“The dojo is a welcoming school - anyone can train, and improve their strength and fitness, while enjoying a glimpse or a deep dive into what this ancient art form has to offer.”

friendly, respectful dojo 13 mentions

“The dojo is a welcoming school - anyone can train, and improve their strength and fitness, while enjoying a glimpse or a deep dive into what this ancient art form has to offer.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“This is a group of dedicated people who are learning techniques of self defense while not only getting more physically fit, but developing stronger bodies and minds.”

traditional style & affiliation 3 mentions

“Training in the traditional Okinawan style is hard work, but the rewards are unmatched.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 7 mentions

“We in the valley are very fortunate to have a dojo that blends, among so many noble things, patience, discipline, and one on one attention with high level black belts.”

From the reviews

Though I’d wanted to study martial arts, I’d pretty much given up on the idea, figuring that, being older, I’d missed my chance. But I gave Northampton Karate a shot, and I’m glad I did. I’ve never found a place so welcoming, and the quality of patient, careful instruction is second to none.

★★★★★ — Ed, Mar 2021

I have been practicing at Northampton Karate for over five years and it has become a huge part of my life. Both of my daughters started here before me and my oldest recently earned her adult black belt after almost eight years of hard work and dedication.

★★★★★ — Laura, Mar 2021

This is three years overdue, but better late than never! I owe a lot to this dojo and its teachers. I attribute a good number of my achievements to the discipline and spirit I gained while training in its brick walls Anyone will try to tell you their martial art is the best and I certainly hope you will come to value…

★★★★★ — David, May 2024

I have been a dedicated member of this dojo for over 12 years and have never experienced such a supportive and strong community of members from age 5 to 75+. In addition to that, the practice itself teaches physical, mental and spiritual strength second to none that can be carried into all aspects of ones life.

★★★★★ — Caitlin, Mar 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 37 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Northampton Karate

Northampton Karate 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 Northampton Karate

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 Northampton Karate

320 Riverside Dr, Florence, MA01062

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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.