Karate Classes in Knoxville, TN
Knoxville has 8 Karate dojos — including 3 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 6 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.
Master Booe's Karate Kidz
4.9 ★★★★★ 163 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Musei no Tora Bujinkan
5 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Knoxville Academy of Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville
4.8 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Premier Martial Arts West Town
4.7 ★★★★★ 57 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Karate Five Association, Inc. - Nonprofit 501(c)(3)
5 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I.
4.6 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Knoxville Uechi-Ryu Karate School
5 ★★★★★ 6 reviews
Good to know in Knoxville
1 of the 8 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 Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville, Premier Martial Arts West Town, Karate Five Association, Inc. - Nonprofit 501(c)(3), North Knox Isshinryu/ Team N.K.I., and 1 more.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? Musei no Tora Bujinkan 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.
- Master Booe's Karate Kidz ★★★★★ 4.9 (163)
- Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville ★★★★★ 4.8 (53)
- Premier Martial Arts West Town ★★★★★ 4.7 (57)
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.
- Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville ★★★★★ 4.8 (53)
- Premier Martial Arts West Town ★★★★★ 4.7 (57)
Kids & teen karate in Knoxville
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.
- Master Booe's Karate Kidz ★★★★★ 4.9 (163)
- Knoxville Academy of Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (66)
- Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville ★★★★★ 4.8 (53)
Karate in Knoxville: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Knoxville?
- Most Knoxville 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 Knoxville dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 3 of the 8 dojos in Knoxville advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Master Booe's Karate Kidz, Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville, Premier Martial Arts West Town. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Knoxville?
- 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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
- Yes — 6 Knoxville 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.