From tiny 3-year-olds finding their first fighting stance to adults building real-world confidence, every program at Action Karate Northern Liberties is built around one idea: martial arts should change how your child moves through the world, not just how they move on the mat.

Adult Martial Arts Classes

Built for real life. Stress relief, fitness, and self-defense skills. All in a welcoming space where you never have to feel like the new person for long.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Kids Martial Arts Classes

Where focus, respect, and confidence get a workout alongside kicks and blocks. Your child will earn every stripe they wear.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes

The littlest ninjas get big results. This program builds listening skills, body coordination, and a love of movement in a structured, playful setting.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

Every child belongs on the mat. Our instructors meet students exactly where they are, adapting every lesson so that progress feels possible for everyone.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Birthday Parties

Kick the birthday party up a notch. Action-packed, instructor-led, and completely unforgettable. The kind of party the kids in your child’s class will still be talking about next week.

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Find the perfect class time for you or your child! Get our schedule straight to your email. Get My Schedule

Why Action Karate

This Isn't Just Karate. It's a Skill Set for Life.

Northern Liberties kids are curious, creative, and full of energy. Our job is to channel that into something lasting.

Confidence That Carries Over

What students learn on the mat like how to try something hard, fall short, and try again is exactly what helps them raise their hand in class, stand up for a friend, and believe they can figure things out. That transfer is real, and parents notice it.

Structure Without Rigidity

Every class follows a clear format so kids always know what to expect. That predictability isn't just comforting. It teaches self-regulation, the kind that makes homework time and bedtime a little easier.

Community, Not Just Classmates

At Action Karate Northern Liberties, students show up for each other. That sense of belonging, from feeling known by your instructors and your peers, is something a lot of kids don't find easily elsewhere.

Our Space

A Training Floor Built for Northern Liberties Families

This is a real martial arts school. It’s not a converted storage unit and not a shared gym space. Every square foot is designed for students to move freely, train safely, and feel like this place was made for them.

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Action Karate Northern Liberties

5.0

Based on 116 reviews

review us on

Madeline Nunez

04:11 31 Mar 26

As a mother of 2, I feel proud of both Starlynne and Skyler's accomplishments. My son has grown so much since joining this karate studio — not just in skill, but in confidence, discipline, and character. The instructors truly care about their students and push them to be their best on and off the mat. Skyler has been homeschooled for 6 years now, so joining Karate helped him with his social skills as well as his self esteem. I am grateful to be part of such a positive, encouraging community. Skyler is preparing his self physically and mentally to reach his dream of one day gaining his black belt.

Sara Hetrich

22:06 19 Mar 26

They are soooooo great with the kids. And take the time to work with the kids who may just need a little bit extra help or focus, they do it with keeping the child part of the group and reengaging them (has help my son so much) with all the great life learning skills and them making it so fun, we are happy with choosing them as the place for our son to learn karate. He is 4, and I hope for many years to come with Action Karate.
I can full heartily say worth every penny!
Thank you Action Karate Northern Liberties!

Mike Izzy Thanh Belsito

21:33 12 Mar 26

I’ve been absolutely thrilled with Action Karate for my 4-year-old daughter! We started classes just a few months ago, and the transformation in her has been unmistakable.
From the very first session, the instructors (especially in the little ones’ Ninja Sharks program) were incredibly patient, fun, and encouraging. They know exactly how to engage tiny kids without overwhelming them—lots of high-fives, games, and positive reinforcement that make her excited to go every time.
The biggest wins for us have been in confidence and discipline. My daughter used to be shy and hesitant in new situations, but now she walks in with her head high, greets everyone with a big smile, and proudly shows off her moves. She’s also listening better at home, following instructions more consistently, and showing real self-control—small things like waiting her turn or focusing during activities that used to be a challenge.
Action Karate isn’t just teaching karate; they’re building character in the sweetest way. The environment is positive, respectful, and family-oriented. If you’re on the fence about starting your little one (even at 4!), I can’t recommend them enough. Thank you, Action Karate team—you’ve given my daughter (and our family) such a wonderful gift!

Jin Gao

17:27 07 Mar 26

We’ve been part of the Action Karate Northern Liberties family for over two years now, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! My son started as a young kid and has made incredible progress—he’s now on track to earn his black belt, which is a huge testament to the program’s quality and structure.
The real magic here goes way beyond kicks and punches. My son has grown so much more confident, physically stronger, and disciplined in everyday life. He carries himself with real pride and handles challenges better than ever before. The instructors are outstanding—they genuinely care about each student, know their names, track their progress, and push them in the most positive, encouraging way. They’re not just experts in martial arts; they teach valuable life skills like respect, focus, perseverance, and self-control that stick with the kids long after class ends.
The environment is welcoming, fun, and supportive, making it a highlight of our week. If you’re in the Northern Liberties/Fishtown area and want a place that builds strong, confident kids (and adults too!), Action Karate Northern Liberties is the absolute best. Five stars aren’t enough—thank you to the entire team for everything you’ve done for my son! 🚀🥋

Star Santiago

17:19 07 Mar 26

As a student who is training to become a black belt, Action Karate North liberties has allowed me to become better not only physically but sharpen my mental and emotional skills inside and outside of my school work as a pre junior at Drexel University. Our instructors are kind, welcoming, and allow us to become better than yesterday. Working and seeing not only the adult class, but juniors and ninja sharks grow inspire me to continue becoming a leader in everyday life. I recommend this place to anyone trying to find a start not only in their physical health journey but in anything they may be trying to start up on, especially building a new foundation of friends/family!

Marian McFeeters

22:10 17 Feb 26

I cannot say enough great things about Action Karate Northern Liberties. From the moment I started training, I felt welcomed and supported.
Mr. Stephan and Miss Mary have truly helped me come out of my shell and grow my confidence in ways I did not expect. They create an environment that pushes you to be your best while still making you feel encouraged every step of the way. They are patient, motivating, and genuinely care about each student’s progress, both on and off the mat.
Because of their leadership, I have grown not only as a martial artist but also as a person. I speak up more, carry myself with more confidence, and challenge myself in ways I never would have before.
If you are looking for a place that builds skill, character, and confidence, Action Karate Northern Liberties is the place to be.

Mike Adam

18:12 03 Feb 26

Action Karate has given my 5 year old son, confidence, community, and a great outlet for all his energy! He attends about 3 times a week and looks forward to every session. He’s excited to see his classmates, but truly has fallen in love with the instructors. They’re so wonderful with kids. They walk that fine line of silly, but stern, perfectly. They educate the children on respect, patience, bullying, and more. Also, their stripe/belt advancing system is wonderful incentive for the kids. It teaches them that if they work hard, commit to something fully, they’ll see progress. Both visually and internally.

Francesca

21:53 26 Dec 25

I am extremely thankful for and impressed with the karate program at Action Karate Northern Liberties. As a kindergarten teacher at a neighborhood school, I had the opportunity to see Action Karate visit our school and demonstrate the skills and values they teach. After witnessing their approach firsthand, I decided to enroll my own five-year-old daughter.

She has been attending for several months now and has even participated in her first tournament with Action Karate. The skills and knowledge she is gaining are truly immeasurable. The weekly lessons have had a positive impact on her self-control, both at home and in the classroom. She has become more independent, confident, and outgoing since beginning her karate journey.

I cannot thank Ms. Mary and Mr. Stephan enough for their dedication and support. Olivia absolutely loves coming to class and is always excited to bring a friend along. I am so excited to see all the skills, confidence, and life lessons she will continue to gain in the years to come.

Try 3 Classes — $49

1-on-1 intro session · 2 group classes · Free uniform · Money-back guarantee

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No commitment. Limited spots available!

Your Instructors

Meet the Team

Choosing a martial arts school is about more than the curriculum. Here’s why Bethlehem families train with us.

Our Story

Rooted in Northern Liberties Since 2023

Action Karate Northern Liberties opened its doors in 2023 with a straightforward mission: bring the kind of martial arts program this neighborhood deserves. One that’s rigorous enough to build real skills and warm enough that kids actually want to come back. We’ve built our school by partnering with the community around us. These relationships reflect how we think about our role here. We’re not just a martial arts school. We’re a Northern Liberties institution.

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Whether it’s a shy 4-year-old who learns to look their teacher in the eye or a 10-year-old who stops dreading Monday mornings, the growth that happens here is the kind that follows your child everywhere.

You should know exactly who is teaching your child and feel good about it. Every instructor at Action Karate Northern Liberties is fully vetted, CPR certified, and trained in child safety before they ever step on the mat.

Whether you have a fearless 3-year-old who can’t sit still or a teen who needs an outlet that actually challenges them, there’s a program here built for where your child is right now.

We don’t just say every child is welcome. We built a dedicated program to prove it. Our Special Needs classes are designed for students who learn differently, move differently, or just need a little more patience. And our instructors are trained to deliver exactly that.

Martial arts helped shape my confidence, discipline, and mindset growing up, and I wanted to be able to pass that on and make that same impact on my students.

— Instructor Casey Heimbach, 3rd Degree Black Belt

Try 3 Classes — $49

1-on-1 intro session · 2 group classes · Free uniform · Money-back guarantee

Reserve My 3 Classes

No commitment. Limited spots available!

Find Us

We're Right in the Heart of Northern Liberties

Tucked into the neighborhood and easy to get to, which matters when you’re trying to make it work on a weeknight.

Across from Kaplan’s Bakery and Doggie Style Pets

Down the street from Liberty Lands Park.

Adaire Elementary

John Moffet Elementary

St. Peter the Apostle School

Little City Montessori

Liberty Learning Center

If your family is coming from Adaire or John Moffet, heading home past Liberty Lands Park, or just around the corner from Kaplan’s Bakery, you’re already practically neighbors. Action Karate Northern Liberties is a short walk or drive from the heart of the neighborhood, and families from St. Peter the Apostle, Little City Montessori, and Liberty Learning Center are already training with us. Come see why parents across Northern Liberties keep choosing us over another after-school activity.

Community & Partners

Our Role in the Community

Northern Liberties has always been a neighborhood that looks out for its own. That’s how we try to show up too. Not as a business that happens to be here, but as a school that’s invested in the people around us.

What’s On

Upcoming Events & Programs

From school workshops to summer camp programs — we’re out in the community every week.

FAQ

FAQs Got Questions? We've Got Answers. Here are the things Northern Liberties families ask us most.

What is the style of martial arts that you teach?

At Action Karate Northern Liberties, we teach Tang Soo Do — a Korean martial art that builds coordination, self-defence, discipline, and focus in a class environment suited to city families. The school opened in 2023 and has quickly embedded itself in the Northern Liberties community, with partnerships at Northern Liberties Rec Center, NL Arts Camp, St. Peter the Apostle School, and Liberty Learning Center.

When can I attend classes at Action Karate Northern Liberties?

We run classes across the week for families in Northern Liberties and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Use the form on this page to get the current schedule sent to you.

What should I wear to my first class?

Nothing special needed for your first session at Action Karate Northern Liberties. Comfortable clothing you can move in is all that's required. Your uniform (gi) is included in the $49 intro offer. Bare feet on the mat, no shoes required.

Who are the classes suitable for?

Northern Liberties runs programmes from age 3 through to adults, serving families from Adaire Elementary, John Moffet Elementary, St. Peter the Apostle School, Little City Montessori, and Liberty Learning Center. The school is a genuine part of the Northern Liberties neighbourhood — not just a facility, but an active community partner.

Where is Action Karate Northern Liberties located, and is there parking?

We're across from Kaplan's Bakery and Doggie Style Pets, down the street from Liberty Lands Park in Northern Liberties.

Have more questions? Get in Touch

Learn More about Our Programs

Adult Martial Arts Classes

Kids Martial Arts Classes

Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes

Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

Karate Birthday Parties

Northern Liberties' Home for Confidence, Discipline, and Martial Arts

Where Northern Liberties Kids Learn to Show Up for Themselves

Adult Martial Arts Classes

Kids Martial Arts Classes

Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes

Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

Birthday Parties

This Isn't Just Karate. It's a Skill Set for Life.

Confidence That Carries Over

Structure Without Rigidity

Community, Not Just Classmates

A Training Floor Built for Northern Liberties Families

Meet the Team

Rooted in Northern Liberties Since 2023

We're Right in the Heart of Northern Liberties

Our Role in the Community

Northern Liberties Rec Center

NL Arts Camp

St. Peter the Apostle School

Liberty Learning Center

Upcoming Events & Programs

FAQs Got Questions? We've Got Answers. Here are the things Northern Liberties families ask us most.

Learn More about Our Programs

Join Our Martial Arts Classes