Kingsport offers a variety of martial arts programs designed to help children develop discipline, confidence, and physical fitness. These classes provide a structured environment where kids can learn self-defense techniques, improve their focus, and build lifelong skills.
Whether your child is interested in traditional karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or modern self-defense systems, Kingsport has options to suit every interest.
To create this guide, we interviewed parents, conducted online research and gathered insights from reviews and ratings on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Reddit posts, and in some cases from parent interviews through our reporting. This list showcases classes recommended by parents based on their personal experiences. Each program’s offerings, location, and schedule were carefully verified to provide families with accurate, reliable information to support their decision-making.
Ready to get your child going? Here are some great martial arts classes and opportunities for kids in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Taylor’s Martial Arts Academy
Taylor’s Martial Arts Academy offers a structured approach to personal development through martial arts. The academy’s programs focus on teaching core values such as respect, perseverance, and integrity, helping children build confidence and a strong sense of responsibility.
They pride themselves on offering age-appropriate classes and a supportive, community-centered environment.
What to know:
- Benefits: Improved focus, discipline, confidence, and social skills.
- Free Trial: New students can take advantage of a complimentary introductory class.
- Payment Plans: Taylor’s offers a wide varieties of ways to pay including yearly memberships at a discounted price.
- Levels: In addition to belt rankings, Taylor’s Martial Arts offers a Leadership class and a HYPE class membership to selected students, which allow for more classes and varieties.
What families are saying:
I am excited to share my family’s personal experience at Taylor Martial Arts.
Both of my boys have takes classes at Taylor’s. My oldest son, Carson, first came to Taylor’s at age 8. He was not overly athletic, had a hard time finding likeminded friends, and struggled with confidence. The change in him from day one until he received his blackbelt at 10 years old is astronomical. He isn’t the same kid. His strengths were called out and pulled out. He was challenged and encouraged and looked up to his teachers as mentors. His confidence grew through the roof. He joined leadership and then HYPE because he just couldn’t get enough.
Location: 1225 N. Eastman Rd. #110, Kingsport, TN 37664
Website: taylorsmartialarts.com
Phone: (423) 946-3261
Ages/Programs: Preschool Martial Arts (Ages 4–5), Kids Martial Arts (Ages 6–12), Teen Martial Arts, Jr & Teen Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Specialty programs available by invitation.
Duncan MMA
Duncan MMA offers a diverse range of martial arts programs, including karate, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling. Their classes focus on building self-discipline, confidence, and physical fitness in a fun and engaging environment. Brian Duncan, owner of Duncan MMA, shared with Tennessee Parent, “In short, safety training and certifications, real combat training (it’s not a fake martial art), emphasis on individual development and real skill acquisition is what your family will experience with us.”
What to know:
- Classes: Little Ninjas (Ages 4–6): An introductory program focusing on fundamental concepts of karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), enhancing coordination and discipline.
- Kids Karate & Kickboxing (Ages 7–13): Classes that teach SGC Karate & Kickboxing, emphasizing self-defense, confidence, and physical fitness.
- Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Ages 7–13): Training in grappling techniques, promoting perseverance, focus, and safety awareness.
- Kids Boxing: Programs designed to develop striking skills, footwork, and defensive techniques, fostering discipline and self-confidence.
- Flexible Scheduling: Classes are available throughout the week, accommodating various family schedules.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates with options for multiple classes per week.
Real Reviews:
One Facebook reviewer of Duncan MMA shared,
The coaches are top notch and expect the kids and adults alike to work hard! I would recommend them to anyone looking to excel in wrestling, jiujitsu, fitness, or personal defense. They offer it all and have great pricing options for families that want to participate together!
Duncan MMA shared these photos from photographer Anna Zeiter.
Location: 1133 N Eastman Rd, Kingsport, TN 37664
Website: duncanmma.com
Phone: (423) 408-8260
Ages/Programs: Little Ninjas, Kids Karate & Kickboxing, Kids Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids boxing, wrestling club, Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Adult Karate and Kickboxing, Adult Boxing.
Red Dragon Kenpo Karate
Red Dragon Kenpo Karate provides martial arts training that combines traditional techniques with modern self-defense strategies. Their programs are designed to help students develop confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. With classes available for various age groups, Red Dragon is known for offering a welcoming environment for families seeking martial arts instruction.
What to know:
- Benefits: Improved self-confidence, discipline, and physical health.
- Trial Offer: New students can access a one week free trial.
- Observation Encouraged: Parents are welcome to watch classes.
- After School Program: Provides a safe environment where children can learn life skills while parents are at work.
- Summer Camp: Offers a fun experience that combines fun with martial arts training.
- Birthday Parties: Stress-free celebrations that are both fun and memorable.
What families are saying:
Lindsay Statum, a local mom, whose son goes to Red Dragon Kenpo Karate shared her experience with us.
My son took karate at Red Dragon for four years. He absolutely loved it. Mr. Brown instilled so much confidence into him throughout his time. He teaches more than just karate to his students-responsibility, perserverance, and so much more. We also took advantage of the summer program that is offered! I would highly recommend Red Dragon to anyone!
Another mom, Shannon King, was looking for karate classes and is now employed at Red Dragon as the after-school program administrator shared her experience with us.
I was a homeschooling mom looking for karate classes for my 7 year old son. We loved Mr. Brown right away, and we liked all of the fundamentals that the school was built on. Kemp has been an instructor for 25-plus years, and he still treats every day with our students like it’s brand new and exciting. We loved it so much that when he was looking for help, I jumped at the chance to work with him. And that 7 year old that wanted to learn karate is now a 16 year old instructor working on his 3rd black belt. My daughter is working on her 2nd, and I am almost to my first. At Red Dragon, we love helping families with whatever their needs might be: discipline, confidence, respect, focus, etc. We partner with parents to make sure that our students are doing and feeling their best in all areas of their lives.
Location: 625 E. Market St., Kingsport, TN 37664
Website: reddragonkarate.com
Phone: (423)276-9010
Ages/Programs: Kids Martial Arts, Teen Martial Arts, Adult Martial Arts, Adult Hapkido
Tri-Cities Krav Maga
Tri-Cities Krav Maga specializes in teaching practical self-defense techniques suitable for all ages. Their programs focus on real-world scenarios, helping students build confidence and the ability to protect themselves.
What to know:
- Benefits: Enhanced self-confidence, practical self-defense skills, and physical fitness.
- Introductory Offer: New students can try three classes for $20, a $75 value.
- Private Training: One-on-one sessions available for personalized instruction.
- Observation Encouraged: Parents are welcome to watch classes.
- Physical Fitness: Classes incorporate cardiovascular and strength training, improving overall health.
Parent Reviews:
We spoke to Tri-Cities mom, Brianna Lynn, about her daughter’s time training at Krav Maga.
My daughter has been attending the tri cities Krav Maga studio for over a year. She is on her way to her 4th belt (green). Krav Maga is specifically a self defense system that uses many different fighting styles to give the most effective results in stopping an attacker. We have had a wonderful time being part of the kids classes and can easily get one on one time as well. She has not only shown amazing physical and skill improvement but has gained so much confidence and self esteem. The teachers are mostly all black belts in the practice and work well with the children. They also have women’s only classes and other events like Halloween and Christmas parties that further the sense of community they provide. It’s a practical environment that is simple to understand for optimal learning progress.
Location: 733 W Stone Dr, Ste 3, Kingsport, TN 37660
Website: tricitieskravmaga.com
Phone: (423) 458-2865
Ages/Programs: Kids Krav Maga, Teen Krav Maga, Adult Krav Maga, Private Training, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Bushido Academy
Bushido Academy, also known as Campeão United Jiu-Jitsu, is a martial arts school in Kingsport dedicated to transforming children into confident, disciplined, and focused individuals. Their programs are designed to instill essential life skills through the practice of martial arts.
What to know:
- Character Development: Programs are designed to build self-discipline, confidence, and focus.
- Physical Fitness: Classes promote health and wellness through active participation.
- Community Engagement: Encourages social interaction and teamwork among peers.
- Observation Encouraged: Parents are welcome to watch classes and participate, fostering family bonding.
Parent Reviews:
We spoke to dad, Jared Wilson, about he and his son’s experience training at Bushido.
Bushido MMA, Combat Sports and Fitness has given my son a foundation of discipline and confidence. They offer a variety on martial arts classes and activities. They also teach self defense and anti-bullying methods for youngsters and adults.
Mom, Sheila Wilson, shared some photos with us.
Location: 820 W Center Street, Kingsport, TN 37660
Website: https://kingsportmartialarts.com/
Phone: (423) 480-5625
Ages/Programs: Preschool Martial Arts, Kids Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Muay Thai, Teen & Adult Jiu-Jitsu, Teen & Adult Muay Thai, Personal Training
