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National Karate - Academy of Martial Arts

Woodbury

Martial Arts & Karate Classes in Woodbury, MN

Confidence, Fitness & Life Skills for Kids, Teens and Adults

Book A 2-Week Trial

Owners and Directors

Hours of Operations

Mon-Fri:4:30pm – 9:00pm
Sat:9:00am – 3:00pm
Sun:Closed

View Class Schedule Our Curriculum

About Woodbury National Karate

Proudly providing karate lessons in Woodbury and the East Metro for over 15 years, Woodbury National Karate helps students grow stronger. Everyone agrees that martial arts education builds fitness, flexibility, coordination, and skill; we believe the real benefits are in the journey. Our purpose is to teach and develop martial arts skills, courage, respect, resilience and self-discipline through consistent training.

Our Woodbury martial arts classes in our climate-controlled school feature ample classroom space for safe training, a parent viewing area, a student warm-up room, restroom, and plenty of parking.

Families often find us through word-of-mouth, referrals, and consistently positive online reviews of our professional facility and highly skilled and motivated staff.

Our beginner classes focus on building strength, coordination, and balance through knowledgeable martial arts training. No prior experience is necessary to start. Our 2-week trial program includes a free uniform. Children’s classes run 30 minutes, youth, teen and adult classes run for 50 minutes. Our classes are sized so that instructors can give individualized attention.

We offer weekday after-school and evening karate lessons in Woodbury, plus Saturday classes. There’s convenient on-site parking. Languages: English and Spanish.

We participate in tournaments with a clear focus on developing poise and composure under pressure. Our tournament-preparation classes help students see how dedicated work and steady effort lead to growth and self-confidence. Over the past decade, our school has consistently placed among the top teams; an achievement we’re proud of because it reflects the commitment of our instructors, students, and families.

We’re neurodivergent-friendly. Classes follow a clear structure with step-by-step instruction and visual cues. Students can progress at an individualized pace. Our goal is a safe, respectful space where every athlete can build skills and self-belief.

Schools and organizations are welcome to reach out for demos, team-building, or custom events.

Try our two-week trial program and see why so many families trust us to inspire and develop highly engaged and capable students that are confident in what they can achieve with steady effort and commitment.

We understand how important your personal goals are to you, and we’ve been helping families achieve their martial arts goals with the kind of support and encouragement that you would expect from a leader in the industry. Our highly skilled and motivated staff understand the nuances that are required to help each individual approach their martial arts education with respect and dignity throughout their journey

Meet our Leadership Team & Instructors

Ms. Paula Aburto is a 7th-degree Black Belt and Co-Owner/Director of National Karate—Woodbury. She has loved martial arts since childhood and dreamed of becoming a black belt. The day she achieved her National Karate Black Belt remains one of her most rewarding milestones.

She and her husband, 8th Degree Master Jesse Zaragoza, co-own and teach at the school with their children: 4th Degree Roane Zaragoza and 2nd Degree Joram Zaragoza (Manager/Head Instructor & Assistant Manager/Lead Instructor), and 4th Degree Aaron McCauley (Adjunct Instructor), making theirs a true martial arts family.

What People Are Saying About Us

Dr. Angie Barsness

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

We have been so impressed with this karate 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!

Eric Monson

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Woodbury National Karate is top notch! All of the instructors have high standards of excellence and do a fantastic job of working with every single student to reach their full potential. When we signed up our daughter I did not anticipate how much she would love karate, but 6 years later she is still going strong and I believe a big reason is the passion and drive of the owners and instructors.

Jaime Willoughby

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

If you want to learn Karate, this is a great place no matter your age. You will receive a great foundation of the basics here and they help you achieve your goal no matter what belt level you want to achieve. Just a warning, karate is addicting, once one member of the family starts others want to join in.

Robert Bass

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Works personally with the development of each person. Encourages individual development and keeps all involved up to date on progress. All staff are approachable and are willing to listen to concerns.

Cathy Bomberg

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I am truly humbled to be a student at Woodbury National Karate. I found a school willing to take me on.
I am 68 years old. I had my first lesson with Master Carnahan on September 6, 1989 when I was 35 years old. Many of my friends and family couldn’t understand why I would start doing such a physical and mentally challenging sport at my age. I was simply tired of the treadmill, yoga and gym classes.
I am thankful for my instructors: Ms. Paula Aburto, Mr. Jesse Zaragoza, Mr. R. Zaragoza and Mr. J. Zaragoza. They each have the patience of a saint working with me. I really appreciate the expertise and experience of the instructors. In addition to being experts in their fields, they are wonderful people in all ways. They have been good to me since day one.
My age limits me sometimes for certain moves, but my instructors inspire me to work hard and do the best I can. Proper form and doing good karate all stem back to the school giving you your training.
It is truly a humbling experience to be trained in such an excellent school with instructors who understand me.

Book a 2-Week Trial

Includes required training uniform