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National Karate - Academy of Martial Arts

About National Karate

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.

What National Karate Teaches

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.

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.

Your Journey to Excellence Starts Here

“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.

– Grand Master John Worley

Our Results In Numbers

What our customers say about us

B Eagle profile picture
B Eagle
1 year ago
Great instructors and staffs. The Thrones are awesome. We love coming back to attend classes or karate camps here. The best karate school designs we ever came across!
Ben Lundquist profile picture
Ben Lundquist
1 year ago
I highly recommend this school from anyone with kids , to adults looking to learn real self defense . The owner is outstanding , the staff is incredible and the facility itself is new and top notch. Great atmosphere surrounded by great people
Freda Lee profile picture
Freda Lee
2 years ago
We get the opportunity to check out different Nk school and Hopkins always a welcoming place to visit. The owner and instructors are wonderful! Our kids have a great experience here!
Photo from customer review
Jake Shevik profile picture
Jake Shevik
2 years ago
Great school that respects the tradition and art of Karate. Outstanding instructors that are passionately committed to education. Amazing environment that fosters growth. My son loves it, he feels safe, and is motivated to succeed because of this dynamic team.
Lily Rubinchik profile picture
Lily Rubinchik
3 years ago
I’ve been going to Hopkins NK for a while now and it’s really engaging. The instructors are a great combination of nice and critical.
Katia Rubinchik profile picture
Katia Rubinchik
3 years ago
I’m a red belt in this school and you really get this sense of community when you’re there :)
Rebeca Hibbard profile picture
Rebeca Hibbard
5 years ago
Our son was displaced when the Plymouth NK closed. Hopkins NK welcomed him from the very beginning. The thing I appreciate most as a parent is that they always let you know what to expect for practice times, and any holiday closures well in advance. They encourage the students to get to know one another, which we really appreciate for our shy son. We love this place.
Jessica Wright profile picture
Jessica Wright
5 years ago
Although my son didn’t want to participate they were very good with trying to make him feel comfortable. Hopefully he will change his mind because they were great with him!

*2 week trial is a one-time offer for new students only. Uniform purchase required.