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Premier Martial Arts Ivy City
5 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Washington, District of Columbia
Part of Premier Martial Arts
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
- 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
- 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 +1 202-844-2711
Hours
| Monday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–2 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“My son has been training with Premier Martial Arts in Ivy City since it opened three and a half years ago, starting at age 6.”
“Overall 5 stars for my teen son, who is self-motivated to go to class and earn his belts.”
“My son is gaining confidence and learning self defense.”
Other martial arts here
“My son is gaining confidence and learning self defense.”
What students say
“Premier Martial Arts is more than just martial arts—it’s a program that teaches life skills, respect, and responsibility in a supportive, community-focused environment.”
“My son Elijiah loves this class best decision to make and the instructors are awesome thank you 😊”
“I can already tell her confidence is growing as well as her understanding of concepts such as respect and self discipline, all while she is having SO MUCH fun.”
From the reviews
I took my son here for the first appointment. And they were so welcoming. My son Josiah was so excited for his next class. It takes a village and this is a great starting place!
Great place to boost kids self-esteem interact with peers on a positive platform
PMA is so great and an awesome community to have. I have a 9 year old who attends karate and I really have enjoyed watching how the structure has improved his life. We joined PMA when it first opened in the area and it’s a really great program. All of the team including the Sensei is awesome.
Great experience. My son participated in the Tiny Champs group for close to a year which I feel has truly contributed to his development in several ways including active listening, teamwork, coordination and balance, discipline, self-esteem, concentration and respect! The coaches were so great with the kids!
New to Karate? Start at Premier Martial Arts Ivy City
Premier Martial Arts Ivy City 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.
Your first Karate class at Premier Martial Arts Ivy City
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.
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