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Universal Karate Academy

5 ★★★★★ 12 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Bethel, Ohio

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

Plan your first class

  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule universalkarate.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 513-919-2895

Hours

Monday 5:30–7:30 pm
Tuesday 5:30–7:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30–7:30 pm
Thursday 5:30–7:30 pm
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
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 Universal Karate Academy, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 9 mentions

“He does an amazing job with the kids and his passion for excellence and education is infectious.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you are looking for self-defense or just a place to have fun, sweat, grow, advance and learn in the Bethel, Ohio area - I highly recommend this organization.”

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 Universal Karate Academy — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“If you are looking for self-defense or just a place to have fun, sweat, grow, advance and learn in the Bethel, Ohio area - I highly recommend this organization.”

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 12 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 2 mentions

“I have had some of the best instructors ever.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“Steve is very patient with the kids and has developed a technique to teach younger kids the basics of karate.”

🧒 strong kids program 2 mentions

“The instructor is great with kids teaching them the history behind karate and its purpose.”

active competition / tournament team 2 mentions

“The training I have received has taken me all the way to the AAU national championships and many other great experiences.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 2 mentions

“He was looking to improve his balance, discipline, and flexibility and has experienced ALL those benefits and more!”

From the reviews

As a Senior Black Belt in other systems, it was an honor and privilege to step on the mat with this martial arts family. As a 30+ year veteran of martial arts, I highly recommend this school and learning environment. It is very well structured, awesome people on the mat and top tier training.

★★★★★ — Jimmy, May 2019

My daughter loves this school. She is a small girl and it gives her confidence, plus it gets her off the electronic devices. She is always surprised at how well she does at local competitions. Steve is very patient with the kids and has developed a technique to teach younger kids the basics of karate.

★★★★★ — Matthew, Feb 2018

I take a power yoga class, I am the loosest definition of a yoga student. I pay $30 per month for classes and even though I'm not good at yoga, I get a lot out of the class and feel like a million bucks (except when I can barely move because my muscles hurt so bad)

★★★★★ — Terri, Sep 2023

The best place to learn and study martial arts. I have had some of the best instructors ever. The training I have received has taken me all the way to the AAU national championships and many other great experiences. The instructor is great with kids teaching them the history behind karate and its purpose.

★★★★★ — David, Jul 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 12 reviews →

Your first Karate class at Universal Karate Academy

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 Universal Karate Academy

212 W Plane St, Bethel, OH45106

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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.