The 5 Best Online Karate Classes of 2021

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Karate is a form of martial arts that includes styles like Wado-ryu, Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, and Shotokan. Classes stress self-discipline and a high code of personal conduct. They also emphasize the mind-body connection and encourage students to adopt a regular practice for maximum physical and mental health benefits. Karate is popular among students of all ages, especially young kids and teens.

In general, karate courses focus on hand attacks, with kicks as a backup. To master the art, you need time, patience, and a knowledgeable instructor. Ideally, students should take karate lessons in-person, but for many, attending studio classes is not an option. For easier access, several studios are now offering a range of karate classes online.

This roundup includes online karate courses from websites that offer on-demand, subscription-based programs, as well as a few free videos on YouTube. With that in mind, here are our top picks for the best online karate classes.

The 5 Best Online Karate Classes of 2021

Best Overall: Karate Academy Online - Accelerated Black Belt Course
Best for Beginners: Global Martial Arts University - Shotokan Karate Stance Practice Class
Best for Intermediate: Udemy - Get My Black Belt Part 1 and Part 2
Best for Kids: Karate Lessons Online - Karate Home Study Program
Best for Families: Dojo Go! - How To Learn Karate At Home, 20 Minute Beginner Lesson!

Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Karate Academy Online - Accelerated Black Belt Course

Why We Chose It: Karate Academy’s Accelerate Black Belt Course is one of the most comprehensive black-belt training programs available online. After successful completion of the course, students are eligible for a black belt.

Pros

Comprehensive black belt training program
30-day money-back guarantee
Course materials include both written and video lessons

Cons

Requires a 10-12 month commitment
Must be disciplined to practice and train weekly
Not a good fit for beginners
Significant financial commitment

Karate Academy Online is the brainchild of Sensei Mark Roscoe, who designed this online course that allows students to continue their studies and practice online and on their own time.

The Accelerated Black Belt Course is a comprehensive program appropriate for intermediate to advanced levels. During this class, you will explore karate through physical, mental, and spiritual development. The program includes written and detailed video lessons. It also comes with a belt-specific practice schedule and training plan that you can adapt to your space and pace. At the end of it, you will have access to an online belt test.

It costs about $67 per month to access the Accelerated Black Belt Course. This gives you immediate access to the program, which is self-paced. The average time to complete this course is about one year, and the terms you agree to state that you will pay around $67 per month for 12 months. The good news is you can cancel your membership within the first 30 days and receive a full refund.

Best for Beginners: Global Martial Arts University - Shotokan Karate Stance Practice Class

Why We Chose It: We chose Global Martial Arts University -- Shotokan Karate Stance Practice Class because it takes a deep-dive into a critical karate technique that you must master before earning any belt: the stance.

Pros

Focuses exclusively on stance training drills
35-minute class is free
Works on leg strength

Cons

Class level appropriate for beginners only
Does not cover other martial arts skills

One of the biggest challenges for beginners on their first karate test is the stance. So, to help white belts gain confidence and get a better understanding of how their stance impacts the practice, Global Martial Arts University created this Shotokan Karate Stance Practice Class.

In 35 minutes, Sensei Michael teaches students about the importance of stances and how to strengthen your legs to improve stances. He then takes you through a series of warm-up activities and drills to practice the main stances, which include Zenkutsu-Dachi, Kokutsu-Dachi, and Kiba-Dachi. Although this class is designed with beginners in mind, it’s also an excellent refresher course for any level (belt) to run through a series of unique stance training drills.

If you enjoy this free lesson from Global Martial Arts University, head over to their website and check out the online subscription service. They offer online courses in Shotokan karate, Krav Maga, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, and more. For about $40 per month, you’ll get access to a huge library of on-demand videos appropriate for all belt levels. You’ll also get full instructor feedback and support.

Best for Intermediate: Udemy - Get My Black Belt Part 1 and Part 2

Why We Chose It: Udemy -- Get My Black Belt Part 1 and Part 2 are designed to teach you the skills to earn an orange belt and pass a black belt test. The course is affordable and you can access the materials 24/7.

Pros

Lifetime access to all course materials and videos
Priced right for what you get
Udemy offers thousands of videos and trainings
30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

Not a good fit for beginners
Minimal written information provided
No free trial period to preview the class

Udemy is an online learning platform that offers more than 130,000 video courses related to business, personal development, and marketing, among others.

One of their more popular verticals includes health and fitness-related topics like karate and martial arts training. That’s where you’ll find Get My Black Belt: Wado Ryu Karate, our top pick for the best intermediate online yoga class. Sensei John Hurley, along with Ayushi Sharma, will teach you the skills and techniques you need to master to earn an orange belt.

The course is divided into three sections: Basic Techniques, Kata and Bunkai, and Blocks and Counters. Because of the pace and knowledge base required to understand the concepts, this class is not a good fit for beginners. If you enjoy the content in part one, consider moving onto their next course—Get My Black Belt: Wado Ryu Karate (Part 2), Green Belt to Black Belt—which is the same format and cost as part one.

Udemy offers this course for about $30, which includes three hours of on-demand video, two articles, and full lifetime access. The class also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Best for Kids: Karate Lessons Online - Karate Home Study Program

Why We Chose It: The Karate Lessons Online Home Study Program gives kids a structured format to learn martial arts basics at their pace. Plus, the course is free, so parents have nothing to lose.

Pros

Short video lessons
Learn karate, self-defense, and self-confidence
Kids progress through each rank at own their pace

Cons

Too basic for intermediate and above
Completing a belt test online is not equivalent to in-person
Feedback is online only

Do you need a fun, safe, and healthy way for your kids to stay active while at home? Karate Lessons Online offers a free online course that includes short lessons to teach kids the basics of martial arts. This is a great way for kids to stay in shape, learn self-defense, and build self-confidence, all from the comfort of their home.

The Karate Home Study program is a combination of short videos with live feedback from Sensei David. Each karate technique is broken down and explained, along with videos on how to train and develop movements. Through its online dojo, you will have access to exclusive video lessons with bonus support for parents.

Plus, instructions and helpful training tips and techniques. The program is self-paced, with 24/7 access to instructional videos. Students can complete a belt test online and get direct feedback from Sensei David. Karate Lessons Online is currently offering the Karate Home Study course for free. They do not indicate how much it will cost if and when they discontinue free access.

Best for Families: Dojo Go! - How To Learn Karate At Home, 20 Minute Beginner Lesson

Why We Chose It: Dojo Go! How to Learn Karate At Home is a fun and fast way to introduce your family to the basics of karate. This 20-minute video engages kids ages 4-12 with interactive games and drills.

Pros

Classes for kids and adults
Fun, high-energy, and easy to follow
Paid program fee covers all family members

Cons

A 20-minute class only covers a few moves
Older kids might lose interest in the animation
Entry-level skills and techniques

Families with young children will appreciate the energy, silliness, and fun factor that Master Kelley brings to this 20-minute virtual martial arts lesson. This beginner class is part of a six-week white belt martial arts program designed specifically for at-home practice. You can take this free class as a stand-alone or subscribe to the six-week program. It includes a warm-up, basic martial arts terminology, and stances.

Master Kelley does an excellent job of teaching students the purpose of karate and the reasons to use it. He then takes you through a series of punches and kicks with interactive games and drills. And the best part? This introductory class is still an excellent choice for anyone new to karate, regardless of age or kid status.

For about $47, you’ll get six weeks of lessons (about three videos each week) as part of the Online Transformation Martial Arts Program. Once you complete this series, you’ll be invited to join the intermediate program. For a sneak peek into the next level, check out this free, 20-minute intermediate lesson on YouTube.

Final Verdict

Our picks for the best online karate classes are taught by expert instructors trained in martial arts techniques and skills. We included classes for all levels, with Shotokan Karate Stance Practice Class being our top pick for beginners and the Breaking Black Belt course as our best overall pick since it's an excellent option for anyone interested in a comprehensive program.

To make this roundup, we also considered courses appropriate for all ages and levels, with Master Kelley’s 20-minute intro video as a great place for families to start. You can view all of these karate lessons on a phone, tablet, or computer.

Online Karate Classes vs. In-Person Karate Classes

Online karate classes give you the flexibility to train anywhere and on your time. Some classes are short, standalone lessons, while others come with several training videos designed to take several weeks to months to complete. Plus, most of the paid programs give you lifetime access to the videos and course materials. Some classes stick to a few fundamental skills, while others take a deep dive into martial art training to earn a black belt. That said, online lessons can slow down the process. Without in-person feedback and hands-on instruction, it can be difficult to perfect the moves and progress to the next level.

That’s where in-person karate classes are beneficial. Taking karate classes in a studio as part of a class or private lessons allows you to get immediate corrections and feedback. In-person classes can be a good fit for beginners who need more supervision as well as advanced students working towards a higher belt. But, studio classes are often expensive and may be scheduled at a time that’s inconvenient for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Online Karate Classes?

When it comes to the best online karate classes, the first thing you should consider are the instructor’s qualifications. Look for teachers and studios that are reputable and have a long-standing reputation. You may also want to research local studios that offer online lessons in addition to in-person instruction. Another consideration when choosing the best online karate class is length. Some instructors offer comprehensive programs with several lessons and modules, while others offer a short class you can do in under 20 minutes. While both options are beneficial, you may want to consider a more comprehensive program, especially if you plan on doing any in-person classes.

How Much Do Karate Classes Cost?

The cost of online karate classes varies depending on the program. Some studios only offer access to a comprehensive program that can take months to complete, with a cost of about $30 per month. Because karate consists of a series of classes, students often pay tuition for a session, which includes weekly sessions over several months.

In general, you can expect to pay at least $100 per month for a good studio, with rates doubling and tripling for private lessons or sessions with well-known instructors. Karate is popular with kids, and introductory programs for children are often less expensive than training programs for adults.

Who Should Take Online Karate Classes?

Karate classes, especially white belt or beginner courses, are appropriate for most ages and fitness levels. Karate teaches physical and mental stamina and discipline. Since physical contact and exchange are of fundamental importance, karate is best practiced in-person.

Learning karate through videos or streaming live classes should never replace the experience of real-life instruction. However, if access to a studio is an issue, you can still get a general overview from home. If you are pregnant or have a serious health condition, you should consult your doctor before beginning karate.

Methodology

To curate the list of best online karate classes, we looked at five different sites from reputable companies that offer martial arts classes for various levels and styles of training. All of the classes listed offer video instruction with some written content. We researched companies that offer free classes and access to paid membership programs. Additionally, classes for kids needed to have a fun factor to make the list. Instructors are trained, experienced, and credentialed in their style of martial arts training.