Interested in exposing your school-age child to the mental discipline and physical fitness of martial arts training? There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, and nearby that will teach your child the ways of karate, jiu jitsu, and more!
Martial Arts classes for East Bay kids
If we missed your favorite in our round-up, please share in the comments!
510 Judo
Tiny Judo starts at age 3. Kids will run, roll, and learn how to fall safely on an excellent soft mat surface before learning Judo Fundamentals. Classes are month to month with no long term commitment.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Aikido of Berkeley
Aikido gives children a way to learn about themselves, their bodies, and their environment. Aikido is about movement in harmony with oneself, others and the world. First class is free. Age 5 through adult.
Sponsor
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Alameda Martial Arts
Beginners, age 6 to 9, can take a first class for free. Classes meet Mondays through Thursdays after school and Saturdays.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Bay Area Martial Arts (Grand Ave.)
Kids classes teach respect, focus, discipline along with self defense. Classes begin at age 3 (play-based) and continue through adulthood. Offers birthday parties.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Destiny Arts Center
Hip-hop, African dance, and some martial arts are offered at the large space in North Oakland occupied by Destiny Arts Center.
Grades: 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
DJ's Martial Arts & Fitness (Laurel)
Youth Martial Arts classes begin at age 5. Youth classes are on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons, and there is also a mixed level class (Youth & Adult) on Saturday mornings.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Emeryville Martial Arts
Beginner classes are held on Tuesdays at 5 pm and Saturdays at 9:30 am. Students learn basic blocking, kicking, punching and rolling skills which culminate in self-defense sets. Balance, quick reflexes and friendly competition in a fun environment! Starts at age 4.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Golden Lion Martial Arts Academy
Cubs (age 4-7) and Youth (age 7-10) learn age-appropriate skills in the art of Kung Fu developing strength and balance after school and on Saturdays.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Guardian Gym Kids Jiu Jitsu
Guardian provides training in both boxing & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to youth students 8 to 18 after school.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Han Martial Arts
Children learn self-defense and fitness while having fun in a positive environment starting at age 4-6 (Tiny Tigers) in Montclair Village. Martial arts instruction in Judo, Taekwondo, and Yongmudo.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Ice Chamber Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
After school and weekend classes designed to help children develop balance, agility, coordination, body awareness and physical confidence in an age-appropriate setting. Begins at age 5.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Kuk Sool Won (AKA Berkeley Martial Arts)
A comprehensive martial arts program for children ages 4-5 and 6 & above with weekend and after-school classes. Structured classes are designed to bring out the best in your child, while offering ample opportunities for growth and self-discipline. First class is free.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Ralph Gracie Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Kids and Youth Jiu-Jitsu program is an excellent program for kids ages 5-17, which teaches techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, including takedowns, ground skills, and self-defense.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Soja Mind/Body
Beginner Martial Arts starts at age 5 after school and on weekends. Kids program is based on fun, cooperative and challenging martial arts exercises and games. Older children can take Kungfu. Summer Camps and parties also available.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Studio Naga Martial Arts
Fun, supportive martial arts and self-defense class for kids K-5. Studio Naga is a large, inclusive, diverse and positive school that focuses on community, leadership and being our best selves! Also offering after-school programs at many Oakland schools.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Related links:
- Find the toddler and parent/child class guide to find martial arts for even younger ones!
- See our summer camp guide to find more martial arts camps around the East Bay >
- Find a parkour or ninja warrior class instead >
[Photos by East Bay martial arts dojos as indicated]
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