Home › Kids Karate › Philadelphia, PA
Kids Karate in Philadelphia
13 dojos in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania show real evidence — from their own sites or parents' reviews — of running kids or youth karate classes. Karate is a genuinely good fit for children: it builds confidence, focus, and fitness in a disciplined, respectful setting, and young beginners drill their basics and forms (kata) rather than sparring hard. The best move before enrolling is simply to go watch a class — ask each dojo what age ranges its classes serve and how it introduces sparring (kumite) for kids, and notice whether the sensei is patient and the room is calm and organized. Dojos are ranked below by local reputation (rating weighted by review count), and with 13 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Action Karate Manayunk
4.9 ★★★★★ 318 reviews
“Action Karate Manayunk is an amazing place. The teachers, families and students are one of a kind. We are a few months in to training and I can say that I’ve seen a positive…” — Amber
2. Philly Karate Club
5 ★★★★★ 287 reviews
“Love the club!!! My son has been practicing since the club opened. Giorgi and Mamuka are very professional, friendly, and talented coaches. all the kids are experiencing a stable,…” — Ketevan
3. Action Karate Parkwood
4.9 ★★★★★ 154 reviews
“My son has been training at Action Karate Parkwood for about a year now. To say that he has grown into himself and exudes confidence would be an understatement. He knows with hard…” — Melanie
4. Action Karate Mt. Airy
4.7 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
“We came to Action Karate by way of their after school programs at my children’s school. The family friendly environment and consistent reinforcement of character and discipline…” — Stephanie
5. Action Karate Fairmount
5 ★★★★★ 130 reviews
“Our son has been a member of the Ninja Sharks program at Action Karate Fairmount since November 2025, and this past weekend, we hosted his 4th birthday party there. It was truly…” — Elizabeth
6. Action Karate Northern Liberties
5 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
“As a student who is training to become a black belt, Action Karate North liberties has allowed me to become better not only physically but sharpen my mental and emotional skills…” — Star
7. Action Karate South Philadelphia
4.9 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
“We have had a great experience with Action Karate! The instructors make a point to know every student and their caretaker, and they watch and provide useful feedback throughout…” — Aislinn
8. Amerikick Karate
4.8 ★★★★★ 84 reviews
“The best place for child growth in South Philly! Maybe sounds a bit over the top, but I kid you not. My son has been there for over four years. He’s not always the easiest kid to…” — Brendan
9. Amerikick Martial Arts (NE Philly)
5 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
“My sons and I were first introduced to Amerikick Northeast back in 2015, when my oldest was 3 at the time (he is now 11). Their dad and I were looking for a sport/activity for him…” — Melody
10. Amerikick Andorra
5 ★★★★★ 79 reviews
“Amerikick Andorra is simply the BEST! From when my child first started until now they have treated us as FAMILY! The professionalism, the positive energy, the great people make it…” — Briana
11. Zhang Sah School, Martial Arts and Learning Center South Philly
3.9 ★★★★☆ 27 reviews
“My son has been going since age 5 and he is now 11. Zhang Sah has become family-like. Besides learning different martial arts techniques - he has also learned other valuable life…” — Lissette
12. Golden Fist Martial Arts of Philadelphia NE
4.9 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
“I am currently a student of Golden fist and I must say they welcomed me like family and they took on my challenge just as I have with me I am currently slightly paralyzed on my…” — David
13. Focus Karate
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
“Great price with awesome instructor. Works well with my time to bring my kids in. No advertisements just plain old fashion Karate to focus your mind and body.” — Matt
Enrolling your child in Philadelphia: practical notes
- Watch a class first. Any welcoming dojo will let you and your child observe before signing up. Look for a patient sensei, a calm and organized room, and kids who are having fun while staying on task.
- Ask about age ranges. Confirm which class fits your child — many dojos split younger kids from older kids and teens — so the pace and content match their age.
- Ask how sparring works for kids. Reputable dojos keep young beginners on basics, forms, and controlled drills; sparring (kumite) should be introduced gradually, kept light and padded, and closely supervised.
- Keep gear simple to start. Comfortable athletic clothes and water are enough for a first class — most dojos lend a gi, and they'll tell you when it's worth buying your own. See the what-to-wear guide.
- Use a free trial. Many dojos offer a free trial class — the lowest-pressure way to find out if it clicks for your child. See free karate trial classes.
Kids Karate near Philadelphia
All karate dojos in Philadelphia, PA → · All kids karate cities →