Best martial arts centers in Indianapolis: find options near you

Our boys have been attending the Choi Martial Arts Academy for over a year and we are very pleased with the programs that they offer. They are enrolled in the after school program which we all love. I know that they are in safe hands and have the opportunity to complete homework before coming home for the evening. The martial arts class at the end of the day has definitely helped our boys with their confidence and self esteem. The facility also offers camps for when school is out on break, which is very convenient. The instructors are all very kind but also know how to encourage the boys listen! I would highly recommend this facility to others.

We knew for a long time that we wanted our son in some type of martial arts & I spent a long time researching the different styles & schools in Indiana. Finding Choi Martial Arts Academy has been a true Blessing for our family! Our son Loves Taekwondo & he has a Blast with his fellow classmates & his Amazing instructors! I am that mom who watchers her kid like a Hawk & the way the Choi Family instruct the kids is just Beautiful! They make it Fun & teach the kids many different important lessons on rules, respect, kindness & how to protect/defend themselves if needed. The Choi’s also offer after school programs & different classes for the kids when they’re not in school. We are Honored to be learning from the Choi Family & our son asks to go Every Day!! I’m Thankful for them & the fellow families too! Everyone has been just lovely & all the kids help eachother learn & grow too! If you’re thinking about joining & just not sure contact them & come try out a class! The 1st class is Free & see if your kids even likes it….& Parents can join too!! Signing up our son is 1 of the Best decisions we’ve ever made for his mind & body! ✌️💙

Our family loves this place. They run their business very efficiently and are great with all ages. We have a four year old who has really done well and a seven year old who really enjoys improving his skills. Master David is very kind and patient and is full of positivity that he spreads to the kids every chance he can. Master An is an amazing teacher and does great with our four year old. It’s been a great experience and we will keep coming back. Thank you!

I have two neurodivergent boys and we have had a really hard time finding an after school activity. But the Choi family has done so much for my boys. They have gained: confidence, self control, along with fine and large motor skills. I will forever be grateful for all their hard work!!

Choi Martial Arts Academy is absolutely excellent. The instructors are empathic and focused. The care used in both challenging their students while positively reinforcing growth is impressive. It is obvious that the training model incorporates both high level skill development and opportunities to learn life lessons such as frustration tolerance, compassion, patience, focus, and respect. Instructors are extremely well educated in not only the intricacies of Taekwondo but also in child development and the art of teaching all ages. Our family is honored to train with this academy.

My 8 and 6 year old boys did a week of summer camp and loved it! Master David answered all my questions and really helped make me feel comfortable dropping them off that first day. Master An really did a great job teaching them in the evening classes. I feel like they really spent a lot of time trying to help my begginers learn the basics of the class. It feels like a great family run business! You can really tell that the students and teachers work hard and have fun. I'm sure we will be going back when our schedule allows.

I went to Master Choi’s class on Monday and had a blast. Mr. Choi, Master Choi, and Master Ahn are amazing teachers! Im 32 and a beginner! Never once, did I feel out of place. They were very patient with my learning curve and taught me kicks and punches with a partner using pads. It was safe and a great price to get signed up with affordable gear! The work out is amazing for body positivity! Cant wait to continue my Tae-kwon-do journey!

Amazing with young kids! Mr. Byrd and his wife and children are incredible, patient teachers and work extremely hard to guide my kids through the basics and every step needed to earn a new belt. When my children receive a new stripe, they talk about it for weeks! I highly recommend them to help teach discipline, patience and karate as well as the low cost, no contract, small fee for additional siblings and frequency of classes. It’s an added bonus that they are sweet and hilarious individuals!

We absolutely love Geist Martial Arts! Our son has been in this program for over three years and is soon to earn his black belt. Over the years, he’s developed more discipline, focus, courtesy and has truly had so much fun working with the incredible instructors at Geist Martial Arts! We are so grateful to have this program in our area and o couldn’t recommend it more highly! It’s affordable and has a flexible schedule.

I can't say enough great things about Geist Martial Arts. The dojo is always clean and organized, and the staff is incredibly professional and welcoming. No long term contracts & free trial classes. Mr. & Mrs. Byrd, along with all the instructors have a deep understanding of the techniques and are able to explain the science and details in a meaningful way. Whether your goal is fitness, self-defense, or achieving a black belt, they provide expert guidance and an encouraging atmosphere that pushes you to be your best without egos. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a high-quality martial arts experience!

This is the very first martial arts class my son has ever attended! My son has been coming here for a few years now and is very happy! We really loved it here since day one! Mr. Byrd and everyone else here makes class very fun and engaging everyday. He has a very unique fun way to instruct a class. Everyone here is very nice! My son feels safe and special here! We really love Geist Martial Arts and we highly recommend you bring your child here.

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at Geist Martial Arts! Our daughter is small for her age, and we were initially worried about bullying at school. After researching various karate classes, we found Geist Martial Arts and were impressed. From the very first class, it was clear that this was the perfect fit. Fast forward two years, and our daughter is now about to earn her black belt! The Byrd family has created an exceptional environment that goes beyond teaching karate—they foster a true sense of community and family. They are incredibly skilled, accommodating, and supportive, making every child feel confident and empowered. Geist Martial Arts is hands down one of the best karate schools in the area!

I’d give it 10 stars if I could! We love the family atmosphere, encouragement, and kindness we receive at Geist Martial Arts. Very upfront in their pricing- you won’t find even a hint of sales pressure here. TaeKwonDo quickly became our kiddos favorite thing to do when we started here over a year ago. We love that we can come whenever fits our schedule week by week. Highly recommend.

Upon a suggestion from a friend, who's daughter goes to Geist Marial Arts Academy, we decided to give it a try with our then 7 year son who happens to be on the autism spectrum. We did not know how he would take to Taekwondo or how the instructors would handle him. Our fears quickly went away after a couple of try out classes. We really respect and enjoy how the Byrd's (and the other instructors) handle the students of various ages and skills levels in each class with group lessons and spending individual time with students. Not only are they teaching the skills of martial arts, but they are building social skills, behavior skills, learning skills, and general life skills. It is truly a family affair at the academy. The dojo mantra are not just words on a wall. We could not be more pleased with how the first six months have gone and our son has really taken to the sport (surprisingly even the sparring) and rising through the belt levels. I cannot recommend GMA enough.

My son has been participating in Crouching Tigers now for almost a year and a half, and I cannot recommend it enough! They come right to his school, and they have their lessons during the day which is a big help for our busy lives. He looks forward to his lessons each week with his Sensei, and at the end of each course there’s a promotion ceremony where the kids break boards, show off what they’ve learned, and get a stripe on their belt. It’s a lot of fun, and my son has really enjoyed his time with the program!

Crouching Tigers is absolutely fantastic! As a childcare teacher, I’m so grateful they come to our program. My students have a blast with Sensei Kaila during karate class! Even the kids who aren’t enrolled keep asking to join in on the fun. I really love that they do a class demo every semester—it’s such a great opportunity for me to promote the program after seeing it in action myself. This program teaches so much more than just karate, which is incredibly valuable at this age. If you haven’t signed your child up yet, you definitely should!

Crouching Tigers has been a wonderful in helping our toddler learn important life skills like listening and empowerment through kind actions and words. We’ve enjoyed the ceremonies at the end and can see the difference it has made. Thanks Sensei David for your teachings!

Sensi David is really amazing with the kids. He has great control of the class and teaches respect through modeling and positive interactions. Thrilled to have him at our school.

Sensei David did a great job teaching my daughter this session. She has developed so.much confidence and independence. It is cool to see!

We enjoy having sensei David. He is good with the kids and keeping them engaged with the lessons. They look forward to going to every class and always have a smile on their face.

Sensei David is great. He has worked with our son for a couple of years and is wonderful with the kids.

I joined this gym five months ago and have enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve gained a new level of confidence that I didn’t even realize I needed, and I’ve been able to push past my comfort zone in the best way. It’s been a fun and motivating experience meeting new people, sharing a common interest, and building a real sense of community. My weightlifting has improved as well, thanks to the increased flexibility I’ve gained through the classes. Overall, this is a great, safe gym that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zone.

Started orientation in September of 2025 and have appreciated every second here. I’ve learned a lot in the short amount of time I’ve been coming and the training is very useful mentally and physically. Coming here is an escape and kind of like another for of therapy for me. All the people are great and can’t wait to continue the journey here! I highly recommend training here!

My time here so far has been very enjoyable. The fitness aspect of it has been rewarding and I'm noticing myself accomplish physical tasks in my everyday life get easier. It helps me stay disciplined while also having fun and learning something cool. The other trainees help me learn too. It's also a great stress reliever. The instructors are very hands on and patient. I'd recommend the Indianapolis Martial Arts Club to anyone looking for something worthwhile.

I joined this boxing gym a little over a year ago, and it’s honestly changed my life. What started as just a way to get in shape has turned into something so much more. I’ve made amazing friends who feel like family, and I’ve learned lessons that go far beyond boxing. Our coach isn’t just a teacher — he’s a mentor who gives the kind of life advice that sticks with you. He’s taught me about discipline, confidence, and how to face challenges both inside and outside the ring. Because of him and the incredible people around me, I’ve grown into a stronger and better version of myself.

I’ve really enjoyed training at Indianapolis Martial Arts Club! The classes are motivating, and every session helps me improve my fitness and confidence. The instructors are professional, patient, and always make sure everyone is doing great. The environment is encouraging, I’ve met some amazing people here and always leave class feeling great.

My 12 year old daughter really enjoys her lessons here! They've helped greatly with her discipline, given her goals to work toward, and have taught her valuable self defense techniques! These classes have given her much more confidence in herself. I'm very grateful to her instructors for the attention and dedication they put into preparing their students. These are priceless lessons I believe are important for every child to know. My daughter has gained new friends, some awesome skills, and knowledge that she will be able to apply in any challenging situation for the rest of her life. We're so glad we chose the right place for martial arts lessons!

Met a lot of strong minded people here, I like being surrounded by respectful trainers who keep it professional and fun at the same time. Never been to a boxing gym in my life and this makes me wish I did it sooner. If you’re new to this like me and don’t know which gym to join I highly recommend trying this one out. This gym is the real deal not some hole in the wall. 👍🏽

I have driven past this dojo for several years and always thought about signing my daughters up for classes. Ten months ago I finally signed up for an introductory class. They offer parents to sign up for a minimal monthly fee so I joined as well. I never anticipated that I would enjoy these classes as much as I do! I wanted my daughters to build confidence, learn self defense and for us to learn something new together. We all enjoy attending and are building new skills with every class. Every instructor is passionate about teaching and make the classes enjoyable. I can't speak highly enough about the owner, the instructors and student leaders. This is a wonderful community to be a part of and I am so glad we joined. I just wish we would have started years ago!

We have been going to Karate for about 7 months now, at first it was self defense only for my two teen girls. They enjoy so much we have continued to go and are thrilled for our younger son to go! We highly recommend any and all ages to go! We enjoy watching and they enjoy attending.

I have been a part of the Family Karate Academy for 2 years now. It has been an amazing time meeting new people and learning new skills. I have had the greatest pleasure training under some of the BEST instructors (Kyoshi Piper, Kyoshi Tuggle, amd Renshi Galan). From day one I have always felt welcomed and included. As an adult it has been great for my mental and physical health to start training in the martial arts. There is nowhere else I would want to train. Every opportunity I get to tell people about my karate journey I take it, and every time I always recommend Family Karate Academy whether it's kids or adults! Thanks to everyone who makes it an awesome time!

This was our 3 year old’s first experience with organized sports. He loves it! The classes are disciplined but fun. The kids, regardless of age, are held to high expectations and, as a result, my son takes karate very seriously. The opportunities to earn stripes and prize tickets incentives him and after each class he is proud of the skills he has accomplished. We appreciate the flexible class offerings as well as the way that the class leaders interact with the kids: it is so apparent how much they love working with the young ones and making karate a great all around experience. Only good things to say! Thank you Ken Piper & co (especially Israel, a big favorite!).

My daughter has been attending classes here for almost two months now. She absolutely loves it! The Sensai’s are amazing! They are very knowledgeable and skilled. They hold the students to a certain standard which definitely furthers their sense of pride and responsibility. The dojo is clean and the perfect size for classes, not too big, not too small. There is a front area to sit if you have other children not attending classes with TVs so you can still view what’s going on in class. They offer flexible schedules, allowing us to choose how many times she attends classes and on what days. Very affordable too! I looked at several different dojos and am very happy I picked this one! By far the best, in my opinion.

If I could give zero star. They definitely deserve it. What I can say from the place stink to the coach who is there just to take all your money…be aware of first free lesson it’s a trap. Coach will persuade you to sign in once you don’t there is no refund.

When our son asked about karate a year and a half ago, we visited about half a dozen dojos in the area. We chose Family Karate because of the flexible scheduling that allows us to choose which days we attend each week, including a Saturday morning option. Since we have three active kids, those schedule options have been critical for our family and allowed us to keep up our son's interest even on busy weeks. Now that we've been at the dojo for almost two years, however, there's so much more we appreciate! Our son (8 years old) is in the youth program and is learning self defense, sparring, katas, and weapons. This is not just a show up and progress program, but the senseis provide individual attention to make sure everyone in the class is mastering each requirement and moving forward. Classes foster an environment of respect, but the senseis are also kind and make sure the students are having fun. Classes are mixed age, but students are matched with similar size and skill level opponents for sprawling. Our son is learning respect, discipline, as well as the basics of karate. He has even attended one tournament where he won 2nd and 3rd place for his kata mastery in his age group against students from different dojos in the region. We couldn't be happier!

Was here on and off during a short stint I had in Indy and I’m very glad I picked this gym. Strong family vibe, passionate teachers, inclusive sparring/training culture, and very clean (the most important one). They do a really good job of exposing people to very advanced techniques safely; I think I had way more freedom here to workshop new moves/combos than any other gym I’ve been to. If ever I’m back in Indy again I’m 100% making time to get a day/week pass.

I have been going to Triumph for over 4 years now. The coaches, owners, and other members are amazing. There are no egos and everyone there is genuinely trying to help everyone else be better. They have a good mix of people from young kids trying to learn life skills and confidence, to competitors looking to win Golden Gloves (of which the team has won many times!), to people looking to just get in shape and not compete. They even have a Masters Boxing team for people over 35 years old that want to compete and/or get in shape and stay active.

I tried out the 6am-7am boxing class and had a great time! The coach was experienced and did not have an ego. My cardio has been crap and I about puked but the coach, nor the other participants made me feel like an idiot for it lol it was a great workout and I’ll definitely be back. Furthermore, triumph has an app for your phone that you can use. It has all of the different membership options on there. Honestly this gym has some of the best prices I’ve ever seen for a martial arts gym.

Absolute best place to train. Coaches are around all the time and actively investing in your growth. Can’t recommend enough!

This is your sign to check out your new gym! Triumph is the best gym to attend to. The coaching staff and members are all amazing! Whether if you’re brand new or a pro fighter, this gym meets everyone’s needs and is welcomed to all! Ask for Coach Sean, Dubois, Kenny, Taylor, or Devon for more details!

This gym is great! I love the environment that the coaches and the members create in this gym!! As soon as you walk in the door you are welcomed by everyone and encouraged to join the "triumph family". The instructors are great about meeting you at your level and helping you grow and not just putting you into a system. They each take time to help you perfect the skills so you can effectively advance and get the most out of your workout or training. If you have ever wanted to try a combat sport I highly recommend starting at triumph!

New to boxing and was looking for a new hobby that would help me get in shape and that would allow me to make new friends. Took my free trial class not knowing what to expect, and I am happy to say they have surpassed all expectations. Everyone I've met at the gym from the coaches to the other participants are very friendly and welcoming. They take plenty of time to help new people feel comfortable and learn. I can't wait to keep going to this gym far into the future.

The most fantastic humans lead this organization. Kid classes are fantastic. Your child will build physical strength, learn rhythm, culture and what it means to be apart of a strong, supportive community. Can't recommend enough.

Amazing capoeira. Super nice and friendly teachers. Very clean new space. Great for kids or adults for a new hobby or fitness or to be a part of an amazing community!

I went to the Capoeira class, the energy of the people was amazing. They have such a loving and supporting group. The jogo and the music was something that I had not seen in a long time and I enjoyed a lot! I felt super welcomed and will definitively come back.

We LOVE this studio/dojo!! We got to take a few classes while we were here visiting and LOVED it! The instructors are so talented and amazing with the kids. The class was all different levels and ages and no one was left out as the instructors modified the class for each individual child. HIGHLY RECOMMEND if you're interested in learning capoeira or if you're an experienced capoeirista. 💖

Incredible space, amazing people. Both instructors are super welcoming, as well as the students. The best place for Capoeira in Indy!

Amazing community and instructors! Grupo Capoeira Brasil Indiana makes everyone feel welcome while teaching authentic capoeira, music, and culture. A fun workout and a great family to be part of!

Instructor Caixixi’s children’s batizado and Mindinho"s workshop was an incredible experience that left me feeling energized and inspired. The atmosphere was electric, and the people were filled with a contagious enthusiasm that was hard not to be swept up in. The energy in the room was palpable, and it was evident that everyone was there to learn, grow, and have a good time. Mestre Mindinho"s knowledge is on the next level, taking the time to explain the moves and techniques thoroughly. Also helping students to understand the science of how to improve as an athlete in the art of Capoeira. Throughout the event, I learned a lot about best practices of theory and technique of capoeira. Overall, the event was a fantastic opportunity to learn and connect with others who share a passion for capoeira, and I look forward to attending future events in the future.

We’ve had such a great experience at Level 10 Martial Arts. I really appreciated the introductory trial period because it gave us a chance to try things out without feeling locked in. From the very first class, we knew we found the right place. The instructor is absolutely fantastic with the kids. He has a way of teaching that keeps them engaged, excited, and truly wanting to learn. My son looks forward to every class and is so proud of the progress he’s making. I love that the program teaches real self defense skills while also focusing on respect, kindness, discipline, and character. It’s exactly the kind of environment I hoped to find for my son. Highly recommend!

Level Ten Martial Arts is absolutely outstanding! The instructors, especially Master Tucher and the entire staff, are incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to helping every student succeed. My 8-year-old son has grown so much since joining. Not just in his martial arts skills, but in his confidence, focus, and sense of responsibility. His dedication and enthusiasm are a direct reflection of the amazing leadership and positive environment that Level Ten provides. We are so grateful to be part of this community. If you’re looking for a place where your child will be inspired, supported, and challenged to be their best self, Level Ten Martial Arts is the perfect choice!

Level 10 Martial Arts isn’t only a place where you can kick and punch, it’s a confidence builder and helps with self esteem and has the most amazing people there. 10/10 must recommend. I love the atmosphere and so much positive energy as you walk through those doors, and the first time you bow onto the mat, your life changes forever.

My daughter goes here! She loves it! I can see a difference in her, it’s only been a couple months. It’s low key, not over crowded. Small classes and then those classes are broke up into smaller groups to learn different things. The people who run this are extremely nice, laid back and very knowledgeable. We just love this place! 🥰

Level 10 is a great experience and a great place to trust to train your kids. I love their focus on health and knowing that passivity is better than fighting. They are easy to communicate with and treat you like family!

If your child is even halfway interested in trying martial arts, this is where you want them to be. It is more than a community; it is family. Level 10 has afforded us the opportunity to parent our 11-year old in countless ways (I.e. handling disappointment appropriately, patience, performance and goal-setting, self-awareness, perseverance, etc). We definitely recommend Level 10 and are beyond grateful for it.

We have seen improvement with our son even at home after only 3 sessions. We will continue coming here. These guys teach not only Martial Arts, but most importantly respect, discipline and self discipline.

I can't say enough good things about this gym. My friends and I needed a place to train, Drew welcomed us with open arms into the gym. He is an amazing coach with so much experience. He is patient, kind, and will help you level up your Jiu Jitsu to places you didn't think possible. The community and gym culture here is fantastic. It's a very relaxed place that is welcoming and full of people who support each other. I 10/10 recommend Champlin Jiu Jitsu. Thank you, Drew!

If you're searching for a place to train, be sure to check out Champlin Jiu-Jitsu Academy. With ample parking, a clean facility, designated locker rooms, and plenty of mat space, it has everything you need for a great training experience. Drew, the owner, is an exceptional teacher who has fostered a unique and supportive culture within the academy. As someone who has been training here for the past 13 months, I can attest to the encouragement and camaraderie from everyone. Champlin offers a range of classes for both kids and adults, whether you're a beginner like me or looking to compete. I highly recommend it!

I’ve known Drew for years, and he’s the one who got me to finally commit to BJJ. Now I’m hooked. Great coaching, welcoming atmosphere, and a strong group of guys and girls who push each other to get better. Perfect for any age or experience level, whether you want to learn something new or compete at a high level. Highly recommend.

Champlin Jiu-Jitsu Academy has been my son’s home for BJJ for the past 2+ years. The kid classes are incredible and provide excellent support for learning both the how and the why of BJJ techniques, as well as educating about the rules of competitions. Drew Champlin is a solid instructor and coach and has a team of amazing folks working alongside him. After watching my son learn so much in his first year, I started attending classes and have really enjoyed the journey. The gym is clean and welcoming to all skill levels. I’ve met so many great people on the mats. The class schedule at Champlin is also really plentiful. Additionally, Drew frequently hosts seminars from some of the best BJJ athletes in the world. This is a great gym to get started at, or to join to further your development. If you have child interested in learning jiu-jitsu, this is the best place in town to get them started.

Champlin Jiu Jitsu is top-notch. Professor Drew Champlin gives incredibly detailed instruction that’s easy to follow and effective. The team is welcoming, skilled and completely ego-free… an amazing place to train and grow. Highly recommend!

I love training at this gym. It’s a great place to learn as well. Offers a safe space to make mistakes without making anybody feel bad or less. Great environment where you will feel like you’re training with friends the minute you walk in. Very clean and respectful as well. If you’re considering BJJ, this is definitely your place!

Drew, is a great instructor the gym is excellent to train at. Everyone there has been very friendly and several people will go out of their way to help you improve. All around attending the gym has added positive effects to my life.

If you want to learn to fight (for real) or get in shape or lose a few pounds, or just meet some cool ppl, this is the gym to go to. They have lots of class times to choose from, coaches that will push you but are also super friendly and down to earth, and their prices beat any other boxing / fighting gym. Everyone gets a free class to try it out so what do you have to lose?

This gym is hard, he forces you to give the best of yourself It can be hard in the beginning but when you complete it, you feel it, you feel the satisfaction and the change in your body and your combat skill. It's the best one I've ever gone to.

I go to this gym, coaches are very helpful when it comes to learning form and proper motions. coaches are on you at all times, helping you push pass your limits, coaches go beyond, plus they're ultra respectful for all

This is Hands down the best gym I have ever been to. Coaches are attentive and patient with new comers, and their competitive levels are incredible. I would recommend this gym to anyone! Owner is super down to earth and an all around great guy!

Im ready to join I need to get in shape and be the best I can be. I’m getting old but my body still feels young.. Lol

It was good. My son appreciated the workout he got while attending the boxing class. Price is great for the class. Can use some cleanup, but no one said boxing is a clean sport!

Two stars because there are very good coaches here. However they aren't usually around and are usually selective with who they train when they are. Pretty disheartening when you show up to the gym, jump rope for 30 minutes, shadow box for 25 minutes with minimal instructor input. If I had no experience I'd be totally lost, possibly solidifying bad habits cause no one is looking. Might as well just work out at home.