Areas served: Knoxville, TN and surrounding Knox County, including Farragut, Powell, and Hardin Valley
Knoxville's martial arts community reflects the city's growing focus on fitness and self-defense training, with schools concentrated in West Knoxville, Farragut, and the downtown corridor. The area supports diverse disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts, serving both competitive athletes and recreational students. Training facilities range from traditional dojos emphasizing belt progression and forms to modern MMA gyms focused on practical combat skills. This directory provides detailed comparisons of Knoxville martial arts schools based on teaching methodology, instructor qualifications, class schedules, age-appropriate programming, and competition opportunities.
FITBJJ is a USA Boxing Academy and full-service martial arts facility in Alcoa, TN offering Boxing, Muay Thai, MMA, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids and adults at all skill levels. The academy features a USA competition boxing ring and MMA cage, providing both recreational fitness training and competition preparation. With flexible pricing starting at $17 per week and 39+ hours of classes weekly, FITBJJ serves beginners through advanced athletes seeking self-defense skills, weight loss, confidence building, and competitive training.
Stephen Strouss TaeKwonDo is a martial arts school in downtown Knoxville offering Taekwondo and Krav Maga classes for preschoolers through adults. The school emphasizes character development, self-defense skills, and life skills like discipline, focus, and respect alongside physical fitness. They also offer birthday party hosting and create a family-friendly, structured environment where students of all ages and experience levels can achieve their personal goals.
Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a premier BJJ school in Seymour, TN, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for both children and adults of all experience levels. Led by head instructor Jon Dysert with 17+ years of training and coaching experience, the academy specializes in beginner-friendly instruction while also training competitive athletes. Classes focus on building confidence, self-defense skills, physical fitness, and mental clarity through a family-oriented, welcoming community environment.
Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville, affiliated with Lucas Lepri (a world champion), offers comprehensive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for all ages and skill levels. Led by instructor Laban, the academy provides kids martial arts classes, adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training, and self-defense instruction six days a week in a family-focused environment. The program emphasizes mental, physical, and emotional development while teaching practical ground-based grappling techniques.
Master Booe's Karate Kidz is Knoxville's only children-focused martial arts studio, offering classes for kids aged 2-12 years old. Led by Master Booe with over 30 years of professional martial arts instruction experience, the school teaches a rotating curriculum combining Karate/TaeKwonDo, Judo/Jiu Jitsu, and Kali/Kendo with emphasis on striking, grappling, and weapons training. Beyond martial arts skills, Master Booe's focuses on building discipline, fitness, confidence, and character virtues in a fun, engaging environment, plus offers birthday party hosting services.
P3 Sportsplex is a full-service martial arts and youth activity center in Knoxville offering taekwondo and martial arts classes for ages 4 through adults, plus cheerleading, tumbling, after-school care, summer camps, and special events like birthday parties. Led by Master Bailey and his experienced coaching staff, P3 emphasizes character development, discipline, and confidence alongside physical fitness and self-defense skills. The facility is known for its strong community atmosphere and commitment to helping students of all ages achieve their personal goals.
Outbox BJJ is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy in Knoxville founded by Samuel Braga, offering 18 classes per week for both adults and kids. The school specializes in technique-focused instruction with an emphasis on self-defense, fitness, and building a supportive community culture. They offer adult BJJ classes, kids programs (including a specialized homeschool BJJ curriculum), and a free trial week for new students.
The Wheeler Academy is a martial arts academy in Powell, TN specializing in karate, jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing for kids, teens, and adults. Founded over 50 years ago and led by owner Chuck Reynolds (7th Degree Karate Blackbelt, 1st Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt), the academy focuses on developing discipline, courage, integrity, and self-confidence alongside physical skills. They offer a 30-day trial program for $49.95 that includes access to all three disciplines, a free uniform and belt, and two classes per week, making martial arts training accessible to the entire family.
Knoxville Academy of Martial Arts offers comprehensive martial arts training for children and adults in Knoxville, TN. Located on Kingston Pike, they specialize in multiple disciplines including karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other martial arts styles. The academy serves as both a year-round training facility and summer camp organizer, providing competitive training, self-defense instruction, and family-friendly programs for all skill levels.
Championship Martial Arts in Maryville is a full-service martial arts academy offering karate, taekwondo, and self-defense training for children and adults of all skill levels. The school focuses on building discipline, confidence, and physical fitness through structured classes and personalized instruction. With experienced instructors and a family-oriented environment, they serve both beginners looking to start their martial arts journey and competitive athletes training for tournaments.
Iron Impact Knoxville offers Krav Maga and self-defense training led by owner and certified Level 6 Black Belt instructor Lillian Lim, who brings over 10 years of coaching experience and NSCA Strength and Conditioning certification. The gym combines functional fitness with practical self-defense instruction, teaching students real-world protection techniques without traditional martial arts formality, while building confidence, discipline, and mental toughness. Classes are designed for all fitness levels and ages, with group Krav Maga sessions that burn calories while preparing students to handle threatening situations safely.
Knoxville Martial Arts Academy is a full-service martial arts training facility offering classes in multiple disciplines including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate for kids, teens, and adults. The academy serves students of all experience levels, from beginners looking to learn self-defense to competitive athletes training for tournaments. With experienced instructors and a welcoming community environment, they focus on building confidence, fitness, and martial arts skills across all age groups.
Progressive Martial Arts Academy offers high-quality martial arts and self-defense training for men, women, and children across East Tennessee with two locations in Oak Ridge and Knoxville. Led by passionate and experienced instructors, the academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts disciplines, with programs designed for all skill levels from beginners to advanced students. They offer free intro lessons to help new students get started on their martial arts journey.
Jon Paul Roberts Family Taekwondo is a dedicated martial arts school in Knoxville offering professional taekwondo instruction for children and adults of all ages and skill levels. With a focus on building character, discipline, and physical fitness, the school provides structured classes that emphasize technique, respect, and personal growth. Their experienced instructors create a welcoming family-oriented environment where students can achieve belt advancement and develop confidence through traditional martial arts training.
Memento Combat Sports is a martial arts academy in Louisville, TN specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) instruction for children and adults. The facility offers classes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, with a focus on technique, fitness, and personal development. Their experienced instructors create a welcoming environment for students seeking self-defense skills, competitive training, or general fitness through combat sports.
Morris Self Defense is a martial arts academy in Knoxville specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self-defense training for kids and adults. The school offers structured classes across multiple skill levels, from beginner fundamentals to advanced competition training, with a focus on building confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills. With experienced instruction and a community-oriented approach, Morris Self Defense serves families and individuals looking to develop martial arts proficiency in a supportive environment.
Mad Science Judo and Jiu-Jitsu is a Clinton-based martial arts academy offering professional instruction in both judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for children and adults. The school provides structured training programs designed to build technical skills, physical fitness, and discipline in a supportive environment. With experienced instructors and a focus on personalized development, Mad Science serves athletes of all ages and skill levels.
TTJC Karate is a martial arts school in Alcoa, TN offering traditional karate instruction for children and adults. Founded on discipline and respect, they provide classes tailored to different age groups and skill levels, from beginners to advanced students working toward belt advancement. Their experienced instructors focus on building confidence, physical fitness, and character development through structured karate training.
Shield Systems Academy in Knoxville is a martial arts and fitness facility offering karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and MMA training for children and adults. The academy provides competitive training, self-defense instruction, and fitness coaching with experienced instructors focused on developing technique, discipline, and confidence. They serve both beginners looking to start martial arts and competitive athletes training for tournaments.
Checkmat Knoxville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a full-service martial arts training facility specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for all ages and skill levels. Located in Knoxville, the academy offers structured classes ranging from fundamentals to advanced techniques, competition training, and belt progression programs. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced grappler, Checkmat provides expert instruction in a supportive community environment focused on personal growth and martial arts excellence.
Premier Martial Arts Hardin Valley is a full-service martial arts academy in Knoxville offering karate, taekwondo, and other disciplines for children, teens, and adults. The studio provides structured classes for beginners through advanced students, including competition training for those interested in tournaments and belt advancement programs. They focus on building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness while maintaining a welcoming community atmosphere for all skill levels.
Cate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing is a full-service martial arts facility in Knoxville offering expert instruction in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. The gym serves fighters of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced competitors, with structured classes and personalized training programs. Known for knowledgeable instructors and a welcoming community atmosphere, Cate BJJ and Kickboxing helps clients build strength, discipline, and self-defense skills while training in two dynamic combat sports.
Foothills Martial Arts & Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a dedicated martial arts academy in Maryville offering Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, karate, and self-defense training for children and adults. Led by experienced instructors, the school focuses on building confidence, discipline, and practical self-defense skills through multiple martial arts disciplines. They serve families looking to develop fitness, character, and martial arts expertise in a supportive community environment.
Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of West Knoxville is a full-service martial arts academy offering structured training for children ages 4 and up through adults. Programs include Tiger Cubs (ages 4-5), Junior Martial Arts (6-11), Teen classes (12-15), and Adult programs, all emphasizing discipline, confidence, fitness, and real-world self-defense skills. With certified instructors trained in Sport Safe protocols, flexible scheduling, and a proprietary 3A-Defense system for personal safety, Tiger-Rock combines martial arts instruction with character development in a supportive community environment.
Premier Martial Arts West Town is a full-service martial arts academy in Knoxville offering training in multiple disciplines including karate, taekwondo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children, teens, and adults. The facility provides structured classes for all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced practitioners, with an emphasis on building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Premier Martial Arts combines traditional martial arts instruction with modern teaching methods to help students achieve their personal goals.
DV Martial Arts is a martial arts instruction facility in Knoxville offering training in multiple disciplines for children and adults. Located on Kingston Pike, they provide structured classes designed to develop physical skills, discipline, and confidence across various age groups and skill levels.
Kick & Fit Club is a fitness center in Knoxville offering martial arts training, group fitness classes, and sports coaching for all ages. Located at University Commons, they combine kickboxing, karate, and conditioning programs with a community-focused approach to help members build strength, confidence, and athletic skills.
Premier Martial Arts Powell offers martial arts training for children and adults in Powell, TN, with programs designed to build confidence, discipline, and physical fitness. Located at 7535 Barnett Way, they provide instruction across multiple martial arts disciplines tailored to different age groups and skill levels. The studio focuses on creating a supportive environment where students of all abilities can develop self-defense skills and achieve their personal goals.
Premier Martial Arts North Knoxville offers karate, taekwondo, and mixed martial arts training for kids and adults at their Callahan Drive location in North Knoxville. Their experienced instructors provide structured classes focused on self-defense, discipline, and fitness for all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced students preparing for competition.
Eun's Martial Arts Center is an independent martial arts school in Farragut offering traditional training for children and adults. Led by experienced instructors, the center specializes in building confidence, discipline, and physical fitness through structured classes across multiple skill levels. They focus on creating a welcoming community environment where students of all ages can develop martial arts skills and life skills.
FITBJJ is the top-ranked martial arts facility in Knoxville with a Lantern Score of 85.41/100 and 261 reviews (5★). Located in Alcoa, FITBJJ offers Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for kids and adults at all skill levels, making it ideal for beginners, competitive fighters, and those focused on weight loss and fitness.
Master Booe's Karate Kidz (Lantern Score: 84.93/100) is Knoxville's only children-focused studio specializing in kids aged 2-12, with classes designed for character development and fitness. For slightly older kids, Tiger-Rock Martial Arts of West Knoxville (Lantern Score: 80.50/100) offers Tiger Cubs classes for ages 4-5 and structured training for kids up through adults.
Stephen Strouss TaeKwonDo Knoxville (Lantern Score: 85.21/100) specializes in serving families with multiple age groups, offering Taekwondo and Krav Maga from preschoolers through adults. Alliance Jiu Jitsu Knoxville (Lantern Score: 85.02/100) also emphasizes family group training with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for all ages and skill levels.
Iron Impact Knoxville (Lantern Score: 83.38/100) offers specialized Krav Maga and self-defense training led by certified Level 6 Black Belt instructor Lillian Lim with over 10 years of coaching experience. OutboxBJJ (Lantern Score: 84.53/100) is another excellent choice, offering 18 classes per week with technique-focused Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction designed for practical self-defense and fitness.
Seymour Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Lantern Score: 85.07/100) with 153 reviews is excellent for BJJ beginners seeking self-defense and fitness, offering classes for both children and adults of all experience levels. OutboxBJJ (Lantern Score: 84.53/100) also welcomes beginners with no martial arts experience and offers 18 classes weekly with a focus on accessible instruction.
FITBJJ (Lantern Score: 85.41/100) offers Boxing, MMA, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu all at one facility in Alcoa. Knoxville Martial Arts Academy (Lantern Score: 83.34/100) provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and karate for kids, teens, and adults in one convenient location.