Best Martial Arts & Karate Classes for Kids in Santa Monica

Long-tenured families rate Tae Ryong highly for structured taekwondo in a warm, disciplined environment — grandparents visiting note the instructors' discipline-with-care approach, and children who were early belts are described as thriving after sustained enrolment. A reviewer's grandson has not missed a single class in a month, which is strong endorsement for child engagement.

MuDo is one of the few Santa Monica martial arts studios with documented experience teaching children from age 3 — Master Yi and Ms. Sundeen are praised for patience with very young students, and a family with three children enrolled across different years consistently praises the highest-level instruction. MuDo offers both online and in-person classes, which reviewers cite as a practical flexibility advantage.

Caveirinha Jiu-Jitsu Family (CJJF) at Wilshire Blvd is praised for a welcoming drop-in culture and world-class training led by Professor Maycon, Kevin, and Jacob. Parents and visiting practitioners both rate it highly — children's BJJ is noted for the emphasis on fundamentals before competition prep.

Sensei Roy is internationally recognised in Krav Maga and reviewers say children who do a free trial week are hooked by the end. A parent notes their daughter was completely engaged after the trial and begged to continue — the curriculum covers practical self-defence rather than sport competition. Roy's editorial summary notes fight choreography is offered alongside children's Krav Maga.

Santa Monica Striking runs Muay Thai near the beach with a supportive community noted for taking time to teach individuals regardless of skill level. A parent training alongside their teenage son highlights the family-feel atmosphere, and reviewers consistently call out coaches Lance and Dean for welcoming beginners.