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Springfield IL Karate and Self Defense at the YMCA

5 ★★★★★ 5 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Springfield, Illinois

Karate dojo Kids & teens Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 5–13) — 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 springfieldymca.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 217-544-9846

Hours

Monday 5:30–8 pm
Tuesday 5:30–8 pm
Wednesday 5:30–8 pm
Thursday 5:30–8 pm
Friday Closed
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 Springfield IL Karate and Self Defense at the YMCA, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I highly recommend this to anyone who may be interested in learning self defense, learning a traditional martial art, or just some basic self defense.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

🧒 Kids Karate

“My son has gained discipline and is proud of his accomplishments.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Springfield IL Karate and Self Defense at the YMCA — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I highly recommend this to anyone who may be interested in learning self defense, learning a traditional martial art, or just some basic 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 5 Google reviews — in their own words.

friendly, respectful dojo 3 mentions

“Our family has never been apart of a sport who treats you like Family as much as this dojo does.”

From the reviews

I started training Go Ju Ryu Karate at the Springfield YMCA approximately 25 years ago and had the great opportunity to train with some of the best people, Sensei Overby and I would spar pretty hard at times which only made us both that much better, I currently hold the rank of Shodan (1st degree Black Belt) which I…

★★★★★ — Guy, Jan 2018

We love this dojo. The instructors are knowledgeable and supportive. My son has gained discipline and is proud of his accomplishments. He always looks forward to class.

★★★★★ — Johanna, Jan 2018

We love it here! Our family has never been apart of a sport who treats you like Family as much as this dojo does. Great sensi’s and mentors! Always recommending!

★★★★★ — Katlin, Jan 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 5 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Springfield IL Karate and Self Defense at the YMCA

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 Springfield IL Karate and Self Defense at the YMCA

601 N 4th St, Springfield, IL62702

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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.