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Progressive Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 99 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule pmaoakridge.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (865) 481-8901
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 3–8:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Having mentioned that, I recommend starting children out as young as possible because thy do not have the restrictions that we adults have.”
“They have multiple forms of martial arts and have programs for adults as well as children.”
“My son is only a beginner, but I can already see the things he is learning in class trickling into other areas of his life.”
“Even with the plethora of classes and private lessons, being a mother and having a career makes it difficult to train as much as I like.”
“I would recommend this academy to any one interested in training in Martial Arts or self-defense.”
Other martial arts here
“I participate in both Kenpo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
“physical fitness, nutrition education, mixed martial arts training, PMA will lead them there and empower them to achieve even more!”
“I would recommend this academy to any one interested in training in Martial Arts or self-defense.”
What students say
“They have learned exemplary martial arts skills as well as had great teachers that serve an amazing role models.”
“My son is only a beginner, but I can already see the things he is learning in class trickling into other areas of his life.”
“The atmosphere is safe, welcoming, accommodating, and familial for students, families and friends of ALL ages.”
“I especially liked my time on the competition team, where I had the chance to participate in three local NAGA tournaments.”
“I participate in both Kenpo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
“Thank you Sempai Madeline for showing that ladies can kick butt too!”
From the reviews
Progressive Martial Arts is AMAZING!!!! Our family is so happy with how we are treated and how our children learn so much at each lesson. The instructors are not just there to show you how to do Martial Arts they actually care about each student and their success.
We looked at multiple martial arts locations. After asking around and having the free session, we settled on Progressive Martial Arts in Oak Ridge. Extremely pleased! The instructors are disciplined, hold students accountable but at the same time make training a lot of fun.
When it comes to enrolling kids in activities, it's crucial to be able to trust the adults in charge. Over the past year and a half, PMA has proven time and again that my trust in them is well placed.
I trained in the BJJ adult classes for ~1.2 years and have nothing but positive things to say about PMA. All the instructors are exemplary teachers, and the students are helpful and encouraging (both on and off the mat).
New to Karate? Start at Progressive Martial Arts Academy
Progressive Martial Arts Academy 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.
Your first Karate class at Progressive Martial Arts Academy
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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