Calculated from categorized student reviews and profile completeness — instructors, schedule,
facility and pricing — using the data available to us. Manage this academy?
Claim this page to update it.
Disciplines
Self-Defense
Classes
Adults ClassesBlack Belt InstructionKids Classes
Facilities
Mat Space
Culture
Welcoming Environment
Access
Free Trial
Ready for local karate classes? Click for this loved Utah karate school that teaches martial arts at their dojo in Syracuse.
Community reviews
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Evolutionary Martial Arts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Trained here? Share your experienceBe the first to review Evolutionary Martial Arts and help shape its score.
Continue with Google
My son started the mini ninja program a few months ago and loves it. We just completed his first tournament. Sensei Kaeden and Sensei Sarah are phenomenal with the little kids. All the Senseis are so encouraging and take the time to get to know each kid. There is always someone to welcome you when you come in the door. We have gotten to know other parents and kids as well it has become our Karate Family. I would honestly give more stars if I could! Love this place!
My son has been coming here for about 4 months now in the mini ninja class. All the teachers are very kind and work so well with the kids. I’m very happy I chose this place to take him to!
My grandson goes here. They have an exceptional program for very young children. Very positive and patient. From what I've seen the older children do just as well.
Highly recommend this school.
Evolutionary martial arts is a great place for all ages/family members. My two sons and husband have loved being part of this studio. I would recommend them to everyone.
Best place to learn karate. My daughter has learned so much here and does really well. The sensei’s are so awesome and patient with the kids. She looks forward to it every night.
The staff are amazing and very inclusive/inviting. They make my kids feel excited and special. I love the confidence, discipline and skill building all the senseis impart.
I did karate when i was a kid but had to drop after my yellow belt. Now my daughter is a yellow belt at Evolutionary and I'm super proud. The team there is awesome and i appreciate the emphasis on triats like confidence and responsibility. It shows.
We love Evolutionary! My son has been here about 6 months & has gained so many friends, as well as self confidence! All of the sensais are so inviting! ❤️
My daughters have been going for about 2 months now and watching them blossom while working at this studio has been one of the most incredible experiences. I have interacted with quite a few members of the staff and Every. Single. One. Of. Them. Have been kind, thoughtful, helpful, and genuine. They are very aware of my kiddos and have offered support and solutions at every opportunity. My younger daughter was so nervous the first couple of times and I watched them work with her, comfort her, and bring her out of her shell to excel! I cannot recommend these guys enough!!!
We have had such a great experience with Evolutionary Martial Arts the past few months. We have loved Sensei David and Sara! All the employees are incredibly nice every time you walk into the building. My son has learned awesome traits. It is fun to watch him and his siblings doing them outside of karate (being courteous).
I can’t say enough good things about Evolutionary Martial Arts. My son’s confidence has grown so much in the last 7 months he’s been attending and I don’t see it stopping anytime soon. The senseis make the classes fun along side teaching karate. Karate has been the one extracurricular activity that he has stayed interested in. I even joined the adult karate/self defense class after a Mother’s Day class for a change in my exercise routine…it’s been a blast.
My mini ninja has loved her experience and her Sensei’s have been great! They have been very patient, attentive, and excited to teach. If your kiddo is wanting to start into karate I would 100% recommend.
This is one of the best places not only are they friendly, and great at what they do, they also give back to the community. They just sponsored a local cheerleader and also came up with great ways to help raise more money. My daughter doesn't take from them, but some of her friends do and my nephew does and they love it and the energy all the teachers bring to their classes.
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
Mike M
We have had two kids in classes for the last three years and they love it!
Our experience with Evolutionary Martial Arts has been nothing short of exceptional. As homeschooling parents, finding enriching daytime activities for our children is crucial, and we hit the jackpot with their homeschooling class. The combination of martial arts instruction alongside academic learning has been invaluable for our kids' development.
The teachers at Evolutionary Martial Arts are truly remarkable. They are not only highly skilled in martial arts but also possess a rare blend of patience and passion for teaching. Our children admire them greatly, and their love for learning is evident every time we step foot in the studio.
The curriculum is well-structured, balancing physical activity with educational content seamlessly. Our kids not only enjoy the martial arts training but also look forward to the academic lessons, which are delivered in an engaging and interactive manner.
Overall, we couldn't be happier with our experience at Evolutionary Martial Arts. It's more than just a martial arts studio; it's a nurturing environment where children thrive academically and personally. We highly recommend Evolutionary Martial Arts to any homeschooling family looking for an enriching and supportive program for their children.
As a homeschooling parent, finding the perfect extracurricular activity for my sons was crucial, and I hit the jackpot with this martial arts school! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by an amazing staff who made us feel right at home. The teachers are not only skilled in martial arts but also incredibly patient and encouraging.My sons absolutely love attending classes here! Not only are they learning valuable self-defense skills, but they're also gaining confidence, discipline, and focus. It's been a fantastic way for them to channel their energy in a positive and productive way.I wholeheartedly recommend this martial arts school to anyone with energetic kids looking for a fun and enriching activity. It's been an absolute game-changer for us!
As a homeschooling parent, finding the perfect extracurricular activity for my sons was crucial, and I hit the jackpot with this martial arts school! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by an amazing staff who made us feel right at home. The teachers are not only skilled in martial arts but also incredibly patient and encouraging.My sons absolutely love attending classes here! Not only are they learning valuable self-defense skills, but they're also gaining confidence, discipline, and focus. It's been a fantastic way for them to channel their energy in a positive and productive way.I wholeheartedly recommend this martial arts school to anyone with energetic kids looking for a fun and enriching activity. It's been an absolute game-changer for us!
This is an excellent studio! The instructors are very professional and have helped my son so much. He has come so far in a short period of time. His confidence, behaviors and overall attitude are excellent. This is a credit to the studio and the instructors. 5 stars is not enough. If I could go higher I would.
Sensei’s are the best. My kids have been coming to this place since 2014. We moved in 2018 and tried a different karate place. We came back because we couldn’t find something similar to Evolutionary Martial Arts. I love how sensei’s really worried about my kids in all ways. Love this place, love the environment, love their creativity, love their passion, love their philosophy, love to see how all staff enjoyed what they do.
Love this place all my kids have taking classes here we love the family environment and we seen the positive impact in our kids all the sensei’s are awesome definitely recommend it to all my friends and family
I have three boys and we've been going here over a couple of months. I am impressed by how they have learn and gotten stronger.
Evolutionary Martial Arts are reliable, honest and operate with integrity. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for positive, encouragement and hard work environment. Sensei Jeff is Creative, intuitive and simply Amazing! Thank you EMA! From the Piper Boys!
Evolutionary Martual Arts is an amazing place that instills confidence and pride in my kiddo. The senseis are AMAZING with the kids and we absolutely love being a part of it!
InstructorsAtmosphere
Posted 2 years ago
James Zundel
I have been attending Evolutionary Martial Arts for about 3-4 years now, and I am amazed at the sense of community and belonging this dojo has. 5 stars!
Our son has grown so much confidence and character since he started at Evolutionary MA in March of 2022. Most importantly his Sensei’s are so patient and have embedded in his mind “Be a friend, not a bully!”. Our son also just started sparring here and he loves it! I would definitely recommend this amazing studio. Thank you EMA! 🫶🏼
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Rafael Adrian
Great place for kids to learn new skills, disciple and build confidence. Senseis are great, especially with the younger kids.
Our 8 year old son has been going here for over a year and a half, and we have been so happy with our experience here. He responds so well to the senseis (especially Kohlter, Parker, David and Leo) and has learned better how to control his wiggliness and how to listen better. They modified things for him when he had hand surgery. We love it here!
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
C Burt
Very friendly, my son is learning great discipline and loves going here
Where should I start? Positive karate studio. Patient and inspiring senseis. I have 3 of my kids taking classes here. They teach self defense,weapons and katas. I would highly recommend this for those who are interested in taking martial arts . Jeff is great as well as all the senseis!!!
I’ve genuinely enjoyed watching my daughter grow here. She’s really coming out of her shell. The senseis are amazing, personable, and really give dedicated time to helping each student. I’m super impressed and highly recommend.
Evolutionary Martial Arts has been a part of our family for almost a decade. Four of my grandkids have taken karate here and have done well. The sensei's are exceptional at teaching, motivating and boosting the confidence of their students. Sensei Sara is a new sensei and does an exceptional job with her students as well. She was taught here and earned and received her black belt and was later asked to join their Sensei Team. I highly recommend Evolutionary Martial Arts if you are looking to enroll your child in a Martial arts program. You will be glad you did as we have been.
Our son started coming to the Evolutionary Martial Arts as a Mini Ninja about 6 years ago and has grown so much by developing integrity, determination and toughness from his Sensei’s. We love being here and plan on being a part of the Dojo for a long time.
We have been a part of the Evo family for over 10 years. The senseis are caring, fun, and encourage the kids to be their best self in and out of the dojo. Highly recommend EMA!
Evolutionary Martial Arts is the best, most nurturing environment for kids to learn and build confidence. My daughter has been learning for a few years now and loves it! Sensei Sara is her favorite!
InstructorsClassesAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Dave Swenson
Amazing Facility! Instructors to the Owner actually care about everyone who walks through the door! Highly recommended
InstructorsFacilityAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Breanne Swenson
Have had such a great experience here! My son looks forward to class every week.
The staff at Evolutionary MA have been welcoming and supportive from day one when we brought our kid to sign up. We love how they emphasize character and work ethic, and how they remember people’s names. This has been a great environment and experience for our kid.
All the instructors are so awesome, kind, friendly. They truly care and encourage these kids to be amazing humans in all aspects of their life. We are thrilled to have our kids here!
We have been going to EMA for the past year! Our son has loved every minute of it! They have incredible teachers, and a phenomenal program that supports each individuals schedules, and needs. We highly recommend anyone that is looking for a great place to go!
Our daughter has grown so much since joining Evolutionary! Her confidence has been boosted immensely! She loves her sensei’s and learning. We couldn’t be happier!!!
Evolutionary Martial Arts is fantastic! It has been so good for my son, and he loves to come here. He looks up to the trainers and senseis (Sensei Kohlter, Sensei Parker, and Sensei Jeff). His favorite is learning how to use the weapons and sparring. Martial Arts has been a great way to build his confidence and become physically and emotionally stronger. The energy is so positive here! It’s been fun to see him progress and excel at each belt test too. I would recommend this place to anyone!
Evolutionary Martial Arts is amazing. The structure the Sensei’s promote is perfect for learning - respect, positivity, and fun! We’ve really enjoyed having our daughter here and look forward to her growth with this team.
My rambling thoughts:
Evolutionary Martial Arts has been great for my son! It has been a challenge trying to teach my son how to hustle but Sensei Jeff and Sensei David have helped light a fire.
After the first class my 4 year old said, “I wish I could be in Karate forever.” The two gentleman that teach the mini ninja class are so good with these little people. The kids are learning skills and having fun at the same time.
The facility is so nice. There is a nice place for parents to watch their kiddos. And, it doesn’t smell like a sweaty gym. For my sensitive nose, that is a huge plus.
Even if it did smell, I would still bring my little guy here. Sensei Jeff and David are excellent and are worth more than they charge (which isn’t much).
Oh. And I have to mention the other families that attend the mini ninja class. Everyone is super nice and friendly and the kiddos are so darn cute.
My family is thrilled to call Evolutionary Martial Arts home.
This facility is super clean. Sensei Jeff and Sensei David are excellent instructors for young kids like my grandson Jaxon. Thanks for making this a fun learning experience for these young ones.
I have watched my son grow in so many ways over the last year. All of the senseis are incredible and form a bond with each kid that comes through the door. You really can’t find a better karate studio.
My son had a great experience training with evolutionary martial arts. His sensei, is a very good teacher who is also extremely patient.
Would recommend to anyone thinking about getting into karate.
The instructors at the dojo are amazing! They sincerely care for each kid in their classes. They always take time for anyone who is struggling to help them; not only in martial arts but in life in general. We have been to a few different karate studios and this is by far the best one out there! Would highly recommend!
My husband and 5 of my 6 kids have been at this dojo for 1 1/2 years and we LOVE it there. I’ve seen my kids’ confidence increase and they are seeing for themselves that they can do hard things! They are getting so good and I love that. Knowing my kids are learning to defend themselves is huge for me; especially for my girls. The Senseis are amazing. They know each child by name and do an incredible job at encouraging them but also pushing them to do their best.
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Angela Giannitrapani-swank
Awesome place to take your kids and learn some karate.
InstructorsFacilityClassesAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
E R
Wonderful place with uplifting, professional sensei teachers who do a great job teaching students of all ages.
Our boys love Evolutionary Martial Arts! They have both grown so much. Attention and confidence have improved. It is a great balance of discipline and fun. We are grateful to have found such a great place!
Atmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Davey Parker
Great place to grow confidence. Senseis are awesome!
InstructorsAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Lynne Owens
Sensei's are always professional, motivate, and push students to be there best selves.
InstructorsAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Jacquelyn Phillips
2 years for my son and a good experience the whole time.
InstructorsAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
J Ross
Awesome dojo!! So much fu! Great environment for the kids
Evolutionary Arts does a phenomenal job lifting the kids’ self-esteem and provides good team structure in their lessons and tests. My kids enjoy it and have been doing it for over a year now. The look forward to the classes and love making progress with their belts. If they are struggling with a certain task, constructive feedback is given to improve their work quickly. Plus, the Sensei are funny and drop great jokes. :)
We love Evolutionary Martial Arts, for so many reasons. What stands out the most is the way that the sensei’s interact with their students. I feel like they do a great job of meeting the students at whatever level they’re at. They celebrate any and all progress while always encouraging their students to work harder, persevere and do/beat their personal best.
Evolutionary Martial Arts has helped our son learn confidence, dedication, hard work and determination. The Sensei’s are kind while expecting positive growth. They have taught and continue to teach respect, and discipline in all aspects of life. They constantly preach about being helpful at home, offer help to anyone in need, work hard in school to get good grades, do more than expected.
We recommend Evoluntionary Martia Arts to anyone looking to start in karate. Best decision we have made for our little man.
InstructorsFacilityAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
R Fox
Excellent dojo. We love Sensei Jeff and his team! We are like one big family.
My kids have been attending Evolutionary Martial Arts for almost 8 years. We love the senseis and the welcoming environment. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone willing to learn the art of karate.
This place is a very fun, family oriented place that also takes the art seriously and is able to teach any kind of personality. They are very smart in their teaching ways and also great at karate themselves. Very good with the kids and has gotten our 5 year old son to fall in love with it, and he's showing good progress. Always keeping family and others involved. Thank you all. Your all great ! 👍
What started out as a quick search for an afternoon activity for the summer has resulted in our daughters coming here for over a year now. What an incredible martial arts studio built on making karate fun for our kids. The Sensei staff are incredibly patient with brand new students all the way up to advanced black belts. We come 2 nights a week and our kids wouldn’t miss it. Very competitively priced. The differentiator for this studio is 100% the staff. Today my girls are doing karate in their costumes and playing games! Can’t recommend this place any higher.
InstructorsFacilityClassesPricingAtmosphere
Posted 3 years ago
Dave Brooke
First day and we were very impressed.
InstructorsFacilityLocationAtmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Tiana Weaver
My kids are learning so much and gaining so much confidence as they pass each belt test. They really look up to the younger senseis. We'll be here for a while.
Sensei Jeff runs a great program, all the sensei's care about the kids, listen to them and teach them not just how to perform their Karate correctly but respect, confidence, the need to work for what you want and the importance of being a friend not a bully. Any one whose thinking of getting their kid into Karate need to give them a look
Evolutionary has been a part of our families life since our 18 year old Blackbelt was a 6 year old white belt. It has given him many things, but most of all CONFIDENCE to meet whatever life throws at him. I love what Evolutionary does for the lives of our youth! Keep up your awesomeness!
Atmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Britta Sedgwick
These guys are totally awesome for so many reasons. This is a great community for kids and parents alike, instilling great values and teaching how to work hard for the things that matter.
This is such a great place! I’m a long-time elementary school teacher, so I’ve seen a lot of people work with kids. Evolutionary Martial Arts has excellent teachers who know how to expertly lead and motivate kids. It’s been great for our 5 year old who has needed a place to teach him to focus, follow directions, and have fun. I highly recommend!
Evolutionary martial is great! I have my 8 yr old daughter enrolled (going on 1 year now) and it’s been a great experience. The instructors are great with kids of all ages, have a truck load of patience, and seem to enjoy being here. It’s also extremely affordable
InstructorsFacilityPricingAtmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
Brandon Barney
These guys pride themselves on knowing all the kid in their program.
Highly involved and really good
InstructorsAtmosphere
Posted 4 years ago
joshua allen
The entire staff is friendly and understanding with kids. They do an amazing job of helping them learn martial arts as well as processing through their thoughts and feelings as well.
Our daughter just completed her first lesson. It was fantastic! The instructors are great with the kids. There are upbeat, positive, and inspirational, with a strong focus on building self-esteem and confidence. Our daughter also loved it. The karate instruction is great too! I completely recommend this studio.
When my kids asked to start karate lessons we checked out several studios in the area. It was important to me that we find a dojo that emphasized proper technique, focus, and self-confidence. I am SO glad that we found EMA! My kids have felt comfortable here from day one. I am impressed that each sensei knows every student by name. I love the way the classes are structured. My kids are learning in a group setting but still getting lots of one-on-one instruction. It’s been the perfect balance of discipline and fun.
"Trust the quality of what you know, not the quantity". These Mini Ninja Sensei's are the best! I have sent both my boys to Evolution and my youngest is now a mini ninja green belt. Out of the house and away from media, just what we need!! Thank you!
We love this place! The teachers are very patient with my active 6 year old. I can tell that they really make a point of making the students feel loved. They remember all the students’ names and they are not condescending when a student makes a mistake. My son looks forward to going every week and I can see him becoming more self assured as well as focused. I can’t wait to put my other children in these classes! I’ve only ever heard positive feedback about this place. I really appreciate all they do!
This place is awesome. They teach self defense, weapons training, discipline, and confidence (in addition to the basic karate skills one expects)! The owner is very involved, welcomes and recognizes everyone and has a real love for teaching. The senseis are talented and inspiring and went above and beyond to help students during covid lockdowns. Definitely worth the money.
We have absolutely loved our experience at Evolutionary Martial Arts. Every Sensei we've worked with has not only been incredibly talented, but amazing with my mini ninja. Patient, kind, VERY knowledgeable and relatable. My 5 year old son has developed skills that have improved his every day life. This gym lives by their Golden Rule and they emphasis the rule throughout their classes, belt ceremonies and just everyday conversations. We're very grateful for our experience. We have absolutely loved working with Sensei Josh, David and Jeff! They genuinely care and you can see it in how they approach their students.
If your thinking about doing martial arts for your kiddos or your self this is a great place to be. My girl has been with these guys for years now and still loves going to see the sensei's. They are great with the kids and they not only are there to teach martial arts but they really are interested in the well being of your kids and make sure they are good in day to day life as well. This is a very warm home feeling type of dojo. Their dojo is really clean as well. Great atmosphere, Great teachers, Great times. STOP READING REVIEWS AND GET IN HERE AND CHECK THEM OUT!
We love EMA. We originally signed our son up a few years ago. He had such a blast we decided to sign up the whole family. The teachers are awesome. They know and care for each student. They are reasonably priced and the environment is awesome.
We’ve been coming to this dojo for almost four years now. My kids started when they were 4 and 7 years old, and I started taking adult classes about two years ago. I never thought I would attempt to earn karate belts as a middle-aged soccer mom, but I’m SO glad I tried something new. The Senseis are exactly what you would hope for. With kids, they are patient and kind, but firm. With adults, they are respectful and encouraging. The Senseis are incredibly knowledgeable and all come with impressive backgrounds in martial arts. While they are amazing at teaching self-defense and katas, they also encourage discipline, respect for self and others, and dedication. If you’re interested in any kind of self-defense, earning belts, or just trying something new, I definitely recommend Evolutionary Martial Arts. We will be loyal fans of Team Evolutionary for life!
THANK YOU "Evolutionary Martial Arts" of Syracuse! My oldest son has attended this Dojo for 3+ years. He loves and looks forward to karate and sparring every week! Hands downs, It is an outstanding Child/Youth/Adult Studio. I'm convinced a true "GEM" to our community! The instructors are incredible. The Studio is clean. Classes are well organized. They teach goal oriented skills as well as devote time and effort to technique. They break down the strikes, kicks, blocks and explain their purpose while instilling values, motivations and confidence. All 3 of my sons now attend (ages 4yrs, 6yrs and 10yrs). My husband and I love the adult Self Defense class. I highly recommend this Dojo. Thank you for all you do Sensei Jeff, Sensei Josh, Sensei David and Evolutionary staff.
-Dave and Star Albert
My oldest daughter has been dying to get into karate for quite some time. We happened upon Evolutionary Martial Arts, and gave them a chance. From the minute my daughter started classes, we fell in love with this studio and all the senseis. They are so positive and encouraging. They are funny and attentive. Fast forward 2 months, my husband and I felt like our second daughter (who has sensory processing disorder and ADHD) needed to participate in karate as well. Sensei David was able to set up the perfect program for our daughter, so that she was able to work her way into a normal class, without breaking the bank. Not only are they as awesome as I mentioned above, but they are so inclusive of students with disabilities. This is our first week with our second daughter in karate, and we can already see the value of these karate lessons. THANK YOU!
Sensei Jeff Price is one of the most gifted martial artists I have encountered during my 30 year martial arts career. I have always known him to be a respectful, disciplined, and honorable person - and - he's an absolute master of the Arts he teaches. Anyone who works with him is very fortunate.
All kids/students in classes automatically pass tests. All that is required is to show the moves prior at any time and do not have to be good. Tests cost money which does not make any sense because it replaces a class period you already pay for. Been to 2 other Dojo and neither charge for tests. They also required pads and gear for kids that are pricey and mandatory but only used once in 9 months. It was only done to get more money from parents.