Top Places To Practice Martial Arts In Denver

The Denver metropolitan area is a hotbed for martial arts training, thanks in part to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs and a rich Asian immigrant history. There are several outstanding dojos, many with great histories of their own, to train at in different martial arts styles. These are recommendations for dojos of some popular styles. Before committing to one, it's best to check around and see what's right for you based on price. Prices are not always listed online. Also, check the level of fitness and what you want to get from your instruction. 

Aikido Nippon Kan

1365 Osage Street
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 595-8256
nippon-kan.org

If you're looking to practice the Japanese martial art of aikido in the Denver area, there's no better place than Aikido Nippon Kan. Over 10,000 students have passed through the dojo's doors at 13th and Osage on the south side of downtown Denver. Aikido Nippon Kan gains its respected reputation from its founder, Gaku Homma Sensei, the last live-in student of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, in Japan. Classes are offered daily including on the weekends, in their large Dojo. Beginning courses also start every other month at various times. The dojo also fosters a large humanitarian program to help give back to the community and instill a greater knowledge of what martial arts are about.

Grapplers Edge

5305 E. Colfax Ave.
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 433-EDGE
grapplers-edge.com

With a variety of martial arts styles offered, the Grapplers Edge is ideal for people interested in practicing in Mixed Martial Arts. Lead by respected coach Sheldon Marr, the staff, including several national champions in multiple arts and styles, is incredibly knowledgeable and experienced. Classes, including fitness bootcamps, are offered several times daily throughout the year. Grapplers Edge is just a short drive east of downtown, making it convenient to all interested in an edgier and grittier style of self-defense and fitness.

Denver Judo

719 Mariposa Street
Denver, CO 80204
(303)591-9563
denverjudo.com

The Olympic sport of judo, according to the International Judo Federation, is the most widely practiced martial art in the world. That is evident along the Front Range of Colorado with dojos in many places including downtown, Northglenn and in Boulder. The best place to practice judo in Denver is on the south side of downtown at the Denver dojo with Denver Judo. The experienced instructors, including a gold medal Paralympian and past world team members, are friendly and helpful. The mats are soft and sprung helping to prevent injury during drills. Denver Judo is a large and active club that is great with students of all ages and skill levels, particularly beginners.

White Tiger Martial Arts

6200 South Gun Club Road
Centennial, CO 80016
(303) 565-7155
omegawhitetiger.com

Tae Kwon Do, like Judo, is another Olympic sport and martial art that is popular along the Front Range of Colorado. There are numerous dojos that offer varying degrees of experience and instruction throughout the metropolitan area. White Tiger Martial Arts in Arapahoe County in southeast Aurora is a respected school with a friendly staff. Several other martial arts styles including judo, grappling, karate and Japanese sword are also taught by the staff.