Martial arts have gained significant popularity, often featured in popular culture such as movies like Batman, X-Men, and Star Wars.
However, the appeal of martial arts extends beyond entertainment; adults seek fitness training and to learn self-defence.
For children, martial arts programs are extremely popular as they tie in a mental component with every punch and kick learned, providing the fundamental discipline necessary for success in both school and life. Several excellent schools across New York City offer comprehensive martial arts instruction.
1. Active Krav Maga
This institution in the Flushing area of New York delivers high-energy programs tailored for both children and adults. The expert instructors at Active Krav Maga offer group classes that include Krav Maga, kids’ karate, Zumba, and general exercise and aerobics workouts.
The school focuses heavily on teaching self-defence skills, covering crucial defensive and offensive techniques such as strangling, seizing, embracing, defending, attacking, kicking, and defending against various forms of physical violence.
Active Krav Maga is affiliated with the World Security and Self Defence Academy. It teaches the “Krav Maga” system, which was originally developed by the Israeli Defence Force and is widely considered to be the most effective self-defense fighting system in the world.
Practical classes are offered for Teens & Adults, and Kids Martial Arts. The school is located in Fresh Meadows, NY.
2. Amerikick Martial Arts
Amerikick Martial Arts operates as a national martial arts organization focused on delivering world-class training and professional instruction to students of all ages in the Brooklyn area.
Established in 1967, this academy boasts a long history of offering diverse programs, including extreme martial arts, sports karate training, sparring, and weapons training.
Additionally, Amerikick provides instruction in several specific disciplines such as Muay Thai, modern boxing, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, taekwondo, and Filipino Arnis.
Former students highly recommend the school for successfully cultivating a professional, warm, and productive learning environment.
The dedicated team of trainers commits to positively impacting individuals’ lives through a combination of martial arts, education, and coaching. Classes available include Kids Martial Arts, Adult Kickboxing, and Thai Kickboxing.
3. CK Chu Tai Chi
CK Chu Tai Chi serves the New York City metropolitan area by offering specialized classes and workshops aimed at men and women.
Founded in 1973 by Grandmaster C.K. Chu in Times Square, this school has established itself as one of America’s most renowned institutions for Tai Chi.
It regularly provides classes focusing on health and self-defence, accommodating students across all skill levels and ages.
Popular offerings include instruction in Tai Chi, Nei Kung, Chi Kung, meditation instruction, and various weapons forms.
Notably, CK Chu Tai Chi also hosts free basic Tai Chi classes to the community. The available classes listed include Eternal Spring Chi Kung, Stretching & Non-Stretching, and Advanced Single Class options. The school is situated in the heart of New York City.
4. International Martial Arts Centre
The International Martial Arts Centre (IMAC), founded in 1995, stands out among martial arts organizations due to its unique approach of unifying different martial arts styles.
While IMAC teaches Tae Kwon Do as the primary art, it incorporates additional techniques from other Asian arts to develop a truly complete martial art system.
Instruction is tailored to each student’s individual strengths. Located conveniently in the Kips Bay section of Manhattan, the centre provides specialized training in both Taekwondo and Hapkido.
Students are encouraged to sign up to improve self-defence capabilities, build confidence, and achieve peak physical condition.
IMAC offers a structured class schedule catering to various age groups, including Juniors (ages 5–8), Kids (ages 9–14), Teens (ages 15+), Adults, and Private or Semi-Private training sessions.
5. Shaolin Kung Fu Training Centre
The central mission of the Shaolin Kung Fu Training Centre is to successfully transition this ancient and great Chinese martial art into the 21st Century.
The lead instructors, Shifu Hengxin and Shimu Arlene, actively demonstrate movements in exceptional detail and express a personal interest in monitoring each student’s progress.
The school’s training philosophy places specific emphasis on meditation, concentration, and dedication, rooted in the belief that these mental components allow individuals to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Student training begins with external development, leading to physical conditioning achieved through fundamental techniques, stretching, conditioning, and correct breathing.
Furthermore, students utilize traditional weapons in training to strengthen the body, further develop coordination, and enhance their martial skills. Classes are offered for Shaolin Kung Fu training, Adult Kung Fu, and Teen Kung Fu.
6. Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy
Established by Sifu Dan Anderson in 1996, Anderson’s Martial Arts Academy has steadily grown in size and stature and offers one of the country’s most respected and high-quality mixed martial arts programs.
The academy is distinguished, time-honoured, and boasts a rich reputation, lineage, and tradition. Its exclusive focus is on equipping students with the most practical and effective self-defence skills, all grounded in the core principles of martial arts.
The academy serves people of all ages, helping every student meet or exceed their specific goals. The comprehensive curriculum includes Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai, Gracie/Brazilian Jiujitsu, Kids Classes, Kettlebell Kickboxing Fitness, and Private Training.
7. WuTang Chinese Martial Art Institute
Recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious martial arts schools in New York City, the WuTang Chinese Martial Art Institute has been conducting training in New York for over 30 years, and has remained at the same location for more than 25 years.
It maintains a traditional style while successfully evolving with modern requirements. The institute employs several different masters and high-level instructors who expose students to diverse concepts and training techniques, all while adhering to the school’s underlying philosophy.
The school emphasizes that individuals should not hesitate to join due to concerns about being too old or not being in good enough shape, as classes are offered for all ages and varying difficulty levels.
Specific styles taught include Ba Ji Quan, Pi Gua Zhang Styles, Kung Fu, Ba-Tz Tai Chi, Shandong Style Praying Mantis, and Northern Style Long Fist.
8. NY Martial Arts Academy
The NY Martial Arts Academy was the first school in the tri-state area to achieve recognition from the Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus, an organization established to preserve and perpetuate the martial art developed by Bruce Lee.
The academy’s central purpose is to promote the philosophy, science, and art of JKD’s founder. It is noted as one of the exclusive schools on the East Coast dedicated to teaching Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do.
Students receive instruction covering the various aspects of Jeet Kune Do, encompassing the mind, body, and spirit.
Beyond physical training, the environment encourages the development of friendships and a mutual respect among fellow martial artists. Available classes focus on Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Self Defense, and Physical Fitness.
9. Harlem Tae Kwon Do
At Harlem Tae Kwon Do, students benefit from the instruction of Master Fall, who is highly adept at ensuring students grasp the material taught in class.
His classes provide a genuine and intensive workout that benefits both the body and the mind.
Master Fall is committed to fully involving every student, regardless of their prior experience level in martial arts.
Although the classes can be intense, they are also designed to be fun and incorporate vital elements of cardio and strength into the workouts.
Group classes are available for students of all ages across the New York City area. Harlem Tae Kwon Do also extends the opportunity for prospective students to take free initial classes.
10. Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan
Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan is a martial arts academy dedicated to offering personalized instruction for children, teens, and adults, specifically in the Astoria area.
The school’s main focus is on traditional karate training, with lessons covering fighting skills, traditional Japanese karate kata, and traditional Okinawan weapons. In addition to traditional karate, the team also teaches self-defence programs and boxing.
They are deeply committed to ensuring that every student leaves class with an enhanced sense of confidence, power, freedom, and peace of mind that positively influences all areas of their life.
The dojo classes at Karate-Do Ken Wa Kan are characterized as family-oriented and maintain a deep connection to the local community through strong relationships with residents and local schools.
Alicia Richards