Matsumura Orthodox Shōrin-ryū and White Crane karate taught with classical Okinawan methods. No yearly contract. Serving Amesbury, Newburyport & surrounding communities.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
Sensei Matt has been an incredible mentor to my 12-year-old son. He instills real confidence, and the studio's core values are just fantastic. They emphasize fitness through cardio and core workouts, which keeps my son healthy and engaged. Highly recommend to any parents looking for a well-rounded martial arts experience!
I have studied different martial arts for over 50 years. Crane Karate Academy is outstanding. Sensei Matt Hogan excels in his knowledge, ability, instruction, intelligence, kindness and consideration for the individual needs and safety of his students. This is traditional karate at its finest, in a family environment.
I started training at Crane Karate Academy three months ago. It has changed me for the better. The small classes help you learn with not just Sensei, but the group as a whole. I highly recommend.
Although I just started, I can already tell this is a great place to train. The instructor is very experienced and explains everything in a clear and structured way. He creates a positive and focused training environment while still being supportive and encouraging.
Sensei Matt Hogan is a gifted, thoughtful and conscious teacher. I was a beginner to karate and he made me feel like I was right where I was supposed to be. He is warm, friendly, professional and connected in the larger world of karate. I highly recommend his classes!
Crane Karate Academy teaches traditional Okinawan Shōrin-ryū and White Crane karate in Amesbury, MA. Founded by Renshi Matt Hogan — Godan (5th degree) with 35 years of experience — our program emphasizes disciplined training, mindful movement, and the preservation of authentic karate-do. Children and adults train together. No yearly contract. Scholarships available for those who need assistance.
Founder & Chief Instructor · Godan (5th Degree Black Belt)
Renshi Matt Hogan has 35 years of experience in the martial arts, beginning with Okinawan Shorin-ryu at the age of 13. He holds the rank of Godan (5th degree black belt) in Okinawan Shorin-ryu, Nidan (2nd degree) in Hakutsuru (White Crane), and the teaching grade of Renshi through the ShidokanUSA Federation. His training has spanned Chinese Kenpo, Okinawan Kempo, and American Kenpo, but Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū has always been his home. He remains an active competitor — most recently earning Grand Champion in fighting at the 2025 Shidokan Traditional Invitational. He founded Crane Karate Academy to build a stronger community by sharing the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of traditional Okinawan karate.
We don't just teach Karate — we build better people.
Students earn every belt by demonstrating real technique — we don't hand out ranks. With a 5.0-star Google rating, our standards speak for themselves.
From young kids to adults, complete beginners to returning martial artists — everyone feels at home at Crane Karate Academy. 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.
Children and adults train together in the same curriculum — kata, self-defense, basics, calisthenics, and kumite (sparring). Every class is taught with traditional Okinawan methods. Beginners are always welcome; no experience needed. Classes meet Tuesday and Thursday 6:00–7:30 PM and Saturday 11:00 AM–12:15 PM.
Private lessons offer focused, one-on-one instruction for students seeking to refine specific techniques, deepen kata understanding, or explore applications in greater detail. Private study provides valuable individualized growth and complements regular group training. Contact Renshi Hogan to schedule.
Renshi Matt Hogan teaches focused self-defense workshops available periodically and by request for groups and organizations. Offerings include Women's Self-Defense (practical skills in a supportive environment), Group Self-Defense (hands-on fundamentals for workplaces and organizations), and Tactical-Pen Self-Defense. Contact us to arrange a session.
Three easy steps to your first class — no experience required.
Click the button below or email us at cranekaratedojo@gmail.com 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 5.0 from 12+ reviews on Google
"I can't say enough good things about this dojo! As a father, it means so much to see my 12-year-old son flourish here. He's been attending for about a year and a half now, and Sensei Matt has been an incredible mentor. He instills real confidence in my son, and the studio's core values are just fantastic. They emphasize fitness through cardio and core workouts, which keeps my son healthy and engaged. Highly recommend it to any parents looking for a well-rounded martial arts experience!"
via Google
"I have studied different martial arts for over 50 years. All the schools have been great but Crane Karate Academy is outstanding. Sensei Matt Hogan excels in his knowledge, ability, instruction, intelligence, kindness and consideration for the individual needs and safety of his students. Matt and his wife Dr. Hogan create a non-toxic safe space for women and children, as well. This is traditional karate at its finest, in a family environment."
via Google
"I started training at Crane Karate Academy three months ago. It has changed me for the better. The small classes help to learn with not just Sensei, but the group as a whole. I highly recommend."
via Google
"Although I just started, I can already tell this is a great place to train. The instructor is very experienced and explains everything in a clear and structured way. He creates a positive and focused training environment while still being supportive and encouraging. I'm glad I chose this dojo and excited to continue my training."
via Google
"Sensei Matt Hogan is a gifted, thoughtful and conscious teacher. I have taken a Women's Self Defense and several Intro to Karate classes with Matt. I was a beginner to karate and he made me feel like I was right where I was supposed to be. He is warm, friendly, professional and connected in the larger world of karate. Having his presence local to Newburyport is a gift to all. I highly recommend his classes!"
via Google
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Crane Karate Academy