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Karate Classes in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans has 6 Karate dojos — including 2 beginner-friendly and 5 with kids' classes. Every listing is ranked by what members say (Google rating weighted by review count) and shows live open-now hours and the classes each dojo runs, so you can find your dojo and book your first class. All ages and levels welcome — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start.
Church's Karate Academy
4.8 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Forever Driven Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 25 reviews
NOSA DOJO - New Orleans Shotokan Academy
5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews
NOAC Karate
Good to know in New Orleans
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to NOSA DOJO - New Orleans Shotokan Academy and NOAC Karate.
New to karate?
These dojos are called out by members as welcoming to beginners — go at your own pace, ask questions, and know that sparring (kumite) builds up slowly and stays light and supervised. Everyone in the room started at white belt.
- NOSA DOJO - New Orleans Shotokan Academy ★★★★★ 5 (17)
- NOAC Karate
Kids & teen karate in New Orleans
These dojos run kids' or youth classes — supervised, confidence-building, and focused on discipline, respect, and self-defense. Check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.
- Church's Karate Academy ★★★★★ 4.8 (53)
- Forever Driven Martial Arts ★★★★★ 4.8 (25)
- NOSA DOJO - New Orleans Shotokan Academy ★★★★★ 5 (17)
Karate in New Orleans: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in New Orleans?
- A few New Orleans dojos list a membership around $100/mo, but most don't post rates online. Ask about a free trial and check the dojo's schedule for current prices — see our cost guide for typical ranges.
- Do any New Orleans dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- None of the New Orleans dojos list a free trial in our data, but many offer a free or discounted first class even when it isn't posted — it's always worth calling to ask.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in New Orleans?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 2 New Orleans dojos are highlighted by members as beginner-friendly. Sparring (kumite) is introduced gradually, kept light and supervised, and a good dojo never pressures newcomers — you learn the basics, stances, and forms at your own pace, starting at white belt.
- Are there kids' karate classes in New Orleans?
- Yes — 5 New Orleans dojos run kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 3. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.