Kinney Karate 
St. Petersburg, FL — Founded 1969
Traditional martial arts for all ages — Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Ju Jitsu, and Modern Arnis. Build discipline, self-defense skills, and lasting confidence.
Why Kinney Karate?
Real-world skills, fitness, focus, and a supportive community that keeps students coming back.
Over 55 years of excellence in Tang Soo Do, Aikido, Ju Jitsu, and Modern Arnis.
From young children to adults — beginners to advanced. Everyone belongs on this mat.
Discipline.
- Structured, respectful learning environment
- Focus and attention skills that transfer to school & work
- Consistent belt-rank progression with clear goals
- Habits of punctuality, effort, and follow-through
- Respect for instructors, peers, and self
Self-Defense. Confidence.
- Practical techniques from multiple martial arts systems
- Situational awareness and de-escalation skills
- Physical fitness, balance, and coordination
- Public speaking and demonstration confidence
- Earned self-assurance from real achievement
One of the great things about Kinney Karate is its flexibility in tailoring itself to the individual student. Whether your child needs an outlet for energy, a challenge to push past, or a community to belong to — our instructors meet every student where they are and help them grow into the best version of themselves.
How do I get started?
YOUR FIRST CLASS IS FREE
To enroll, just show up at a location you'd like to attend. You don't need to start at the beginning of the month. No uniform needed to begin — wear loose-fitting pants and a t-shirt.
We're looking forward to meeting you!
Programs
Kinney Karate teaches four traditional martial arts disciplines as one integrated system. Students train in all four arts — each one complementing the others to produce well-rounded, capable martial artists.
Traditional Korean martial art — the heart of our curriculum. Emphasizes kicks, strikes, and blocks. Builds physical fitness, mental discipline, and deep respect for the art.
The art of harmony — using an attacker's energy against them rather than meeting force with force. Students learn throws, joint locks, and redirections that work regardless of size or strength.
Covers ground fighting, takedowns, and joint control — skills that matter when a confrontation goes to the floor. Combined with Tang Soo Do's striking and Aikido's throws, Ju Jitsu training produces well-rounded martial artists.
The national martial art of the Philippines. Students train with rattan sticks, learning single and double weapon techniques that translate directly into empty-hand combat.
Locations
JW Cate Recreation Center
Tuesday & Thursday
St. Petersburg, FL
Willis S Johns Recreation Center
Tuesday & Thursday
St. Petersburg, FL
Gladden Park Recreation Center
Monday & Wednesday
St. Petersburg, FL
Lake Vista Recreation Center
Monday & Thursday
St. Petersburg, FL
Balance Dojo
Classes 7 days a week
Pinellas Park, FL
Student Store
Official Kinney Karate uniforms, sparring gear, t-shirts, and more. Only KK-branded gear is permitted in class.
Shop the Store