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Here are three well-reviewed martial-arts schools near Lexington, MA that offer adult classes (karate or taekwondo). You might want to call ahead to confirm current adult-class schedules and fees.

1. New Generation Martial Arts

  * Location: 240 Bedford St # 1, Lexington, MA 02420.
  * Description: Established in 1996, this school offers classes for “all ages and skill levels” including teens and adults.
  * Why it might be a good fit: It’s right in Lexington, so no big commute. The inclusive age-range means adult classes should be available.
  * Tip: Ask about how many adults are in classes and whether the pace is beginner-friendly.

2. Allan Azoff Martial Arts Academy

  * Location: 177 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 02420.
  * Description: This academy advertises programs “for students of all ages, from as young as 5 to adults.”
  * Why it might be a good fit: Focus on adult-friendly training (both physically and mentally) in town.
  * Tip: Ask what styles are offered for adults (karate, self‐defense, etc.) and what belt progression looks like for grown-ups.
  * Uechi Ryu Karate

3. Elite Freestyle Karate – Lexington Studio

  * Location: 21 Muzzey St, Lexington, MA 02421.
  * Description: Offers “Premier Martial Arts instruction” in Lexington.
  * Why it might be a good fit: Convenient location and likely to have adult-friendly options (even if explicitly stated for kids, many such schools offer adult drop-in or evening classes).
  * Tip: Check if they have beginner adult classes and what class times are (evenings or weekends might be best if you have a day job).

Here are several more martial arts / taekwondo / karate schools around Lexington, MA that may offer adult classes. (Always call to confirm current adult class availability, schedules, costs, and whether they teach the style you prefer.)

🥋 Martial Arts / Karate / Taekwondo Schools Near Lexington, MA

New Generation Martial Arts

  * Address: 240 Bedford St #1, Lexington, MA
  * Notes: Already in Lexington, so minimal commute. They advertise classes for “all ages and skill levels.”
  * Suggestion: Ask them what evening adult beginner classes they have and how many adults are in a class.

Allan Azoff Martial Arts Academy

  * Address: 177 Bedford St, Lexington, MA
  * Notes: Local to Lexington, advertises programs “for students of all ages, from as young as 5 to adults.”
  * Suggestion: Ask whether the adult track is separate (so you’re not mixed with much younger students) and what belt progression looks like.

Elite Freestyle Karate

  * Address: 21 Muzzey St, Lexington, MA
  * Notes: Convenient location; may run evening classes (often the time adults train).
  * Suggestion: Check if they have “adult beginner” times, or “drop-in” adult classes.

Premier Martial Arts Burlington

  * Address: 156 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA
  * Notes: Burlington is only a short drive from Lexington. This is part of a chain (“Premier Martial Arts”) that often offers structured programs and adult classes.
  * Suggestion: Because it’s a larger school, they may have multiple adult class times (morning, evening, weekend).

Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts

  * Address: 301 Broadway, Arlington, MA
  * Notes: Arlington is nearby. Zhen Ren Chuan is a school that tends to have traditional martial arts classes (e.g. Kung Fu, etc.), but many such schools also offer karate or self-defense classes.
  * Suggestion: Even if they don’t teach “karate,” ask if they teach a style you like (or a hybrid) suitable for adult students.

United Shaolin Kempo Karate

  * Address: Waltham Athletic Club, 249 Lexington St, Waltham, MA
  * Notes: This is a bit farther, but might have good adult programs. Kempo is a mixed style with striking, so it’s somewhat intermediate between full karate and general self-defense.
  * Suggestion: If you don’t mind commuting, this could open more options for times and variety.

Apex Defense Waltham

  * Address: 130 Lexington St, Waltham, MA
  * Notes: They tend to have a strong adult / self-defense orientation (often more mixed martial arts, but often such schools also run traditional classes).
  * Suggestion: Ask what traditional martial arts (karate, taekwondo) they teach vs. MMA or self-defense.

True Martial Arts Academy

  * Address: 411 Waverley Oaks Rd #169, Waltham, MA
  * Notes: More distance, but might have adult classes, especially in evenings or weekends.
  * Suggestion: Ask for their schedule of adult vs youth classes, and whether there is a beginner adult track.

Ku’s TaeKwonDo Academy

  * Address: 135 Main St, Woburn, MA
  * Notes: Woburn is somewhat farther, but if you’re particularly interested in taekwondo (rather than generic karate), this could be a good choice.
  * Suggestion: Inquire specifically about their adult taekwondo classes (forms, sparring, belt test for adults).

Bushido Martial Arts Academy

  * Address: 396 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA
  * Notes: Belmont is more of a drive but still within reach. Schools with traditional names like “Bushido” often emphasize martial arts philosophy, discipline, and may have robust adult classes.
  * Suggestion: Ask if they run adult beginner classes, and whether they have “no experience required” classes.

Rocky Di Rico’s School‑Kenpo

  * Address: 14 Park Ave, Arlington, MA
  * Notes: Kenpo is a style related to karate; this could be a good match if you are open to similar striking arts.
  * Suggestion: Ask if they separate adult classes from kids, or run co-ed/mixed-age classes at times suitable for adults.

Rising Storm Training Academy

  * Address: 123 Muller Rd, Burlington, MA
  * Notes: Another option in Burlington. May have evening/weekend adult classes, especially in a dedicated “training academy” setup.
  * Suggestion: Ask about class times for adults and whether there are “intro to karate” options.

Eight Animal Martial Arts

  * Address: 375 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA
  * Notes: Though Belmont is farther, this school might have styles or classes appealing to adults (e.g. mixed arts).
  * Suggestion: Even if they don’t list “karate,” ask whether they have striking, forms, or weapons classes open to adults.

====== \\ Considerations for those over 70 ======

Karate (and Taekwondo or similar martial arts) can be very beneficial for people over 70, but it’s important to approach it with the right expectations, safety measures, and mindset. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to consider before beginning:

🩺 1. Medical and Physical Readiness

  * Get medical clearance first. Have a quick chat with your primary care provider or cardiologist, especially if you have heart issues, arthritis, joint replacements, osteoporosis, balance problems, or any chronic conditions.
  * Ask about safe activity levels. For example, you might need to avoid high-impact kicks or jumping drills.
  * Check your blood pressure and balance regularly. Karate involves quick changes of direction, which can cause dizziness in some older adults.

🥋 2. Choosing the Right School and Instructor

  * Find a school that welcomes older beginners. Some do, some don’t. Look for instructors experienced in working with adults and seniors.
  * Ask about class pace and structure. Ideally, you want a small class or mixed-level session where you can move at your own speed.
  * Observe a class first. Look for warm-ups that focus on flexibility and balance, not just fast or competitive sparring.
  * Avoid schools that push contact sparring or heavy competition. Look for traditional or self-defense–focused dojos.

🧘 3. Training Focus for Seniors

Karate offers much more than just physical fighting — it can improve:

  * Balance and stability (reduces fall risk)
  * Flexibility and coordination
  * Mental sharpness and focus
  * Confidence and stress reduction

At 70+, the goal is lifelong fitness and mental engagement, not breaking boards or winning matches.

⚖️ 4. Adjusting Expectations and Techniques

  * Low-impact kicks only. Focus on form, not height — kicks at knee or waist level are plenty effective.
  * Controlled punches and blocks. No need for full-force strikes; proper technique builds strength safely.
  * Modify stances. Deep stances can strain knees and hips; your instructor should help you find comfortable alternatives.
  * Emphasize breathing and mindfulness. Karate’s meditative aspects can be calming and improve focus.

🧠 5. Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

  * Karate involves memorizing forms (kata), left-right coordination, and reaction timing — all great for brain health.
  * It also provides social connection, structure, and a sense of accomplishment — important at any age.

👟 6. Practical Preparation

  * Good footwear: If barefoot training is uncomfortable, ask if soft martial arts shoes are allowed.
  * Hydration: Dehydration affects balance and focus more at older ages.
  * Gradual progression: Start with 1–2 classes a week and build up.
  * Recovery time: Expect to feel some soreness at first; allow time between classes for your muscles and joints to adapt.

🚫 7. Warning Signs to Pause or Modify

Stop or modify activity if you experience:

  * Dizziness or lightheadedness
  * Sharp joint or back pain
  * Unusual shortness of breath
  * Sudden fatigue or imbalance

Your instructor should help you substitute moves safely — never “push through pain.”

✅ Summary: A Smart Plan for a 70+ Beginner

| \\ Step| \\ Action|
| \\ 1| \\ Medical check and clearance|
| \\ 2| \\ Observe and try a gentle class first|
| \\ 3| \\ Choose a dojo with adult-friendly, low-impact focus|
| \\ 4| \\ Focus on technique, flexibility, breathing, and balance|
| \\ 5| \\ Progress at your own pace and enjoy the journey|
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Here are three martial-arts schools in/near Lexington, MA that are worth contacting about adult programs (and may well accommodate older beginners). I recommend calling them to ask specifically about adult-beginner class times, pace modifications, and how comfortable they are working with older adults.

1. New Generation Martial Arts

Address: 240 Bedford St #1, Lexington, MA 02420.

Why consider it: Their website/listing notes they offer instruction for “all ages and skill levels” including adults.

Questions to ask:

  * Do they have a separate adult-beginner class (so you’re not mixed in with children/teens)?
  * What time(s) are adult classes (especially evenings/weekends)?
  * How do they accommodate older students (e.g., slower pace, less high-impact moves)?

2. Allan Azoff Martial Arts Academy

Address: 177 Bedford St, Lexington, MA 02420.

Why consider it: They advertise a broad program for students of all ages (including adults) and mention a holistic approach (fitness, self-defense).

Questions to ask:

  * Do they have actual adult beginners’ classes (and how many adults attend)?
  * How do they tailor training for older students (e.g., joint health, balance)?
  * Is sparring/contact optional or limited for adult beginners?

3. Premier Martial Arts Burlington

Address: 156 Cambridge St, Burlington, MA 01803.

Why consider it: Although in Burlington (slightly further commute), Premier is a larger chain and may have more flexible scheduling and adult class options (which could be helpful for an older beginner).

Questions to ask:

  * Are there adult-only classes, and what are the times?
  * Do they have “senior friendly” modifications (e.g., fewer jumps, more emphasis on balance/coordination)?
  * Can you try a session or drop-in to see how you feel in the class?