Champions Martial Arts Syracuse

★★★★★Cara Lustrinelli

Our 5-year-old has been going to Champions for about a month and absolutely loves it. He looks forward to every karate class and has already gained so much confidence. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and great with kids, creating a positive and structured environment that keeps them engaged while building confidence and discipline. We highly recommend Champions!

★★★★★Eric Hrybinczak

Great place for all ages to learn martial arts or adults to have a good kick boxing workout. The coaches are very fun and caring and keep each class interesting so learning doesn't seem repetitive or boring. Many of the students become friends and help cheer each other on and treasure each other becoming better. I can't think of a better environment for anyone to train in.

★★★★★Cate Richardson

I had no intentions of signing my daughter up for martial arts. I was actually at Champions for their Easter Egg Hunt. When I walked in, I immediately felt the warmth and dedication the staff bring to the space. There were many existing students present. I witnessed the nurturing, yet firm, environment. In a world where we often, unfortunately, witness a lack of respect for others, it was obvious Champions strives and succeeds at providing a healthy balance of fun and discipline. Looking around the room, each child had a smile on their face, and listened to what is a very well run Martial Arts program. My daughter showed interest in joining and I didn’t hesitate. She’s been involved for about a month now, and we both enjoy the positivity it brings to our lives. :) Coach Carlos and his team are phenomenal.

★★★★★Luke Cole

My daughter recently enrolled in the 6-10 age martial arts classes. Coach Carlos and his staff are extremely good at ensuring all students at all levels are engaged during class. The staff also does a phenomenal job at instilling confidence within the kids in front of an audience. They create an environment of discipline and instruction while making every facet of class fun for the kids and parents. The effort put into this program is very impressive!

★★★★★Melissa Carman

I recently brought my team of mental health counselors to a self-defense workshop hosted by Carlos Tearney, owner of Champions Martial Arts, which was an exceptional self-defense and personal protection training experience. This is not just about learning techniques—it’s about building confidence, awareness, and real-life preparedness in a way that felt empowering rather than fear-driven. Carlos and his son, James, created a safe, engaging, and professional learning environment where every participant felt supported, regardless of experience level. They have a remarkable ability to balance the intensity of the topic with sensitivity, ensuring that everyone felt comfortable while gaining essential, life-saving skills. Beyond the practical training, this was one of the best team building experiences for our group. The energy in the room was incredible, and every single person walked away feeling stronger and more prepared. The feedback from my team was overwhelmingly positive—people left feeling empowered, grateful, and far more confident in their ability to protect themselves. This training is a must for individuals and teams alike. Whether for personal empowerment or as a unique, high-impact team-building experience, bringing your team to train with Carlos is a decision you won’t regret. His expertise, professionalism, and ability to connect with people make this a training everyone should experience. Highly recommend—thank you, Carlos and James!