Kids Karate

Kids karate classes in Catonsville, Maryland, at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy — our Kids Karate and Kids Tae Kwon Do program, taught together in one class. Your child learns real technique — stances, blocks, strikes, forms and controlled partner work — in a room where beginners are the norm and nobody gets yelled at. Every new student starts with a free week trial.

Who teaches it

Davis Carlson teaches our Kids Karate and Kids Tae Kwon Do class. He holds black belts in several styles, including Karate and Tae Kwon Do, and is an experienced karate teacher who is, simply, fantastic with kids.

His classes emphasize self-control, self-discipline, focus and self-esteem. Technique is taught properly and corrected directly, effort is praised constantly, and every class begins and ends with a bow. Shy children find their voice in his room; energetic children find somewhere to put it. The class pictures on this page are from his class.

What your child actually learns

• Technique first. Stances, blocks, punches and kicks taught properly and built on week over week.
• Forms (kata). Set sequences that develop memory, balance and precision — and give kids something concrete to master.
• Controlled partner work. Pad drills and light, supervised contact appropriate to age and belt level.
• Belt progression. Clear goals and visible milestones, so effort turns into something your child can see.
• The part parents care about most. Focus, self-control, confidence and the habit of finishing what you start.

How we teach kids

We observe tradition, but we are not drill sergeants. Classes are structured and disciplined without being harsh. Instructors correct technique directly and encourage constantly, and we have no interest in embarrassing a child to make a point. Shy kids do well here. So do kids with a lot of energy.

Class sizes stay small enough that every student gets hands-on correction, and assistant instructors work alongside Mr. Carlson so no one drifts.

Is my child ready?

Kids Karate is for ages 7 and up. We take complete beginners at every class, and no prior experience, flexibility or athleticism is required. If you are not sure your child is old enough or ready, call us and describe them — we would rather put your child in the right class than the nearest one.

What to bring to the first class

• Comfortable workout clothes — no uniform needed to try.
• A water bottle.
• Arrive about ten minutes early so an instructor can meet your child first.

Parents are welcome to stay and watch. Most do for the first few weeks.

Other programs for kids

Karate is one of several kids programs here. See also Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Muay Thai, Kids Kung Fu, Kids Judo and Kids Aikido, or the full kids program list. We also run karate summer camp and karate birthday parties.