Evkm Self Defense & Fitness
“Whether it's day one or day 100, everyone got a great workout, learned some self defense, and left there with a sense of purpose and belonging.”
Best Karate Classes in Tempe, AZ
24 schools listed · 8 in Tempe · 23 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
“This academy was one of the nicest facilities I've been to and Gustavo was super-nice and welcoming.”
Martial Arts Academy of Tang Soo Do Arizona
“The Larson family should be very proud of what environment they have created for the students that train with them .”
Phoenix JKD Institute
“As a woman trying to learn self defense and safety he helps me feel more confident in my abilities and helps me feel safe when walking alone because I know I have received proper training.”
Master Kim's World Tae Kwon Do
“He has other black belts in each class to ensure there are multiple people training the class.”
Fluid Martial Arts Academy
“They offer comprehensive BJJ instruction which allows a beginner student like myself to follow the more advanced techniques.”
Karate schools listed for Tempe, AZ fill the 24 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: Tempe, AZ
8 of the 24 schools we list are based in Tempe; the other 16 serve Tempe from towns including Gilbert (12 mi), Mesa (12 mi) and Scottsdale (21 mi). 23 of the schools on this page have a rating, from 4.6 to 5.0 across 2,473 reviews; 17 have 50 or more reviews. When students and parents rate these schools on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (92%), quality (88%) and communication (86%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the schools on this page are "confidence", "skills" and "atmosphere". 22 are open on Saturdays and 2 on Sundays. 1 has a BBB rating of A or A+. Domain records put 16 websites of the schools on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 2 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the schools on this page; 19 publish a contact page; 15 list a public email and 9 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 Tempe?
Bookings are taken through their own sites by 9 of the 24 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.
Karate For Christ of Arizona
“It helps the students focus and learn as a team; self defense & awareness.”
Iskf Tempe
Ucelo Martial Arts Glendale
“I am astounded by his excitement and progress a short time into the program.”
Dan's Gym Boxing
“It's become our new family thing and I feel so proud watching them learn and find new things to be enthused about!”
Kiko France BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)
“Kiko and his family/team are great — they really helped me out when I was injured.”
First Taekwondo
“With the assistance of all the masters there I'm better at sparring and become a better person in general.”
Sandoval Freestyle Karate
“Great place if you're just starting out, they have an awesome program that's very thorough in teaching the foundations and helping you progress.”
Precision Martial Arts
“My son attends PMA traditional karate classes and looks forward to learning the weapons for their Black Belt Training the most.”
Next Level Krav Maga & Gracie Humaita BJJ
“We wanted our teenage daughters to gain skills in self defense, but the increased self confidence they have gained as a part of their experience has been invaluable.”
Spartan Nation Combatives and Fitness
“I've been training with Dan, Luke and Gabriella for a while and they are always encouraging me to do better and they are always pushing me to achieve my goals.”
Unstoppable Martial Arts
“I have seen such a positive difference in her attitude, confidence level, focus, and discipline...”
Victory Martial Arts
“My 4 boys ( now they are 12, 9, 7, and 6 years old) did not want to try Tae Kwon Do but I had them try it and they haven't looked back or asked to quit.”
Gilbert Defense Arts
“We absolutely love Gilbert Defense Arts, sensei Casey and the rest of the teachers!”
Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix
“I proudly can say that I have met some of my favorite people here and the dojo is really a safe place I know I can always go.”
Koclanis Martial Arts/Mountain View Karate
“Our son is learning, and enjoying the process of taking responsibility to practice, a discipline that he feels is important which makes a difference in his confidence and overall health.”
Alpha Krav Maga Scottsdale
“I don't think there's a better way to learn practical self defense than from Sam; the man is incredibly knowledgeable.”
White Tiger Taewkondo Academy
“He has an amazing quality of being strict in a kid's friendly manner and I see all the kids having fun in the class including my son.”
Chandler MMA
“They made Zoom classes available during Covid and when they could re-open, they ensured special cleaning measures were followed, and taught classes outside (weather permitting).”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about schools in Tempe
- “Gustavo’s attention to detail as well as the personal attention he gives to his students is second to none.” — from a review of Gustavo Dantas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- “I have improved leaps and bounds with my techniques and I LOVE how they test you under stress, giving you a little taste of what it's like to use what you've learned under duress.” — from a review of Evkm Self Defense & Fitness
- “Master Kim is very professional along with all his black belt helpers.” — from a review of Master Kim's World Tae Kwon Do
Excerpts from public reviews of the schools listed on this page.
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