Kia Kidz Martial Arts CenterIt has been the best experience for my son that is non verbal!
We introduce martial arts to children and adults with or without physical and other differences, in Palmetto Bay.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
It has been the best experience for my son that is non verbal!
My oldest has Autism and my youngest is typical and both have made gains in their coordination and confidence.
Sensei Lana and Sensei David are great with the kids and make the hard work fun.
There are no words to describe the job that Sensei Lana and her team do, they are beyond AMAZING!
The friendly instructors are skilled and patient, teaching not just martial arts but also valuable life skills like discipline and teamwork.
Kia Kidz is a program of Martial Arts Center for Students with Special Needs, Inc., a non-profit organization that has been in business since 2007. The Center was created to introduce the concept of martial arts to children and adults with or without physical and other differences. We provide advocacy and awareness through partnerships with families, teachers, schools and our community. We specialize and work with students with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and non-verbal disabilities. Kia Kidz is part of the Black Lotus Academy of Martial Arts, teaching the style of American Ju-Jitsu — translated as the "science of softness" or "gentle art" — and BLAM has been helping families and our community since 1978.
American Ju-Jitsu, led by Sensei Lana Smirnova
Kia Kidz was created by Svetlana "Sensei Lana" Smirnova and David "Sensei David" Miranda. Sensei Lana introduced the Martial Arts Center for Students with Special Needs program in the summer of 2005 at one of Miami's schools for children with special needs; the result was phenomenal, and parents asked for Kia Kidz to be formed. She is a Black Belt in American Ju-Jitsu, having begun her training at the Black Lotus Academy of Martial Arts. Sensei David earned his black belt in Kempo and went on to study Ju-Jitsu under Professor Vernon Jones (Taishi). Together they dedicated themselves to helping children with special needs be included in the martial arts world, and they are joined on the mat by a team of instructors who train specifically to support students with additional needs.
We don't just teach American Ju-Jitsu — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 4.9-star Google rating and 19 years in Palmetto Bay, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center. This is a family, not just a gym.
Parents and students report improvements in focus, confidence, and discipline within the first 30–60 days. Our structured curriculum ensures every student progresses at every level.
Something for everyone — from toddlers to adults, beginners to competitors.
Where every new student starts. Beginners classes run six days a week and introduce the fundamentals of American Ju-Jitsu. Kia Kidz groups its classes by level rather than by age, so children and adults learn side by side and move up when they are ready.
For students who have their fundamentals and are ready for more. Intermediate and Advanced classes run Tuesday and Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. Belt testing runs in the last week of each month.
The class Kia Kidz was founded to teach. Inclusion classes are built for students with Autism, ADD, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and non-verbal disabilities, taught by instructors who train specifically to support them. Kia Kidz is the only program in Miami-Dade that specializes in teaching students with special needs the art of martial arts, and it has been doing it since 2007.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or call us at (305) 794-8529 to reserve your free intro session at a time that works for you.
Arrive in comfortable workout clothes. We'll give you a tour, introduce you to the team, and guide you through your first class.
If you love it — and you will — we'll find the perfect program and membership that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.
No commitment. No experience needed. Just show up.
Rated 4.9 from 76 reviews on Google
"Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center is amazing! The friendly instructors are skilled and patient, teaching not just martial arts but also valuable life skills like discipline and teamwork."
via Google
"Kia Kidz is an amazing dojo. Sensai Lana provides wonderful instruction. She is so caring and truly loves her students."
via Google
"Our six-year-old son has been attending Kia Kidz for almost one year."
via Google
"I was lucky enough to be recommended to Kia Kids! When I first walked in I immediately felt comfortable and certain it was where we should be! It has been the best experience for my son that is non verbal!"
via Google
"To everyone out there, There are no words to describe the job that Sensei Lana and her team do, they are beyond AMAZING!"
via Google
"All three of our kids are enrolled at Kia Kidz and they LOVE it! They ask, almost daily, when they are going back to Karate. The discipline and skills they are learning is remarkable. Sensei Lana and Sensei David are great with the kids and make the hard work fun. 100% recommend Kia Kidz!"
via Google
"We joined Kia Kidz only a couple of months ago and I sincerely wished we would have done it sooner."
via Google
"Both of my children attend classes at Kia Kidz and both enjoy attending class. My oldest has Autism and my youngest is typical and both have made gains in their coordination and confidence."
via Google
Take the first step toward the best version of yourself. Book your free trial or get our full pricing and schedule sent directly to you.