Top-Voted Martial Arts for Kids in NYC

Since 1962, this Dojo has been serving its community in Staten Island. Choose from kids' classes in Judo or Jiu Jitsu where participants learn self defense, self confidence, and self awareness. Children participate in monthly tournaments to test and improve their abilities.

The instructors at Modern Martial Arts teach a variety of classes that are both educational and fun. Kids will learn discipline, self-control, and coordination.

Tae Kwon Do can benefit kids with just about any personality type. It can help calm a child with a lot of energy to burn. It can help coax a shy child out of their shell. It's also great exercise while teaching children discipline and respect. There's Tae Kwon Do classes for Little Dragons, children, teens, and adults at all of their locations. There is also private training with Grandmaster Kang.

Ultimate Champions Tae Kwon Do strives to offer kids of all ages a healthier lifestyle. Their classes focus on self-discipline, self-confidence, and respect. All of which can help combat bullying.

Amerikick Karate's approach is to mix the basics of karate with gymnastics. There's high-energy music, games, and activities to introduce very young children to the concept and movements of karate. Amerikick says their method helps a child's body and mind.

World Seido Karate serves children of all ages starting with its Pee-Wee group where the main objective is teaching good listening skills, having fun as well as learning emotional and physical strength. As kids age and move through the levels of the program these principles are reinforced with additional skills added so kids can transition into the adult program.

Gotham is one of the most traditional Taekwon-Do schools in NYC, placing emphasis on traditional teachings and character. The head master is internationally recognized in Taekwon-Do and is constantly on the fore-front of new developments in the field. The Little Lions program for preschool focuses on basic motor and listening skills and the Juniors program for kids 5+ begins intro to the art. They are also one of the few studios that offers classes for those under 3 (in fact there is not age limit!). Those under 3 must have a parent with them.

Next Evolutions offers both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids. This school puts a lot of emphasis on safety inside the gym and building good habits outside of the gym. They strive to create a positive environment for the students and allow them to experiment and challenge themselves by practicing skills that may scare them with the support of their peers and instructors.

America's Finest Karate & Kickboxing Academy was founded in the early 1980s when the Bronx was a dangerous place. The school served as an anchor to kids in the community as they learned confidence, discipline, and leadership. While the neighborhood is much different today, the values of the school still hold true. Kids' classes are segmented into three, age-appropriate groups.

Choose from the Bayside or Corona location of the New York Black Belt Center both run by Joe Lupo, Jr. The kids' program teaches the principles of Tae Kwon Do, which are courtesy, integrity, self-control, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. There's also a summer camp program as well as teen Tae Kwon Do.

Bronx Martial Arts Academy offers a number of martial arts disciplines. Kids can get started with the Tiny Tigers karate program at age 4. By age 6, kids can move into the Juniors program and focus on Shotokan Karate or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Bronx Jiu-Jitsu was founded by brothers Junior and Nate Ortega. Raised in the neighborhood they now serve, this spot has a family feel. The kids' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is segmented into three groups starting at age 4. Depending on age and skill level, kids learn specific techniques and positions starting with the basics before moving into advanced levels of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.