Whether your child is looking to build confidence, learn discipline or simply needs an outlet for extra energy, Gainesville has no shortage of martial arts studios and self-defense programs.
From traditional kickboxing and karate to Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and self defense classes for girls, here’s a roundup of local spots where kids and teens can learn defense, focus and self-control.
Alchemy Defense LLC
LOCATION: Gainesville and surrounding area
HOURS: Appointment only
CONTACT: (651) 230-4762
PRICE: Visit Alchemy’s website to view a full list of pricing options.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Alchemy Defense specializes in small-group, private and custom training in martial arts and combatives for all skill levels. Their curriculum includes Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and MMA, focusing on practical defense skills, personal growth and discipline. The programs are open to all skill levels and children, teens and adults.
American Martial Arts
LOCATION: 1207 NW 76th Blvd., Gainesville
HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
CONTACT: (352) 665-9976
PRICE: Special web offers include a free trial class for kids and one month of martial arts for kids for $89; contact for more pricing information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: American Martial Arts offers self-defense programs, including children’s martial arts classes. For the youngest students, the Little Ninjas program caters to ages 4 to 6, using strong visual cues to keep kids engaged with their goals. For older children, the Kids Martial Arts program serves ages 7 to 12, focusing on the development of core life skills such as a positive mental attitude, high goal-setting, perseverance, self-control and confidence.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Swamp Academy
LOCATION: 3300 SW Archer Road, Suite 100, Gainesville
HOURS: Monday to Sunday, hours vary
CONTACT: (352) 284-6563
PRICE: Sign up online and gain a free trial class; contact for pricing information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: BJJ Swamp Academy offers martial arts classes tailored for all ages and skill levels. For the youngest students, the Little Gators program focuses on basic BJJ gi training. The kids and teens curriculum expands into gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, plus a class in boxing and kickboxing. Their adult program offers a mix of beginner and advanced BJJ, wrestling, kickboxing/Muay Thai and MMA sparring.
Martial Arts at Sun Country Sports Center
LOCATION: 333 SW 140th Terrace, Jonesville (West)
HOURS: Monday to Sunday, hours vary
CONTACT: (352) 331-8773
PRICE: Starting at $117.18 per month for classes once a week. Visit the website to learn more.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Beginning at age 7, your child can participate in a martial arts program with karate classes that help to build confidence and self esteem, improve mental focus, develop self-discipline, enhance physical fitness, teach how to respond in difficult situations and more.
Mat Life Training Center
LOCATION: 404 SW 140th Terrace, Suite 30, Newberry
HOURS: Monday to Friday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
CONTACT: (352) 605-8481
PRICE: Contact the phone number above for pricing information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Mat Life Training Center offers martial arts and fitness programs tailored for different age groups. For ages 6 to 12, they provide kids’ Brazilian jiu-jitsu, youth kickboxing and a free martial arts program for kids with support needs. For adults and teens, the curriculum includes traditional BJJ, kickboxing and Muay Thai, fitness kickboxing and striking and grappling.
Okito America
LOCATION: Three locations (Newberry Road, Archer Road and Alachua)
HOURS: Monday to Saturday, hours vary
CONTACT: (352) 338-7262
PRICE: Eight week martial arts family packages starting for as little as $99. Contact them for more information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Okito offers martial arts classes for kids as little as 3 years old, with programs designed to teach discipline, confidence, respect, perseverance, leadership, fitness and more.
Pro Taekwondo School
LOCATION: Two locations — 5827 SW 75th St. (Tower Square) and 4907 NW 43rd St., Suite F (Millhopper), Gainesville
HOURS: Monday to Friday, Noon – 9 p.m.
CONTACT: Tower Square (352) 792-6512 and Millhopper (352) 375-0700
PRICE: An introductory online offer gives four weeks of trial classes plus a free uniform for $49.
WHAT THEY OFFER: A staple in the Gainesville martial arts scene, Pro Taekwondo School blends traditional taekwondo with kids’ classes, adult programs and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, all designed to build coordination, physical fitness, self-defense and social skills.
Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Self-Defense Training
LOCATION: Santa Fe College campus locations
HOURS: The schedule varies; visit the website to register and view upcoming events.
CONTACT: (352) 395-5000
PRICE: Free
WHAT THEY OFFER: The R.A.D. program provides free, comprehensive self-defense training designed specifically for women. The core curriculum is a multi-session, 9- to 12-hour course led by certified law enforcement instructors that combines classroom foundations with hands-on physical skills. The program is open to adult women and teens seeking in-depth physical readiness, with a strong focus on mental awareness, decision-making and practical tactics.
Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Gainesville
LOCATION: 2441 NW 43rd St., Unit 11-A, Gainesville
HOURS: Monday to Saturday, hours vary
CONTACT: (347) 414-1525
PRICE: Contact the phone number above for pricing information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Renzo Gracie Gainesville offers Brazilian jiu-jitsu training tailored for both youth and adult students. Their youth curriculum features a kids jiu-jitsu program for ages 8 to 13 that focuses on self-defense, confidence and foundational grappling techniques. The adult BJJ program caters to all skill levels, focusing on comprehensive jiu-jitsu technique, fitness and practical self-defense.
Star Martial Arts
LOCATION: 500 NW 60th St., Suite A, Gainesville
HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
CONTACT: (352) 505-1499
PRICE: A web special for kids’ martial arts and teens’ and adults’ tae kwon do offers two weeks of classes and a free shirt for $14; contact for more information on pricing.
WHAT THEY OFFER: Star Martial Arts takes a self-paced approach to kids’ classes, emphasizing personal growth over competition. Instructors teach self-defense as a tool for character development, encouraging kids to treat others with respect. Offerings include martial arts classes for kids, teens and adults, as well as after-school programs, kickboxing classes and summer camp.
Tallest Tree Cuong Nhu Center
LOCATION: 3501 SW 2nd Ave., Suite G, Gainesville
HOURS: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
CONTACT: (352) 213-2468
PRICE: Classes are $70 a month; contact for more information.
WHAT THEY OFFER: With roots in Vietnam, Cuong Nhu was brought to Gainesville decades ago and now blends aikido, judo, Wing Chun, Vovinam, tai chi chuan and boxing into a single curriculum. Programs are open to kids starting around age 5 and continue through teen and adult levels.
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