Traditional Martial Arts Schools in Iowa

118 of the 241 martial arts schools we track in Iowa 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. Full listings for every city are on the Iowa page.

Des Moines 10

Aiki Spirit-Iowa Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

2017 Southlawn Dr, Des Moines, IA 50315-4900

🕒 Sat 11:00 am - 12:30 pm

Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Barongan Martial Arts Academy Karate / taekwondoMMA

1111 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-2605

+15152850067 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Bishops Elite Martial Arts Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

2706 Beaver Ave, Des Moines, IA 50310-3990

+15158580455 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Breese Family Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

3800 Merle Hay Rd Ste 955, Des Moines, IA 50310

5152822040 All Des Moines martial arts schools

Breese Family Tae-Kwon-DO & Fitness Center Karate / taekwondo

2006 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50315-1554

+15152433258 All Des Moines martial arts schools

Eagle Claw Kung Fu and Tai Chi Karate / taekwondo

2318 60th St, Des Moines, IA 50322

(515) 556-5129 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Jeun's Institute of Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

606 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5900

+15152877196 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Karate Do Shito Kai Des Moines Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

315 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309-1916

🕒 Monday through Thursday 7:30 pm

+15153286465 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

South Y Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

401 E Army Post Rd, Des Moines, IA 50315-5827

+15153211463 All Des Moines martial arts schools

Traditional Karate Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

4105 E 38th St, Des Moines, IA 50317-8960

🕒 Tuesday & Thursday, 5:00 - 5:45 pm

+15153437746 Website All Des Moines martial arts schools

Cedar Rapids 7

Cedar River Aikikai Karate / taekwondo

221 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

+13193626330 All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Goshinkan Shorinji Ryu Karate Dojo Karate / taekwondo

1622 42nd St NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3002

+13193639874 All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Jung's Tae Kwon DO Karate / taekwondo

1510 Mt Vernon Rd SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

+13193632425 Website All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Kim's Olympic Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

1850 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-5810

+13198992229 Website All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Max Performance Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

202 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-1616

+13195586810 All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Release Tae Kwon DO Academy Karate / taekwondo

2347 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-1998

+13192941233 All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Wasenshikan Dojo Karate / taekwondo

1340 11th St NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405-1802

+13196408523 Website All Cedar Rapids martial arts schools

Iowa City 5

Akita-ken Dojo Karate / taekwondo

1604 Sycamore St, Iowa City, IA 52240-4666

All Iowa City martial arts schools

Hawkeye Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

Field House, 225 S Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA 52242-1111

+13193359282 Website All Iowa City martial arts schools

Iowa City Karate BJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondoMMA

2400 N Dodge St, Iowa City, IA 52245

🕒 Tuesdays & Thursdays at 5:45pm – 6:45pm

+13193212646 Website All Iowa City martial arts schools

Iowa City Kung Fu Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

225 N Lucas St, Iowa City, IA 52245

+13192142018 Website All Iowa City martial arts schools

Moy Yat Kung Fu of Iowa City Karate / taekwondo

533 Southgate Ave, Iowa City, IA 52240-4403

+13195943542 Website All Iowa City martial arts schools

Ankeny 4

C.O.B.R.A. Self Defense Iowa Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1975 N Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023-4707

+15152025287 Website All Ankeny martial arts schools

Dojo's Family Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1810 SW White Birch Cir, Ankeny, IA 50023

+15159639989 Website All Ankeny martial arts schools

Martial Arts America Free trial classKarate / taekwondo

621 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023-3418

+15159633494 Website All Ankeny martial arts schools

Spirit Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1975 N Ankeny Blvd Ste 111, Ankeny, IA 50023

5152025289 Website All Ankeny martial arts schools

Bettendorf 4

All Family Taekwondo - Bettendorf Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

4850 Competition Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722

+13096440378 Website All Bettendorf martial arts schools

Chung Kim's Black Belt Academy Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

1423 18th St, Bettendorf, IA 52722-4351

+15633597000 Website All Bettendorf martial arts schools

Evolution Martial Arts TKD Karate / taekwondo

3800 Tanglefoot Ln, Bettendorf, IA 52722

5632490978 All Bettendorf martial arts schools

Mellennia Taekwondo Quad Cities Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

2323 Cumberland Square Dr, Bettendorf, IA 52722-3251

+15635935094 Website All Bettendorf martial arts schools

Davenport 4

Chung Kim's Black Belt Academy Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

1910 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52803-2947

+15633597000 Website All Davenport martial arts schools

Gravert's ATA Black Belt Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1027 E 53rd St, Davenport, IA 52807-2616

+15633919344 Website All Davenport martial arts schools

Nick Tarpein's Martial Arts BJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

235 W 35th St, Davenport, IA 52806-6141

+15633864240 Website All Davenport martial arts schools

Ving Tsun Martial Art Association Karate / taekwondo

4551 Sheridan St, Davenport, IA 52806-4038

+15633496996 Website All Davenport martial arts schools

Urbandale 4

Des Moines Judo & Sambo Academy Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

2625 86th St, Urbandale, IA 50322-4337

+15159792286 Website All Urbandale martial arts schools

Des Moines Traditional Tae Kwon-Do Karate / taekwondo

2600 72nd St, Urbandale, IA 50322-4724

Website All Urbandale martial arts schools

Farrell's Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

3843 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323-2420

+15152550095 Website All Urbandale martial arts schools

Nakata Dojo Traditional Karate Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

3942 NW Urbandale Dr, Urbandale, IA 50322-7922

🕒 Monday through Thursday 7:30 pm

+15155058241 Website All Urbandale martial arts schools

West Des Moines 4

Black Eagle Martial Arts Karate / taekwondo

5905 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, IA 50266-7109

+15152261960 Website All West Des Moines martial arts schools

Dojo's Family Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1960 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265-4218

+15152237189 Website All West Des Moines martial arts schools

Xcel Martial Arts Karate / taekwondo

2218 Park Dr, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5767

+15159791102 Website All West Des Moines martial arts schools

Zero Dojo Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

2600 University Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50266-1456

+15154145531 Website All West Des Moines martial arts schools

Coralville 3

Anderson's Ata Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

1506 8th St, Coralville, IA 52241-1747

+13193311910 Website All Coralville martial arts schools

Mireu Martial Arts USA Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

2421 James St, Coralville, IA 52241

+13193382264 Website All Coralville martial arts schools

Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

2401 Coral Ct, Coralville, IA 52241

🕒 6pm-7pm

+13193391251 Website All Coralville martial arts schools

Dubuque 3

Dubuque Karate Club Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

805 Century Dr, Dubuque, IA 52002-3755

🕒 Monday: 5:15-7:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 PM

+15635838256 Website All Dubuque martial arts schools

Dubuque Martial Arts Group Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

3430 Dodge St, Dubuque, IA 52003-5207

+15635881012 Website All Dubuque martial arts schools

Springer's Tae Kwon-Do Karate / taekwondo

1880 Radford Rd, Dubuque, IA 52002-2272

+15635821400 Website All Dubuque martial arts schools

Marion 3

Bruce Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

139 Marion Blvd, Marion, IA 52302

(319) 929-0589 All Marion martial arts schools

Guardian Institute of Martial Arts Free trial classKarate / taekwondo

139 Marion Blvd, Marion, IA 52302-3135

🕒 Monday: 5-6PM

+13193828965 Website All Marion martial arts schools

Ultimate Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

1050 Lyons Ln, Marion, IA 52302

+13192028403 Website All Marion martial arts schools

Mason City 3

Okinawa Karate Goju Style Karate / taekwondo

616 N Federal Ave, Mason City, IA 50401-7020

+16414246264 Website All Mason City martial arts schools

RICE Tae Kwon Do - Mason City Karate / taekwondo

YMCA, 1840 S Monroe Ave, Mason City, IA 50401-5681

All Mason City martial arts schools

Summit Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

630 S Monroe Ave, Mason City, IA 50401

+16414304415 Website All Mason City martial arts schools

Sioux City 3

Marshall's Taekwondo Academy Karate / taekwondo

4118 Morningside Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106-2944

+17128989826 All Sioux City martial arts schools

Marshalls Taekwondo Academy Karate / taekwondo

4423 Springfield St, Sioux City, IA 51108-1345

+17122264400 All Sioux City martial arts schools

White Tiger Martial Arts - East Side Karate / taekwondo

3310 Line Dr, Sioux City, IA 51106

7122931733 Website All Sioux City martial arts schools

Ames 2

Ames ATA Black Belt Academy Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

227 Main St, Ames, IA 50010-6292

+15152909075 Website All Ames martial arts schools

Family Martial Arts Center Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

231 Main St, Ames, IA 50010-6237

+15152327002 Website All Ames martial arts schools

Clinton 2

Lyons Tae Kwon Do Academy Karate / taekwondo

123 Main Ave, Clinton, IA 52732-2316

+15632196969 All Clinton martial arts schools

Mellennia TaeKwonDo Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

2030 N 2nd St, Clinton, IA 52732-2536

+15635935094 Website All Clinton martial arts schools

Council Bluffs 2

Sanders ATA Martial Arts Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

2703 E Kanesville Blvd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-1003

+17123282884 Website All Council Bluffs martial arts schools

Sho Rei Shobu Kan BJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo

1600 High St, Council Bluffs, IA 51503

+17123221510 Website All Council Bluffs martial arts schools

Decorah 2

4Kicks Family Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

308 College Dr, Decorah, IA 52101-1342

+18106231853 Website All Decorah martial arts schools

Gray Falcon Family Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1014 S Mill St, Decorah, IA 52101-2461

+16513801044 Website All Decorah martial arts schools

Fort Dodge 2

Faiferlick Martial Arts Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

326 S 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-4316

🕒 Mon-Thurs 4pm – 8pm Fri 5pm – 7 pm Sat 1pm

+15155707532 Website All Fort Dodge martial arts schools

Iowa Central Community College Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

567 S 25th St, Fort Dodge, IA 50501-5527

+15155707532 Website All Fort Dodge martial arts schools

Grinnell 2

Gus CBBA Grinnell Free trial classBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo

1331 Hobart St, Grinnell, IA 50112

(641) 485-7625 Website All Grinnell martial arts schools

Jung's Grinnell & EV Karate / taekwondo

1020 Main St, Grinnell, IA 50112

(319) 430-0226 Website All Grinnell martial arts schools

Waterloo 2

Cedar Valley Taekwondo Karate / taekwondoMMA

669 S Hackett Rd, Waterloo, IA 50701-5632

+13192333531 Website All Waterloo martial arts schools

Iowa Shotokan Karate at MercyOne Fitness Center Karate / taekwondo

2204 Kimball Ave, Waterloo, IA 50702

+13192809227 All Waterloo martial arts schools

Waukee 2

Dojo's Family Martial Arts - Waukee Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

50 SE Laurel St, Waukee, IA 50263-8299

+15159639989 Website All Waukee martial arts schools

Tiger Rock Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

739 SE Alices Rd, Waukee, IA 50263-9646

🕒 Sun TIGER CUBS (AGES 4-5) 4:10-4:40 PM

+15159788070 Website All Waukee martial arts schools

Windsor Heights 2

Chinese Martial Arts Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

6565 University Ave, Windsor Heights, IA 50324-1728

🕒 Thursday, 6:00-7:00 pm Saturday, 11:00 am

+15152741065 Website All Windsor Heights martial arts schools

Shadow Fist Kung Fu and Tai Chi Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

7676 Hickman Rd, Windsor Heights, IA 50324-4510

+15153805590 Website All Windsor Heights martial arts schools

Adel 1

Raccoon Valley Martial Arts Academy Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

104 S 7th St, Adel, IA 50003

+15159933474 Website

Ainsworth 1

Ainsworth TKD Karate / taekwondo

835 Park St, Ainsworth, IA 52201

+13194301071 Website

Algona 1

Algona Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

Milestone Images, 109 E State St, Algona, IA 50511-2735

+15153204850

Altoona 1

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

204 8th St SE, Altoona, IA 50009

+15154470014 Website All Altoona martial arts schools

Burlington 1

Kingdom Karate - Bushidokankijitsu Martial Arts Karate / taekwondo

333 N Plane St, Burlington, IA 52601-2856

+13195720922 All Burlington martial arts schools

Carroll 1

Shin's Tae Kwon Do Academy Karate / taekwondo

Carroll, IA 51401

+17127925626 All Carroll martial arts schools

Cascade 1

Traditional Karate Club of Cascade Karate / taekwondo

1110 1st Ave E, Cascade, IA 52033-9540

+15638452890

Cedar Falls 1

Cedar Falls Karate Club Karate / taekwondo

2410 Melrose Dr, Cedar Falls, IA 50613-5234

+13192395738 Website All Cedar Falls martial arts schools

Center Point 1

Center Point Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

4202 Lewis Access Rd, Center Point, IA 52213

+13195210793

Centerville 1

McMahon's TaeKwon-Do & Self Defense Karate / taekwondo

300 W State St, Centerville, IA 52544

+16418955307

Charles City 1

Rice Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

200 N Main St, Charles City, IA 50616

+16414253748 Website All Charles City martial arts schools

Clear Lake 1

Kick Usa Karate Muay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

207 S 24th St, Clear Lake, IA 50428

+16414303846 Website

Clive 1

Master Jeong's Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

15920 Hickman Rd, Clive, IA 50325-8001

+15155182211 Website All Clive martial arts schools

De Witt 1

Mellennia DeWitt Martial Arts Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo

905 6th Ave, De Witt, IA 52742

5633573262 Website

Dyersville 1

Dyersville Karate Club Karate / taekwondo

1110 16th Ave SE, Dyersville, IA 52040-2374

+15153600251

Eldora 1

Freedom Kung fu Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1002 15th St, Eldora, IA 50627

🕒 Tue & THU 6-7 PM

+15039842712 Website

Emmetsburg 1

Emmetsburg Taekwondo Club Karate / taekwondo

8th & King Street, Emmetsburg, IA 50536

Fairfield 1

Han Lee's Tae Kwon Do Academy- Iowa, Inc. Karate / taekwondo

121 W Broadway Ave, Fairfield, IA 52556-3265

+16412338368 All Fairfield martial arts schools

Fayette 1

Warrior Servant Martial Arts Dojo Karate / taekwondo

100 S Main St, Fayette, IA 52142

+13192840384 Website

Guttenberg 1

Guttenberg Karate Club Karate / taekwondo

419 US-52, Guttenberg, IA 52052

+15635909953 Website

Indianola 1

Two Rivers Martial Arts Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

2406 W 2nd Ave, Indianola, IA 50125

+15152855049 Website

Johnston 1

Dojos Family Martial Arts- Johnston Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

8805 Chambery Blvd, Johnston, IA 50131-8801

+15154463630 Website

Keokuk 1

United Karate Studios- Keokuk, IA Karate / taekwondo

2126 Plank Rd, Keokuk, IA 52632-2843

+13195246724 All Keokuk martial arts schools

Lamoni 1

Heritage Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

133 E Main St, Lamoni, IA 50140

+16414425453 Website

Le Mars 1

LeMars TaeKwonDo Club Karate / taekwondo

201 12th St SE, Le Mars, IA 51031-2528

+17125402710 All Le Mars martial arts schools

Logan 1

Loess Hills Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo

112 S 4th Ave, Logan, IA 51546

+17122161687 Website

Maquoketa 1

Team Blue Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

106 S Main St, Maquoketa, IA 52060

+15636131136

Marshalltown 1

Tiger Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

1002 S 3rd Ave, Marshalltown, IA 50158-3329

+16417535796 Website All Marshalltown martial arts schools

Maxwell 1

Martial Arts America Maxwell Branch Free trial classKarate / taekwondo

Toots Cuttin Parlor, 70 Main St, Maxwell, IA 50161-4488

+15159712714 Website

Mt Pleasant 1

McMahon's Karate Karate / taekwondo

106 N Jefferson St, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641

+13195372887 All Mt Pleasant martial arts schools

Muscatine 1

Riverbend Tae Kwon Do Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

1903 Park Ave, Muscatine, IA 52761

🕒 Monday: 6:00 p.m

+15635527102 Website

Newton 1

Newton GusCBBA Free trial classBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo

1000 E 12th St S, Newton, IA 50208

(641) 485-7625 Website All Newton martial arts schools

North English 1

EV Tae Kwon Do Karate / taekwondo

210 S Main St, North English, IA 52316

+13194300226 Website

North Liberty 1

Anderson's ATA Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

990 238th St NE, North Liberty, IA 52317-9129

+13193311910 Website All North Liberty martial arts schools

Ottumwa 1

Guardian Jiujitsu and Judo BJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo

102 S Market St, Ottumwa, IA 52501-2921

+16417778371 Website

Palo 1

Watashi No Dojo Karate / taekwondo

2800 Hollenbeck Rd, Palo, IA 52324-9676

+14805183084

Pella 1

Triumph Martial Arts: Jiu-Jitsu • Taekwondo • Krav Maga BJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo

1582 Washington St, Pella, IA 50219

+18666488480 Website All Pella martial arts schools

Pleasant Hill 1

Shuren Kan Karate Karate / taekwondo

5050 Doanes Park Rd, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327

+15157102342

Robins 1

Revolution Martial Arts and Fitness Center Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

945 Robins Square Dr, Robins, IA 52411

+13195508328 Website

Rock Rapids 1

Rock Rapids Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo

312 1st Ave, Rock Rapids, IA 51246-1506

Storm Lake 1

Storm Lake Karate Kids classesKarate / taekwondo

800 Oneida St, Storm Lake, IA 50588-3209

+17127490777 Website

Walcott 1

Chung Kim's Black Belt Academy Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA

5226 200th St, Walcott, IA 52773-9501

+15635792699 Website

Waverly 1

Waverly Karate Club Karate / taekwondo

319 W Bremer Ave, Waverly, IA 50677-3144

🕒 Monday or Thursday at 5:45pm

+13196103299 Website

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 Iowa

Good to know about traditional martial arts schools

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.

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.