Home › Kids Karate › Knoxville, TN
Kids Karate in Knoxville
6 dojos in Knoxville, Tennessee 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 6 options in town, it's worth visiting two before you decide.
1. Master Booe's Karate Kidz
4.9 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
“We’ve been coming to Master Booe’s classes for a couple of months now, and my son absolutely LOVES it. Karate day is his favorite day of every single week. He’s having fun and…” — Ashlyn
2. Knoxville Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
“Almost two years ago we went into see Master Butturini for my son's introductory session. During the introduction my daughter decided she wanted to begin lessons too! After…” — Terri
3. Premier Martial Arts West Town
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
“We love Premier Martial Arts West Town! My daughter has been training for six years and the change in her has been amazing. She's gone from a timid little girl to a confident…” — Marsha
4. Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville
4.8 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
“There is no place like premier martial arts on Callahan. We’ve had our son enrolled since this dojo has opened. Casey and Leah are amazing and hold the kids accountable to…” — Tim
5. Karate Five Association, Inc. - Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
“Love the class it’s amazing for people who are wanting to learn self defense nothing but family there” — Bryan
6. Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
“Started training here back in October 2019. Sensei Noel is an amazing instructor and the group who studies under him have become like a second family. If you've ever been curious…” — Erin
Enrolling your child in Knoxville: 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 Knoxville
All karate dojos in Knoxville, TN → · All kids karate cities →