HomeOhioRocky River › Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness

Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness

4.8 ★★★★★ 28 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rocky River, Ohio

Beginners welcome Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • 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
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule riverviewmartialarts.net — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (216) 832-0831

Hours

Monday 6 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–9:30 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–9:30 PM
Thursday 6 AM–9:30 PM
Friday 6 AM–9:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM–1 PM
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 Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 5 mentions

“Practicing Karate at Riverview Martial Arts has been an amazing experience for me and my kids.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“I came in with a boxing background and had little to no experience with kicks, elbows, knees, and the footwork that goes with it.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Teens

“We had self defense class for teens and moms!”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“Not only is it great experience and great discipline, but we really do learn the practical application of self defense that defines martial arts.”

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 Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥊 Kickboxing 7 mentions

“Only been to two kickboxing classes, but my sister/brother/Dad all attend Karate and Kixkboxing and have really enjoyed it.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“Not only is it great experience and great discipline, but we really do learn the practical application of self defense that defines martial arts.”

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 28 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“The instructor is great at discussing awareness and presenting options to prepare yourself when you think you may be attacked.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“I came in with a boxing background and had little to no experience with kicks, elbows, knees, and the footwork that goes with it.”

friendly, respectful dojo 6 mentions

“I continue to exercise my mind and body at Riverview Martial Arts because of the fantastic atmosphere and close knit family I’ve found there.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 5 mentions

“We don’t just learn techniques - but also practice how to apply them in real self-defense situations.”

great workout & fitness 5 mentions

“For myself, Karate has given me confidence and a great way to stay fit while developing a new skill.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 6 mentions

“Not only is it great experience and great discipline, but we really do learn the practical application of self defense that defines martial arts.”

From the reviews

I like the kickboxing classes here - it's fun and goes by very fast. I am interested in the self-defense class on Saturdays for the women I know. Also, the owner is very nice and changes the workouts to keep it interesting.

★★★★★ — Will, Mar 2019

I have been coming here for about 6 months and have loved my experience. I came in with a boxing background and had little to no experience with kicks, elbows, knees, and the footwork that goes with it.

★★★★★ — James, May 2025

Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness has allowed me to achieve my personal fitness goals and Master Rivet motivates me to achieve additional fitness goals. Everyone at RMA is very welcoming. I had never done kickboxing prior to going to RMA and I found the kickboxing classes are fun.

★★★★★ — Sharon, Feb 2019

I have been going to Riverview Martial Arts for several years. Master Ritvo’s professionalism and encouraging attitude drove me to return. In time, I found the other members to be just as encouraging and uplifting. RMA also develops leadership by encouraging students to lead classes, with his oversight.

★★★★★ — Kristine, Feb 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 28 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness

Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness

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 Riverview Martial Arts & Fitness

19474 Center Ridge Rd, Rocky River, OH44116

Get directions Instagram

More Karate dojos near Rocky River

Korean Karate Center

5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews

1375 W Clifton Blvd, Lakewood, OH

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Ages 4–70

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Affiliated builds confidence, discipline & respect

1.5 miles away

All American Karate Studio

5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews

16600 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH

Karate dojo Kids & teens friendly, respectful dojo

1.7 miles away

Tracy's Karate

4.7 ★★★★★ 34 reviews

4715 Great Northern Blvd, North Olmsted, OH

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

4.5 miles away

All Karate dojos in Rocky River, OH →

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.