Traditional Martial Arts Schools in Springfield, IL

9 of the 17 martial arts schools we list in Springfield have traditional styles. A basic map listing can't tell you whether a "martial arts" result teaches lineage-based traditional forms like karate, taekwondo, or kung fu, or runs a modern fitness-kickboxing class under the same label. Every school on this page has its traditional style confirmed from its own website or class listings, not inferred from the business name.

Five Animals Kung Fu - Springfield Karate / taekwondo

2801 Leonard St, Springfield, IL 62704-4859

+12178999831 Directions

Freeman's Karate "Unante Kenkyukai" Karate / taekwondo

2195 J David Jones Pkwy, Springfield, IL 62707-5721

+12178990880 Website Directions

Kaizen Shotokan Karate Karate / taekwondo

1275 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL 62704-4958

+12174151723 Website Directions

Sangamon Aikikai Free trial classKarate / taekwondo

815 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL 62704

+12177258258 Website Directions

Shudo Kan Karate Club Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

1453 N Bradfordton Rd, Springfield, IL 62711

🕒 Tuesdays and Thursdays are between 5:30

+12177879092 Website Directions

Shudokan Karate Club Springfield Karate / taekwondo

1453 N Bradfordton Rd, Springfield, IL 62711

2177179501 Directions

Springfield Karate and Fitness Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

761 S Durkin Dr, Springfield, IL 62704-1311

🕒 Monday & Wednesday 6 pm-6:45 pm

+12177268893 Website Directions

Springfield Karatedo Budokai Karate / taekwondo

Springfield, IL

+12177931827 Directions

World Tae Kwon Do Academy Karate / taekwondo

3351 S 6th Street Rd, Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 585-0400 Website Directions

Ask exactly which style and lineage the school teaches before your first class. "Traditional" covers very different systems — striking-focused styles like karate and taekwondo, grappling-focused styles like judo and aikido, and internal styles like tai chi — so the right fit depends on what you actually want to train.

Also in Springfield

Traditional Martial Arts Schools near Springfield

Good to know

What's the difference between traditional and modern martial arts schools?
Traditional schools generally follow a set curriculum tied to a specific style's history, forms, and belt-ranking system, often with added emphasis on etiquette and philosophy. Modern or hybrid schools tend to blend techniques from multiple styles or focus more narrowly on fitness or competition.

How long does it take to get a black belt in a traditional martial art?
Most traditional styles take about 3-5 years of consistent training to reach black belt, though the exact timeline varies by style, school, and how often a student trains. A school that awards black belts much faster than that is generally worth a closer look before signing up.