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Steel City Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 94 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Castle Shannon, Pennsylvania
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
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- 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
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- 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
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule steelcitymartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (412) 531-2122
Hours
| Monday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4:30–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 4–9 PM |
| Thursday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 4–7:15 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–2:30 PM |
| Sunday | 9–11:30 AM |
The classes they run
“My daughter attended another Martial Arts school for over 3 years and although she did not have a bad experience SSMA has been a far more superior experience.”
“I truly recommend Steel City Martial Arts to anyone looking for a new gym to train at, or any beginner looking to get started.”
“My first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class was the women's class.”
“Wether you're interested in striking, grappling for self defense or competition or just getting fit, Steel City M.”
Other martial arts here
“I drove by SCMA for years always wanting to start Jiu Jitsu, however I thought it may be like an MMA gym and being a working professional, thought it was for younger people.”
“There is no more fun and entertaining way to workout than our women’s kickboxing class.”
“I drove by SCMA for years always wanting to start Jiu Jitsu, however I thought it may be like an MMA gym and being a working professional, thought it was for younger people.”
“Wether you're interested in striking, grappling for self defense or competition or just getting fit, Steel City M.”
What students say
“The kids classes have an excellent instructor / student ratio, which is very important to me as a parent.”
“Well, 3 years back as a "newbie" white belt I was scouring the internet for places to train while visiting family in Pittsburgh.”
“The family atmosphere there & the students combine for a very friendly place and is as comforting as a school should be--because SCMA truly embodies what an ideal school should be.”
“The perfect combination of fun and discipline in the kids classes; we are so pleased with the progress they have made, and they love doing it.”
“You can challenge yourself and train for competition or just attend class to learn, have fun, and get a great workout.”
“It is kept very clean and maintained throughout the year, so no need to worry about a snow-packed parking lot in the Pittsburgh winters.”
From the reviews
Been training here for 6 years. This academy has more accredited BJJ black belts teaching than any other school in the region. This school also does belt testing for BJJ instead of just handing belts out.
Don’t think you are too old to start. There are a few of us that started in our 50’s and are still going strong. BJJ is great for any age. You can challenge yourself and train for competition or just attend class to learn, have fun, and get a great workout.
Steel City Martial Arts has been nothing but a positive experience for my 5yr old son. The instructors are very good at what they do and are very hands on. If you are looking for a karate school that just advances you threw the ranks because you pay every month this is not the school for you.
Amazing gym. It’s family oriented, and clean, as well as, highly competitive. Great place to train as a female, great training partners and instructors. The quality is very apparent when competing but just as helpful if you don’t compete.
New to Karate? Start at Steel City Martial Arts
Steel City 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.
Your first Karate class at Steel City 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.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site