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North Chesterfield, VA · 10910 Southlake Ct

Empower Your
Mind & Body

Expert-led karate, kickboxing & MMA for all ages. Build confidence, discipline, and real-world strength in a supportive community.

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30+
Years Experience
6
Days a Week
4
Disciplines
All
Ages Welcome
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What We Offer

Our Programs

Whether you're stepping on the mat for the first time or looking to sharpen advanced skills, we have a class for you.

🥋

Karate

Traditional karate training focusing on forms, technique, discipline, and self-defense. Open to all belt levels from white to black.

All Ages
🥊

Kickboxing

High-energy kickboxing classes that build cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and striking power. A full-body workout every session.

Adult & Teen
🤼

MMA & Grappling

Hybrid Lock Flow Combat system that combines Thai Boxing and Submission Wrestling.

Adult
⭐

Kids Karate

Age-appropriate classes that teach children respect, focus, and confidence through fun, structured martial arts training.

Ages 5+
🏆

Sombo Wrestling

Russian combat sport focusing on throws, takedowns, and ground control. Excellent for sport competition and self-defense.

Advanced
⚡

Sparring

Supervised sparring sessions to apply techniques learned in class. Build reaction time, timing, and controlled aggression safely.

All Levels
Instructor teaching karate at American Karate Center
30+ Years of
Excellence
Our Story

About American Karate Center

At American Karate Center, our mission is to empower students of all ages through high-quality karate and kickboxing training that builds confidence, discipline, resilience, and physical strength.

We are committed to developing the whole person — mind, body, and character — while fostering a supportive community rooted in respect and growth. Located in North Chesterfield, VA, we've been serving families and individuals in the Southlake area for decades.

Whether you're looking for a great workout, self-defense skills, or a path to black belt mastery, our doors are open to you.

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Class Schedule

Weekly Schedule

Classes run Monday through Saturday. Find the session that fits your life — and we'll see you on the mat.

Monday 5 Classes
9:30
10:30 AM
Kickboxing
Adult
11:30
12:30 PM
MMA & Grappling
By Appointment
5:15
5:45 PM
Kids Open Karate
White & Gold Belts
5:45
6:30 PM
Kids Advanced Karate
Advanced Belts
6:30
7:30 PM
Kickboxing
Adult
Tuesday 3 Classes
4:45
5:30 PM
Kids Open Karate
All Belts
6:30
7:30 PM
Kickboxing
Adult
7:30
8:30 PM
MMA & Grappling
Adult
Wednesday 4 Classes
9:30
10:30 AM
Kickboxing
Adult
5:15
6:00 PM
Kids Open Karate
All Belts
6:00
7:00 PM
Kickboxing
Adult
7:00
8:00 PM
MMA & Sombo
Adult
Thursday 2 Classes
5:15
6:00 PM
Kids Open Karate
All Belts
6:00
7:00 PM
Kickboxing
Adult
Friday 1 Class
10:00
11:00 AM
Kickboxing
Adult
Saturday 2 Classes
9:00
AM
Sparring
All Levels
11:00
12:00 PM
Kickboxing
Adult

☎ Schedule subject to change. Call 804-323-1954 to confirm or book a class.

Gary — Head Instructor at American Karate Center
Gary Miles Head Instructor & Founder
Meet Your Instructor

Expert Leadership

Gary Miles is a 10th° black belt under Dan Wilson in the American Karate system. Gary began his martial arts journey in 1978 with Tae Kwon Do, and went on to train with Cornell Jones in 1982, the Virginia Karate Club under David Dise, United States Kickboxing Champion Rodney Batise, and Dan Wilson.

Through the 1980s he trained alongside legends including Larry Hartsell, Joe Louis, and "Super Foot" Bill Wallace, to name a few. He studied Thai Boxing under Master K out of DC and later Kru Vut, where he earned his Thai Boxing instructor certification.

Gary Miles was one of the first to bring MMA to Virginia and the East Coast, promoting the US Vale Tudo — no-rules fighting events that drew competitors from across the United States. He was one of the first, if not the only, to feature a tag team match in no-rules fighting. He holds instructor and Kru credentials in Thai Boxing and MMA.

He has produced teaching videos for Ralph Gracie and was among the first to feature Jacaré in video content, filming in Brazil during the 1998 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and hosting a seminar in France also featuring Jacaré. Gary has run American Karate Center since 1993 and has taught students from around the world at Karate College.

Competing in tournaments from the 1980s through the 1990s, Gary Miles has over 40 years in the martial arts. He has trained students not only to be champions — but to be champions in life. This is some of the reasons why we say: come train with the expert.

In Action

Watch Us Train

See what a real class looks like at American Karate Center — energy, technique, and community all on the mat.

Class in Session
Training Highlights
What People Say

Student Reviews

★★★★★
"

Gary is an incredible instructor. My son started here as a shy kid and has completely transformed — he's more confident, focused, and respectful. Best decision we ever made.

S
Sarah M.
Parent of Student
★★★★★
"

The kickboxing classes here are next level. I've been training for two years and I'm in the best shape of my life. Gary knows his stuff and pushes you to be better every class.

M
Marcus T.
Kickboxing Student
★★★★★
"

I came in knowing nothing about grappling and Gary made me feel welcome from day one. The MMA and grappling program is amazing — technical, practical, and a lot of fun.

D
Derek L.
Grappling Student

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Your first class is on us. Come in, meet the team, and experience what American Karate Center is all about.

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Find Us

Get In Touch

Have a question about classes, pricing, or scheduling? We'd love to hear from you. Stop by in person or reach out below.

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Address 10910 Southlake Ct, North Chesterfield, VA 23236
📞
Phone 804-323-1954
🕐
Class Days Monday – Saturday
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Better Yet Come see us in person — we're always happy to give you a tour!
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