Martial Arts & Karate Classes in Bloomington, MN
Confidence, Fitness & Life Skills for Kids, Teens and Adults
Owners and Directors
Hours of Operations
Mon-Fri:4:30pm – 9:00pm
Sat:9:00am – 3:00pm
Sun:Closed
Why Choose National Karate Bloomington
National Karate Bloomington has been serving the Bloomington community quality martial arts instruction for over 20 years. We believe in empowering others to reach their full potential and impacting them by inspiring a sense of purpose and self-confidence.
Mr. Matthew Jarvi and Mrs. Kairstin Jarvi bought the school in 2024.Our Bloomington location has been voted the “Best Marital Arts School in Bloomington” the last two years (2024 & 2025).
Classes range from 30-40 minutes long and we try to have a 8-1 student teacher ratio. All students are provided their own uniform to wear when they start their first introductory program. We offer 4-5 classes per week for each age group and belt level, and all classes are unlimited drop-in style when registered on our regular programs.
Our hours are Monday through Friday, 5PM to 8:30PM and Saturdays 9:00AM to 12:00PM. We have ample parking in the Normandale Village strip mall where we’re located, and are surrounded by a grocery store, several restaurants and a variety of other businesses.
We are currently partnered with St. Stephen’s, a local preschool. We offer a once-a-week fall, winter and spring session. The kids learn about life skills, like responsibility and respect, while doing a fun physical activity. We’re hoping to partner with more local organizations to teach kids how to handle bullies and give them confidence in their bodies.
We are an inclusive school – offering a variety of different teaching styles for neurodivergent children or children with special needs.
Our Martial Arts Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults
We offer age-specific martial arts classes in Bloomington to ensure every student receives training that matches their skill level and personal goals.
- Kids classes focus on listening skills, coordination, and confidence
- Teen programs build discipline, focus, and leadership
- Adult classes combine fitness, self-defense, and stress relief
Each program is designed to help students progress at their own pace while building strength, flexibility, and real-world self-defense skills.
Self-Defense & Confidence-Building Training
Our Bloomington martial arts programs emphasize practical self-defense techniques that can be applied in real-life situations. Students learn awareness, control, and how to respond confidently under pressure. Beyond physical skills, training helps improve mental focus, self-discipline, and overall confidence—benefits that extend into school, work, and everyday life.
Bloomington Martial Arts and Karate Classes
Meet our Leadership Team & Instructors
Mr. Matthew Jarvi began his martial arts training in 1994 and earned his first-degree black belt in 1999. He currently holds the rank of 6th degree black belt and is the co-owner of the West Bloomington National Karate location. Mr. Jarvi has been involved with National Karate for over 30 years and has been teaching for the organization for over 25 years. For the past 21 years, he has served his country in the Air National Guard and continues to serve on active duty. His dedication, leadership, and military experience inspire his students to grow in discipline, confidence, and character.
Mrs. Kairstin Jarvi began her martial arts training in 2006 and earned her first-degree black belt in 2009. She currently holds the rank of 5th degree black belt and is the co-owner of the West Bloomington National Karate location. Mrs. Jarvi has been involved with National Karate for 20 years and has been teaching for the organization for 17 years. She went to Arizona State University to study Communications and she uses her experience to help students thrive both inside and outside the martial arts school. Her passion for teaching and encouraging others supports students in becoming the best versions of themselves.
What People Are Saying About Us
Book a 2-Week Trial
Includes required training uniform
FAQs
The youngest age children typically start practicing with National Karate is 4 years old. Some schools may take children as young as 3, but that is at the discretion of the school director. Each school director and their staff will evaluate each potential student’s readiness and make recommendations to the parents.
No experience is needed to start learning with National Karate. Our professional instructors guide new students through learning the foundational skills of martial arts practice. Our structured curriculum and advancement program standarizes learning at each age and level. Expectations for advancement are clear. Every student and instructor remembers that they also started as a new white belt and honors the work done at this beginning level.
The benefits of karate extend beyond the physical body encompassing development of mental capacities and emotional well-being. Each class works the entire body — improving balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health. Study of combinations and forms challenge the brain and improve memory and quick thinking skills while performing under stress prepares students to react calmly and with control under pressure both in and out of the classroom.