Karate Classes in Rochester, NY
Rochester has 13 Karate dojos — including 4 with a free trial, 4 beginner-friendly, and 11 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.
Murray's Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 238 reviews
Mas Oyama’s Muteki Kyokushin
5 ★★★★★ 203 reviews
Level Up Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 226 reviews
Samurai Martial Arts
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Chase Karate Academy
5 ★★★★★ 48 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Martial Arts America
5 ★★★★★ 44 reviews
Step Forward Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 35 reviews
Kyokushin Karate USA
5 ★★★★★ 19 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Universal Kempo Club
5 ★★★★★ 10 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Crudup's Karate Academy
4.1 ★★★★☆ 9 reviews
Seidokan Karate Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 5 reviews
International Isshin-Ryu Karate Federation
4 ★★★★☆ 2 reviews
Good to know in Rochester
For a recognized style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Tiger Schulmann's, Villari's), members point to Mas Oyama’s Muteki Kyokushin, Chase Karate Academy, Kyokushin Karate USA, Universal Kempo Club, and 1 more.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Samurai Martial Arts runs women's Karate.
Plan your first class
These dojos offer 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.
- Samurai Martial Arts ★★★★★ 4.8 (59)
- Chase Karate Academy ★★★★★ 5 (48)
- Kyokushin Karate USA ★★★★★ 5 (19)
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.
- Murray's Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (238)
- Chase Karate Academy ★★★★★ 5 (48)
- Kyokushin Karate USA ★★★★★ 5 (19)
Kids & teen karate in Rochester
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.
- Murray's Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (238)
- Mas Oyama’s Muteki Kyokushin ★★★★★ 5 (203)
- Level Up Martial Arts ★★★★★ 4.9 (226)
Karate in Rochester: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Rochester?
- A few Rochester dojos list a membership around $20/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 Rochester dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 4 of the 13 dojos in Rochester advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Samurai Martial Arts, Chase Karate Academy, Kyokushin Karate USA. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Rochester?
- Yes. Karate welcomes complete beginners, and you don't need to be fit or have any experience first — the training gets you in shape. 4 Rochester 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 Rochester?
- Yes — 11 Rochester 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.