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South Minneapolis National Karate

4.7 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

Long-standing chain providing martial arts training for all ages & skill levels.

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule southmplsnationalkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 612-822-4985

Hours

Monday 4–9 pm
Tuesday 11 am–1 pm, 4–9 pm
Wednesday 4–9 pm
Thursday 11 am–1 pm, 4–9 pm
Friday 4–8 pm
Saturday 9 am–2 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 South Minneapolis National Karate, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 15 mentions

“My daughter has gone here for a few years now and the instructors, owner, and atmosphere are incredible.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great training facility to learn realistic self defense.”

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 South Minneapolis National Karate — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense

“Great training facility to learn realistic self defense.”

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 31 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 5 mentions

“A great family friendly place to learn martial arts!”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Jeff is an incredibly detailed instructor that pays attention to all the little things that make big differences.”

🧒 strong kids program 5 mentions

“Great place for your child to learn Karate. Love the owner and the staff at this establishment.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 4 mentions

“I feel like the instructors know her really well as a person and she has complete confidence in everything she tries there.”

From the reviews

Great place for your child to learn Karate. Love the owner and the staff at this establishment. They are great with kids, very encouraging, but also good at teaching other skills -- not just Karate. Discipline, respect, and determination.

★★★★★ — Emily, Aug 2020

Jeff is an incredibly detailed instructor that pays attention to all the little things that make big differences. I've trained directly with this group and found them to be very skilled, hard working instructors. They are professional, informative and most importantly safe.

★★★★★ — Cole, Sep 2018

Great opportunity for young kids to learn discipline and balance in their lives.

★★★★★ — Anthony, Nov 2021

The instructors are fantastic here. They are so great with my highly energetic 4 year old. They just exhibit the perfect balance of playfulness and firmness with the kids. They have so much patience with him and do so well to help him channel his energy.

★★★★★ — Jessica, Sep 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 31 reviews →

Your first Karate class at South Minneapolis National 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 South Minneapolis National Karate

4608 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN55409

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.