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The Forge Gym
5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Joplin, Missouri
Plan your first class
- 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
- 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 warriorsciences.net — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (417) 208-6785
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Would highly recommend for beginners just starting out or elite athletes looking to get to the next level.”
“We recently hosted James Bullock from Heian Karate Do for a self-defense seminar, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.”
“We recently hosted James Bullock from Heian Karate Do for a self-defense seminar, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.”
Other martial arts here
“If you're looking for an excellent jiu-jitsu/mma gym.”
“I started my MMA career with James and the foundation that I gained with the Alpha One Fight team has served me well throughout all aspects of my life!”
“We recently hosted James Bullock from Heian Karate Do for a self-defense seminar, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish.”
What students say
“James is a world class instructor!”
“The Forge and coach James and Seth have a full MMA fighting system from nutrition, S&C, Technique and community down to a science.”
“His breakdown of movements and real-life scenarios helped participants gain confidence in their ability to respond to challenging situations.”
From the reviews
I've known James Bullock for years, and have had the fortune of experiencing both his in-person training and virtual strength programming. In my case, it's mostly strength training for powerlifting and Highland Games. James has a sensible, no-nonsense approach to training.
I have trained with head coach James for almost 15 years now. As a young man his phenomenal coaching and attention to detail gave me the discipline and confidence most need. I am now a coach at this gym and you will not find another gym in the region that can build a skill set like we do.
I highly recommend this gym! James is very knowledgeable and can help you with any goal you have. I came to him with no experience and he helped me gain confidence in myself and my abilities.
We recently hosted James Bullock from Heian Karate Do for a self-defense seminar, and it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. James is a true master of his craft.
New to Karate? Start at The Forge Gym
The Forge Gym comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo, going by their listing and students’ reviews. 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 The Forge Gym
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
