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Universal Martial Arts Center
5 ★★★★★ 35 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Palm Desert, California
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
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule universalmartialartspd.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 760-568-0649
Hours
| Monday | 7:30–10 am, 3:30–7:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3:30–7:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30–11 am, 3–7:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3:30–7:45 pm |
| Friday | 7:30–10 am, 3:30–6:15 pm |
| Saturday | 8–10 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“----------------------------------------- 2016 review ----------------------------------------- A really good experience for kids.”
“------------------------------------------- Update 12/15/18 ------------------------------------------- My son started out as a pee wee white belt.”
“They changed my thoughts about self defense and exercise, changing my life for the better.”
Other martial arts here
“The kickboxing classes are fast paced and intense and allow me to get the most out of my session.”
“The Krav Maga classes are extremely focused both on learning skills and real life situations and I always feel like I'm being pushed to improve on things as I learn.”
What students say
“Would recommend UMAC to anyone looking for a great workout and great instructors 🥊”
“Great place for kids, they feel welcome and learn the martial arts way in a friendly environment.”
“Would recommend UMAC to anyone looking for a great workout and great instructors 🥊”
“Now he is in the basic kids class on his solid purple belt and is continuing his journey toward blank belt eventually.”
“The Krav Maga classes are extremely focused both on learning skills and real life situations and I always feel like I'm being pushed to improve on things as I learn.”
From the reviews
Excellent place: instructors are obviously knowledgeable; classes are challenging and fun. The best cardio workout you can find. I highly recommend UMAC.
I love the classes here. The Krav Maga classes are extremely focused both on learning skills and real life situations and I always feel like I'm being pushed to improve on things as I learn. The kickboxing classes are fast paced and intense and allow me to get the most out of my session.
I've been attending for over 3 years! I love this place and won't go anywhere else. Miriam and Mark are amazing. They know you, push you, genuinely care about you. I see results quick. Kickboxing, Krav Maga, boot camp, challenges. They got it all and then some.
The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable & encouraging! Classes are small so alot of attention is paid to each member-The results are amazing and motivating! Very highly recommended if you are serious about changing your life!
New to Karate? Start at Universal Martial Arts Center
Universal Martial Arts Center 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 Universal Martial Arts Center
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.
