Premier Martial Arts in Chattanooga: Kids and Adult Karate with Belt Progression
Premier Martial Arts is a karate instruction studio serving children as young as four and adults through structured belt-ranking classes, with membership costs that run $80 to $140 per month depending on class frequency and whether you add weapons or leadership training modules.
What Premier Martial Arts actually is
A franchised karate dojo focused on traditional Okinawan-style instruction, Premier Martial Arts operates as a membership-based studio rather than a drop-in model. Classes are organized by age group and belt level, meaning a six-year-old beginner works separately from an adult white belt, and advancement follows a belt-testing schedule tied to demonstrated technique rather than time spent. The studio maintains a student base that spans preschool-aged children through adults in their sixties, with most members training one to three times per week.
Class structure, belt system, and pricing
Premier Martial Arts uses a colored-belt progression starting at white and advancing through yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, brown, and black. Testing typically occurs every 8 to 12 weeks for newer students and extends further apart at higher ranks. Monthly membership pricing breaks down as follows: unlimited classes run $140 per month, two classes per week cost $100 monthly, and one class per week is $80. These figures apply to standard karate; adding weapons training (nunchaku, bo staff) or the "Leadership Program" (a separate track emphasizing instructor development) incurs additional fees that vary by program. A trial class is typically free or costs a nominal fee; confirm current promotion pricing by calling directly, as introductory offers vary seasonally.
The belt-testing fee, paid separately from membership, covers the physical belt and testing administration; this usually ranges from $30 to $60 depending on rank, with higher belts commanding steeper fees due to longer and more rigorous testing requirements.
How it compares to other Chattanooga karate options
Chattanooga has several karate options worth weighing. East Brainerd Martial Arts, another established dojo in the area, emphasizes Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside karate, making it better suited if you want cross-training in grappling. Kempo-based schools like those affiliated with Ed Parker lineages tend to prioritize self-defense application over the competitive sparring that Premier Martial Arts emphasizes. Premier's franchise model means consistency in curriculum and instructor certification but less flexibility in teaching style compared to independent studios. If you want deep roots in a specific sensei's personal lineage, a smaller independent dojo may feel more intimate; if you prefer standardized progression and frequent instructor availability due to franchise support, Premier's model works better.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
Premier Martial Arts works best for families wanting structured progression with clear goals (belt advancement) and for children who thrive in group classes with peers at similar skill levels. Adults seeking serious conditioning and discipline, not just self-defense, find value in the consistent three-to-four-times-weekly schedule. It suits people committed to a membership model; the studio does not emphasize drop-in classes. Conversely, it is not ideal if you want pure self-defense training divorced from sport-oriented sparring, cannot commit to monthly fees, or need extreme schedule flexibility (some studios offer more varied class times). Likewise, if your child is under four, you will need to wait; the studio's youngest program starts at age four.
What the first visit involves
New students or families typically attend a free or low-cost trial class during an open session. You will observe a standard class structure: warm-up, technique instruction focused on stances and strikes, controlled partner drills or light pad work, and cool-down. The instructor will assess your or your child's starting point and discuss which class time and membership tier fit your goals. If you enroll, you complete paperwork, pay the first month's membership, and are fitted for a white belt. Most students begin attending regularly scheduled classes within a week of enrollment.
Hours, location, and parking
Premier Martial Arts maintains a dojo in the Chattanooga area; exact hours vary by location and day of the week, typically running weekday evening classes from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekend morning classes on Saturday. Parking is lot-based on-site. Because franchise locations and staffing occasionally shift, confirm current hours and the exact address before visiting.
Premier Martial Arts fills a common need in Chattanooga's fitness landscape: structured, goal-driven martial arts instruction for mixed-age groups willing to commit to a membership and progression system. For families prioritizing discipline, belt achievement, and peer-based learning, it ranks among the more established and accessible options in the city.
