WELCOME TO ACTION KARATE South Philadelphia
If you are looking for martial arts for adults because you’ve always wanted to do it but never had the chance, or you want an outlet to help you get motivated, take your first step with karate classes in South Philadelphia, PA. The classes are positive and provide a total body workout. Gain confidence in your self-defense skills, and get much more than a typical gym session can provide.
Advance your way from beginners to higher levels, regardless of your athletic ability. Martial arts students range from elite athletes to moms seeking self-care to older adults improving balance and experiencing fewer health complications. Martial arts instructors teach each student based on their age, experience, and individual goals. What is important is that you start the journey and your friends and family will see the difference along the way.
How to Find Us
monday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
tuesday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
wednesday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
thursday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
friday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
saturday9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
sundayClosed
1731-33 S 6th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19148, USA
ENROLL IN OUR DYNAMIC KARATE CLASSES
Sculpt your body, get fit and healthy, and enjoy excellent stress relief
Adult Martial Arts Classes
Dynamic, positive, and action-packed karate classes for adults that will help you re-energize and de-stress while sculpting your body.
Kids Martial Arts Classes
Give your child the gift of perseverance, leadership skills, grit, and determination while at the same time helping them achieve their health and fitness goals.
Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes
Let your young kids thrive in a positive and friendly environment where they will learn balance, flexibility, coordination, and so much more.
Special Needs Martial Arts Classes
Students of varying abilities are welcome to join our special needs martial arts classes where we help you discover your true potential.
Birthday Party Classes
Looking for a different way to celebrate a birthday? Topped by our samurai sword cake cutting ceremony, our karate birthday pirates are not to be missed.
Need more information?
Got a question or a query? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us! Our friendly team is ready and more than happy to help.
Check What Our Members Are Saying
Action Karate came out to my daughter’s summer camp and did a free week. Then did a white belt ceremony for them. It was great and we decided to sign her up. She is learning so much about discipline and respect also learning how to make herself more assertive in a good way the teachers there are amazing especially Mr Ryan & Mr Fernandez. They are so gentle but firm. Also the assistant teachers are amazing! We definitely recommend and will continue this journey in martial arts!
My 2 sons (ages 3 and 5) started Karate last month. They both LOVE it so much! They look forward to going to the classes. The instructors are all so friendly and patient. Both my sons have already shown an improvement in following directions and responsibilities. Highly recommend!
Our two boys, 4 & 6, are truly enjoying their experience here. The instructors are all so kind and patient. The staff fully embraced them from day one and knew them by their first names almost immediately. They do a great job scaling the experience to the child and helping them build self-confidence and focus in fun and supportive atmosphere. Our kids look forward to their classes every week!
My son is 4 and this is the first time he’s participating in an extra curricular program. I am so happy that Action Karate South Philly is his first! He is always eager and excited to go to class (Ninja Sharks for 3-6 year olds). Mr. Fernandez is a wonderful teacher! Though only a half hour, the half hour is packed with activities; the kids are constantly moving, learning karate basics, increasing in fitness and having fun. Two additional teachers, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Wade are also available in class to help children individually with focus and technique. Mr. Ryan also manages administrative matters within the program. He is always available and helpful with any additional needs I may have. I am extremely happy my son is a part of Action Karate!
My 11-year-old daughter has been attending Action Karate in South Philadelphia for over a year, and the progress I've seen in her is simply remarkable. From her increased focus to a responsiveness to trusted adult direction, the evolution in her demeanor and self-confidence are evident.The instruction at Action Karate is top-notch; the coaches are not only skilled in martial arts but also genuinely dedicated to the development of each student as a whole person. They've created an environment that fosters respect, discipline, and personal growth. It’s been more than just a place to learn karate—it's been a place that values character development as much as physical skills.I couldn’t be happier with the positive impact this experience has had on my daughter and I see with other kids as well. It’s been a privilege to watch her thrive, develop strong self-confidence, and become part of a group that truly cares about her well-being. We’re proud to be part of the Action Karate family, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a place that offers excellent instruction and a welcoming community!
I’m observing my son’s class and just witnessed the most amazing thing. A new neurodivergent student was nervous about his first class and the staff could not have been more understanding/ inclusive. As a pediatrician and mom, it actually made me tear up. Mr Fernandez, you are the best
We absolutely love AK! It has helped my two boys with their confidence which is something we wanted to work on. The instructors Mr. Fernandez, Mr. Ryan, and Mr. Wade are absolutely amazing. They are patient and are the absolute best! AK south Philly is an incredible community to be a part of. Very grateful for them!
We have loved every second of our time at Action Karate. The instructors are incredibly patient and knowledgeable, and create such a supportive and engaging environment for my four year old. Their expertise is evident in the way they skillfully balance fun with education, making each class enjoyable and beneficial. I’ve noticed remarkable growth in my child's confidence, coordination, and discipline. I highly recommend this karate class to anyone looking to foster their child's development in a nurturing and well-structured setting. Mr. Ryan & Mr. Fernandez welcomed my son with open arms and make him feel so special and important each class.
My child attends Action Karate and i can not speak more highly of the class and the teachers. Everyone is so supportive, encouraging, friendly and patient. The classes are the perfect length of time for my young child and he learns so much within that time. They also have specials for the month such as bring a friend, sibling, teacher and other things to keep the kids engaged. If your looking for a great karate class for all ages, Action Karate is the place to go!
AK is awesome! From day one, the instructors have shown incredible dedication and patience, helping my child build not only physical skill but confidence and discipline. All of the instructors are always welcoming and supportive. Not to mention focused on personal growth for each child. Such a great experience and I’m excited to see what’s next! Thank you AK, glad we’re a part of the family!
My son has been going to Action Karate for the past year and he loves going there. The instructors are amazing! They’re bring the best out of every child. I would definitely recommend to bring your child there for a free try out. Ask for Mr Bryan
Thank You To all the Instructors for being My son teacher. Action Karate is the best Places and They keep clean the environment. The Instructors are nice and polite.Keep The work Up .
My son has been going for about a year now and is a hyper kid. They assured me that they would work with him and have shown nothing but patience with him as he has grown during the year. I would highly recommend Action Karate to anyone that wants to have their child join karate.
My son began his Action Karate adventure in January 2024, facing behavioral obstacles head-on. Thanks to the encouraging environment and instructors, he has experienced a significant transformation in just six months, demonstrating the impact of determination and resilience.
Action Karate is the best! I can’t express my appreciation to the staff at Action Karate enough! Every teacher is amazing. Every one of them. They foster an atmosphere of trust, fun, and caring along with an ability to instill the students with a willingness to learn and give their best effort. My daughter is one of their success stories. The empathic way they deal with her and all of the students has helped her grow mentally and physically and her confidence has grown immeasurably the past few years. Kudos to Action Karate!
The instructors are fanatic! Each student is taught with their needs in mind. We recommend 3x class/week or special series to get the most challenges and cost.
Really patient and engaging instructors, really considerate of each students needs and willing to work through challenging lessons as long as necessary
Action Karate South Philly has become our family. I am so grateful that my son has the opportunity to work with and learn from such a talented group of dedicated instructors. My son has earned extremely valuable lifelong lessons and continues to grow stronger mentally and physically every class. The instructors are also extremely involved in the community! The best part is that there is flexibility in the schedule. There is an incredible amount of opportunities for adults to get involved with the other families if you want, but no pressure. Thank you Action Karate South Philly!!❤️
Our daughter adores Action Karate South Philly! The teachers are so attentive and encouraging. On each level, the classes encourage activity and growth. They work to strengthen body and mind in a way that does not feel forced. This is a great program!
When my daughter started at Action Karate South Philly in 2021, I wasn't sure that she would want to stick with it for long. But from the beginning she wanted to do more, entering tournaments, going to parents night out etc.When she wanted to do HIT team last year, I wasn't sure she was ready. But she challenged herself to the month of healthier eating and daily exercise outside of Karate, as well as reading requirements. To my surprise, not only did she finish HIT team, but she continued with the healthy habits after that month was over. She even wanted to complete her second HIT team class this year just to challenge herself.Mr. Ryan and Mr. Fernandez lead such a great program and are dedicated to helping the students on and off the mat. When my daughter got behind in school, they made it a point to check in with her on a weekly basis to make sure that she was sticking to the plan to get caught back up.She is now only a few weeks away from her black belt test, and is working even harder to meet her goals. She can't wait to set her next goal.Would definitely recommend Action Karate South Philly.
Hello, well, my experience with my son Anthony that when we passed by, he told me I want to go to karate and once we asked about information and I didn't encourage me to take him and later a while later, we passed again and well, I said if my son likes it, I'm going to put him in at the beginning. He didn't like it so much because he was very small. He was like 5 years old. He is an only son and well, he was a child who didn't stop moving. It was very difficult at first that he focused and the time went by. We told him that he has to pay attention and he started to like the karate class and well, every change of belt is something little difficult, but my son loves the class. Every day he learns something new. It's something that I wouldn't regret being that investment of my son has been the best investment of my life.
Action Karate South Philly has been great for my 6 year old son. The teachers go all out to bring a fresh and energetic experience to every class. It’s a fast paced program, yet they manage to be able to give each student special attention and coaching so that no one is left begin.
Wow! I cannot speak higher of Mr Ryan, Mr Fernandez, and Mr Wade at Action Karate south Philly! They are kind, knowledgeable, and patient. The kindness and support they have provided my son and me has been invaluable. I appreciate the sense of community that this gym creates. We love it!
Our child started at 3 years to the day. Mr. Ryan, Mr. Fernandez, and all of the other instructors have been incredibly welcoming and supportive. Seven months in, and the progress is not only noticeable, but incredibly enjoyable to witness and talk through with our kid.
I have truly enjoyed being a part of the community at Action Karate South Philly! The instructors foster a friendly environment and are genuinely invested in the students' overall development. My son has goals to be a black belt and is driven and motivated to achieve them. It feels reassuring that my son also receives lessons that build character and confidence. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a karate dojo.
My family has been attending Action Karate South Philly for almost a year and we can’t say enough good things about it! Mr. Fernandez, Mr. Ryan, and Mr. Wade are amazing teachers. They are encouraging, enthusiastic, and supportive. I’ve seen my kids’ confidence grow so much since starting at Action Karate. I started taking classes when they offered them free to parents, and have been taking classes since. It’s been a great experience for us all!
We love Action Karate South Philly! It’s been a wonderful opportunity for my son to build a stronger mind and body. The instructors are enthusiastic and truly care about helping each student challenge themselves to reach their personal best. We so appreciate all of the positive messaging and the emphasis on hard work and resilience. I highly recommend this studio if you’re thinking about trying out karate (for yourself or for your child).
Really appreciate all that Action Karate South Philly provides for my son. The instructors are dedicated and care so much for the students. We love AK South Philly!
We love Action Karate! The instructors are welcoming, kind, patient, inclusive and are positive role models for their students. My son loves attending and looks forward to each class. In addition to honing his martial arts skills, he learns self discipline, lesdership and good habits. They keep the kids moving so they aren’t bored and they really get a good workout in class 💪🏻
Action karate south Philly have been amazing!! They have helped my 6 year old son gain confidence in himself , helped him focus and concentrate. They give one on one attention when needed and consistently provide positive feedback to all the children in the class, even on class days with a lot of students. I’m very very impressed with the results. My son has been there for 6 months and look forward to being here for years to come.
It's been a year since we joined Action Karate South Philly and my Bonus Kid still loves it! He gets so excited about belt promotions and tournaments. The love for the kids, their emotional development and physical well being is evident the moment you walk through the door. As for the grown up matters, I couldn't be more pleased. Any issue I've had has been addressed professionally, fairly and expeditiously.
We have a tremendous appreciation for the South Philly Action Karate branch! Over the past two years, our son’s confidence has significantly grown both in expressing himself and in making new friends. The staff at the Karate center are highly engaging and express genuine passion for their work. What sets this place apart is not just lessons; they are actively involved in the community. We want to thank Mr. Ryan and Mr. Fernandez for their care and for introducing a positive attitude in the kids. We take pleasure in observing during our son’s lesson and it’s delightful to watch other kids with enthusiasm for learning. Thank you for making a great contribution to both the kids and the community!
Perfect mix of fun and structure for my 3.5 year old daughter. She loves it. Excellent instructors and great facility.
It's hard to overstate how wonderful Action Karate South Philly has been for my daughter. They are an excellent staff of teachers and coaches and have created a diverse community of students and families. They are patient and attentive to my child's special needs and unique personality. I'm grateful for the positive life skills and lessons they instill each week. Highly recommend!
My son started Action Karate back in 2020 and is on the verge of testing for his black belt. It has been a long journey and through that journey he has really has grown into a more confident, dedicated, and physically and mentally strong child. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Fernandez have been outstanding in leading him through this journey and are both great examples of what it is to be a true leader. He has made some great friendships along the way as well. I believe that Action Karate has been one of the leading factors in his mental and physical developments over the past 3 years and we are so grateful the the team at Action Karate South Philly.
Action Karate has been such a positive, motivating, encouraging environment for my daughter. She loves going to karate!! The teachers go above and beyond to teach, uplift, and make the place feel safe and inviting. Best investment ever!
Action Karate South Philly is an extravagant experience for sure. When I first started, I knew it would be a well worth journey going at my own pace with a deep hidden passion for martial arts and the challenge I will faced on the way. Didn't crossed my mind until I was asked to be an assitance instructor is the amazing challenge and privileged honor to fulfill.I met so many great group of decent excellent people who are awesome in their own right! From our two head instructors Mr. Ryan and Mr. Fernandez, my fellow instructors like Ms. Keili, Ms. Kelly, Ms Desiree, Ms. Allison etc, along with the many students that entered the mat showing vast self improvement and the joy on their faces during class.Meeting and knowing over 100 names from AK South Philly can be a challenge, but in a fun way. You tend to care and learn many interesting fun things about them when engaging. Definitely a privilege to be part of Action Karate South Philly as it helped me in many ways I will be always grateful for and stick to a line of "If asked, I will serve!"Definitely find the choice and interest when it comes to Martial Arts. It CAN change lives for everyone who need that positive change! I've seen it many times and I'm one of them. Action Karate rocks!
Our eight-year old daughter has been attending Action Karate South Philadelphia for more than two years and she LOVES it. The curriculum is high quality and the instructors are fantastic. In addition to learning the art of karate, the students develop valuable life skills, including focus and discipline.
Thanks to Action karate South Philly, my son Demeatri has overcame many challenges that he strive and fought for to finally earning his Jr. Black belt. The teachers are amazing and they are always pushing there students above and beyond. Thank you for all you do.
This has been such a great experience for our son, who started at age 9 and is now 11. He describes it as "great, intense, and fun." He's made new friends and has really worked hard, gotten stronger and more confident. We love seeing his pride when his commitment pays off in a new belt or a competition trophy.
We enrolled our son in Action Karate almost a year ago. Their approach and team are fantastic. It's been great for our son in terms of exercise, fitness, focus and more. Also, their team has an amazing ability to connect with each student and motivate them as needed. Most impressively - they seem to remember every kid's name during class - and I have no clue how they do that :) 5/5 stars.
We love Action! The instructors are wonderful with the kids- engaging, encouraging & supportive. The classes are paced well so the students don’t get bored & they learn so many life skills. We’re happy to be a part of the Action karate family.
I signed my son up almost 3 years ago and this place has felt like home ever since. Everyone is friendly and inviting and have been since day one. My son and I both train at Action and while the techniques are great there are so many other things that are being taught, such as, focus, confidence and goal setting. I highly recommend it for kids but also for adults as well.
I can’t say enough about the team at Action Karate South Philly led by Mr. Ryan and Mr. Fernandes. We have been there for over three years, and our son Mateo (who just earned his black belt🥋!! ) loves 💓 the program and always is excited to go to class. I also decided to join and have been a student now for 3 months!Mr. Ryan Mr. Fernandes treat everyone with kindness and respect, while bringing out the best in each and every student, From 4 years old to the adults♥♥We have probably been students for over three years now and hope to continue for many more!👍👍👍I highly recommend Action Karate South Philly to anyone who’s looking to be challenged, while having a fun journey learning karate!The Nicolais FamJason, Tanya, Mateo and Alana
I started when I was 12 as a white belt, and now I'm 14 and a red belt. And I'm making my way to earn my black belt in June! Going to karate made me change my ways, and now I'm strong and more confident after a lot of hard times in life. I highly recommend Action Karate South Philly!!!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
At our classes, you will be able to learn traditional karate and its
techniques, which include some fitness-based exercises.
Although each of our locations offers a different schedule, you can join us for your training sessions six days a week during our flexible time slots. This means we can accommodate your time schedule as and when you need it.
When you join us for your first karate training session, you should simply wear loose and comfortable clothing that you can move around in. What’s more is that once you join, you will receive a uniform that is included in the $49 introductory special.
Our karate classes are perfect for all individuals of varying skill levels and who fall into practically any age group. We have students from as young as three and as old as 103, making this one of the most versatile ways to help you achieve your health and fitness goals as well as learning important life skills that will benefit you immensely in all areas of your life.
Have more questions? REACH OUT
Fun, engaging, fitness-based karate classes in South Philadelphia, PA for adults
Action Karate adult martial arts classes will boost your fitness and energy levels. Karate will help you let go of stress and tension as you have an awesome, supportive class in the lessons for adults. These karate classes in Philadelphia, PA are led by experienced professionals with nearly 30 years of experience helping people just like you deal with anxiety, improve your strength, and boost your confidence.
The best all-in-one solution to overcome the daily challenges of stress at work, at home, and in life are karate classes in South Philadelphia, PA. Martial arts gives you the physical strength and the confidence needed to achieve every task on your to-do list. This will improve your outlook on life, give you the energy you need to move forward, and overall, provide you with a sense of accomplishment and success. Book your first session with us today!
SIGN UP NOW AND GET STARTED!
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Empowering martial arts in South Philadelphia, PA for children
Martial arts training is proven by medical professionals and various therapists to help children of all ages to overcome fears, deal with bullying, and channel their physical and emotional energy in more positive ways. We achieve this by instilling self-discipline and confidence in them. Action Karate martial arts classes in South Philadelphia, PA are uniquely designed to help children reach their full potential.
With Action Karate, your children will have a blast. Book a karate birthday party or a martial arts birthday party with us – a completely unforgettable experience that includes martial arts drills, ninja training and a samurai sword cake-cutting ceremony.
In addition, we cater to children’s special needs. Students with autism, ADD, ADHD or social anxiety often thrive in the accommodating and encouraging martial arts environment.
In our South Philadelphia martial arts schools, we serve the areas of South Philadelphia including:
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Carrol Park
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Lower Moyamensing
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Whitman
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Brewerytown
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Cedar Park
Martial arts programming each week includes classes for pre-school, elementary school students, middle schoolers, teenagers, kids with special needs, birthday parties and special events.
Have fun and learn something new at the same time. Help your children develop confidence and those valuable qualities of respect and grit. They will learn about sharing, cooperation, focus and discipline. Help them get fit and make valuable friendships. These are skills and tools they need to feel like they fit in and can pursue their goals. This is the best gift and investment you can make in your child’s future. Get in touch with us for martial arts in South Philadelphia, PA today.
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