Olathe Karate Academy
About
Olathe Karate Academy offers comprehensive martial arts training in both MMA and karate disciplines within a spacious 4200 square foot facility. The school is led by a team of highly credentialed instructors including James R. Palmer, a 9th Degree Black Belt with expertise in Okinawan Kenpo, Jujitsu, and Weapons, along with Ashleigh M. Palmer and Steve M. Postlewait who bring extensive experience in multiple martial arts systems. The academy provides flexible scheduling with event options for birthdays, demonstrations, and seminars, creating a versatile training environment for all ages and skill levels.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Members consistently praise the family oriented atmosphere where both children and adults feel welcomed and supported. Reviewers highlight how the academy builds confidence, perseverance, and grit in students while maintaining an engaging balance between fun, discipline, and hard work. Specific instructors like Jamie and Ashley are commended for creating a second home environment where students look forward to attending classes multiple times per week. The flexible class structure allowing attendance at various skill levels and the popular Freeplay Friday classes receive particular appreciation from families.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
Mary Underwood
6 months ago
OKA is a great place for kids to learn karate and build confidence in themselves. The owners are especially good with kids as are all of the teachers! Ashleigh runs a great muscle mom's class as well and pushes you to keep going. They do a family style karate class where all ages and levels can attend the same class together as well as separate skill level classes. It's especially nice to be able to come to as many classes at whichever level class time as you want each week. They recommended at least twice a week, but you could potentially go every day if you wanted. The classes are engaging and Friday they have a Freeplay class the kids love! I highly recommend trying them out!
Amanda Wrisley
4 months ago
Olathe Karate Academy offers a welcoming, family-oriented environment where a love for martial arts is at the heart of instruction. The instructors are knowledgeable at their craft and provide a great balance between fun, discipline, and hard work. Classes are engaging and enjoyable for students of all ages. We’ve truly appreciated being part of this community.
Courtney DeNegri
4 months ago
OKA has been such a great place for our daughter. She has learned Karate but also independence, perseverance and grit. Jamie and Ashley run the dojo like a second home. Our daughter looks forward to going to lessons and tries to go everyday of the week if she can! If you are looking for a space to learn and grow OKA is it!
Chris Keith
5 months ago
Olathe Karate Academy has been great for our young daughter. Everyone there is so friendly and it's a wonderful environment for kids. We've been there going on 3 years now and love it!
Reuben Burwell
6 months ago
We LOVE Olathe Karate Academy! It has been a great experience for our family. It has given our boys something constructive to do, while building confidence, strength, and self-defense skills. Not to mention... it's a great way to use that excess energy! My boys and I have bonded through this shared experience.
fitness_centerAmenities
scheduleHours
Monday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 1:00 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
James R. Palmer
School Owner/Head Instructor
Kyoshi, 9th Degree Black Belt (6th Dan Okinawan Kenpo, 5th Dan Okinawan Jujitsu, 4th Dan Okinawan Weapons, 1st Dan Hawaiian Kempo)
Founded OKA in 1999. Began training in 1984. Direct descendant of Master Seikichi Odo lineage. Also a professional musician.
Ashleigh M. Palmer
School Owner/Head Instructor
Shihan/Renshi, 6th Degree Black Belt (5th Dan Okinawan Kenpo, 3rd Dan Okinawan Weapons, 3rd Dan Okinawan Jujitsu)
Began training at 16. Competitive athlete. Personal trainer, mother of three. One of leading female martial artists in USKK organization.
Steve M. Postlewait
Instructor
Renshi, 5th Degree Black Belt (5th Dan Okinawan Kenpo, 2nd Dan Okinawan Jujitsu, 2nd Dan Okinawan Weapons)
Founding member of OKA, began training in 2000. Brings unique perspective and energetic approach. Graduate of Rockhurst College.