Max NormanWhen my partner was doing pilates here in OKC, I couldn’t help but think that I should be doing something better with my time aside from playing video games. So, I thought of the next thing I liked the most, mixed martial arts!
With some help from my team, I’ve narrowed down some of the top martial art schools in Oklahoma City that are worth enrolling in. I wanted to find gyms that were beginner-friendly, had a strong community, and offered great value for money.
Fortunately, there are tons of them here. Keep on reading and be one step closer to unleashing your inner warrior!
What is the average cost of martial art classes in Oklahoma City?
Martial arts classes in Oklahoma City typically cost anywhere from $60 to $220 per month or more, depending on the discipline, the instructor’s experience, and the school itself.
1. Culture Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Programs: Little kids jiu jitsu, kids jiu jitsu, adults/teens jiu jitsu, women’s jiu jitsu, jiu jitsu open mat, kickboxing
Location: 9520 SW 15th St STE G
Contact: +1 405-250-9431
Business hours:
- Monday: 5:15 AM to 7:45 PM
- Tuesday and Thursday: 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, 5:15 PM to 8:30 PM
- Wednesday: 5:15 AM to 7:45 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:15 PM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Culture Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of our top picks because of its overall family-friendly vibe.
We appreciate that it offers classes designed for different age groups, including little kids, as well as an all-women’s class, which students have highlighted as empowering and safe.
Students we spoke with also shared that the classes do an excellent job of building their confidence. They attributed this to the instructors who genuinely care for each student and don’t fail to provide encouraging words.
Our interviewees even mentioned that well-structured classes help beginners learn the fundamentals before being placed with the rest of the students.
This also allows the gym to avoid creating unequal sparring matches, creating a safe environment for all experience levels.
We like how the gym offers one-week trials for both their jiu-jitsu and kickboxing classes. It allows students to get a feel for the gym and the overall vibe before committing to long-term programs.
The only thing they could improve is their program selection, as they only offer two practices at the moment.
Coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care
“Culture Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an incredible place to train. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this gym is built on strong values, respect, and community. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and truly care about every student, whether you’re a beginner, competitor, or parent of a child on the mats. The kids’ program is especially impressive. The coaches do a great job balancing discipline, confidence building, and fun, while teaching real Jiu-Jitsu. The adult classes are welcoming, and everyone is pushed to improve at their own pace. This gym feels like a family, not just a place to train. If you’re looking for high-quality Jiu Jitsu in a positive environment, Culture Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the place to be.”
KGD Business, Google Review
Welcoming and family-oriented
“This gym has been such a blessing for our family. My daughter has improved more in 3 months here than she did in 7 months at her old gym. The coaches give so much personal attention, really focus on the details, and the structured curriculum makes a huge difference in her progress. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-oriented, which is why all of us now train here — even my wife, who loves the women’s program. It’s supportive, challenging, and she feels comfortable and encouraged every class. The adult program is also fantastic, so there’s something for everyone. What really sets this place apart is how involved the owner and coaches are, always checking in and making sure students are growing both on and off the mats. We’re so glad we made the switch — this is home for us now.”
Mikail Askeriiani, Google Review
2. National Martial Arts
Programs: Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, kids striking program, Krav Maga, yoga, nutrition coaching
Location: 11829 S Portland Ave.
Contact: +1 405-692-7300
Business hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:45 AM to 1:30 PM
- Friday: 5:00 PM to 8:45 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Our respondents recommended National Martial Arts (NMA) because of its well-rounded programs.
They shared that, aside from the disciplines themselves, the school also emphasizes character development, enabling it to cultivate better citizens rather than just good students.
We appreciate how the instructors enforce their mission through strict classroom management, while still maintaining a fun and comfortable environment.
Students we spoke to also shared that the instructors are extremely inclusive and welcoming of all body types, ages, and genders.
It’s no surprise that they’re real professionals since the school’s hiring process is impressively rigorous, as its candidates undergo certifications and safety training.
NMA’s curricula are in-depth as well, tackling several techniques under different disciplines, such as jiu-jitsu and Krav Maga.
For instance, in jiu-jitsu alone, they’ll tackle standing self-defense, practical escape mechanics, and situational awareness training. They even have CPR and first-aid training!
However, it’s not the best option for those looking only for casual training, as it emphasizes rank progression and features a more formal curriculum.
Genuinely cares about every student
“We absolutely LOVE National Martial Arts! All three of our kids train here, and the experience has been nothing short of amazing. The atmosphere is welcoming and family-oriented — it truly feels like a second home. Michael, the owner, genuinely cares about every student who walks through the door. His passion for martial arts, dedication to his staff, and commitment to helping each member grow—both on and off the mat—are unmatched. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and always go above and beyond to make sure every child feels confident and supported. If you’re looking for a place where your kids can build discipline, confidence, and lifelong skills while being part of a positive community, National Martial Arts is the place to be!”
Dalon Coberly, Google Review
Everyone encourages each other
“National Martial Arts is a great place to train. Professor South does an excellent job leading and managing the gym — he sets the tone for a positive and supportive environment. His leadership and the professionalism of the staff make it easy to feel comfortable and motivated from day one. The members and coaches create a strong sense of community where everyone encourages each other to grow and get better. It’s a welcoming place that makes training both rewarding and fun. I truly can’t recommend it enough!”
Colton Hines, Google Review
3. Lovato’s School of BJJ & MMA
Programs: Muay Thai, mixed martial arts, boxing, BJJ, no-gi grappling
Location: 10944 N May Ave.
Contact: +1 405-466-5255
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Lovato’s School of BJJ & MMA caught our attention because of its affiliation with Rafael Lovato Jr, whose elite pedigree speaks for itself. His name has spawned over 40 schools worldwide, a testament to his experience and credibility.
The longevity attached to this school is a great plus, as it translates into more refined curricula and higher technical standards. It also helps that the school offers a myriad of programs, ranging from Muay Thai to boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts.
Students we spoke to said they chose this school for its streamlined progression system, which helped them attain their black belts.
They shared how they were welcomed with open arms when they were beginners, and that the overall community was encouraging.
It’s also admirable how the school champions serious competitors by offering specialized programs that feature tougher standards and high-level rolling partners.
Due to its affiliation with Lovato and its reputation, however, the school’s programs are on the pricier side.
Sets the standard for what a champion should be
“Rafael Lovato Jr. is a true world-class champion and an incredible ambassador for jiu-jitsu. His level of skill, discipline, and leadership sets the standard for what a champion should be—both on and off the mats. The training facility is absolutely beautiful—clean, professional, and built for serious development. The atmosphere is welcoming, humble, and focused on growth at every level. The seminars are outstanding, often featuring world-class athletes who bring high-level knowledge and experience. You’re not just getting techniques—you’re getting insight from competitors who have performed at the highest stages in the world. If you’re looking for elite instruction in a positive, championship-level environment, this is the place.”
Deandre Sneed, Google Review
We couldn’t be happier
“My daughter has been training at Lavato Jujitsu for four months, and we couldn’t be happier. Her instructor, Josh, is excellent with kids and does a great job teaching techniques that are both engaging and effective. He creates a positive environment where the children build confidence and skills. My nine-year-old loves going to class. She’s made great friends and always has a fantastic time while learning jujitsu. If you’re looking for quality instruction in a fun, supportive environment, I highly recommend Lavato Jujitsu.”
Iona Cunningham, Google Review
4. Highland Jiu-Jitsu
Programs: Kickboxing, jiu jitsu
Location: 5557 Northwest Expy, Warr Acres
Contact: +1 405-448-8130
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
We want to include Highland Jiu-Jitsu because of its welcoming community, offering classes for different experience levels and ages. Furthermore, they offer specialized programs for kids, teens, and adults to ensure proper progression.
It’s also admirable how the school approaches its programs holistically, building character rather than just being “by the book” in its disciplines. Parents we spoke to shared that their timid children became more outgoing in school because of training.
Many actually chose this school because of its perfect balance between firmness and beginner-friendliness.
This forces students to step up their game in a comfortable and supportive environment, thanks to its instructors, who know how to provide reassurances and tough love.
However, former students we spoke to mentioned that the gym is focused more on lifestyle improvements as opposed to preparing for competitions.
Always friendly and welcoming
“The Summit Jiu Jitsu Lab OKC is a wonderful place to build a family & friends. The environment is always friendly and welcoming people with kindness. The Summit is my second home. I share The Summit and all of its programs every chance I get, and all the wonderful achievements that we have accomplished, and more to come. I encourage everyone to come and be a part of this beautiful family setting.”
C Bear, Google Review
Has been the absolute best
“I cannot say enough good things about the summit! Coach Chantal has been the absolute best to us, from welcoming my young son and making him feel comfortable and confident, to helping mom and dad grow and support him. They have shown nothing but care and pride in their commitment and dedication to helping teach the students. Not to mention the pure joy my son has in each and every class. I highly recommend everyone to stop by and see for themselves how awesome this program is.”
Rachael Corbly, Google Review
5. National Karate
Programs: Karate, adult martial arts
Location: 6903 Northwest Expy
Contact: +1 405-720-6000
Business hours:
- Monday to Friday: 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
National Karate is a no-brainer inclusion for us due to its 50+ years of industry experience, which is a testament to its consistency and high standards.
We’ve also spoken with countless students who have graduated from the school who still speak fondly of their experience. One common consensus is the school’s family-friendliness, which allows beginners to feel comfortable right off the bat.
The school’s programs are well-rounded as well, as they integrate essential character-building traits that transcend into real-life situations.
We’ve even spoken to parents who shared that their kids’ tantrum episodes disappeared after just a couple of sessions with National Karate.
We’re also fans of the school’s flexible memberships. This, paired with their free initial trials, helps students to get a feel for the dojo without the long-term commitment—though, we haven’t heard many students opting out after these sessions.
We only wish that they could branch out their practices, as they only offer karate and jiu-jitsu at the moment.
Great with kids, and a really nice dojo!
“New karate gym and new coaches for my son!!! We’re so happy!! Fantastic crew, really professional, great with kids, and a really nice dojo! The soft, clean mats make it look so nice! I love the reward systems they have for the kids, such as getting a stripe on your belt for good grades in school and attendance! They even have a beautiful Art Deco bathroom that’s always kept clean!! We love it!! Plus, they took an immediate personal interest in my son and prepared him for the upcoming tournament we previously had planned before switching!”
Diana Chapman, Google Review
The results spread outside of the class as well
“We love National Karate. Our son started classes as a 3-year-old, and he was having trouble with temper tantrums, sensory issues, and was physically behind his peers. Almost immediately after starting classes, the tantrums reduced, and he truly exploded as a kid. The kid who couldn’t figure out how to pedal a bike was now jumping and kicking, and the results spread outside of the class as well. The instructors at National Karate are amazing; they demand a lot from the kids, but also do an amazing job at reaching them at their level.”
Neal Kennedy, Google Review
