Kids in formation, Tuesday evening
Ages 4–12
Kids Karate
Confidence, focus, and respect — taught through the same Okinawan kata that built Greg Tearney's reputation fifty-six years ago. Repetition disguised with fun.
Tearney's Martial Arts® · Township 5, Camillus NY
A family
tradition,
since 1969.
Traditional Okinawan karate for kids, teens, and families — taught by the Tearney family in Central New York.
For more than half a century our doors have stayed open to anyone willing to bow in and work — three generations of students, two generations of Tearneys, a dojo rich in history in Camillus.
Belt celebration — the whole class
Friends made on the mat
Kyoshi Alexis Tearney Kuhl
1969
Est. Syracuse, NY
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I.
Character
The point of training is who you become, not what you can do.
-
II.
Discipline
Show up. Bow in. Repeat — for the next ten thousand classes.
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III.
Respect
For your teachers, your training partners, and yourself.
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IV.
Confidence
Earned through honest effort, not through anyone's permission.
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V.
Family
The dojo is a second home — we treat it, and each other, that way.
Step inside
A look inside
the dojo.
On any given afternoon the floor at Township 5 is full — white belts and black belts, kids and parents, all bowing in together. This is what more than fifty years of tradition looks like in motion.
- Certified instructors
- Mats cleaned after each class
- Routine background checks
- Open viewing area for parents & grandparents
§ 01
Two generations,
one dojo.
Our story
In 1969 Greg Tearney — a kid from Syracuse's 15th Ward who once called himself a street fighter — opened a small karate school and quietly turned it into one of the most respected dojos in Central New York.
More than fifty years later, his daughter Kyoshi Alexis stands at the head of the floor. She was a black belt before she was a teenager — a 6th-degree black belt today — and was teaching at the front of the room long before she took over the family business. The lineage hasn't changed — neither has the work.
We teach traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu, the same way it was taught to us. Slower than most. Heavier on the basics. Harder on character than on flash. It works.
Greg & Judy Tearney, founders
§ 02
Classes for
everyone in the family.
Programs
Teens & parents working makiwara drills
Ages 13+
Teen & Family Karate
Traditional Goju-Ryu for teens and parents — often on the mat right alongside their kids. Kata, kumite, and real self-defense; beginners are welcome, and you'll be training next to black belts your first month.
Birthday party, the mat is yours
Ages 4–14
Birthday Parties
Ninety minutes of supervised karate games, an actual belt-breaking demonstration, and a private dojo all to yourselves. Bring a cake — we'll bring the energy.
§ 03
In their
own words.
Student stories
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★★★★★
Tearney's karate has been a game changer for our 6 year old son! The instructors are incredible and so great with the kids — the classes are structured and fun. Karate has been a positive part of our lives!
Andrea Brower · Parent · Google -
★★★★★
I truly wish I could give more than 5 stars. Every single person working here is absolutely wonderful. My kids are thriving because of Tearney's — and so proud to tell their peers they're part of the Tearney's family.
Kelsey · Parent · Google -
★★★★★
Started out bringing my 12 year old granddaughter, and two years later, at 60 years old, I joined. It is the best thing we have ever done! The teachers will work with you wherever you are, to help you be your best self.
Tina M. Giblin · Student & grandparent · Google -
★★★★★
My daughters and I both take karate classes and we all love it. Both my children have ADD and these classes are a place they can focus, have fun, and be loud. Ten out of ten recommend.
Laura Jinks · Parent & student · Google -
★★★★★
The instructors are always so patient with the children and they are incredibly effective teachers. They make classes fun and informative, and I love the way they weave in culture from Japan into their lessons.
Nichole Jakaub · Parent · Google -
★★★★★
Their commitment to excellence is unmatched. The instructors are knowledgeable, passionate, and truly care about their students' growth on and off the mats. Highly recommend to anyone looking for top-notch martial arts training in the area!
Elevated Studios · Google
§ 04
Inside the
dojo.
Meet your instructors
§ 05
Questions,
answered.
Before you start
We generally require a minimum age of 4. If your child is 3½ and wanting to train, please call us to discuss first. We can help guide you!
Our system is traditional Okinawan karate. It blends Okinawan Goju-Ryu and Shorin-Ryu.
Yes! Our Basics/Karate Kids are ages 4–6. Our Beginner kids are ages 7 and older.
We do try our best to accommodate families. We can discuss your situation when we meet!
New students are starting every week! Martial arts is not a seasonal activity. It is a discipline and requires consistency in training in order to see the full benefits. Our schedule stays the same during the school year and the summer.
All of our new students start with a trial membership. This allows us to get to know each other and be sure it's a good fit!
Twice a week is best for good progress.
While we do have a competition team, it is not a requirement.
Absolutely — many of our students are parents and grandparents training right alongside their kids. We do occasionally have space for new adult students as well; just ask us about the waitlist.
Yes, we offer birthday parties for our students! We fully handle all aspects of the party so parents can relax and enjoy their child's special day. Ask us for more information!
Sparring is gradually introduced after students earn their gold/white belt. We start slowly by using partner drills to emphasize safety and etiquette. Instructors stay very close to facilitate this.