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Rock Solid Martial Arts ️

4.7 ★★★★★ 114 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bellingham, Washington

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens

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 (ages 4–14) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
  • 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 rocksolidmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 360-510-3929

Hours

Monday 6 am–8:30 pm
Tuesday 6:30 am–9 pm
Wednesday 6 am–8:30 pm
Thursday 6:30 am–9 pm
Friday 6–10 am, 4–7:30 pm
Saturday 7 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 Rock Solid Martial Arts ️, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 25 mentions

“The classes are run by incredibly well trained staff that get the kids pumped up and excited about learning martial arts.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🐉 Little Dragons 2 mentions

“My son started at Shayne Simpson's over six year's ago at age 5 as a Little Dragon, now he's a Junior Black Belt.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

Other martial arts here

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

🥊 Kickboxing 8 mentions

“My twin boys have been going to the Rock Solid Martial Arts and I have been doing kickboxing classes while they are in class.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

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 114 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Shayne, Penny, and everyone instructor over the years have been amazing.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“My first ever martial arts session today and though I was terrified and intimidated, they made it a beautiful and welcoming experience.”

friendly, respectful dojo 17 mentions

“I was given all of the options and pricing associated for my 10 yo at the very beginning which I appreciated since I like to be able to plan our family’s budget.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“I discovered that I really enjoy kickboxing as a form of exercise, but that isn't what made my experience so enjoyable.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“Already I have seen a change in my son’s confidence level and I love that discipline and accountability are taught and encouraged outside of classes as well!”

traditional style & affiliation 2 mentions

“They have been training for three years now in both American Kenpo and Jujitsu.”

From the reviews

Started by signing my son up for a trial period with orientation- at the time the gym was not yet able to conduct in person classes due to covid restrictions, but Shayne communicated directly with me about the situation and as soon as they were able to conduct in person classes I was contacted to schedule the…

★★★★★ — Mikayla, Mar 2021

My twin boys have been going to the Rock Solid Martial Arts and I have been doing kickboxing classes while they are in class. It has been close to a year ? (Something like that and this place is so AWESOME) The staff members are amazing, supportive and most of all present.

★★★★★ — Brenda, Oct 2022

Instructors at Shayne Simpson’s gym are experienced and skilled in their craft as well as their ability to teach what they know. Most significant to me, though, is HOW they teach. Every instructor teaches with compassion, patience and spirited encouragement.

★★★★★ — Lisa, Mar 2016

My son started at Shayne Simpson's over six year's ago at age 5 as a Little Dragon, now he's a Junior Black Belt. It's been an awesome journey and worth every penny! I'm so grateful for everything they've done during COVID to stay open and safe, with remote classes and crazy cleaning.

★★★★★ — Rob, Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 114 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Rock Solid Martial Arts ️

Rock Solid 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 Rock Solid 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 Rock Solid Martial Arts ️

Back Ally Entrance, 1101 N State St Ste 107, Bellingham, WA98225

Get directions Facebook

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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.