Karate Classes in Richmond, VA
Richmond has 6 Karate dojos — including 3 with a free trial, 4 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.
Dong's Karate
4.9 ★★★★★ 171 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Mongrel Martial Arts
5 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
American Karate Center
4.9 ★★★★★ 15 reviews
🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site
Richmond Virginia Karate Dojo
5 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
River City Kenpo and MMA
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Good to know in Richmond
1 of the 6 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 American Karate Center, Richmond Virginia Karate Dojo and River City Kenpo and MMA.
Looking for a women's class or a welcoming room to start in? River City Kenpo and MMA 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.
- Dong's Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (171)
- Mongrel Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (46)
- American Karate Center ★★★★★ 4.9 (15)
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.
- Dong's Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (171)
- Mongrel Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (46)
- American Karate Center ★★★★★ 4.9 (15)
Kids & teen karate in Richmond
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.
- Dong's Karate ★★★★★ 4.9 (171)
- Mongrel Martial Arts ★★★★★ 5 (46)
- American Karate Center ★★★★★ 4.9 (15)
Karate in Richmond: quick answers
- How much does karate cost a month in Richmond?
- A few Richmond dojos list a membership around $159/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 Richmond dojos offer a free trial or free first class?
- Yes — 3 of the 6 dojos in Richmond advertise a free trial, free first class, or intro offer, including Dong's Karate, Mongrel Martial Arts, American Karate Center. Offers change, so confirm on the dojo's site before you go.
- I'm a total beginner — can I start karate in Richmond?
- 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 Richmond 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 Richmond?
- Yes — 5 Richmond dojos run kids' or youth karate, with some classes starting as young as age 5. Youth programs focus on confidence, discipline, respect, and fun in a supervised setting; check each dojo's schedule for age groups and times.