Martial Arts Schools in Altoona, IA

3 schools in and around Altoona, Iowa — 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.

Altoona has about 22,598 residents, which works out to 13 martial arts schools per 100,000 people. Population: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 estimate.

10th Planet JiuJitsu Des Moines BJJ / grappling

301 9th St NE, Altoona, IA 50009-4213

+15159578622 Directions

East Coast Tae Kwon Do Club, Inc Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

204 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009

🥋 Taekwondo

+15154470014 Website Directions

Water Tiger T'ai Chi

641 6th St Pl SE, Altoona, IA 50009

Website Directions

More schools within 30 miles of Altoona

Only 3 schools listed in Altoona itself, so here are the closest ones in nearby towns. Distance is straight-line from Altoona.

Traditional Karate Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

📍 4.2 mi · 4105 E 38th St, Des Moines, IA 50317-8960

🕒 Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 - 5:45 pm

🥋 Karate

+15153437746 Website Directions

Shuren Kan Karate Karate / taekwondo

📍 5.4 mi · 5050 Doanes Park Rd, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

+15157102342 Directions

Pinnacle Jiu-Jitsu Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMMA

📍 7.1 mi · 340 Wright Rd. Suite G, Des Moines, IA 50316

🕒 Thursday from 5:30-6:30 PM

🥋 BJJ, Wrestling, MMA

+15158500096 Directions

Champions Martial Arts and Fitness Des Moines

📍 7.4 mi · Capitol City Church, 5990 NE 14th Street, Des Moines, IA 50313

+15158021130 Directions

Des Moines Martial Arts

📍 7.8 mi · 1110 Thompson Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316-2040

Directions

Des Moines Mixed Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingMMA

📍 8.6 mi · 617 Euclid Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313

🥋 Wrestling, Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Boxing, MMA

+15153714170 Website Directions

Karate Do Shito Kai Des Moines Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

📍 8.8 mi · 315 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-1916

🕒 Monday through Thursday 7:30 pm

🥋 Karate

+15153286465 Website Directions

Martial Arts America Free trial classKarate / taekwondo

📍 8.8 mi · 621 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023-3418

🥋 Taekwondo

+15159633494 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.

Iowa statewide, by feature

Nearby in Iowa

Good to know about martial arts schools in Altoona

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.

How much are jiu jitsu classes?
Martial arts tuition varies based on location and schedule, but local academies typically offer monthly memberships or package deals. You can explore 3 martial arts facilities in Altoona, Iowa, with 2 providing direct phone contact to request current pricing and trial offers.

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.