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Side Kicks Karate

4.8 ★★★★★ 134 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rome, New York

Karate dojo Affiliated Kids & teens

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

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule skkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (315) 339-3928

Hours

Monday 9 AM–8 PM
Tuesday 9 AM–8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM–8 PM
Thursday 9 AM–8 PM
Friday 9 AM–5:30 PM
Saturday Closed
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 Side Kicks Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 41 mentions

“They have helped my son become more confident, grow socially and make new friends, and teaching him new skills such as discipline, self defense, responsibility, and respect.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“They have helped my son become more confident, grow socially and make new friends, and teaching him new skills such as discipline, self defense, responsibility, and respect.”

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 Side Kicks Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 7 mentions

“They have helped my son become more confident, grow socially and make new friends, and teaching him new skills such as discipline, self defense, responsibility, and respect.”

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 134 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“Her son is a fantastic instructor and very patient with the kids.”

friendly, respectful dojo 12 mentions

“They include not just the child but the whole family and help incorporate good character not just on the mat but at home and in every day life as well!”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“They have helped my son become more confident, grow socially and make new friends, and teaching him new skills such as discipline, self defense, responsibility, and respect.”

💵 good value / fair pricing 2 mentions

“Not only do they make it very affordable for the whole family to take classes, but the kids love it.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 33 mentions

“They have helped my son become more confident, grow socially and make new friends, and teaching him new skills such as discipline, self defense, responsibility, and respect.”

From the reviews

I didn’t know what to do to help my daughter deal with bullying in school. I had heard karate helped build self esteem as well as self defense. Side Kicks has done this and so very much more! My daughter did not want to try karate for fear of failing at it. I made her try it, and by the third class She loves it!!

★★★★★ — Donna, Nov 2021

My son has been a part of this studio for many, many years and is about to achieve his black belt. Brian and Nicole not only teach karate and self defense but foster respect, confidence, responsibility, discipline and focus.

★★★★★ — Erin, Oct 2021

Side Kicks Karate is the only place my kids will go for karate. My son has been to one before and this one blows them out of the water. They are very good with my kids. The owners and staff take the time to get to know you and your child/ren personally.

★★★★★ — Tia, Feb 2020

We started going to classes with my 3 sons almost a year ago now. Not only do they make it very affordable for the whole family to take classes, but the kids love it. My youngest has struggled with some developmental delays that made me nervous with how he was going to do in the classes.

★★★★★ — Kate, Mar 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 134 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Side Kicks Karate

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 Side Kicks Karate

827 Black River Blvd N, Rome, NY13440

Get directions

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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.