Martial Arts
Building Confident Leaders Through Traditional Karate · Forest, VA
Published in partnership with Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy
Book online anytime
| Mon | 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tue | 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wed | 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thu | 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy was founded by Sidney Burns, whose lifelong martial arts journey inspired him to create a welcoming training environment in Forest, Virginia. The academy teaches traditional Kenpo Karate with programs tailored for every age and skill level — from Lil' Dragons (ages 4-6) to Kids & Family Karate (ages 6+) to adult Kenpo classes (ages 15+). Each program emphasizes personal development alongside physical training, helping students build confidence, discipline, and focus that extend far beyond the dojo.
What sets Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy apart is their individualized approach to instruction. Students train at their own pace with instructors who work with their unique strengths and weaknesses, making the academy particularly effective for children with special needs. Testimonials highlight students with cerebral palsy who have seen remarkable physical improvement, and shy children who have blossomed into confident young people. The academy's philosophy centers on meeting students where they are and challenging them to exceed their own expectations.
The academy offers a rare multi-generational training environment where parents and children often learn together, creating a true family atmosphere. Classes balance traditional karate forms, high-intensity fitness, and practical self-defense techniques that apply in today's world. The Forest location serves families throughout Bedford County and Lynchburg, with flexible scheduling designed for busy families — classes run Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Beyond regular classes, Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy hosts birthday parties, workshops, and special events that make martial arts accessible and fun for the entire community. With a perfect 5-star rating on Google and testimonials praising the staff's patience, knowledge, and genuine care for students, the academy has become a trusted resource for parents seeking to raise confident, respectful, disciplined children. Students consistently report improvements in self-esteem, physical fitness, and the life skills needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Sidney Burns — Lifelong martial arts practitioner, Traditional Kenpo Karate
Best for: Children ages 4+ who need confidence or are shy, families who want to train together, children with special needs like cerebral palsy, adults seeking practical self-defense and fitness, parents raising respectful and disciplined children
Service area: Forest, VA and surrounding Bedford County and Lynchburg area
Why choose Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy: Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy stands out in the Lynchburg area for its genuine family training environment where multiple generations learn together, its individualized instruction that adapts to each student's unique needs (with proven success for children with special needs), and its perfect 5-star Google rating. Unlike many martial arts schools focused solely on belt advancement, owner Sidney Burns emphasizes personal development, confidence, and life skills that extend beyond the dojo.
Owner Sidney Burns' Lifelong Martial Arts Journey: Founder Sidney Burns brings decades of personal martial arts experience and a genuine passion for youth development. His dream of creating a positive training environment in Forest & Lynchburg drives the academy's focus on personal growth alongside physical skill.
Proven Results for Children with Special Needs: Multiple families report remarkable progress for children with conditions like cerebral palsy. One physical therapist noted that karate classes twice a week were more beneficial than therapy twice a month, leading to improved balance and strength.
True Family Training Environment: Unlike most martial arts schools, Blue Ridge regularly trains multiple generations from the same family together. Parents and children learn side-by-side, creating shared goals and stronger family bonds through martial arts.
Perfect 5-Star Rating from 43 Google Reviews: Every reviewer gives 5 stars, consistently praising the instructors' patience, the academy's welcoming atmosphere, and the tangible improvements in children's confidence, respect, and physical fitness.
How much do classes cost?
Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy offers exclusive web specials for new students. To receive current pricing and class schedules, fill out the contact form on their website at blueridgema.com or call (540) 676-4348. Programs are offered for Lil' Dragons (ages 4-6), Kids & Family Karate (ages 6+), and Adult Kenpo (ages 15+), with flexible scheduling options for busy families.
What qualifications do the instructors have?
The academy is led by Sidney Burns, who has trained in martial arts since childhood and founded the school to share the positive impact martial arts had on his own life. All instructors are trained in traditional Kenpo Karate and specialize in working with students of all ages and abilities, including children with special needs. Multiple reviews highlight the instructors' patience, knowledge, and genuine care for each student's development.
What happens during a first lesson?
New students can schedule a first lesson by redeeming one of the academy's web specials. The first lesson introduces students to the dojo environment, basic martial arts etiquette (like bowing and addressing instructors), and fundamental movements appropriate for their age group. Instructors assess each student's current fitness level and comfort, working at their individual pace. Parents consistently report that shy children are welcomed with patience and encouragement, helping them come out of their shell over the first few weeks.
Who are the classes best for?
Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy is ideal for children (ages 4+) and adults seeking confidence, discipline, and fitness in a supportive family environment. The academy excels with children who are shy, lack confidence, or have special needs like cerebral palsy — multiple families report remarkable improvements in physical balance, self-esteem, and social skills. Adults benefit from high-intensity fitness training combined with practical self-defense. The multi-generational approach also makes it perfect for families who want to train together.
How do I get started?
Visit blueridgema.com and fill out the contact form to receive current pricing and class schedules, then schedule your first lesson. You can also call (540) 676-4348. The academy offers exclusive web specials for new students and makes getting started easy with flexible scheduling Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
What makes Blue Ridge different from other martial arts schools?
Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy stands out for its genuine family atmosphere where multiple generations often train together, its individualized instruction that adapts to each student's unique needs and abilities, and its proven track record with children who have special needs or low confidence. The academy teaches traditional Kenpo Karate with a modern focus on practical self-defense, fitness, and life skills like respect and discipline. Owner Sidney Burns' personal martial arts journey and commitment to youth development create an environment focused on personal growth, not just belt advancement.
Do you work with children who have special needs?
Yes. Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy has extensive experience and success working with children who have special needs. Families report significant improvements in children with cerebral palsy, with one physical therapist noting that karate classes were more beneficial than formal therapy. Instructors are patient and skilled at adapting instruction to each child's abilities, helping them build strength, balance, confidence, and social skills in a supportive environment.
Can parents train with their children?
Yes. Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy actively encourages family training and regularly has multiple generations from the same family learning together. The Kids & Family Karate program (ages 6+) is designed for parents and children to train side-by-side, creating shared goals and stronger family bonds through martial arts.
“Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy is a positive environment with excellent instructors in a welcoming and family-oriented atmosphere. The instructors focus on improving a student's confidence, discipline, physical abilities and instill character-building values like respect and resilience. They have a well-structured curriculum with a focus on proper technique. The instructors, especially Master Burns and Sensei Ben, are highly skilled and excellent teachers. Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy fosters a positive and inclusive atmosphere where every student feels supported. Students of all ages and abilities grow in confidence and skill. The facility is always clean, and the mats are well-maintained, showing the staff's dedication to a safe and professional environment. Our daughter has excelled and is always excited to go to class. If you are looking for a real martial arts academy vs a cookie cutter karate class then Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy is the place. It's an incredible place to train and I highly recommend Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy to anyone looking to start their martial arts journey.”
— Brigett Metaxas, Google Review
“Our son has been at Blue Ridge Martial Arts since he was three and he is now seven. It has been a joy to watch him grow from the Little Dragons program through the beginner classes. Master Burns and Sensei Ben are great to work with. They have a great blend of high expectations and fun. I would recommend this program to anyone.”
— Emily Young, Google Review
“Blue Ridge Martial Arts is an amazing academy. We enjoy taking classes as a family and each student gets individualized attention as they learn and grow. The camaraderie between all students and instructors is wonderful. Truly one of the best experiences!”
— Laura Ward, Google Review
“I have been going to Blue Ridge Martial Arts for over 6 months now and have learned so much in the Kenpo 5.0 program! Mr Burns and Ben are great instructors and even better people. They push you to be the best you can be both physically and mentally. I’ve met some great people here and I am so glad I decided to go through them to learn mixed martial arts!”
— Noah Stephens, Google Review
“In the midst of this pandemic, I needed to get my 3 boys involved in something. Little did I know this is exactly what they needed. Not only is Blue Ridge Martial Arts teaching my boys self defense, they also teach and instill different characteristics and have taught my boys how to be respectful and loving of everyone around them. We are not from here originally, so when my 5 year old started calling me ma'am, I knew they were learning. The instructors are amazing and the classes are flexible to fit our busy schedule. The owners are very nice and you can tell they enjoy what they do. We will be continuing to attend BRMA for a long time.”
— Mom Life, Google Review
Book online: Get Started →
Phone: (540) 676-4348
Address: 14805 Forest Rd Ste 223, Forest, VA 24551 (Get directions)
Website: blueridgema.com/
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