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O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC

4.8 ★★★★★ 65 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Smyrna, Tennessee

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens Competition team

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

  • 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
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule orileykaratecenters.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (615) 310-3722

Hours

Monday 10 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday 10 AM–9:30 PM
Wednesday 10 AM–9 PM
Thursday 10 AM–10 PM
Friday 10 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
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 O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 18 mentions

“Great place for kids to be They have been amazing with my son who has ADHD and defiance disorder My son looks forward to karate The teachers here are amazing as well.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌀 Kata (Forms)

“The katas are truly beautiful as well.”

All dojos that run kata (forms) →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“On top of being martial arts training that teaches you self defence, it also is a great workout and helps to build your confidence.”

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 O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“On top of being martial arts training that teaches you self defence, it also is a great workout and helps to build your confidence.”

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 65 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 5 mentions

“Great experience, the Instructors and Sensei O'Riley are very knowledgeable and work well with the younger students.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“This is something you should want for yourself and your kids and family.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“The instructors truly dedicate time and attention to each child, teaching them not only karate techniques, but also discipline, order, respect, and strong character.”

traditional style & affiliation 5 mentions

“Sensei O’Riley actively instructs at both dojo locations, Smyrna and Antioch, and finds ways to associate Wado-Ryu teachings to everyday life which is beneficial to his students.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“Although I have not been in here 3 years I have to say this was a good learning experience for myself, because I have learned discipline very well and learned how to defend myself.”

From the reviews

I have trained with Sensei O’Riley for 15 years now. When I decided to return to martial arts I was looking for a traditional dojo with a dedicated traditional teacher. I found that with O’Riley Karate Centers. You will have to work for your black belt and you will have to be dedicated.

★★★★★ — Barry, Jul 2024

I have know Mr. O'Riley for many years and have watched his progress from a young Black Belt to a seasoned Instructor. He exemplifies a true traditional Karate Sensei. If you are looking for excellence you couldn't find a better Instructor. I highly recommend his schools.

★★★★★ — Jimmie, Apr 2022

Very attentive to his students... My daughter has anxiety and snycope, which makes her light headed and at risk to passing out. Mr O'Riley, along with his instructors, have all done an excellent job at not only looking out for warning signs to her snycope but have also boosted her confidence which has helped her…

★★★★★ — Roxanne, Nov 2021

My son has been training under Sensei O'Riley for over 2 years and I couldn't have chosen a better instructor. Not only are martial arts taught, manners and respect also are, especially for the kids. This is not a "you get promoted for showing up" program, you have to earn your rank here.

★★★★★ — Angela, Aug 2016

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 65 reviews →

Your first Karate class at O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC

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 O'Riley Karate Centers, LLC

12976 Old Nashville Hwy, Smyrna, TN37167

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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.