Teens Martial Arts at Glens Falls Karate Academy Discover How Traditional Martial Arts Training Shapes Capable, Disciplined Young Adults
Our Teens Karate program uses traditional Okinawan martial arts as the training ground for developing skill, confidence, and self-control, while placing equal importance on respect, responsibility, and community. Students train hard, have fun, and learn to carry themselves with composure — understanding both their growing abilities and the responsibility that comes with them.
Learn how our approach helps teens enjoy the process of training while preparing them for the demands of adulthood.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
Is Your Teen Ready for These Real-World Transformations?
Empowerment at the teen level isn’t about hype — it’s about capability.
Through consistent martial arts training, teens learn how to show up, work through discomfort, and take responsibility for their progress. They experience what it means to earn results through effort, not shortcuts — building a sense of ownership that carries into school, relationships, and future goals.
This is confidence rooted in competence, not praise.
Teen years bring distractions, pressure, and competing demands — focus becomes a skill, not a trait.
Our training requires attention to detail, controlled execution, and mental presence. Teens learn to manage their energy, follow instruction under pressure, and stay engaged through challenge. Over time, this discipline strengthens their ability to concentrate, self-correct, and stay grounded — in the dojo and beyond.
True confidence doesn’t come from being told “you’re great” — it comes from proving it to yourself.
As teens progress in their training, they face increasing responsibility, higher expectations, and real accountability. They learn to trust their abilities, handle setbacks, and carry themselves with quiet confidence rather than bravado.
This kind of confidence shows up in how they speak, how they move, and how they handle life outside the dojo.
Teaching Teens That Discipline Is Rewarded With Growth
Our program incentivizes teens to show up, stay accountable, and improve — physically, mentally, and personally.
At Glens Falls Karate Academy, growth isn’t accidental or motivational — it’s built through consistent and purposeful training, clear expectations, and meaningful responsibility.
Each time your teen walks into the dojo, they practice discipline, self-control, and respect for themselves and others — learning how effort compounds over time and how confidence is earned, not assumed.
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE GLENS FALLS KARATE ACADEMY
Choosing the right program for your teen isn’t about finding the most convenient option — it’s about finding an environment that reinforces discipline, accountability, and growth. Parents choose Glens Falls Karate Academy because our program is built to support teens through real developmental challenges while strengthening everything else they’re already involved in.
Glens Falls Karate Academy is intentionally structured to support consistency — not add to chaos. Our schedule is designed to work alongside school, sports, and family life while still requiring commitment and accountability.
Parents appreciate that training here is not something teens “drop into when convenient,” but a routine that teaches responsibility, time management, and follow-through — skills that carry far beyond the mat.
Our dojo is not an entertainment venue — it’s a training environment. Every detail of our space is designed to reinforce focus, safety, community values and mutual respect.
Parents consistently note that when teens walk through our doors, expectations change. This is a place where distractions are minimized, standards are clear, and students are expected to show up prepared — mentally and physically.
We don’t ask teens to choose between karate and the rest of their lives — we strengthen everything they’re already doing.
The discipline, emotional control, and confidence developed through training here enhance performance in school, sports, work, and relationships. Parents choose our program because it complements their teen’s life instead of competing with it — reinforcing habits that make them more capable everywhere.
HOW KARATE COMPLEMENTS TRADITIONAL TEEN ACTIVITIES
Teens today are surrounded by options — sports, clubs, fitness programs, and after-school activities. Each offers value. At Glens Falls Karate Academy, martial arts serves as a foundational discipline that strengthens focus, confidence, and personal responsibility — enhancing whatever path a teen chooses to pursue.
Many activities rely on coaches, peers, or competition to drive effort. Progress is often influenced by group dynamics, schedules, or short-term outcomes rather than personal standards.
Development often moves at the speed of the group. Individual strengths or challenges may go unnoticed, making it harder for some teens to stay engaged or feel ownership over their progress.
An intense fixation on winning can sometimes overshadow the significance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and simply relishing the game. These elements are essential in sports for teenagers.
In team sports, getting individual attention from coaches may be limited, possibly affecting the personal skill development and self-assurance of teenagers who may not have innate athletic talent.
Martial arts provides teenagers with a fantastic avenue to enhance their physical fitness. It’s a dynamic and enjoyable way for them to increase their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness levels.
As teenagers master new techniques and progress in their martial arts journey, their self-confidence skyrockets. Achieving higher belt ranks instills a strong sense of accomplishment, reinforcing their self-esteem and belief in their capabilities.
Regular engagement in martial arts instills essential values like discipline and focus. These skills are not only applicable in martial arts but also extend to various aspects of life, including academic performance.
Teenagers learn to respect their instructors and fellow martial artists, fostering an environment of mutual respect and camaraderie. Additionally, they develop improved listening skills, which play a pivotal role in their learning and social interactions.
BUILD SELF-RESPECT AND SELF-WORTH
Self-respect is the cornerstone of success and teens can sometimes struggle with self-esteem, judging themselves harshly.
In the world of martial arts, respect is a cornerstone value. Every teen is treated with respect by instructors and fellow students alike.
Best of all, teens learn that when they respect themselves, others will respect them too – and they’ll be respected wherever they go.
LEARN GOOD JUDGMENT AND HOW TO USE IT
In life, the best outcome is often determined by the decision-making process and learning what good judgment is and how to use it.
At Glens Falls Karate Academy students learn how to make judgments in the moment using the information they have available in conjunction with their training.
At the same time, they learn how to evaluate decisions and the elements of healthy decision-making, internalizing the ability to identify good judgment and use it in their lives.
BUILD A HEALTHY BODY FOR A HEALTHY LIFE
Today’s teens are digital natives and may not have enough opportunities to move their bodies and keep themselves healthy and fit.
We all need our share of physical activity and exercise to lead healthy lives, and teenagers are no exception.
Our martial arts classes provide teens with the activity they need in a fun and social setting that builds overall fitness and tones their bodies.
HOW TO SET (AND ACHIEVE) GOALS
Your teen doesn’t need to know exactly what they want from life, but they do need to know how to set realistic goals and work toward them.
One of the biggest benefits of Glens Falls Karate Academy for teens is that in class, teens pursue goals constantly. Each skill they master – and each belt they earn – represents a goal they’ve achieved.
By making goal-setting a practice, martial arts training prepares teens for life, giving them the tools they need to identify, set, and achieve their goals – whatever they are.
MEMBER REVIEWS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
Dive into the real stories! Check out genuine reviews from our martial arts family and see for yourself the difference we're making in lives every day. Don't just take our word for it!
Can't say enough positive things about this place! My kids LOVE coming here and I love everything they are learning! Self control, self defense, getting great workouts, discipline, the list goes on. Amazing place and amazing teachers!
A wonderful place for kids to learn discipline and respect- our son has been enjoying classes for years and we plan to continue all the way to black belt! Renshi Chris Murphy is an excellent instructor and it is clear that he cares about the success of his students!
My grandson, granddaughter and two daughters study the martial arts here. They not only teach you technique but also focus on building character. I enjoy going to watch them and am amazed by Chris’s patient style of teaching.
my triplets have been here a couple of months and the change in thier at home behavior and at school is great. the focus and attention they get here is amazing. I am very happy with thier progress and the staff is wonderful 5 out of 5 stars
GFKA has been absolutely amazing for me and my family!! My son was the first the start and we saw such an amazing improvement in his confidence. My wife joined and then my daughter. I saw the improvements in them as well and decided to join myself after years of sitting on the sideline. I love learning not only the techniques, but the application as well. Renshi (Chris) is an amazing instructor and will take the time to explain any questions you may have!! Highly recommended!!
My son has been attending the Glens Falls Karate Academy for almost a year. He loves his lesson and adores Miss Stacey and Sensei. He has matured tremendously. His focus and concentration have soared as well. We are proud members!
My entire family takes karate at Glens Falls Karate Academy. It all started with my son needing more leadership skills 5-6 years ago. Then I joined 2 years ago then my daughter then just recently my husband. We couldn’t ask for better instruction at all levels of our training. GFKA has given our family the tools we need to be stronger, not only physically and mentally but also as a family.
I joined glens falls karate academy when I was only four, and now at 13 I have been going to school there for 9 years! I spend so much of my time there, I treat our dojo like a second home!! All of the teachers there have taught me things I’ll take with me through the rest of my life, and I thank them for that. I’ve also been given the ability to help teach younger students myself, which is a passion I didn’t even know I had till I tried it. Glens Falls Karate Academy shaped who I am, both physically and mentally. My favorite thing to do now is karate, which is something I wouldn’t have known had I not tried it. If you are considering to send your kids here, I would 100% recommend to try it out. Who knows, maybe your kid will fall in love with it like I did. Glens Falls Karate Academy is filled with people ready to make your kid into the best version of themself, as it has done for me and everybody I know. Thank you GFKA!!!!
We have a high energy, highly spirited five year old who has been attending Karate here for just over a year, as a Little Dragon.
Chris is so patient with the kids and helps them focus on the goals for each class.
Our daughter has been learning not only physical skills, but social ones as well, like being a team player and how to be a good sport.
She is an only child and was so isolated during the pandemic she, like many other kids, lost out on some socialization skills that they are now having to catch up on.
Glens Falls Karate Academy has been so welcoming to our family and so patient with our daughter as she continues to learn to be part of a team. She loves going to class twice a week and we love watching her from the sidelines.
Chris and Kate are so kind and good with the kids and the other parents are also so friendly and easy to get along with. It is a wonderful community to be a part of.
What a wonderful place, our family highly recommend you bring your children to Glens Falls Academy sensei’s are unbelievably patient, and truly love and are amazing at what they do, we can’t wait to watch our boy flourish.
My son, Lucas, has attended the Glens Falls Karate Academy since last spring, and I couldn’t recommend it more highly. Sensei Murphy and Senpai Traina are wonderful instructors, incorporating elements of discipline, integrity, confidence, poise, respect, compassion, athleticism and more into the curriculum. If you’re on the fence, either with respect to yourself, a spouse or your child, don’t hesitate and just get started. You’ll be glad you did.
Love love this place, fantastic place for kids/adults
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!
FAQs
Martial arts training builds self-esteem every time a student steps on the mat. By setting, pursuing, and reaching goals, teens learn to believe in themselves and their abilities.
Yes! The core tenets of martial arts help to build confidence, discipline, and persistence. These are all qualities that teens bring with them to the classroom, both in high school and beyond.
No. Any teenager at any fitness level can benefit from martial arts training. In fact, martial arts classes offer the opportunity for teens to improve their fitness while having a wonderful time and getting to know fellow students.
Yes! Martial arts training builds a mind-body connection that helps people of all ages be more mindful of their behavior and thoughts and learn how to make decisions that support their goals.
Yes! Persistence is simply the knowledge that if you fall, you can stand again and continue to pursue your goals. With its emphasis on constant, incremental improvement, martial arts training provides teens with an understand of their ability to persist and the value of persistence.
Yes! The martial arts are not about violence. Instead, they teach students how to coordinate their movements and use them in a controlled way. Martial arts students increase their strength and flexibility, both of which can help them to handle themselves with confidence.
MORE BENEFITS OF Glens Falls Karate Academy
Glens Falls martial arts classes help teens tone and build their muscles.
Martial arts classes provide teens with mental discipline to help them in school.
Teens who study martial arts learn that the only thing they can control is their own behavior.
Glens Falls Karate Academy increases self-control and teaches discipline to help in every area of life.
Get more information about our programs & schedule your first visit!