Top-Voted Martial Arts for Kids Around Boston

Amanda Banta:  As kids are introduced to karate, they will learn self-control and confidence in addition to a focus on fitness. Older students will develop a deeper understanding of the martial art and will have the opportunity to pursue their junior black belt if desired. Classes are offered in 13-week semesters, with the option to enroll in weekly or semi-weekly sessions. Private and semi-private lessons are available.

Ages: 4 - 17

Cost: $295 - $546 for a 13-week session

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Kids will learn about confidence, discipline and respect all while having fun learning practical self-defense skills. Kids classes are age-appropriate and professional instructors strive to make sure each child is successful on and off the mat. Other topics discussed are bully proofing, stranger danger and learning the 911 emergency system in a safe and supportive environment. The results you'll see in your kids are better focus, increased self-confidence, improved balance and flexibility and more!

Cost: Call or complete online form for more information.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  This family-oriented center offers instruction in the TAMA System of Self-Defense. Children are taught the importance of self-control, focus and teamwork through the physical techniques of many martial arts styles. Each student is challenged to achieve their highest potential while making new friends, improving coordination and physical fitness.

Ages: 14 months+

Cost: Contact the studio

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Yang's Martial Arts Association is dedicated to preserving traditional Chinese martial arts. Teaching students about the culture and history of this art, they provide an environment of support and success through traditional practice methods. Each child is challenged physically and mentally and encouraged for their creativity, attention to detail, patience, courage and more.

Ages: 3 1/2 - 14

Cost: Varies by number of classes attended per week, contact studio for more information.

Amanda Banta:  The youngest students at Boston Martial Arts Center will work on mind-body coordination as they learn basic martial arts skills that will prepare them for more advanced programs. Youth classes end at age 11. Kids 12 and older will be placed into adult classes. They will be paired with a mentor to guide them through the class in an age-appropriate context. The center offers a free class to prospective students as a way to try out the center before committing to classes. Call or complete the online form to find out more.

Ages: 3 - 17.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Dedicated to the preservation of traditional Shotokan Karate, classes are of mixed ages with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. More than just self-defense or a fitness class, this style of karate puts a focus on strengthening personal character and respect for others. Each class begins with meditation followed by warm-ups, basic skills, sparring, kata techniques and calisthenics ending with stretches and final meditation to relax and return to daily life.

Ages: 5+

Cost: Starts at $100/month for beginner class.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Offering Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for all ages, this family-friendly studio provides structured training with an emphasis on self-defense and achieving positive results physically, mentally and spiritually. Karate training includes drills, physical conditioning, sparring and self-defense applications while Jiu-Jitsu training is done with a partner who is fully resisting 95% of the time which makes this a much more intense style of martial arts.

Cost: Call or fill out the online form for more information.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Davis Square Martial Arts offers kids' classes with an emphasis on respect, discipline, self-confidence and fun. The goal is to have each child safely learn martial arts and maximize their individual potential. Physical strength, balance, flexibility and coordination combined with increased determination, confidence, patience and self-esteem are just some of the benefits parents can expect to see in their kids.

Ages: 3 1/2 - 15

Cost: $920 (1/week) - $1,300 (2/week) for 10 months

Amanda Banta:  Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts Center gives kids more than training in the basics of martial arts. The center's courses also include tumbling, boxing, self-defense, weapons training (for advanced students) and more, all with a focus on teaching the students to have confidence in themselves. Kids can enroll in a schedule of classes twice, thrice or unlimited per week. The center offers a trial two-week period at a discount rate. See here for details.

Ages: 3 - 18

Cost: Starting at $135 per month.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Boston Tae Kwon Do Academy teaches kids not only the art of self-defense, but the tools necessary to be successful in life including respect, focus and discipline as well as providing health and wellness. Their fun and patient expert instructors will guide your kids in a clean, safe and positive environment.

Ages: 5+

Cost: Call or fill out the online form for more information.

Students at Modern Taekwondo will learn discipline and find confidence in themselves while they having fun working together with their classmates and masters. The youngest kids will start their experience playing games to teach the introductory skills and, as they get older, programs will focus more on self-control and defense. Classes, on a weekly and semiweekly basis, are offered in the late afternoon and early evenings of weekdays and on Saturdays as well.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  The kids' martial arts program is a fun blend of self-defense, fitness and life skills that kids will love. Some of the benefits you might see in your child are improved focus and ability to pay attention, determination to succeed, self-respect, increased energy and overall happiness. Most importantly, each child progresses at their own pace with lots of encouragement and support.

Ages: 5+

Cost: Call or fill out their online form for more information.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Owned by world champion, Jimmy Pedro, and home to Olympic medalists in Judo, Pedro's Judo Center offers martial arts classes for kids and teens. These structured classes help improve coordination, physical fitness and mental strength as well as developing social skills. Kids have a great time because there is instant feedback and positive reinforcement which brings out the best in each child. Learning the core moves leads students to develop self-discipline, respect, and skills that will help them become leaders in life.

Ages: 3+

Cost: Call or fill out the online form for more information.

Tracy Snyder Molina:  Defensive Edge offers a wide array of kids' classes and features elements of MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Wrestling. All classes teach personal safety with an emphasis on using common sense before self-defense. The Defensive Edge program teaches kids practical martial arts skills in a fun manner that kids love and promotes a healthy balance of physical and emotional well-being.

Ages: 4 - 14

Cost: Call or fill out their online form for more information.