Our Mission
Men, women and children develop strength in the body, honesty in the heart and true mental confidence through the dedicated practice of National Karate martial arts. National Karate Academy of Martial Arts has been training students to achieve excellence since 1973. Grandmasters and 10th Degree Black Belts, John Worley and Larry Carnahan have inspired thousands of students and established one of the top martial arts schools in the world. Children will develop discipline and coordination skills in an exciting learning environment. Youth build focus, self-esteem, and leadership skills through our professional designed curriculum. Adults are empowered in their fitness goals while learning self-defense. Whether a preschool child needs to begin improving social skills or a teen dreams of success at national competitions, our professional black belt instructors will help students achieve these goals. According to Grandmaster Worley, “The only way to fail on your personal path to realizing your dreams is to quit.” Come join National Karate Academy of Martial Arts and begin on your journey to excellence.
Our Legacy
Established in 1973, National Karate is Minnesota’s largest professional karate and self-defense school. Over fifty thousand Minnesotans of all ages have been benefited from NK training which combines ancient eastern martial arts methods with state-of-the-art training tools designed to help prepare students for the challenge of modern America. There are twenty schools in the Twin Cities, two in the St. Cloud, MN area, one in Rochester, MN, four in Illinois, one in Colorado Springs, CO and one in Milwaukee, WI. All National Karate Schools are staffed by professional instructors who are concerned for your progress, safety, and personal development. Our instructors receive ongoing training, both in the martial arts and in best practice teaching methods. NK self-defense programs have been conducted at Augsburg College, The Boys and Girls Clubs, General Mills, Best Buy, Nash-Finch, and dozens of child care centers and public and private schools. Our organization is like a tight-knit family. All National Karate instructors and owners earned their black belts through our thorough testing process. They are part of one of the largest martial arts organizations in the mid-west. Our instructors take pride in the quality of their students. From 1973 to present day, the quality of our black belts is second to none. Many of our students and instructors are nationally and world rated competitors in the North American Sport Karate Association.
Our Results in Numbers
Studies have found that children in martial arts have an increased sense of responsibility, and a higher sense of self-esteem.
National Karate Academy of Martial Arts has been training students to achieve excellence since 1973. Grandmasters and 10th Degree Black Belts, John Worley and Larry Carnahan have inspired thousands of students and established one of the top martial arts schools in the world.
Children will develop discipline and coordination skills in an exciting learning environment. Youth build focus, self-esteem, and leadership skills through our professional designed curriculum. Adults are empowered in their fitness goals while learning self-defense. Whether a preschool child needs to begin improving social skills or a teen dreams of success at national competitions, our professional black belt instructors will help students achieve these goals.
According to Grandmaster Worley, “The only way to fail on your personal path to realizing your dreams is to quit.” Come join National Karate Academy of Martial Arts and begin on your journey to excellence.
Dr. Angie Barsness
We have been so impressed with National Karate Academy of Marial Arts school for our son. Instructors are so passionate and committed, they command respect from the students in such a kind way. Always amazed by the structure of the lesson with multiple children of varying age levels and ability working together and learning from one another. Instructors call children by name and are fabulous at what they do. Love the flexibility to participate in various class times each week, really caters to busy families nicely. Thank you for what you do!
Gary Wilkins
A fun energetic family atmosphere, we have two daughters enrolled and they are flourishing under the direction of the instructors/leadership at [National Karate]. I highly recommend National Karate, so much so I joined myself!
Sariah Marth
My daughter stared attending classes at National Karate about a month ago. She’s a shy 5-year-old who has some motor development delays, and we wanted to put her in a martial arts class to help her improve her stability, balance, and motor skills, gain confidence, and to be able to use these skills as a lifelong practice. Before we found NK, we tried another martial arts studio, and they told me that my daughter “wasn’t ready” to practice due to her delays. So, we decided to try another studio. From the moment [we] met, the team at National Karate have believed in my daughter, encouraged her, and done everything in their power to help her grow and learn. She has been attending for about a month and I am in awe and thrilled with the changes I see in my daughter. She LOVES her class and instructors, she is so much more confident, has better balance, works so hard, and is so proud of what she is learning. We are so proud of the skills she is developing, physical skills and also less tangible lessons, like respect, focus, commitment, and a work ethic. It is truly incredible. The team at National Karate is always so kind, attentive, and encouraging. As a mom, I could not ask for any better instructors to teach my daughter than those at NK. 10 out of 10 – would recommend!
Max Mitchell
If you, or your children are interested in learning the “Art” of Karate, you will not find a better place. NK is special for many reasons; however, the Team is what sets it apart from all the others. If you want to hold yourself or your children to the highest of standards, you will love NK. Learning Karate is only part of what you will take away from this program. They use words like respect, discipline, commitment, focus, honor and mental fortitude. This is not a program that “hands out belts,” you must earn them. If you are looking for instant gratification, you should look elsewhere. My two sons have not only learned what success feels like, they have learned how to handle disappointment and failure. While they love the success, the disappointment and failure have taught them how to fall, getup, and do what it takes to succeed. This program teaches kids how to adapt, adjust and overcome, and kids today need these skills more than ever. We have met a great group of people that makeup the NK family, so if you have every wanted to challenge yourself or your children, check them out. Remember, you must earn your achievements at this school.
Mark Bernarde
National karate is a fantastic program. They teach karate but they are big on respect and the tradition of martial arts. My 4-year-old grandson attends there, and I’m amazed at what it’s done for him.
Allan Hunt
We have been [with] National Karate for 4 years. Their curriculum is appropriately challenging. It is a very positive environment. My son recently earned his first-degree black belt and was very well prepared by [the] staff. My youngest son is a brown belt. Both of our boys look forward to their training session. I can endorse, without hesitation, National Karate [studios].
Cathy Wilson
My son has been going to National Karate School for over three years now and the level of instruction is amazing. With several karate championships under their belts—as individuals and as a team—it is good to know they have plenty of experience in sparring and in forms. And the results definitely show—my son has won many tournaments! This school also feels like a second family to me since they have given my son great confidence and a wonderful sense of achievement. I would definitely recommend any child or even any ADULT signing up for their school—you won’t regret it.
Jeff Goodwater
Mindful of different age groups also very friendly across-the-board great place to take your kids not as you know a babysitter to drop off and go do things but to sit and watch them progress through the training that is provided very knowledgeable staff and pleasant.
Anna Hurwitz
I love National Karate!! My instructors are kind, and always helping me be the best I can be. I started the program a couple months ago and I’m having an amazing time!! I would definitely recommend National Karate to anyone who wants to try karate!
Gabe Shinder
I have been going to this karate school my whole life and I met my best friends there and I have never looked back since. Going to the [National] Karate school was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my whole life. Not only did the people there treat me like family but I learned the proper way to defend yourself and to fight back.
Stanley Thompson
I’ve been going to this school for years and I have never thought of leaving or canceling my program. The instructors are always ready and happy to help and truly want their students to succeed. There used to be a problem with management, but the new head instructor is as good as they come. Can’t wait till my daughter is old enough to enroll.
Tiffany M.
We love the instructors at National Karate. The instructors have high expectations for all students and will ‘go the extra mile’ to help everyone achieve their personal goals; becoming the best martial artist they can be.
Kris Stanek Pastor
Been a great place for our son to excel in confidence and strength. Almost to his 3rd degree Black Belt! Thanks, National Karate!
Jason Brezee
I highly recommend National Karate [Academy] of Martial Arts, as over the past 6 years they have fostered exceptional life skills for my boys ~ respect, responsibility, focus, sportsmanship, commitment, discipline, independence, enthusiasm & integrity. Other than practicing these life skills, my boys have also become much better with public speaking, presentation and have grown a lot with their self-confidence. They also continue to try their best to become the best role models in the community as possible. I am very proud of them.
Lisa Fagan
It’s a wonderful supportive environment. Firm and compassionate, they don’t let kids off the hook from achieving their full potential. NK always felt like a family. My daughter received her black belt, which seemed inconceivable when we began the program. Karate has given her confidence, respect and discipline. I highly recommend National Karate!
Megan Basinger
It’s been fulfilling for me as a parent to watch my kids learn and thrive through the martial arts training at NK. They each have distinctly different personalities that are enhanced by the program: my energetic child has grown more focused, controlled, and coordinated; the reserved one has been drawn out of his shell and built confidence. I have great admiration for the instructors and the knowledge and effort they put into each student. They’ve helped make my kids stronger people.
Julia Armstrong
These training programs are the best in the state. The coaches are great, patient and supportive. Great job!
Nick Sullivan
I enjoyed training with the coach greatly. Thank you for the amazing opportunity and awesome experience.
Sam Jones
My kids love your school. Professional and individual approach is key in this job. So, thank you a lot.