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Martial Arts Schools in Columbia, IL

2 schools in and around Columbia, Illinois — most schools let you watch a class or take a free trial before you sign anything — go in the time slot you would actually train, not the demo hour.

Columbia has about 10,919 residents, which works out to 18 martial arts schools per 100,000 people. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimate.

Championship Martial Arts - Columbia

8515 Hanover Industrial Dr, Columbia, IL 62236

+16189391774 Website Directions

Okinawan Karate School Karate / taekwondo

9273 Coach Stop Rd, Columbia, IL 62236-3429

+16185609529 Website Directions

More schools within 30 miles of Columbia

Only 2 schools listed in Columbia itself, so here are the closest ones in nearby towns. Distance is straight-line from Columbia.

ETHOS Jiu-Jitsu BJJ / grappling

📍 0.4 mi · Waterloo, IL

+16187086653 Directions

National Karate School Karate / taekwondo

📍 13.0 mi · 133 N 8th St, Dupo, IL 62239-1514

+16182864338 Directions

Belleville Judo Club Karate / taekwondo

📍 15.1 mi · 212 W B St, Belleville, IL 62220-1332

+16189783074 Directions

Shorin-Ryu Karate Club of Belleville Karate / taekwondo

📍 15.5 mi · 1001 S 74th St, Belleville, IL 62223-2848

🥋 Karate

+16183978747 Website Directions

BJJ Lifestyle Academy BJJ / grapplingMMA

📍 15.6 mi · 5308 N Belt W, Belleville, IL 62226

🥋 MMA

3147804222 Website Directions

龍神館 Ryuzin Kan Iaido

📍 16.0 mi · 509 Camp Jackson Rd, East St Louis, IL 62206-2278

Website Directions

Hoyle's Kung Fu, Fitness, & Tai Chi Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

📍 16.3 mi · 2346 Mascoutah Ave, Belleville, IL 62220-3586

🥋 Kung Fu

+16187447015 Website Directions

Master Kim's Kum Sung Martial Art's Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

📍 17.0 mi · 1652 Lebanon Ave, Belleville, IL 62221

🥋 Kickboxing, Boxing, Karate

6182337864 Website Directions

Before you sign: ask about the contract, not just the monthly rate. Month-to-month is common; 12-month agreements with cancellation fees are also common and rarely advertised on the wall. Ask what is extra — belt testing fees, uniforms, competition team dues — and whether the head instructor actually teaches the classes you would attend or only the advanced ones.

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Good to know about martial arts schools in Columbia

How to become a certified yoga instructor?
To become a certified yoga instructor, complete a Registered Yoga School program, usually requiring 200 hours of training covering anatomy, philosophy, and instruction techniques. Afterward, register with an official organization like Yoga Alliance to receive your credential. For guided martial arts and fitness instructor pathways, explore options on MartialArtsAtlas.

Where did brazilian jiu jitsu come from?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It developed from Kodokan Judo ground fighting fundamentals brought to South America by Japanese martial artist Mitsuyo Maeda, which were then adapted by the Gracie family. MartialArtsAtlas helps students find qualified BJJ academies nationwide.

Where did brazilian jiu jitsu originated?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Brazil following the arrival of Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda in 1914. The art was refined primarily by Carlos and Hélio Gracie into a system emphasizing leverage and submission grappling. Find BJJ training programs listed on MartialArtsAtlas.

What is a mixed martial artist?
A mixed martial artist is an athlete who trains in and combines multiple combat disciplines, such as striking, wrestling, and submission grappling. They integrate techniques from sports like boxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for competition or self-defense. Search MartialArtsAtlas to locate comprehensive MMA programs near you.

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