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Kobukan Martial Arts Academy

4.9 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Norfolk, Virginia

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens Cardio kickboxing Private lessons

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
  • Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
  • Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 4–11) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
  • Private lessons one-on-one coaching available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kmadojo.org — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 757-748-7847

Hours

Monday 5:30–9 pm
Tuesday 5:30–9 pm
Wednesday 5:30–9 pm
Thursday 5:30–9 pm
Friday 5:30–8 pm
Saturday 8:45 am–2 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays and class-schedule changes — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Kickboxing classes on the schedule at Kobukan Martial Arts Academy, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🔥 Cardio Kickboxing 2 mentions

“Coach Grace brings such fantastic energy to every kickboxing class.”

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🧒 Kids Kickboxing 27 mentions

“Kobukan has an amazing approach to working with children – the instructors are kind, patient, and truly know how to motivate kids.”

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🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“As a complete beginner, I was a bit nervous at first, but the instructors and fellow students made me feel welcome and supported from day one.”

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👤 Private Lessons

“The instructors are wonderful and when a student struggles they always take the time to help one-on-one.”

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Other martial arts here

Kickboxing gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Kobukan Martial Arts Academy — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 8 mentions

“I have been attending the adult BJJ classes since October and have really come to love this place, it’s a great gym with an incredible community that I love being a part of!”

Other gyms that also teach brazilian jiu-jitsu →

🥋 Karate 12 mentions

“My eldest son is enrolled here in the kids classes for both Karate and BJJ and so far he loves it.”

Other gyms that also teach karate →

🛡️ Self-Defense 2 mentions

“I like how they are teaching not only self defense, but self-discipline and responsibility.”

Other gyms that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want muay thai, boxing, or MMA alongside your kickboxing, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 154 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 6 mentions

“As a complete beginner, I was a bit nervous at first, but the instructors and fellow students made me feel welcome and supported from day one.”

🎉 fun, high-energy classes 2 mentions

“I ve been training at Kobukan Martial Arts Academy for about 3 weeks now, and I'm absolutely hooked on their BJJ classes!”

🧒 strong kids program 7 mentions

“To give my kids the knowledge and confidence for the rest of their lives is what they have gained being at Kobukan.”

🧠 builds confidence & relieves stress 6 mentions

“Together, the instructors have created a safe, empowering, and positive environment where kids thrive and gain confidence.”

🤝 friendly, family gym 8 mentions

“If you're looking for a great place to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a supportive environment, look no further than Kobukan Martial Arts Academy.”

From the reviews

Kobukan Martial Arts Academy is an excellent place to learn Karate 🥋and much more! All of the instructors are professional, disciplined, patient and understanding! They’re great with kids too! My daughter loves going here and is always looking forward to her next Karate class!

★★★★★ — Cj'S, Sep 2021

I had been looking for a good place to take my boys too. Where they could learn to be apart of a class, and make friends. Being schooled from home they need the interaction and to learn from other adults. Their training couldn't be in better hands. Mr.

★★★★★ — J, Dec 2024

We went for the free first class because my 8 year old was looking to get into something but we had no idea where to start. We will definitely be getting into more classes!! He had a blast and jumped right in.

★★★★★ — Melissa, Dec 2024

My wife and I were looking for a good place for our 9 year old to start karate. By luck we discovered Kobukan nearby. We were even more fortunate to discover that Mr. Ron is here. Many years ago our older daughter ( Our kids are 15 years apart) took karate under him through a different organization.

★★★★★ — Jo, Mar 2019

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 154 reviews →

New to kickboxing? Start at Kobukan Martial Arts Academy

Kobukan Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym, going by their listing and members’ reviews. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first kickboxing class at Kobukan Martial Arts Academy

Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Kickboxing is a contact sport. Warm up, pace yourself, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Kobukan Martial Arts Academy

4552 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk, VA23502

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.