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Martial Arts Schools in Lincoln, IL

2 schools in and around Lincoln, 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.

Lincoln has about 13,047 residents, which works out to 15 martial arts schools per 100,000 people. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimate.

Lincoln Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1200 Woodlawn Rd, Lincoln, IL 62656

+12178341930 Website Directions

Yoshukai Karate Alliance Karate / taekwondo

1500 N McLean St, Lincoln, IL 62656

+12176383789 Website Directions

More schools within 30 miles of Lincoln

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

Yoshukai Karatedo Kenkyukai Karate / taekwondo

📍 17.0 mi · 101 W Main St, Williamsville, IL 62693

+12176718369 Directions

Right Cross Kajukenbo

📍 17.9 mi · 1009 W 4th St, Delavan, IL 61734

Directions

Decatur Martial Arts

📍 26.3 mi · 2954 W Ash Ave, Decatur, IL 62526

Directions

Sharp's School of Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

📍 27.3 mi · 1070 Hickory Point Mall, Forsyth, IL 62535-2029

🕒 mon, 25 may 2026 18:15

🥋 Taekwondo

+12178755031 Website Directions

Cunningham's Ugottawanna Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

📍 27.3 mi · 120 W Antle St, Petersburg, IL 62675

🥋 Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA, Karate

+12178993677 Website Directions

Cunningham's Ugottawanna Martial Arts

📍 27.4 mi · 210 S 7th St, Petersburg, IL 62675

(217) 899-3677 Directions

Gracie Barra Twin Cities BJJ / grappling

📍 27.5 mi · 3 Quest Dr, Bloomington, IL 61705-8903

+13092120220 Directions

Springfield Karatedo Budokai Karate / taekwondo

📍 27.5 mi · Springfield, IL

+12177931827 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 Lincoln

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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