Home › Massachusetts › Waltham
Karate Classes in Waltham, MA
Waltham has 3 Karate dojos — including 1 with a free trial, 1 beginner-friendly, and 2 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.
Apex Defense Waltham
5 ★★★★★ 204 reviews
United Shaolin Kempo Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 47 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Shorin Ryu Karate Academy
Good to know in Waltham
1 of the 3 dojos with posted hours are open on Sundays.
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to United Shaolin Kempo Karate and Shorin Ryu Karate Academy.
Plan your first class
This dojo offers a free trial, free first class, or intro offer — the low-risk way to try karate before you commit. Check each dojo's schedule for the current offer.
- United Shaolin Kempo Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (47)
New to karate?
This dojo is 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.
- United Shaolin Kempo Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (47)
Kids & teen karate in Waltham
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.
- Apex Defense Waltham ★★★★★ 5 (204)
- United Shaolin Kempo Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (47)
Karate in Waltham: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Waltham?
- Most Waltham dojos don't post prices online. Karate is usually sold as a monthly membership, and rates vary by dojo and style. Many offer a free or discounted first class, so you can visit before you commit — see our cost guide for typical price ranges.
- Do any Waltham dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 1 of the 3 dojos in Waltham advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including United Shaolin Kempo Karate. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Waltham?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 1 Waltham dojo is 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 Waltham?
- Yes — 2 Waltham dojos run kids' or youth karate. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.