Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training for All Ages
National Karate has been dedicated to martial arts instruction since 1973, establishing itself as a family-friendly institution that produces skilled martial artists and confident individuals. With locations across Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado, we offer programs tailored for children, youth, teenagers, and adults, combining traditional disciplines like Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Kickboxing with modern self-defense techniques. Our curriculum emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth, supported by professional instructors who have earned their ranks through rigorous testing. Over five decades, we have trained tens of thousands of students, fostering leadership, physical fitness, and mental resilience.Our instructors, including Grandmasters John Worley and Larry Carnahan, bring decades of competitive and teaching experience, ensuring high standards in both martial arts proficiency and character development. We partner with schools, colleges, and corporations to deliver self-defense programs, while our tournament teams consistently achieve national recognition. The organization prides itself on a supportive community where students earn achievements through dedication rather than entitlement, creating a legacy of excellence recognized by awards such as the Best Martial Arts School in the Chicago Suburbs for six consecutive years.
Services
Children's Martial Arts
Youth Programs
Krav Maga
Adult Fitness
Self-Defense Seminars
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of proven martial arts instruction experience since 1973.
- Our curriculum combines Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kickboxing, and Krav Maga techniques.
- Professional black belt instructors with rigorous certification standards.
- Family-friendly environment with flexible class schedules for busy families.
- Recognized as Best Martial Arts School in Chicago Suburbs for 6 consecutive years.
What people say
Increased sense of responsibility
Passionate and committed instructors
Amazing confidence improvements
Family atmosphere
Excellent life skills
Services
Children's Martial Arts
Our Children's Martial Arts program develops discipline, coordination, and confidence through age-appropriate techniques. Students learn respect and responsibility while improving physical fitness in a structured environment. The curriculum prepares preschoolers and young children for academic and social success through goal-oriented belt progression.
Krav Maga
Krav Maga instruction focuses on practical self-defense techniques for real-world scenarios. Students learn to neutralize threats efficiently while building physical strength and situational awareness. The program adapts to all skill levels, emphasizing mental resilience and defensive strategies for personal safety.
Adult Fitness
Adult Martial Arts combines physical conditioning with self-defense training. Participants improve flexibility, balance, and strength while learning practical combat techniques. The program offers flexible scheduling and personalized pacing for busy professionals seeking both fitness and practical skills.
Youth Programs
Youth Programs build focus, leadership, and self-esteem through structured martial arts training. Students develop mental discipline and physical skills while learning to resist negative peer pressure. The curriculum includes competitive sparring opportunities and character development components.
Black Belt Preparation
Black Belt Preparation programs guide students through rigorous technical and character development requirements. Instructors provide personalized testing preparation and advanced technique refinement. The program emphasizes perseverance and mastery of traditional martial arts principles through gradual progression.
People
John Worley
10th Degree Grand Master
Co-founder with 50+ years martial arts experience, inducted into Official Karate magazine's Legion of Honor, and ESPN commentator for karate events.
Larry Carnahan
10th Degree Grand Master
Co-founder and NASKA President, recognized as top lightweight kickboxer and multiple national tournament champion with decades of competitive and teaching experience.
Jim Albertson
8th Degree Master Instructor
National Karate Director since 1979, three-time overall top male competitor, and owner of four metro schools with expertise in advanced testing and black belt standards.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept students aged 4+ through adults, with specialized programs for children, youth, teenagers, and adults.
Do you teach practical self-defense?
Yes, our Krav Maga and self-defense seminars teach real-world techniques for personal safety situations.
How do I start training?
Sign up for our 2-week trial program to experience beginner classes and required uniform purchase.
Are belt ranks earned through competition?
Belt promotions require technical mastery and character development, not just competition performance.
Do you offer family discounts?
While not explicitly stated, many families train together with flexible scheduling across our locations.
What locations are available?
We operate 30+ schools in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Colorado with varying class schedules.
