HomeMarylandTimonium › Shihan Marc's Karate Academy

Shihan Marc's Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 204 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Timonium, Maryland

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 — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule shihanmarc.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (410) 560-3498

Hours

Monday 3–9 PM
Tuesday 3–9 PM
Wednesday 3–9 PM
Thursday 3–9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 10 AM–12 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 Shihan Marc's Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 35 mentions

“He has a remarkable ability to connect with and teach a wide range of children, meeting each of them where they are while still encouraging growth and discipline.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 2 mentions

“Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to advance your training, this is the perfect place to grow.”

All dojos that run beginners →

🐉 Little Dragons

“My almost six year old son Leo took his Little Ninjas class for more than one year.”

All dojos that run little dragons →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My children learned self defense techniques that they will carry with them for a lifetime.”

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 Shihan Marc's Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“My children learned self defense techniques that they will carry with them for a lifetime.”

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 204 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 11 mentions

“Shihan Marc is an excellent instructor and I feel confident knowing that my child is receiving professional and qualified instruction.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 5 mentions

“The new dojo is beautiful, clean, and welcoming, creating an amazing environment for learning and community.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“What really stands out is the supportive atmosphere—everyone encourages each other, and the respect and discipline they teach carry far beyond the dojo.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“Marc has an established track record of Karate technique and teaching that engages students at any level.”

🧒 strong kids program 3 mentions

“Since starting last summer, we’ve seen meaningful improvements in our son’s attention, focus, coordination, and overall confidence.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 36 mentions

“I am so glad to see his improvement in showing respect and gratitude to the teachers and classmates, and also his ability and willingness to focus and control himself.”

From the reviews

My almost six year old son Leo took his Little Ninjas class for more than one year. I am so glad to see his improvement in showing respect and gratitude to the teachers and classmates, and also his ability and willingness to focus and control himself. Mrs.

★★★★★ — Hong, Aug 2017

Shihan Marc’s Karate Academy is a phenomenal place to start and continue you or your child’s karate career! Our son has been attending classes here for the last eight months and we love it. It’s been a major game changer for his self confidence and his behavior at home.

★★★★★ — Dominique, Aug 2024

Sensai Marc is amazing with the way that he works with the children. My children learned self defense techniques that they will carry with them for a lifetime. If you are trying to join, but no one is answering the phone, it’s best to just go up to the building and wait for one of the classes to end and speak with…

★★★★★ — Trenell, Mar 2025

Shihan Marc’s is amazing. Our son has been taking classes for a year and not only has his strength and skill dramatically improved but he has also developed his focus, self-discipline, confidence and responsibility.

★★★★★ — Emily, Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 204 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Shihan Marc's Karate Academy

Shihan Marc's Karate 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at Shihan Marc's Karate 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.

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 Shihan Marc's Karate Academy

2135A York Rd, Timonium, MD21093

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More Karate dojos near Timonium

Kells Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 36 reviews

1220 E Joppa Rd #315, Baltimore, MD

Ages 4–13

Karate dojo Beginners welcome Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

4.1 miles away

Kassama's Karate Studio

4.2 ★★★★☆ 5 reviews

2604 Banister Rd, Baltimore, MD

Karate dojo

6.8 miles away

Baltimore Karate Club Inc

4.1 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews

707 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD

Karate dojo Competition team Affiliated strong technique, kata & fundamentals

10.0 miles away

All Karate dojos in Timonium, MD →

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.