Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training for All Ages
National Karate has been dedicated to martial arts instruction since 1973, serving communities across Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Our programs combine traditional disciplines like Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Krav Maga with modern training techniques to foster physical fitness, self-defense skills, and personal growth. With over 50,000 students trained, we emphasize core values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance across all age groups.Our professional black belt instructors maintain rigorous standards while creating a family-friendly environment that encourages individual achievement. As one of the Midwest's largest martial arts organizations, we offer structured curricula for children, youth, adults, and competitive athletes, supported by ongoing instructor training and a legacy of producing nationally ranked competitors.
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Karate
Kickboxing
Krav Maga
Self-Defense Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of proven martial arts instruction experience with professional black belt instructors
- Our curriculum combines multiple martial arts disciplines including Tae Kwon Do and Krav Maga
- We maintain rigorous belt-ranking standards that emphasize earned achievement over participation awards
- Our family-friendly environment serves students from age 4 through adulthood across 30+ locations
- We provide specialized programs for competitive athletes with nationally ranked instructors
What people say
Passionate instructors
Family atmosphere
Improved confidence
Professional and supportive
Excellent training
Services
Tae Kwon Do
Our Tae Kwon Do program develops physical fitness, coordination, and self-defense skills through traditional forms and sparring techniques. Students learn kicking patterns, hand strikes, and blocking methods while building discipline and mental focus. This Korean martial art emphasizes character development alongside technical proficiency for ages 4 through adulthood.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga training prepares students for real-world self-defense scenarios with practical techniques against armed and unarmed attackers. The system emphasizes instinctive movements, situational awareness, and de-escalation strategies. Our certified instructors teach both civilian and military applications across beginner to advanced levels.
Children's Programs
Specialized martial arts instruction for children aged 4-12 focuses on motor skill development, social interaction, and character building. Classes use age-appropriate drills to improve focus, respect, and perseverance while introducing fundamental martial arts techniques. Parent testimonials highlight improved confidence and school performance.
Black Belt Certification
Our belt-ranking system requires demonstrated proficiency in forms, sparring, and self-defense techniques at each level. Students progress through colored belts to black belt under strict evaluation by senior instructors. Over 5,000 black belts have been awarded since 1973, with annual testing for advanced degrees.
Competitive Training
Preparation for national and international tournaments includes forms, sparring, and weapons competition training. Our athletes have earned multiple championships in the North American Sport Karate Association. Coaches develop individualized training plans for competitors at all levels from local events to world championships.
People
John Worley
Grandmaster & Founder
10th Degree Black Belt with over 50 years of martial arts experience, established National Karate in 1973. Former Jhoon Rhee Institute instructor who developed the organization's curriculum and trained thousands of students across multiple states.
Larry Carnahan
Grandmaster & Senior Instructor
10th Degree Black Belt with decades of martial arts instruction experience. Co-founder of National Karate's advanced training programs and competition teams, recognized for developing nationally ranked athletes and certified instructors.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We offer Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga programs with specialized curricula for children, youth, and adults.
Are there family membership options?
Yes, our family-friendly environment accommodates multiple family members with flexible scheduling across all our locations.
Do you offer trial classes?
We provide a two-week trial program for new students, including uniform purchase requirements for full participation.
How are instructors trained?
All instructors undergo rigorous black belt certification and receive ongoing training in martial arts techniques and teaching methodologies.
Are there competitive opportunities?
Yes, we prepare students for national tournaments with specialized coaching in forms, sparring, and weapons competitions.
Reviews (5)
Tina Schell
Jan 27, 2022
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Ive noticed such a difference in my sons behaviors, body awareness and listening skills along with the physical benefits of karate!!
Ive noticed such a difference in my sons behaviors, body awareness and listening skills along with the physical benefits of karate!!
Deanna Nathan
Dec 25, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
My daughter loves coming to her Karate class each week
My daughter loves coming to her Karate class each week
Robbie & Julie Deters
Dec 23, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Value
Our son has been a student here for a few years, he enjoys the class time and has made some friends within his classes too. Instructors are professional and teach the techniques well.
Our son has been a student here for a few years, he enjoys the class time and has made some friends within his classes too. Instructors are professional and teach the techniques well.
Melody Martinson
Dec 22, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism
At first my son was hesitant on attending so we tried the free month and he has been hooked since. He looks forward to promotions now
At first my son was hesitant on attending so we tried the free month and he has been hooked since. He looks forward to promotions now
Kendrick Onstad
Dec 16, 2021
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Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value
Great place for kids to build coordination, discipline and listening skills. The instructors are attentive and make it fun with games at the end of the sessions. My son enjoyed his time learning self defense and look forward to his classes.
Great place for kids to build coordination, discipline and listening skills. The instructors are attentive and make it fun with games at the end of the sessions. My son enjoyed his time learning self defense and look forward to his classes.
