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!
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. Currently offering classes for 8+
Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
ANTS Sports
ANTS Sports leads fun after-school classes for small groups of K-5th graders in tennis, basketball, flag football, soccer, yoga, and martial arts.
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
Sponsor
Destiny Arts Center
Movement arts classes for youth 3-18. Destiny Arts Center is offering in-person class options in hip hop dance, martial arts, and African Dance. All classes are pay what you can and COVID safety protocols are observed. Classes begin on 9/6.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
El Cerrito Martial Arts
El Cerrito Martial Arts has an after-school martial arts program from 1-6 pm daily (rolling drop off and pick up).
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
El Cerrito Rec: Karate
This class teaches a traditional form of Japanese Karate called Wado. Students aged 7-17 work on basic martial arts techniques including guarding, punching, and kicking, as well as utilize stretching and strengthening work to improve balance, focus, confidence, and self-discipline.
Grades: 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Emeryville Martial Arts
For ages 6 to 12. 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. Little Samurai program starts at age 4.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle 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
Han Martial Arts
Children learn self-defense and fitness while having fun in a positive environment starting at age 4-7 (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
Ralph Gracie Kids Jiu-Jitsu
Kids and Youth Jiu-Jitsu program is an excellent program for kids ages 5-15, 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
SBG NorCal Mixed Martial Arts
Sticky Monkey classes begin at age 4. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Youth MMA are also available for kids.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
UC Berkeley Youth Recreation Programs UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley Youth Recre Programs offers a diverse array of year-round classes for all ages: martial arts (ages 6-16), gymnastics (14 mos.-18 yrs.), swimming (infants-18), skateboarding (5-18), archery (8-17), and outdoor activities. Locations on the iconic UC Berkeley campus and the Berkeley Marina.
Grades: TK or bridge kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, High School
Related links:
- Use 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]
