Kids Martial Arts on the Main Line

Parents sign kids up for martial arts for different reasons: focus and discipline, physical fitness, self-confidence, self-defense, or just an activity where consistent practice produces visible results. All of those are legitimate reasons, and martial arts tends to deliver on most of them when the right school is matched to the right child.

The Main Line's martial arts landscape is diverse. Traditional karate, taekwondo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed programs like Dragon Gym's curriculum. Here's how to navigate it.

Dragon Gym (Berwyn, Malvern, Exton)

Dragon Gym runs kids programs in Berwyn, Malvern, and Exton that combine Tae Kwon Do, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai kickboxing for ages 3–14.

Classes are grouped by age. In Malvern, Pee Wee classes (pre-K to early elementary) and Junior classes (ages 7–14) run on weekday afternoons and evenings; Berwyn has a Saturday class for 3-year-olds. New students start with a three-class intro for $47.

Main Line Martial Arts (Berwyn)

Main Line Martial Arts in Berwyn teaches karate, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and self-defense for ages 4 through teens ($99/month for unlimited classes), with an emphasis on discipline, respect, and self-confidence.

PRO Martial Arts (Wayne)

PRO Martial Arts in Wayne teaches karate and kickboxing, starting with the Little Rhinos program for ages 3–5, then youth classes for ages 5–12. A free trial is available.

My Karate Place (Wayne)

My Karate Place in Wayne blends karate, kung fu, jiu-jitsu, and tae kwon do in two age tracks: Dragons (ages 3½–7) and Tigers (ages 7–12). The first lesson is a private session with a parent present.

Main Line Karate: Little Dragons (Ardmore)

Main Line Karate's Little Dragons Program in Ardmore introduces Tang Soo Do karate to ages 3–6 in small classes, working on coordination, balance, and confidence. Convenient for families in Ardmore, Wynnewood, and Narberth.

Bala Cynwyd Tae Kwon Do Academy

Bala Cynwyd Tae Kwon Do Academy offers World Taekwondo-certified instruction for ages 4 through teens ($110/month). Belt promotions are held every two months, and families are invited to watch.

Exton Karate Academy

Exton Karate Academy teaches Shotokan and sport karate for ages 4–17 ($95/month), with belt promotions four times a year and a student tournament each spring. Convenient for Exton, Downingtown, West Chester, and Malvern.

Action Karate (Conshohocken)

Action Karate in Conshohocken runs Ninja Sharks for ages 3–6 and traditional karate for older kids, six days a week. A $49 introductory package includes a private first session, two group classes, and a uniform.

DeStolfo's Premier Martial Arts (Conshohocken)

DeStolfo's Premier Martial Arts runs kids classes in Conshohocken. Our listing doesn't include ages or prices, so check with the school directly.

Onyx Combat Sports: Kids Jiu-Jitsu (Newtown Square)

Onyx Combat Sports in Newtown Square teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu fundamentals to ages 5–8 in its Little Ninja program.

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Choosing the Right Martial Art for Your Child

Karate / Traditional striking arts: Best for kids who want structure, visible progression (belt system), and a curriculum rooted in tradition. Karate develops discipline, coordination, and striking fundamentals.

Taekwondo: Emphasizes kicking, flexibility, and speed. The sport format (point fighting and Olympic competition) is well-developed for kids who want to compete. Good for athletic kids who want an art with a clear competitive pathway.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Grappling-based, no striking. The rolling (sparring) format suits kids who like wrestling.

Mixed programs (Dragon Gym): Combine striking and grappling in one curriculum.

Age guidance: Most programs accept kids from age 3 or 4. Under 5, look specifically for "Little Dragons" or preschool-format classes. Ages 5–8 is when structured training becomes meaningful.

Browse all martial arts programs on the Main Line.