Top Martial Arts Studios In The Twin Cities

A childhood love of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles -- I can't say that ridiculous phrase without enjoying a quantum bit of fun -- got my parents to bring me to my first karate lesson when I was about 6. Twelve years and many belts later, I finally quit due to the logistical limitations of college. No athletic activity, save perhaps for snowboarding, has had such lasting effects on my personality and lifestyle. And nothing has augmented the pleasure of watching old-school wire-fu films quite like learning karate.

Below is a list of the top martial arts studios in the Twin Cities. And no, none of these places will turn you into a ninja. Yes, you'll learn some (or quite a bit) of self-defense, but most martial arts are about form and movement –- art, in other words. As an activity, it's challenging, fun and requires years to master.

American Karate Studios

Various Locations
www.americankaratestudio.com

This is where I trained and, in a way, I grew up. The studio teaches Tae Kwon Do and has been around since 1977. Classes are available for kids, adults and families.

National Karate

Various Locations
www.nationalkarate.com

The largest Karate studio in Minnesota, National Karate has been around since 1973 and has taught more than 50,000 Minnesotans.

Budo

1101 Stinson Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 424-2836
www.artofbudo.com

Budo, formally East-West Karate, emphasizes self-defense training. If you want to learn flashy moves and fight in sparring competitions, look elsewhere. Budo teaches students useful and effective self-defense techniques and how to live healthier.

USA Karate

Various Locations
www.usa-karate.net

Offering classes for adults and children as young as four, USA Karate teaches self-defense all over the Twin Cities.

Professional Karate Studios

Various Locations
www.professionalkaratestudios.com

Professional Karate Studios has locations all over the Northern Metro. Students of all ages are welcome.

World Tae Kwon Do Academy

Various Locations
www.wta4u.com

Voted one of the best Tae Kwon Do schools in the country, World Tae Kwon Do Academy offers world-class instructors and competitive teams. If you've entertained becoming an Olympic Tae Kwon Do champion, check out the link for this school.

World Martial Arts Center

2913 Lyndale Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 823-8233
www.wmacenter.com

Founded in 1965 in Uptown, World Martial Arts Center offers training in Tae Kwon Do and other styles such as Hapkido, Shoulin Kung Fu and Kumbo.