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Step Forward Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Rochester, New York
Plan your first class
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 3–12) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule stepforwardmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 585-305-1295
Hours
| Monday | 2:30–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 2:30–7 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–6:45 pm |
| Thursday | 2:30–8:15 pm |
| Friday | 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:15 am–1:15 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Sensei Andrew has been amazing in helping my daughter focus and enjoy fitness in a way she hasn't been able to in other activities.”
“He has had fun learning karate and self-defense skills at Step Forward.”
Other martial arts here
“He has had fun learning karate and self-defense skills at Step Forward.”
What students say
“Sensei Andrew has been amazing in helping my daughter focus and enjoy fitness in a way she hasn't been able to in other activities.”
“Andrew has created a respectful learning environment built on consistent routines, varied skill practice and most importantly a friendly and caring environment.”
“The work with Andrew and Step Forward has been a great fit for our daughter. Over time was have seen growth in her confidence and strength.”
“Sensei Andrew has been amazing in helping my daughter focus and enjoy fitness in a way she hasn't been able to in other activities.”
From the reviews
I've only recently met Sensei Andrew Ragazzo and learned about Step Forward. But I've worked with tons of instructors of various styles of martial arts in three different cities across over two decades. The number of dedicated martial artists who are good instructors is small.
Sensei Andrew is phenomenal! He works with each student and meets them where they are at with abilities, skill levels, and social-emotional needs. My kids have flourished since joining Sensei Andrew!
Our family has had a great experience with Sensei Andrew and Step Forward Martial Arts! We started looking for a karate school for my son when he was seven years old.
How can I say enough positive things about Step Forward? I was so happy to rediscover Sensei Andrew. He had taught my son at a different dojo and by chance I found him again when I followed a recommendation from a friend. My son is autistic, very verbal and impulsive.
Your first Karate class at Step Forward 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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