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Local services · Roanoke, VA/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Martial Arts Schools in Roanoke, VA

Explore Roanoke's best martial arts schools, perfect for all skill levels and ages.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceLindamood's Martial Arts Center
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Roanoke-metro martial arts businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Martial arts schools in Roanoke, VA, offer a variety of disciplines and training styles, catering to everyone from beginners to advanced practitioners. With a focus on discipline, fitness, and self-defense, these schools play a vital role in the community, fostering confidence and resilience in their students.

Our list of the best martial arts schools was compiled through meticulous evaluation of local offerings, taking into account real customer reviews and satisfaction ratings. Each school was assessed for its training quality, class variety, and community reputation, ensuring that our rankings reflect only the best options available.

10providers evaluated in Roanoke
4.92average rating across the field
510customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does this service cost in Roanoke? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
Editor's Choice
96Score

Lindamood's Martial Arts Center

★★★★★5.0(104 reviews)

With a 5-star rating from 104 reviews, Lindamood's Martial Arts Center stands out for its diverse class offerings and exceptional instructors.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Roanoke Taekwondo & Ninja Academy

★★★★★4.9(74 reviews)

Roanoke Taekwondo & Ninja Academy has earned a 4.9-star rating from 74 reviews, making it a favorite for those looking for value.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Excel Martial Arts

★★★★★4.8(116 reviews)

Excel Martial Arts boasts a 4.8-star rating from 116 reviews, reflecting its popularity in the Roanoke area.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
5.0★★★★★
104Families and beginners
2
95Score
4.9★★★★★
74Value-conscious families
3
Excel Martial Arts
Excel Martial Arts
Most Reviewed
94Score
4.8★★★★★
116All ages and skill levels
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
41Jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts
5
91Score
4.9★★★★★
50Children and families
6
90Score
4.9★★★★★
44Traditional taekwondo enthusiasts
7
89Score
5.0★★★★★
22Self-defense training
8
88Score
5.0★★★★★
18Beginner and experienced practitioners
9
83Score
4.7★★★★★
33Diverse martial arts training
10
82Score
5.0★★★★★
8Traditional Kung Fu enthusiasts
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 providers.

We evaluated ten martial arts schools in Roanoke based on their customer ratings and the number of reviews. Schools that received consistent positive feedback from their students were rated higher, showcasing their commitment to quality instruction and community engagement. No school pays for placement on our list, ensuring an unbiased ranking.

This ranking is refreshed monthly, incorporating the latest reviews and ratings to provide the most accurate representation of the best martial arts schools in Roanoke. Our last update was on June 13, 2026, ensuring you have the latest information at your fingertips.

The Vetted Score: six weighted factors

Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%

Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Lindamood's Martial Arts Center

★★★★★5.0(104 reviews)
96Score

With a 5-star rating from 104 reviews, Lindamood's Martial Arts Center stands out for its diverse class offerings and exceptional instructors. Parents appreciate the welcoming environment, while students praise the effective teaching methods. However, some mention that class sizes can be larger than expected, which may affect individual attention. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is families and beginners. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $100 to $200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are larger class sizes and limited evening hours.

Pros

  • Diverse class options
  • Experienced instructors
  • Strong community support

Cons

  • Larger class sizes
  • Limited evening hours
Best forFamilies and beginners
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $200 per month
2
Best Value

Roanoke Taekwondo & Ninja Academy

★★★★★4.9(74 reviews)
95Score

Roanoke Taekwondo & Ninja Academy has earned a 4.9-star rating from 74 reviews, making it a favorite for those looking for value. Reviewers commend the engaging instructors and structured programs that promote discipline and respect. However, a few users noted that the facility is smaller, which might limit space during peak times.

Pros

  • Engaging instructors
  • Structured programs
  • Affordable pricing

Cons

  • Smaller facility
  • Limited advanced classes
Best forValue-conscious families
Service areaRoanoke and nearby communities
Typical pricing$100 to $180 per month
3
Most Reviewed

Excel Martial Arts

★★★★★4.8(116 reviews)
94Score

Excel Martial Arts boasts a 4.8-star rating from 116 reviews, reflecting its popularity in the Roanoke area. Reviewers appreciate the focus on personal growth and self-defense techniques. Classes cater to various ages and skill levels. A downside is that some classes may fill up quickly, requiring advance registration. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is all ages and skill levels. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $120 to $200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are classes can fill quickly and limited parking space.

Pros

  • Focus on personal growth
  • Self-defense techniques
  • Wide age range of classes

Cons

  • Classes can fill quickly
  • Limited parking space
Best forAll ages and skill levels
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$120 to $200 per month
4

Kaizen Jiu Jitsu Roanoke

★★★★★5.0(41 reviews)
92Score

With a perfect 5-star rating from 41 reviews, Kaizen Jiu Jitsu Roanoke offers specialized training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students commend the knowledgeable instructors and the supportive atmosphere. While many find the training effective, some newcomers may feel intimidated by the advanced skill level of some participants. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is jiu-Jitsu enthusiasts. It serves Roanoke and nearby areas, with $100 to $180 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are intimidating for newcomers and limited class times.

Pros

  • Specialized training
  • Supportive atmosphere
  • Knowledgeable instructors

Cons

  • Intimidating for newcomers
  • Limited class times
Best forJiu-Jitsu enthusiasts
Service areaRoanoke and nearby areas
Typical pricing$100 to $180 per month
5

Super Kicks Karate

★★★★★4.9(50 reviews)
91Score

Super Kicks Karate has a solid 4.9-star rating from 50 reviews, attracting families with its kid-friendly classes and emphasis on character development. Parents appreciate the focus on discipline and respect. However, some parents mention that the facility could use more space for larger classes. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is children and families. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $90 to $160 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are space limitations and less variety in advanced classes.

Pros

  • Kid-friendly classes
  • Focus on character development
  • Family-oriented environment

Cons

  • Space limitations
  • Less variety in advanced classes
Best forChildren and families
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$90 to $160 per month
6

Star City Taekwondo

★★★★★4.9(44 reviews)
90Score

Star City Taekwondo has earned a 4.9-star rating from 44 reviews, noted for its strong emphasis on traditional taekwondo techniques and values. Students appreciate the discipline instilled during training. Some reviewers, however, have mentioned that the class schedules can be inflexible, which may not suit everyone's availability. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is traditional taekwondo enthusiasts. It serves Roanoke and nearby communities, with $100 to $180 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inflexible class schedules and limited adult classes.

Pros

  • Strong traditional focus
  • Emphasis on discipline
  • Positive community feedback

Cons

  • Inflexible class schedules
  • Limited adult classes
Best forTraditional taekwondo enthusiasts
Service areaRoanoke and nearby communities
Typical pricing$100 to $180 per month
7

Krav Maga Roanoke

★★★★★5.0(22 reviews)
89Score

Krav Maga Roanoke has a perfect 5-star rating from 22 reviews, specializing in self-defense training. Reviewers highlight the practical applications taught in classes and the supportive instructors. However, the limited class size may result in a waitlist for new students at times. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is self-defense training. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $120 to $200 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited class size and potential waitlist for new students.

Pros

  • Practical self-defense training
  • Supportive instructors
  • Effective techniques

Cons

  • Limited class size
  • Potential waitlist for new students
Best forSelf-defense training
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$120 to $200 per month
8

Star City Jiu-Jitsu Academy

★★★★★5.0(18 reviews)
88Score

Star City Jiu-Jitsu Academy has a 5-star rating from 18 reviews, offering a welcoming environment for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Reviewers praise the quality of instruction and the camaraderie among students. Nevertheless, some users noted that class times may not be convenient for everyone. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is beginner and experienced practitioners. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $100 to $160 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconvenient class times and small class sizes.

Pros

  • Welcoming environment
  • Quality instruction
  • Camaraderie among students

Cons

  • Inconvenient class times
  • Small class sizes
Best forBeginner and experienced practitioners
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $160 per month
9

Hybrid -- Jiu-Jitsu * judo * Muay Thai

★★★★★4.7(33 reviews)
83Score

Hybrid -- Jiu-Jitsu * judo * Muay Thai has a solid 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews. It offers a unique blend of martial arts styles, appealing to those interested in diverse training. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable instructors, but some mention that the facility might not have the best amenities compared to others.

Pros

  • Diverse martial arts styles
  • Knowledgeable instructors
  • Unique training approach

Cons

  • Basic facilities
  • Less focus on traditional styles
Best forDiverse martial arts training
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$100 to $170 per month
10

Roanoke Kung Fu Association

★★★★★5.0(8 reviews)
82Score

Roanoke Kung Fu Association has a perfect 5-star rating from 8 reviews, specializing in traditional Kung Fu training. While the school is praised for its authentic instruction, the limited number of reviews makes it promising but unproven for many potential students. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is traditional Kung Fu enthusiasts. It serves Roanoke and nearby communities, with $90 to $160 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and small student base.

Pros

  • Authentic instruction
  • Focus on traditional techniques
  • Small class sizes

Cons

  • Limited reviews
  • Small student base
Best forTraditional Kung Fu enthusiasts
Service areaRoanoke and nearby communities
Typical pricing$90 to $160 per month
Before you book

How to choose a martial arts school in Roanoke

Choosing the right martial arts school involves considering several factors, including class offerings, teaching styles, and community reputation. Here are key points to guide your decision.

Class Variety

Look for schools that offer a range of classes to suit different interests, whether it's traditional martial arts, self-defense, or mixed martial arts.

Instructor Experience

Research instructors' backgrounds and qualifications to ensure they have the expertise to provide quality training.

Community Feedback

Check online reviews and testimonials to gauge the experiences of current and former students.

Trial Classes

Take advantage of trial classes to get a feel for the school's environment and teaching style before committing.

What it costs

What martial arts training costs in Roanoke

Martial arts training costs can vary widely based on the school, location, and type of classes offered. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay in Roanoke.

Monthly Membership$100 to $200 per month for unlimited classes, depending on the school and level of instruction.
Per Class Fee$10 to $30 per class for drop-in participants or those not ready for a membership.
Private Lessons$50 to $100 per hour for one-on-one instruction, which can be beneficial for personalized training.
Uniform and Gear$50 to $150 for uniforms and safety gear, often required for participation in classes.

Frequently asked questions

How much does martial arts training cost in Roanoke?

Prices typically range from $90 to $200 per month, depending on the school and class offerings.

What types of martial arts are available in Roanoke?

Roanoke offers various styles including Taekwondo, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, and Kung Fu.

How often is this ranking updated?

We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.

Our verdict

For most Roanoke families: Lindamood's Martial Arts Center

The top choice for martial arts in Roanoke is Lindamood's Martial Arts Center, known for its diverse class offerings and community atmosphere. Following closely are Roanoke Taekwondo & Ninja Academy, which provides great value, and Excel Martial Arts, recognized for its extensive review base and quality instruction.