Karate Classes in Nashville, TN
Nashville has 5 Karate dojos — including 2 with a free trial, 2 beginner-friendly, and 4 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.
Nashville Karate Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 81 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Nashville Shotokan Karate Club
5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
KSA Martial Academy
5 ★★★★★ 17 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Traditional Karate Nashville
5 ★★★★★ 14 reviews
Good to know in Nashville
1 of the 5 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 Nashville Karate Academy, Nashville Shotokan Karate Club, KSA Martial Academy and World Oyama 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.
- Nashville Karate Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (81)
- KSA Martial Academy ★★★★★ 5 (17)
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.
- Nashville Karate Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (81)
- Traditional Karate Nashville ★★★★★ 5 (14)
Kids & teen karate in Nashville
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.
- Nashville Karate Academy ★★★★★ 4.9 (81)
- Nashville Shotokan Karate Club ★★★★★ 5 (24)
- KSA Martial Academy ★★★★★ 5 (17)
Karate in Nashville: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Nashville?
- Most Nashville 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 Nashville dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 2 of the 5 dojos in Nashville advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Nashville Karate Academy, KSA Martial Academy. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Nashville?
- 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 Nashville 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 Nashville?
- Yes — 4 Nashville dojos run kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 4. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.