Traditional Martial Arts Schools in Washington, DC
18 of the 33 martial arts schools we list in Washington 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.
BETA Academy Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondoMMA
1353 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20009-4807
Capital Kyokushinkaikan DC Dojo Karate / taekwondo
5200 Sherier Pl NW, Washington, DC 20016
DC Aikido Martial Arts Kids classesBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo
2639 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008-1537
DC Dragon's Karate Training Center Karate / taekwondo
1731 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20018
DC Judo Kids classesBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo
3415 8th St NE, Washington, DC 20017
DC Moy Yat Ving Tsun Kung Fu Club Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
5200 Cathedral Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
DC Self Defense Karate Association Karate / taekwondo
1716 Newton St NW, Washington, DC 20010
DC Shotokan Karate Club Karate / taekwondo
3265 S St NW, Washington, DC 20007-2945
DragonGate DC Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
1234 Quincy St NE, Washington, DC 20017
Gentle East Taekwondo - DC Karate / taekwondo
1711 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036-3001
Hung Tao Choi Mei Leadership Institute Kids classesKarate / taekwondoMMA
1351 U St NW, Washington, DC 20009
JTR Jujutsu International Kids classesFree trial classBJJ / grapplingKarate / taekwondo
4429 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016-2141
Northeast Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
3520 12th St NE, Washington, DC 20017-2544
Premier Martial Arts Kids classesMuay thai / kickboxingKarate / taekwondo
2009 Walt Lincoln Way NE, Washington, DC 20002-1662
Samurai Training Academy Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
613 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Tae Kwon Do College - Capitol Hill Kids classesFree trial classKarate / taekwondo
820 6th St NE, Washington, DC 20002-4326
🕒 beginner classes are held at 6:00 p.m. on ...
Team Yoo Taekwondo Kids classesKarate / taekwondo
5185 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016-3341
Tornado Taekwondo Karate / taekwondo
605 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002-1232
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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.