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UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense

5 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Jacksonville, Florida

Free trial Affiliated Kids & teens Private lessons

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
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 3–13) — 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 underground-training.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (904) 704-7888

Hours

Monday 12–8 PM
Tuesday 12–8 PM
Wednesday 12–8 PM
Thursday 12–8 PM
Friday 12–4 PM
Saturday 9:30 AM–12:30 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 UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 28 mentions

“When my granddaughter said she was having her 7th birthday party here, I'll admit I was sure most of the kids wouldn't participate and the party would end up a bust.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

👤 Private Lessons

“They also offer personal one on one sessions, a fun ninja night night for kids so parents can go out for a “date night”.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense 12 mentions

“Last Saturday was a day we'll cherish forever - a thrilling experience at Underground Fitness and Self Defense's karate belt testing held at the picturesque Alimacani Park.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“Our style is tae kwon do, but we also do boxing, kung fu forms, weapons.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“I did BJJ here also, but coach Cliff has his own dojo now.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

🤼 Judo

“We love being a part of the judo family at underground!”

Other dojos that also teach judo →

🐉 Kung Fu

“Our style is tae kwon do, but we also do boxing, kung fu forms, weapons.”

Other dojos that also teach kung fu →

🛡️ Self-Defense 12 mentions

“Last Saturday was a day we'll cherish forever - a thrilling experience at Underground Fitness and Self Defense's karate belt testing held at the picturesque Alimacani Park.”

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 46 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 6 mentions

“Master LaMasters is an excellent and very patient teacher explaining moves so that anyone can understand them.”

friendly, respectful dojo 10 mentions

“From the very first day, Master Benjamin and Master Williams welcomed us with open arms, creating an atmosphere that feels both supportive and structured.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 8 mentions

“I wanted him to learn self defense and some form of martial arts to build his confidence despite his challenges.”

🧒 strong kids program 4 mentions

“They'll bring out your child's full potential, even if your child isn't feeling very confident about themselves.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 17 mentions

“As a parent, I have always dreamed of finding a space where my son would not only feel recognized but also fully embraced, and still learn the value of discipline.”

From the reviews

When my granddaughter said she was having her 7th birthday party here, I'll admit I was sure most of the kids wouldn't participate and the party would end up a bust. I'll also admit that I couldn't have been more wrong. The instructor kept the kids engaged and motivated the entire two hours.

★★★★★ — Kimberly, Oct 2024

My daughter has been going for almost a year now, since she was 5 years old. She has learned so much and we appreciate Master LaMaster’s and Master William’s patience and support with our busy little girl. She loves parent night out and is super excited for camp!

★★★★★ — S, Jun 2022

We love being a part of the judo family at underground!! Awesome and fun times growing and learning too!! Definitely awesome experience!! The instructors are friendly nice and amazing!! We love it!!

★★★★★ — Laura, May 2023

Last Saturday was a day we'll cherish forever - a thrilling experience at Underground Fitness and Self Defense's karate belt testing held at the picturesque Alimacani Park. My son, Trip, and I were immersed in a whirlwind of excitement that included paddle boarding, running, swimming, and, of course, plenty of fun!

★★★★★ — Hank, Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 46 reviews →

Your first Karate class at UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense

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 UndergrounD Fitness and Self Defense

8769 Old Kings Rd S, Jacksonville, FL32217

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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.