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Boston Area's Best Martial Arts Classes For Kids

Karate
(photo credit: Thinkstock)

Want to get your kids involved in more after-school activities? Martial arts classes are a great way for kids to burn energy, learn new skills and learn self-discipline and defense. Boston has hundreds of kids' classes to choose from. Here are some of the best in town.

The Ultimate Self-Defense and Performance Center
12 B St.
Boston, MA 02127
(617) 268-9893
www.ultimateselfdefense.com

At Boston's Ultimate Self-Defense and Performance Center, kids can learn all types of martial arts. There are options for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Karate and Self Defense. Living in or near a city, it is always important to learn basic self-defense tactics. Plus the martial arts classes are sure to teach other skills that will help children in and out of the classroom. For over 15 years, this huge, 3,000-square-foot gym has been a safe, fun space for kids and families of all ages.
Esposito's Karate Fitness Center 
230 Adams St.
Newton, MA 02458
(617) 965-1329
espositoskarate.com

For over 35 years, Esposito's Karate Fitness Center has been a favorite of children and adults in Newton. At Espisito's, kids classes are taught by a karate grandmaster, which is a rare and exciting opportunity for youngsters. Class times are scheduled to suit families with working parents and there are no long-term commitments for continuing class, making it a great choice for beginners who aren't 100% sure, but still want to give karate a try. Classes teach kids about the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle while also teaching respect and discipline.
Xtreme Ninja Martial Arts Center
45 Riverside Ave.
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 395-7131
www.xtremeninja.com

Xtreme Ninja in Medford offers classes for children as young as three years old. It has a special pre-school program that focuses mainly on fine motor skills, listening and communication while using some basic concepts of martial arts. This class is specifically for kids aged 3-4, students of which are fondly called "little ninjas." However, there are plenty of choices for older students as well. Xtreme Ninja's mission is to spread the core values of effort, etiquette, character, sincerity and self control to its martial arts students of all ages - including adults. Bonus, Xtreme Ninja will also host special programs for birthday parties.

Related: Boston's Best Free Winter Activities For Families

Boston Classical Soo Bahk Do
7 Temple St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(781) 367-8060
www.facebook.com

Since 2001, Boston Classical Soo Bahk Do has offered highly traditional classes right in downtown Cambridge near the Central Square station on the MBTA red line. Soo Bahk Do combines the highly active, quick-paced movements of karate with the slow, more conscious movements of tai chi. The main teacher at the studio, Master Steyer, is well known in Boston's martial arts community as he has been practicing for well over 20 years. He is a skilled teacher that kids respect.
Modern Taekwondo Center
618 Gallivan Blvd.
Boston, MA 02124
(617) 500-7232
www.moderntkdcenter.com

Modern Taekwondo makes martial arts fun and cool for kids and ever-finicky teens. The studio has extremely high safety standards and is a supportive community where kids can get some exercise and work towards a tangible goal through the traditional belt program. In addition to teaching Taekwondo and karate moves to the students, the teachers take a modern approach by tackling issues like peer pressure, self image and concentration skills.

Related: Boston Area's Best Laser Tag

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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