Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy

    Building Confident Leaders Through Traditional Karate

    Traditional Karate for All Ages in Forest & Lynchburg, VA

    14805 Forest Rd Ste 223 · Parking: Ample parking available in shopping center lot

    5.0 ★ on Google (43 reviews) · Verified Mar 30, 2026
    5.0 ★
    Google Rating
    43
    5-Star Reviews
    Ages 4+
    All Ages Welcome
    6+ Yrs
    Experience
    Owner & Head Instructor
    Sidney Burns

    Owner & Head Instructor

    Lifelong martial arts practitioner, Traditional Kenpo Karate

    Sidney Burns is the owner and head instructor of Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy in Forest, Virginia. He began his martial arts journey as a child and founded the academy to share the confidence, discipline, and positive impact martial arts brought to his own life. Burns specializes in traditional Kenpo Karate and is known for creating a welcoming, family-focused training environment where students of all ages and abilities can thrive.

    What People Are Saying

    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    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
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    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
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

    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
    Read all 43 reviews on Google →

    5.0 ★ avg rating · Verified Mar 30, 2026

    Our Location

    Map showing Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy at 14805 Forest Rd Ste 223
    Blue Ridge Martial Arts Academy
    14805 Forest Rd Ste 223, Forest, VA 24551
    Get directions →
    PParking: Ample parking available in shopping center lot
    Hours
    Mon4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Tue4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Wed4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Thu4:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    FriClosed
    Sat9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    SunClosed

    We're here for you

    Opens today at 4 AM
    14805 Forest Rd Ste 223, Forest, VA
    Last updated March 30, 2026 · Reviews verified Mar 30, 2026
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