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Tiger Academy of Martial Arts
“My son has been going for quite awhile now and I have noticed a change in his behavior for the good at school and he is slowly learning self confidence!”
Best Martial Arts Classes near Portsmouth, VA
1 of these gyms is based in Portsmouth; the others serve Portsmouth from towns including Virginia Beach (19 mi), Chesapeake (12 mi) and Norfolk (6 mi).
21 open weekends · 23 rated 4.5+
Data verified October 16, 2026
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Master Hill's Red Dragon Martial Arts
- Mall
- Learning
- Atmosphere
“The instructors here offer you years of experience and make sure to help you become the best martial artist you can be not to mention the rich selection of programa available to every member of the family if you are looking for a school in western br...”
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King Tiger Martial Arts
“My son Matteo had come a long way with his confidence and discipline, it was only a few months since he started training with the amazing instructors of KTMA and he is loving it.”
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Savior Martial Arts Virginia Beach
- Krav Maga
- Learning
- Karate
“This is the best way to learn martial arts because you do not walk away just being a successful martial artist, you walk away prepared to face anything life throughs at you.”
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Impact Martial Arts Academy
- Respect
- Skills
- Filipino Martial Arts
“I started here about 2 years ago ( I took a couple moth break because of COVID) I started back again and I decided to share my experience so I can have more peers.”
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Virginia Martial Arts Center
“The code of respect for others, and taking charge of your own destiny through self discipline, is every bit as important as the technique that is taught.”
The 24 gyms listed for Portsmouth, VA teach martial arts and combat sports. Styles taught, kids' programs and class times come from each gym's own pages, with star ratings from public reviews.
Area overview: Portsmouth, VA
The 24 gyms on this page are rated from 4.4 to 5.0 across 2,287 reviews; 17 have 50 or more reviews and 23 are rated 4.5 or higher. When students and parents rate these gyms on specific qualities, they most often praise professionalism (93%), quality (88%) and communication (71%). The topics that come up most in reviews of the gyms on this page are "confidence", "atmosphere" and "skills". 21 are open on Saturdays and 3 on Sundays. Domain records put 16 websites of the gyms on this page at ten or more years old; the oldest dates from 2002. 1 is family- or locally-owned and 7 list coupons or special offers. We have a website on file for all 24 of the gyms on this page; 22 publish a contact page; 21 list a public email and 8 take bookings online. We count these figures across the gyms on this page; distances are straight-line, and hours and prices change, so confirm the details with the gym before you enroll.
Are weekend martial arts classes listed for Portsmouth?
21 of the 24 gyms put weekend times on the listing. Saturday morning is usually junior classes and an open mat for anyone who wants extra rounds; Sunday is rarer. If your shifts move, ask whether a weekday class you miss can be made up on the weekend.
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Grindstone Athletics
“For years the owners and coaches have invested in my development on and off the mat, and have always welcomed those that I get to tag along from time to time.”
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Cheeseman Martial Arts Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Hiit
- Confidence
- Shape
“I would recommend this martial arts school for anyone who is interested in learning traditional styles for modern day combat sports as well as self defense.”
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Virginia Taekwondo & Jiu-Jitsu Academy
- Skills
- Life
- Respect
“Our daughter was not thrilled at having to give up all her hard work and start back at a white belt, but she's finding herself enjoying learning new techniques.”
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Kim's Hapkido Martial Arts
“Our son loves everything about the studio and we can see not only the growth daily, but also his drive to do better thanks to the positive influence provided by Master Kim and his staff.”
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Da Firma Training Center Gracie Jiu Jitsu & Athletic Performance
“UPDATE 1/18/2023: It's been a long time since I started my Jiu Jitsu journey with Professor Ricardo and one thing remains unchanged, his dedication to his students and his art is unequaled and uncompromising.”
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Higher Vision Studios
- Parents
- Ninja
- Confidence
“The kids loved the warrior ninja course and at the end they passed out glow sticks, turned off all the lights, and cranked the music and we had a dance part and Pom Pom war.”
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The House of Muay Thai
- Atmosphere
- Train
- Kickboxing
“The instructors there care about you getting the most out of your time there and they also make sure you don't get left behind doing strikes incorrectly.”
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Brian Hobson Karate Studio
“He was so surprised when he got student of the year but we were so proud and appreciative because we knew how much work and dedication not only he put in but how much the instructors put in.”
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Clayton Phillips Jiu Jitsu
- Environment
- Atmosphere
- Community
“If your looking to become very great at jiu jitsu this is the place to be and they have morning and evening classes so you will always be able to get work in!”
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Kobukan Martial Arts Academy
- Feel
- Environment
- Veteran
“I am so pleased with their ability to train a class of young children and manage their little age appropriate "behaviors" all while teaching the skills of the Jiu Jitsu program.”
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Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts
- Teach
- Muay Thai
- Matter
“I always wanted to do Muay Thai so, I did my research and went to some schools in VB, but as soon as I entered the EA MMA, I felt like it was the right place to practice it and I was not wrong.”
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Green's Martial Arts
“My son James Michael Grieco Jr attends to this karate school everyone especially Sensei Amy and Sensei Green is great with the children keep up the amazing work 💯 …”
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Diego Bispo Academy
- Mats
- BJJ
- World Champion
“At Diego Bispo Academy, its eponymous owner possesses a unique ability to cultivate an environment where individuals experience physical and mental challenges, joy, and a sense of belonging within a community.”
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Virginia Beach Jiu Jitsu
- Sharing Knowledge
- Area
- Belt
“Amazing gym , everyone is friendly and helpful.”
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Shaolin Kung Fu Centers
- Tai Chi
“With shelves loaded in herbal health products, bookshelves with ornate Chinese Buddhist statues and Martial Arts books, intriguing weapons hanging on the wall, and most importantly, the certifications of the teachers (Sigung and Sifu Maury) signed by...”
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King Tiger Martial Arts
“King Tiger Martial Arts is the first place I refer people when they're interested in finding self defense lessons with a great atmosphere and the opportunity for some serious personal growth.”
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Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Chesapeake
“Watching them grow so much in confidence has been nothing short of one of the greatest blessings of my life; and to be able to grow in that same skill and confidence with them”
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Park's Taekwondo Academy
- Skills
- Discipline
- Belt
“We also had a birthday party here for a 10 year old boy, and it was fantastic, the kids had a blast and were running around nonstop with activities and with the lesson provided.”
Why these companies made our list
What students and parents say about gyms near Portsmouth
- “My daughter’s behavior and self discipline in school are improving and her confidence continues to grow.” — from a review of Tiger Academy of Martial Arts
- “The atmosphere is supportive and I’ve noticed improvement in my child’s self-defense techniques, discipline and confidence.” — from a review of King Tiger Martial Arts
- “I have seen so much character growth, confidence and leadership in my child as a direct result from what he is learning at the dojo!” — from a review of Savior Martial Arts Virginia Beach
- “The amount of confidence and discipline that's instilled is astounding and their patience with children blows my mind!” — from a review of Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts
- “The instructors have all built a strong foundation of trust and loyalty with their students and their instruction is based on the philosophy of respect, hard work and discipline which has helped my son take his skills and confidence in karate to a higher level.” — from a review of Brian Hobson Karate Studio
Excerpts from public reviews of the gyms listed on this page.
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