Scranton's martial arts scene is growing, with several schools offering varied disciplines. Here's how to find the right fit for you.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoicePride Lands MMA Academy
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Scranton-metro martial arts businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Scranton, the martial arts landscape is emerging with a mix of traditional and modern disciplines. The competition may be thin, but the commitment to quality training is evident at the top-rated schools.
We evaluated 10 local martial arts schools based on their Vetted Scores, which combine star ratings and review counts. Each school is assessed fairly, with no business paying for placement in our rankings.
10martial arts schools evaluated in Scranton
4.97average rating across the field
400customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
Individuals wanting personalized attention in judo
Methodology
How we evaluated all 10 martial arts schools.
To rank these martial arts schools, we analyzed their star ratings and the number of reviews each received. A robust review count is essential in a market where many providers have fewer than 50 reviews, indicating that trust is still forming among local students.
Our rankings are refreshed monthly, ensuring that the information reflects the most current data available. We prioritize transparency and objectivity in our evaluations, so you can make an informed decision.
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.
With a perfect rating of 5 stars from 114 reviews, Pride Lands MMA Academy earns high praise for its skilled instructors and welcoming atmosphere. Students appreciate the variety of classes offered, catering to all ages and skill levels. While the facility is well-maintained, some may find it a bit crowded during peak hours.
Pros
Skilled instructors
Welcoming atmosphere
Variety of classes
Cons
Can be crowded during peak hours
Limited parking
Best forFamilies and beginners looking for a supportive environment
Gracie NEPA Grappling Club has a 5-star rating based on 77 reviews, highlighting its focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Reviewers commend the knowledgeable coaches and the strong sense of community. However, some may find the class times limited, which could be a drawback for those with busy schedules. 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 individuals serious about grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It serves Scranton, PA, with $80 to $120 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited class times and smaller facility.
Pros
Knowledgeable coaches
Strong sense of community
Focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Cons
Limited class times
Smaller facility
Best forIndividuals serious about grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Good Tree MMA holds a 4.9-star rating from 83 reviews, with students praising the diverse training options and experienced staff. The school is particularly noted for its mixed martial arts programs, catering to various skill levels. However, some students mention that the facility could benefit from more space. 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 anyone interested in mixed martial arts training. It serves Scranton, PA, with $90 to $140 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited space and class sizes can be large.
Pros
Diverse training options
Experienced staff
Good for all skill levels
Cons
Limited space
Class sizes can be large
Best forAnyone interested in mixed martial arts training
Scranton MMA has a solid 4.8-star rating from 65 reviews. Students appreciate the knowledgeable instructors and the variety of classes. The focus on both fitness and technique makes it appealing. However, some reviews note that the atmosphere can feel intimidating for newcomers. 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 those looking to enhance fitness while learning martial arts. It serves Scranton, PA, with $80 to $130 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are intimidating for newcomers and limited class times.
Pros
Knowledgeable instructors
Variety of classes
Focus on fitness and technique
Cons
Intimidating for newcomers
Limited class times
Best forThose looking to enhance fitness while learning martial arts
Summit Martial Arts earns a perfect 5-star rating from 24 reviews. Reviewers highlight the family-friendly environment and personalized attention from instructors. This school is great for kids and beginners. However, the limited number of reviews suggests it is still establishing its reputation. 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 families looking for martial arts classes for children. It serves Scranton, PA, with $85 to $125 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and small class sizes.
Pros
Family-friendly environment
Personalized attention
Good for kids and beginners
Cons
Limited reviews
Small class sizes
Best forFamilies looking for martial arts classes for children
Scranton Karate School holds a 5-star rating from 14 reviews. Students appreciate the traditional karate training and the supportive community. It is an ideal choice for those interested in traditional martial arts. However, the limited reviews may raise questions about its overall consistency. 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 those interested in traditional karate training. It serves Scranton, PA, with $75 to $115 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and fewer class options.
Pros
Traditional karate training
Supportive community
Focus on discipline
Cons
Limited reviews
Fewer class options
Best forThose interested in traditional karate training
Academy of Asian Martial Arts, LLC has a 5-star rating from 10 reviews. Reviewers enjoy the focus on various Asian martial arts styles and the welcoming atmosphere. While it offers unique training, the small review count leaves some uncertainty about its long-term reliability. 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 those interested in diverse Asian martial arts styles. It serves Scranton, PA, with $80 to $120 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review count and limited class offerings.
Pros
Focus on various Asian martial arts
Welcoming atmosphere
Unique training options
Cons
Small review count
Limited class offerings
Best forThose interested in diverse Asian martial arts styles
Ryu Pa Karate receives a 5-star rating from 6 reviews, with students praising the passionate instructors and friendly environment. It's a great choice for beginners. However, the very limited number of reviews makes it hard to gauge the overall quality of the program. 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 beginners looking for a supportive karate experience. It serves Scranton, PA, with $70 to $110 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and small class sizes.
Pros
Passionate instructors
Friendly environment
Good for beginners
Cons
Very limited reviews
Small class sizes
Best forBeginners looking for a supportive karate experience
American Dojo Karate has a 5-star rating from just 5 reviews. Reviewers appreciate the engaging classes and emphasis on discipline. While it shows promise, the thin review base leaves much to be desired in terms of credibility and long-term reliability. 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 beginners looking for a disciplined martial arts introduction. It serves Scranton, PA, with $75 to $115 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are thin review base and limited class schedules.
Pros
Engaging classes
Emphasis on discipline
Supportive instructors
Cons
Thin review base
Limited class schedules
Best forBeginners looking for a disciplined martial arts introduction
Murty's Judo Center, LLC has a 5-star rating from only 2 reviews. The few comments highlight the passionate instruction and personalized attention. However, the very limited review count makes it difficult to assess its overall quality and reliability. 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 individuals wanting personalized attention in judo. It serves Scranton, PA, with $70 to $100 per month pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very limited reviews and uncertain reputation.
Pros
Passionate instruction
Personalized attention
Cons
Very limited reviews
Uncertain reputation
Best forIndividuals wanting personalized attention in judo
Service areaScranton, PA
Typical pricing$70 to $100 per month
Before you book
How to choose a martial arts school in Scranton
Selecting the right martial arts school in Scranton involves considering several factors unique to the area.
Location and Accessibility
Choose a school that is conveniently located to minimize travel time. Many schools in Scranton are centrally located, making it easier for you to attend classes regularly.
Class Offerings and Styles
Consider the types of martial arts offered. Some schools specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while others focus on Karate or MMA. Pick a school that aligns with your interests.
Instructor Experience and Credentials
Research the instructors' backgrounds and qualifications. Experienced instructors with a solid reputation can enhance your learning experience.
What it costs
What martial arts classes cost in Scranton
Martial arts class pricing in Scranton can vary based on the school and the type of training offered. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs.
Drop-in Classes$15 to $30 per class for those looking to try a session without commitment.
Monthly Memberships$75 to $150 for unlimited classes, providing a more affordable option for regular attendees.
Family Packages$200 to $300 for families, allowing multiple family members to train together.
Private Lessons$50 to $100 per session for personalized instruction tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
How much does martial arts training cost in Scranton?
Prices for martial arts classes in Scranton typically range from $100 to $200 per month, depending on the school and type of martial art.
What is the best age to start martial arts?
Many schools in Scranton offer classes for children as young as 4 years old, while adults can join at any age.
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 Scranton martial arts enthusiasts: <strong>Pride Lands MMA Academy</strong>
If you're looking for a well-rounded experience with a focus on MMA, Pride Lands MMA Academy is the best choice. With a perfect 5-star rating from 114 reviews, it caters to both beginners and experienced fighters. For those interested in grappling specifically, Gracie NEPA Grappling Club is your go-to, holding a 5-star rating with 77 reviews. If you prefer a more traditional martial arts approach, Good Tree MMA offers a solid 4.9-star experience and is ideal for families looking for a welcoming environment.