With the rising incidents of violence against young girls to aged women, learning self-defense has become essential. Dhaka hosts several martial arts training centers where girls and women can learn practical techniques of judo, karate, kung fu, etc. These disciplines are effectively aligned with real-life self-defense scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at the leading institutes that provide a supportive environment for women to learn essential safety skills.
Top 10 Martial Arts Training Centers for Women in Dhaka
.
KO Fight Studio
The Bangladesh branch of the world-renowned Karate Organization, ShinKyokushinKai, operates under the name of this institute. The training center prioritizes mastering the Japanese Kyokushin Karate style. Shihan Abdullah Mohammad Hossain, a 4th Dan black belt (4th degree black belt holder), is the organization’s executive director and head instructor.
KO Fight Studio’s curriculum includes master striking, escape techniques, and de-escalation skills, all of which are crucial for real-life situations.
The sessions span a minimum of 8 weeks, consisting of 16 classes, each lasting 2 hours. The admission fee is BDT 2,000, with a monthly fee of BDT 4,000.
Address: Level-4, Building No. 19-20, Road-113/A, Gulshan (next to Shahabuddin Medical)
Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/KOFSDhaka/
Read more: Martial Arts Belts: Everything You Need to Know About Their Color and Significance
Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School
This school focuses on the traditional Chinese martial arts of Wushu and Kung Fu, with an emphasis on modern adaptations such as Sanda, Taolu, and Wing Chun. The school was founded by Master Abdullah Al Monsur, a highly skilled martial artist.
Chinese Kung Fu and Wushu School offers training in striking, grappling, weaponry, and hybrid martial arts. Students are taught techniques from boxing, karate, Muay Thai, Kenpo, judo, Aikido, Sumo, and wrestling, alongside weapons training in Kendo, fencing, and Iaido. The courses emphasize physical strength, mental health, focus, and discipline.
An online option for Kung Fu classes is also available for students participating from home.
Main Branches: Bhaban-58, Road-5, Block-F, Aftabnagar, Badda. Additional branches are located in Dhanmondi, Gulshan, Banani, Bashundhara, and Uttara.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wushubd
Sobhan Karate Academy
Catering to trainees aged 5 to 65, this academy boasts a membership where over 80% are women. The training features the globally recognized Shotokan Karate style.
The admission fee is BDT 5,000 for all, while the monthly fee is BDT 3,000 for students and BDT 4,000 for professionals.
Sobhan Karate Academy features a specialized 9-month defensive tactics course, which costs BDT 40,000, including the admission fee. The initial month’s fee is BDT 10,000 for students and BDT 11,000 for professionals.
Address: Russian Cultural Center, House No. 510, Road 7, Dhanmondi
Website Link: https://www.sobhankarateacademy.com/
Read more: Best Martial Arts for Women: Know the purposes, risks, requirements
Martial Art BD
This training institute is led by internationally certified experts, including Sensei Nazmun Sahadath. He is a 4th Dan and national karate judge affiliated with the Bangladesh Karate Federation.
Martial Art BD offers programs in general karate and bodybuilding, promoting long-term health. Updated details about course schedules and fees are available on its website.
Website Link: https://martialartbd.com/
Address: 15/G Jigatola, Dhanmondi, (Sundarban Courier Building). Additional branches are located in Lalmatia and Shonir Akhra.
HORDE MMA & Martial Arts Academy
Founded by 4th Dan Black Belt holder Sensei Kim Yanez, HORDE MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) & Martial Arts Academy specializes in combining karate with kickboxing. It incorporates the world-famous No-Gi Submission Grappling technique to overcome the opponent.
Classes are offered from 9 AM to 8 PM, and course details can be obtained through their Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/HordeMMA/
Main Branch Address: House-34, Sonarganj Janpath, Sector-11, Uttara, (Opposite Zamzam Tower)
Read more: Best Martial Arts For Fitness
Martial Arts Stars Academy
Established in 1992, Martial Arts Stars Academy focuses on Judo, Karate, and Jiu-Jitsu, with defensive weapons training as part of the curriculum. Head coach Shamsher Alam, a national referee, is affiliated with both the Bangladesh Judo and Karate Federations.
Trainings are conducted in two batches: one starting at 6 AM and the other at 4:30 PM.
Address: Bari-13, Road-14, Block-D, Section-6, Mirpur.
Practice Venue: Shaheed Suhrawardi Indoor Stadium, Mirpur.
Visit their Facebook page for further information on course fees.
Page Link: https://www.facebook.com/p/Martial-Arts-Stars-Academy-100062993752856/
Jacky Martial Art Academy
The institute was initiated in 1990 by Kamal Uddin Jacky. A gold medalist from Korea and extensively trained in Japan, Jacky is now a 7th Dan Black Belt Athlete.
Jacky Martial Art Academy is renowned for its black belt course lasting two years. The curriculum includes karate, kung fu, judo, taekwondo, chain stick, and long stick training.
The monthly fee for the course is BDT 1,000. Additionally, a separate batch for girls is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon.
Address: Chandan Kotha Center, Shahid Faruk Road, Nabi Nagar, West Jatrabari, Dhaka
Contact Link: https://www.facebook.com/JackyMartialArtAkademy
Read more: Best Free Personal Safety Android, iOS Apps for Women
Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do
Founded in 1999, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do is a prestigious karate school in the country. The head coach is sensei Abdul Shukkur Ali Shikder.
The school has a branch in Gulistan and multiple locations across Rampura and Banasree. Training at the National Sports Council Building in Gulistan is held from 7 AM to 9 AM. On the contrary, classes at the Rampura and Banasree branches are typically conducted from afternoon to evening.
More details on the curriculum, admission, and course fees are available on their official Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/bangladeshwadokaikaratedo
Contact Address: 377/1, East Rampura, D.I.T Road, Rampura.
Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh
The Korean defensive combat style Chang Moo Kwan Taekwondo is widely appreciated all over the world. Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh serves as the official representative of this discipline in the country.
The institute conducts training programs five days a week, from 4 PM to 7 PM (except Friday and Saturday). Comprehensive details on admission and courses are accessible through their official Facebook page.
Page link: https://www.facebook.com/royaltkdbangladesh
Address: House No. 77/B, 7A Dhanmondi.
Read more: 7 Types of Strength Training And Their Benefits
Shotokan Karate Bangladesh
Originating in Japan, Shotokan is one of the world-famous styles of self-defense. It is also widely practiced in karate clubs in Bangladesh. Approved by the National Karate Federation, Shotokan Karate Bangladesh proudly carries the spirit of Shotokan.
The center offers courses on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. Morning classes are from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, and afternoon classes are held from 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
Course fees and other relevant details can be found on their Facebook page.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/shotokankaratebangladesh
Address: 8/C, West Chowdhury Para, Dhaka.
Summing Up
These self-defense training institutes in Dhaka, dedicated to empowering women, present a unique approach tailored to their distinct martial arts styles.
KO Fight Studio, Sobhan Karate Academy, Bangladesh Wadokai Karate Do, and Shotokan Karate Bangladesh emphasize traditional karate training. Chinese Kung Fu & Wushu School preserves the essence of Wushu, while Royal Taekwondo Dojang Bangladesh is dedicated to Taekwondo. Horde MMA & Martial Arts Academy blends karate with kickboxing, whereas Martial Arts Stars Academy integrates judo and karate. Jacky Martial Art Academy provides a well-rounded approach, incorporating multiple disciplines. Martial Art BD combines personal protection techniques with bodybuilding programs.
Beyond physical strength, these institutes foster mental resilience, making self-security a holistic practice for women.
Read more: Homemade Pepper Spray for Self-Defense: Ingredients, process, efficiency, precautions