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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.

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 *

That’s an excellent question — and a very thoughtful one. 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

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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?