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Planet Elite Martial Arts

5 ★★★★★ 36 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Colonial Heights, Virginia

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule planetelitemartial-arts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 804-504-5082

Hours

Monday 6:30 am–8 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am–8 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–8 pm
Friday 6:30 am–8 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 Planet Elite Martial Arts, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 27 mentions

“He focuses on improving the SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY among kids, to help them become positive and responsible human beings.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Our family was looking for something to help our girls with self confidence and self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🌱 Beginners

“This instructor is the real deal on all levels.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Other martial arts here

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

🦵 Taekwondo 4 mentions

“He is down to earth and really enjoys working with the kids and teaching them life skills along with Tae Kwon Do.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Our family was looking for something to help our girls with self confidence 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 36 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 9 mentions

“Instructor Philips not only teaches great martial arts, he takes a real interest in his students and teaches morals, honesty, and respect.”

friendly, respectful dojo 4 mentions

“He is down to earth and really enjoys working with the kids and teaching them life skills along with Tae Kwon Do.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“My son loves going here and is learning values and discipline and we could not be happier!”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 18 mentions

“Instructor Philips not only teaches great martial arts, he takes a real interest in his students and teaches morals, honesty, and respect.”

From the reviews

2 of my nieces and a nephew, all, have joined Instructor Phillips' Tae Kwon Do classes. My nephew is going to his Summer School as well. Instructor Phillips is not only teaching them Tea Kwon Do skills but also is working great on teaching them decipline, time management and good manners.

★★★★★ — Jiyain, Aug 2021

I highly recommend Planet Elite Martial Arts. Before training with Instructor Phillips, I struggled with confidence and social interactions—I couldn’t even order for myself. Since starting in March, I’ve completely transformed.

★★★★★ — Brittany, Jan 2025

I have known Instructor Phillips for nearly 20 years on both a professional and personal level. I worked with him at a previous Martial Arts Studio and watched him exhibit an extraordinary amount of patience and caring with his students. He is an excellent instructor as well as person.

★★★★★ — Kimberly, Oct 2018

Instructor Phillips has many years experience and is an excellent Instructor. He taught my son Martial Arts when he was young. Lots of experience, patience and the ability to work extremely well with children.

★★★★★ — Karen, May 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 36 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Planet Elite Martial Arts

Planet Elite Martial Arts 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Planet Elite 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 Planet Elite Martial Arts

408 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA23834

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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.