From toddlers finding their feet to adults finding their stride, every program at Action Karate South Philadelphia is structured around real outcomes: more confidence, better focus, and the kind of self-respect that shows up at school and at home.

Adult Martial Arts Classes

You don’t need a background in martial arts to start. You just need to show up. Our adult classes build real-world self-defense skills alongside genuine fitness and mental resilience. Students leave feeling stronger, calmer, and more capable than when they walked in.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Kids Martial Arts Classes

These classes aren’t just about kicks and blocks. Your child will learn to listen the first time, set goals and actually reach them, and carry themselves with the kind of confidence that turns heads at school. Results show up fast. Parents usually notice within the first few weeks.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes

Is your little one bursting with energy and zero patience? Good. That’s exactly who we built this for. Ninja Sharks channels that energy into movement, listening skills, and early coordination in a space that feels more like an adventure than a class.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

We believe every child deserves a place on the mat. Our instructors are trained to meet students where they are, adjusting pace, communication, and instruction style so every student can experience the pride of real progress. No child is turned away.

Try 3 Classes $49

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Birthday Parties

Skip the bounce house. Host your child’s next birthday at Action Karate South Philly. It’s a hands-on, high-energy experience that kids actually talk about afterward. Contact us to customize the experience.

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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

South Philly Families Choose Us Because We Produce Results

From Vare-Washington to Meredith Elementary, families across South Philadelphia choose Action Karate for one simple reason: it works.

Background-checked, safety-certified instructors who actually know your child

Every instructor at our South Philly school is screened, certified, and invested in each student individually. We keep class sizes small (max. 24 students) so your child is never just a number on a roster.

A program built around character, not just technique

We teach the same values in class that you're already teaching at home: respect, discipline, and follow-through. When those lessons get reinforced on the mat three times a week, they start to stick everywhere else, too.

A $49 intro offer with a money-back guarantee zero risk, real results

New South Philly families get 1 private lesson, 2 group classes, and a free uniform for just $49. If it's not the right fit, you get your money back. That's how confident we are in what happens on this mat.

Our Space

A Focused, Purpose-Built Training Environment Right in the Heart of South Philly

Every detail of our South Philly space from the 1,000 sq ft mat to the intentionally small class sizes exists to make sure your child gets real attention, not just a spot in the room.

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Action Karate South Philadelphia

4.9

Based on 115 reviews

review us on

Elizabeth Vogelsong

14:22 07 Mar 26

We are very happy with our experience at Action Karate. I had doubts that they could work with a 3.5 stubborn boy but have been very surprised in their gentle yet firm ability to redirect him. He is very proud of what he is learning and gaining a good bit of discipline and body control. Thank you so much to all the excellent staff.

Taura Odor

19:21 01 Mar 26

Action Karate South Philly is the best! Mr Ryan & Mr Fernandez are wonderful. They made my son feel so welcome from his first day there. His confidence has really grown & he even raises his hand to demonstrate in class. I couldn’t be happier. They aren’t just teaching karate, They teach kids how to succeed in life. I highly recommend!

Stephanie Finn Aczon

19:45 23 Dec 25

We’ve had a wonderful experience at Action Karate South Philadelphia. Our 4-year-old daughter has been attending the Ninja Shark lessons for a few months now, and the growth we’ve seen has been amazing. Not only has her physical agility and coordination improved through the karate movements, but the program also places a strong emphasis on weekly character lessons that teach positive values and important life principles.

The instructors truly go above and beyond. They actively engage parents during class, helping us understand both the physical maneuvers and the character lessons, and they provide helpful resources so we can reinforce those lessons at home. Every instructor has been incredibly kind, patient, and encouraging, and they make a genuine effort to get to know each individual student and support them in excelling at their own pace.

We’re so grateful to have found such a supportive, positive, and well-rounded program for our daughter and highly recommend Action Karate South Philadelphia to other families.

Tania Capone

16:59 21 Sep 25

We had an amazing birthday party for our 5-year-old son at Action Karate in South Philly! The instructors are fantastic, and the value is excellent for the price. Mr. Fernandez is incredible — so engaging, patient, and professional with the kids. He made the party fun and memorable for everyone. I would strongly recommend Action Karate for birthday parties!

Kevin Taylor

03:32 07 Apr 25

Action Karate South Philly has been the greatest addition to our family’s lives this past year. My 5 year old son joined 8 months ago and his discipline, confidence and self-control has been on the rise throughout this journey. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient and kind to all who step inside. Mr, Fernandez, Mr. Ryan and Mr. Wayde are a joy to watch lead this dojo and have done a fantastic job growing this community that overflows with positivity.

In January, adults were offered free lessons. We were encouraged to take lessons because it’s the best way to be a role model for our kids. I couldn’t agree more and have stuck with it for 3 months now. When my son watches me take lessons, I can tell it motivates him to keep up with his lessons. I would highly recommend Action Karate to anyone looking to give their child or themselves some structure and to learn valuable skills that help in all facets of life.

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!

Your Instructors

Meet the Team

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

Ryan St. John

3rd Degree Blackbelt

8 years of experience

Instructor

Ryan came to martial arts through a lifetime of team sports, including football, baseball, and basketball. These shaped his early years and gave him a deep understanding of what it... View instructor's bio

Our Story

Rooted in South Philadelphia Since 2019

Action Karate South Philadelphia opened its doors in 2019 with a straightforward purpose: give South Philly kids a place where showing up and working hard actually changes things. Since then, we’ve become a consistent presence in the neighborhood, working directly with local schools, partnering with community organizations, and watching students grow from uncertain beginners into confident, focused young people who carry themselves differently.

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Students who started too shy to make eye contact learn to walk into rooms and new situations with their head up.

The discipline built on the mat carries directly into daily routines at home. Parents notice.

Our South Philly location draws from a tight-knit neighborhood. The friendships built here often extend well beyond class.

Every belt earned is proof that effort pays off. That lesson tends to follow kids into every other area of life.

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

Steps from the Bok, Minutes from Anywhere in South Philly

Action Karate South Philadelphia is easy to find and easy to get to, whether you’re coming from Passyunk Square, Point Breeze, or anywhere else in the neighborhood.

The Bok Building

Neumann Goretti High School

Vare-Washington Elementary

Christopher Columbus Charter School

Meredith Elementary

Kirkbride Elementary

Francis Scott Key Elementary

If your child attends school in South Philadelphia, there’s a good chance their classmates are already training with us and we’d love for them to join.

Community & Partners

Our Role in the Community

Action Karate South Philadelphia isn’t just in this neighborhood. We’re part of it. From the schools our students attend every day to the organizations working to make South Philly stronger, we show up as more than a martial arts school.

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 South Philadelphia families ask us most.

What is the style of martial arts that you teach?

At Action Karate South Philly, we teach Tang Soo Do — a Korean martial art that builds self-defence skills, coordination, and the kind of focused respect that South Philly families are looking for. The school is taught by Instructor Ryan St. John, a 3rd Degree Black Belt with 8 years at Action Karate, who specialises in leadership development, confidence building, and working with shy or anxious children. If your child tends to hold back in group settings, this is an instructor who knows how to bring them out.

When can I attend classes at Action Karate South Philly?

We run classes throughout the week for South Philly families. Use the form on this page to get the current schedule sent straight to you.

What should I wear to my first class?

Nothing special needed for your first session at Action Karate South Philly. 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?

South Philly runs programmes from age 3 through to adults, serving families from Vare Washington Elementary, Christopher Columbus Charter School, Meredith Elementary, Kirkbride Elementary, and Francis Scott Key Elementary. The school works directly with Kirkbride, Christopher Columbus Charter, EOM, Vare Washington, and Meredith as community partners. And if your child is shy or anxious in group settings, Instructor Ryan St. John has made that specialism central to how he teaches.

Where is Action Karate South Philly located, and is there parking?

We're in South Philly, close to the Bok Building and Neumann Goretti High School. Get directions below.

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

South Philly's Martial Arts School Where Kids Show Up Shy and Leave Unstoppable

Every Program Is Built for the Individual. We Don’t Do Generic Class Lists.

Adult Martial Arts Classes

Kids Martial Arts Classes

Ninja Sharks Ages 3 to 6 Classes

Special Needs Martial Arts Classes

Birthday Parties

South Philly Families Choose Us Because We Produce Results

Background-checked, safety-certified instructors who actually know your child

A program built around character, not just technique

A $49 intro offer with a money-back guarantee zero risk, real results

A Focused, Purpose-Built Training Environment Right in the Heart of South Philly

Meet the Team

Ryan St. John

Rooted in South Philadelphia Since 2019

Steps from the Bok, Minutes from Anywhere in South Philly

Our Role in the Community

Kirkbride Elementary

Christopher Columbus Charter School

EOM

Vare-Washington Elementary

Meredith Elementary

Upcoming Events & Programs

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

Learn More about Our Programs

Join Our Martial Arts Classes