Samurai Martial Arts
“I love this place, teaching my grandson Owen about the Martial Arts, learning how to listen, control, discipline while giving him confidence and structure and strength.”
Best Karate Classes in Rochester, NY
15 schools listed · 14 in Rochester · 14 open weekends · all 15 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Rochester Kung Fu and Fitness
“Our son has grown so much in the past year, he is more confident, and doing things to help around the house without being asked.”
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Rochester Personal Defense
“They presented the material extremely well, making it engaging, interesting, and fun to learn.”
Mas Oyama's Muteki Kyokushin
“The head instructor Rene is a man who speaks through experience and will show you how to properly train and defend yourself.”
Master Kim's Taekwondo Institute
“We love how they are focused on the whole person, teaching and role modeling respect.”
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Martial Arts America
“Being at the dojo with her classmates, practicing and learning is the highlight of her week.”
Karate schools listed for Rochester, NY fill the 15 cards on this page. The style each one teaches, its junior classes and its grading schedule are taken from its own website, alongside public review scores.
Area overview: Rochester, NY
14 of the 15 schools we list are based in Rochester; the other one serves Rochester from East Rochester (8 mi). The schools on this page are rated from 4.8 to 5.0 across 1,995 reviews; 7 have 50 or more reviews. The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "skills" and "confidence". 14 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. 4 have a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 9 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2000. 2 list coupons or special offers. 1 has Spanish-speaking staff. We have a website on file for all 15 of the schools on this page; 13 publish a contact page; 9 list a public email and 3 take bookings online. We count these figures across the schools on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the school before you enroll.
Can I book a karate trial online with schools listed for Rochester?
Bookings are taken through their own sites by 3 of the 15 schools. When you book, say your age and whether you have trained before, since the beginner group and the main class are often different hours. Confirm which one you are walking into.
Murray's Martial Arts
“We love Murray's, the Isshinryu program is great, my kid Loves going to class.”
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Chase Karate Academy
“Chase Karate Academy provides a great place for the development of many skills in a safe and friendly environment.”
Rochester Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
“Coming into the fold from another discipline could have been difficult, but it has been an amazing experience.”
Level Up Martial Arts
“Even after a schedule change and some difficulties on my end, Sensei Mike has been supportive and accommodating all the way!”
Journey Taekwondo
“Good school I like this school”
Irondequoit Martial Arts
“The teaching sensei have a fantastic knowledge base and are always learning and expanding their practice to share with the students.”
Northeastern Martial Arts
“All the employees are really nice and I highly reccomed it for kids, teens and adults.”
Seidokan Karate Dojo
“I don't recall a more supportive, knowledgeable, enjoyable and family like atmosphere.”
Fairport Karate Classes
“The teachers are fantastic, full of great advice, and always focused on learning not only karate but also skills for life -- discipline, self-control, focus, setting goals and more.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about schools in Rochester
- “I highly recommend Chase Karate and look forward to watching our son continue to grow!” — from a review of Chase Karate Academy
- “The content of their karate is also pretty good and their community is positive and kind.” — from a review of Murray's Martial Arts
- “The dojo is in a perfect location. Everyone who works out there is friendly and welcoming.” — from a review of Mas Oyama's Muteki Kyokushin
- “The well-equipped, clean, and organized dojo offers a perfect space for focused learning, and their flexible class schedules suit busy families.” — from a review of Samurai Martial Arts
- “I highly recommend Chase Karate Academy & I’m looking forward to what the new year holds.” — from a review of Chase Karate Academy
Excerpts from public reviews of the schools listed on this page.
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