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The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness

5 ★★★★★ 48 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Cedar Park, Texas

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Competition team

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
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule themataustin.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (512) 520-5997

Hours

Monday 11 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–9 PM
Thursday 11 AM–9 PM
Friday 11 AM–7 PM
Saturday 9 AM–3 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 The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 27 mentions

“My son joined Mat martial arts back in 2019 when he was 7 years old and little did we know that he will continue this for 6+ years.”

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🥋 Adult Karate 2 mentions

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“Very friendly to people of all different martial arts skills whether you're an expert, you're familiar with it or you are a complete beginner starting from scratch.”

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🥊 Kumite / Sparring

“Additionally, the sparring classes are very well controlled, with no worries about overly aggressive people trying to show how strong they are.”

All dojos that run kumite / sparring →

Teens 3 mentions

“My son has been attending the teen self-defense class and has grown in his confidence and self-awareness.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“They do many strength exercises and training of self defense as well as explaining important of focus, discipline and respect toward others and self.”

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Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 5 mentions

“They do many strength exercises and training of self defense as well as explaining important of focus, discipline and respect toward others and self.”

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 48 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“It’s amazing what the mind,body and spirit can learn working with great instructors with a passion for teaching.”

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“Very friendly to people of all different martial arts skills whether you're an expert, you're familiar with it or you are a complete beginner starting from scratch.”

friendly, respectful dojo 15 mentions

“The Mat Martial Arts has it all—clean facilities, experienced instructors, top-notch service, and most importantly, an amazing, friendly, and supportive community.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 10 mentions

“They do many strength exercises and training of self defense as well as explaining important of focus, discipline and respect toward others and self.”

From the reviews

I don’t really know where to start on the overwhelming positive review I am about to write, but know I have so many positive notes to share about The Mat. I had registered for a two week free trial here, which, by the way, is an incredible deal that truly allows you to get your footing before deciding if you want to…

★★★★★ — Beth, Mar 2025

Both of my sons trained at The Mat Martial Arts; one of them for more than four years. I have taken self-defense seminars as well. I can't say enough good things about the Studio. The sense of community here is truly exceptional.

★★★★★ — Alba, Sep 2023

This weekends class was awesome. First class like always.It’s amazing what the mind,body and spirit can learn working with great instructors with a passion for teaching. The place is ran smoothly combinding wonder instructors who listen to questions and really want to help you achieve success in learning.

★★★★★ — Chris, May 2018

As a longtime martial arts student, I can confidently say that The Mat is a unique martial arts experience. The bag and pad workouts are intense and fun, but I think the most important aspect of class experience is the technical expertise of Sensei Alec.

★★★★★ — Steve, Sep 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 48 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness

The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness 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.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first Karate class at The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness

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 The Mat Martial Arts & Fitness

2001 W New Hope Dr, Cedar Park, TX78613

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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.