Martial Arts Classes for Kids in Burbank, Los Angeles
7 martial arts reviewed · 2,621 parent reviews · Updated 2026-06-22 · ★ 4.79 average
Burbank has five dedicated martial arts providers offering kickboxing, MMA, BJJ, Pa Kua, and family-oriented fight training. The studios cluster along Olive Avenue, Alameda Avenue, and Glenoaks Boulevard near the city center. Two non-martial-arts venues — a public recreation center and a bowling arcade — also appear in area searches.
💡 World Pa Kua on E Alameda Ave runs a unique after-school program combining homework supervision with Chinese archery and Pa Kua training — a structured alternative to daycare for families with school-age children.
The 7 martial arts studios, ranked
Ordered by overall rating and review volume
01
Inspire Martial Arts & Fitness
175 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA · Martial arts and kickboxing with community-focused culture · ★ 5.0 (58 reviews)
Master Winkle leads what reviewers call a life-changing community rather than just a gym. A 3.5-year student testimonial describes visible transformation in confidence and leadership. Inspire offers kickboxing trial classes and blends fitness with structured martial arts. Reviewers consistently use the word community to describe the atmosphere here.
Cost: Trial kickboxing class available
Parents love
Master Winkle praisedLife-changing communityConfidence and leadership buildingLong-term student retention
02
World Pa Kua Martial Arts & Health
120 E Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA · Pa Kua — Tai Chi, kickboxing, Chinese Archery, edge weapons, Chinese yoga · ★ 5.0 (28 reviews)
Master Kyle teaches the Pa Kua tradition — a system that includes Tai Chi, kickboxing, Chinese Archery, edge weapons training, and Chinese yoga. Students here stay 6-7 years, drawn by the philosophical depth alongside physical training. The after-school program adds homework supervision and archery, making it exceptional value for families.
Cost:
Parents love
Master Kyle praised6-7 year student retentionAfter-school program with homework supervisionChinese Archery included
recur
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Coach Arman runs boxing classes for toddlers through to older kids in a clean, well-organised gym. Reviewers highlight the attentive coaching style and the structured approach to teaching very young children — multiple reviews specifically mention the toddler program as a standout. A calm, focused environment rather than an intense fight gym.
Cost:
Parents love
Coach Arman praisedToddler boxing programClean and organised gymAttentive coaches
04
Defiant Gym
156 Cypress Ave, Burbank, CA · Family-oriented fight training and martial arts · ★ 4.9 (24 reviews)
Daniel coaches at what reviewers describe as a family-oriented fight gym rather than a competitive pressure environment. A 3-year regular reviewer notes the gym has a tight community feel. Fewer reviews than other Burbank options but a near-perfect rating and consistent praise for the welcoming, non-intimidating atmosphere.
Cost:
Parents love
Daniel praisedFamily-oriented atmosphereLong-term member retentionNon-intimidating environment
05
Legacy Burbank
330 N Victory Blvd, Burbank, CA · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Alberto Crane, elite-level facility · ★ 4.8 (86 reviews)
The highest-review-count genuine martial arts facility in Burbank, with 86 ratings. Legacy runs BJJ under Alberto Crane — a world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage — and the gym attracts top UFC and BJJ competitors for training. Beyond the mats, the facility includes a cold plunge, sauna, and cafe. Reviewers mention bumping into elite fighters during open mat sessions.
Cost:
Parents love
Alberto Crane BJJ lineageElite training environmentUFC and BJJ competitors train hereCold plunge and sauna
Watch out for
Air conditioning unreliable — can get very hot during trainingNo refunds on tournament or event fees — confirm cancellation policyMixed reviews on coaching approach with younger childrenHigher fees with down payment required — ask for full cost breakdown
06
McCambridge Recreation Center
Burbank, CA · Public recreation center — verify martial arts availability · ★ 4.5 (619 reviews)
Note: McCambridge is a public city recreation center offering volleyball courts, community events, and general fitness facilities. It is not a martial arts academy. It appears in this area search due to its high review volume. Confirm current program listings directly with the city before visiting for martial arts.
Cost:
Watch out for
Not a dedicated martial arts provider
07
Round1 Bowling & Arcade
Burbank, CA · Entertainment center — not a martial arts provider · ★ 4.3 (1,779 reviews)
Note: Round1 is a bowling alley and arcade entertainment center, not a martial arts provider. It appears in this area search due to its high review volume. Not relevant for martial arts enrollment.
Cost:
Watch out for
Not a martial arts provider — bowling and arcade
✨ More providers coming soon
Five questions to ask before you enrol
Based on recurring patterns across Burbank martial arts reviews
01
Is there a trial class available, and what is the typical contract length or month-to-month fee structure?
02
Are classes grouped by age and skill level, or mixed?
03
For BJJ at Legacy, are there beginner-friendly no-gi classes or is it primarily gi-based?
04
For Pa Kua, does the after-school program run every weekday and what are the supervision hours?
05
Does the academy have a competition team, and is participation in tournaments voluntary or expected?
Frequently asked questions
Which Burbank martial arts studio is best for children?
Recur's review of martial arts classes in Burbank found that Forward Fighting Club (Glenoaks Blvd) under Coach Arman stands out for toddlers and young children, with reviewers specifically praising the structured toddler boxing program. World Pa Kua (Alameda Ave) is exceptional for school-age children due to its after-school program combining homework supervision with Chinese Archery and Pa Kua training.
Where can I train BJJ in Burbank?
Recur's review of martial arts classes in Burbank found that Legacy Burbank (Victory Blvd) is the clear choice for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, running BJJ under Alberto Crane — a well-regarded BJJ lineage. The gym attracts UFC and elite BJJ competitors for training sessions, and the facility includes a cold plunge, sauna, and cafe beyond the mats.
What makes World Pa Kua in Burbank different from other martial arts schools?
Recur's review of martial arts classes in Burbank found that World Pa Kua (Alameda Ave) teaches a complete system that includes Tai Chi, kickboxing, Chinese Archery, edge weapons training, and Chinese yoga — making it far broader than a typical karate school. Students average 6-7 years of continuous training, and the after-school program with homework supervision is a unique offering for Burbank families.
Are Round1 Arcade or McCambridge Recreation Center offering martial arts classes in Burbank?
Recur's review of martial arts classes in Burbank found that Round1 is an entertainment center (bowling and arcade) with no martial arts offerings. McCambridge Recreation Center is a public city facility — while it hosts community programs, it is not a dedicated martial arts academy. For martial arts, the five relevant providers are Inspire, World Pa Kua, Forward Fighting Club, Defiant Gym, and Legacy Burbank.