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Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights

5 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Part of Premier Martial Arts

Free trial Affiliated Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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

  • 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 3–19) — 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 ·
  • Website & schedule premiermartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 224-404-1414

Hours

Monday 1–9 pm
Tuesday 1–9 pm
Wednesday 1–9 pm
Thursday 1–9 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday 9–11 am
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 Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 22 mentions

“My son has been in this place for more than 6 months, this is an incredible school with a friendly and respectful staff.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The staff is friendly and attentive and the classes combine teaching valuable martial arts and self defense as well as life skills such as discipline, nutrition, and respect.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🥋 Adult Karate

“I joined the adult martial arts class 6 months ago to work on my overall health and fitness, as sort of a mind/body/spirit overhaul.”

All dojos that run adult karate →

🌱 Beginners

“The place is brand new and spotless!”

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 Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🏟️ MMA 2 mentions

“My son absolutely loves his MMA class at Premier.”

Other dojos that also teach mma →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“The staff is friendly and attentive and the classes combine teaching valuable martial arts and self defense as well as life skills such as discipline, nutrition, and respect.”

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 18 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Sensi Demetrio is an amazing coach who really cares for his students and encourages students to challenge themselves.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“The staff is friendly and attentive and the classes combine teaching valuable martial arts and self defense as well as life skills such as discipline, nutrition, and respect.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“My son loves karate classes! I really love how kind and respectful the relationships are between the team and parents, everything feels smooth and supportive.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“The staff is friendly and attentive and the classes combine teaching valuable martial arts and self defense as well as life skills such as discipline, nutrition, and respect.”

From the reviews

My son absolutely loves his MMA class at Premier. He struggles with focusing and since starting MMA back in October/November we have seen a huge improvement in that aspect. He’s always looking forward to class and to learning new moves and life lessons.

★★★★★ — Diana, Mar 2023

My daughter has been attending Premier Martials Arts class for the last two years. She has been working on her black belt certification training. The last two years, the team at Premier have been like family. The owners, Susan and Steve have been very involved and they really care for the students and families.

★★★★★ — Maria, Jul 2025

Premier Martial Arts in Arlington Heights is a program that I highly recommend. The staff is friendly and attentive and the classes combine teaching valuable martial arts and self defense as well as life skills such as discipline, nutrition, and respect.

★★★★★ — Nick, Jan 2023

My son loves going to his Premier Martial Arts classes twice a week. The coach is so friendly and encouraging. He does his best to bring out the best in eager students, to make them successful in the art.

★★★★★ — Kriddy, Feb 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 18 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights

Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights 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.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights

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 Premier Martial Arts Downtown Arlington Heights

27 S Evergreen Ave, Arlington Heights, IL60005

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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.