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Traditional Karate Academy | Martial Arts Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 31 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Des Moines, Iowa
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
- 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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule learntraditionalkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (515) 343-7746
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 4:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–12 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–12 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“Its hard to put into words how much my daughter has benefited from Traditional Karate Academy.”
“The instruction that is given goes well beyond the traditional kata moves and techniques.”
“Whether you are looking for a physical competitive challenge, character development, or some self-defense training, this is the place to go.”
Other martial arts here
“I did taekwondo as a kid and now my kids take classes here.”
“Whether you are looking for a physical competitive challenge, character development, or some self-defense training, this is the place to go.”
What students say
“Great instructors and great people to surround yourself around, I recommend traditional karate academy to anyone who wants to train martial arts or have a new way of fitness.”
“We could not be more pleased with the lifelong lessons our family is learning!”
“Their instructors are excellent and provide kind, detailed, personal instruction while challenging you to grow in your practice and your character.”
“The instruction is top tier and you'd be hard pressed to find better people to build into your kids in this discipline.”
“Great instructors and great people to surround yourself around, I recommend traditional karate academy to anyone who wants to train martial arts or have a new way of fitness.”
“You will learn true karate here and you’ll also be called to a level of respect and maturity by the fantastic Sensai and Sempi.”
From the reviews
This is a beautiful place to train in the art of Karate. The dojo is gorgeous and no nonsense, and the training is absolutely excellent. It is a very Traditional, hard to find style of training that is a real jewel of the community. Here you will learn the art of Karate as it's supposed to be taught.
I spent about eight years training with Traditional Karate Academy. Their instructors are excellent and provide kind, detailed, personal instruction while challenging you to grow in your practice and your character. The atmosphere within the school is one of camaraderie, making it even more fun to train.
absolutely wonderful place to train your body and mind in the art of karate. Kraig and Seth are top tier karate trainers. I trained here for 8 years getting my black belt, and gaining many friends.
My two kids love karate and Traditional Karate has made it such a good experience for them! Not only are they learning karate, but life skills of respect and listening. Both kids have increased flexibility and balance as well, which has helped in every day things. Happily recommend this place!!
New to Karate? Start at Traditional Karate Academy | Martial Arts Dojo
Traditional Karate Academy | Martial Arts Dojo 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 Traditional Karate Academy | Martial Arts Dojo
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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