HomeNorth CarolinaCharlotte › UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne

UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne

4.8 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Charlotte, North Carolina

Free trial Kids & teens

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 4–18) — 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 uplevelmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone (704) 543-2821

Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday 3:30–9 PM
Wednesday 3:30–9 PM
Thursday 3:30–9 PM
Friday 3:30–9 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 UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 23 mentions

“My children have come to love martial arts through this program and it has helped to make them more displaced and confident in other aspects if their life outside of class.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense

“(Theu also are a Gracie school and look at anti-bullying!”

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 UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🥋 Jiu-Jitsu

“They offer karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and martial arts to people of all ages.”

Other dojos that also teach jiu-jitsu →

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 96 Google reviews — in their own words.

expert instruction from a great sensei 3 mentions

“McGee and his incredible instructors have a precise balance of expectation and patience that is uncommon in a world that expects so little from children.”

friendly, respectful dojo 15 mentions

“They not only study martial arts but also focus on making students more confident, resilient, and respectful members of the community.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 4 mentions

“There are several programs available to meet your needs and skill level; everything from first timers to people like me that have a black belt in another form of martial arts.”

🧒 strong kids program 10 mentions

“My children have come to love martial arts through this program and it has helped to make them more displaced and confident in other aspects if their life outside of class.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 20 mentions

“Since I started I have watched all of the students grow and mature gaining not only in martial art skills but also confidence in other activities.”

From the reviews

We have always been the family that sits in the back; close to an exit just in case our child has a meltdown. Our son is an incredible, talented, kind, intelligent and extremely rambunctious 5 year old; he also happens to be on the Autism Spectrum.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Apr 2023

One day My daughter suddenly asked me about she wants to go karate. And that time I was very confused. Should I send her or not.I remember one year ago my daughter she was very shy she never talk to in front of people that time. And now I m very happy with that decision.

★★★★★ — Priya, Apr 2023

We have been with uplevel for the last 4 years, we have a great experience with instructors and uplevel community. Both my kids are currently working towards their 2nd degrees and have learned life skills that are useful in every area of their life. We love seeing families taking classes together and having fun.

★★★★★ — Hana, Apr 2023

My 6 year old twins took the free class to see if they would like it. We went to the new location on Baybrook Lane. The facility is very nice and Mrs. Dyson is awesome!! She is an excellent teacher, and is very patient and great with kids. My twins loved it! I would highly recommend UpLevel Martial Arts!!

★★★★★ — Kim, May 2018

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 96 reviews →

Your first Karate class at UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne

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 UpLevel Martial Arts - Ballantyne

16131 Lancaster Hwy, Charlotte, NC28277

Get directions

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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.