Ellijay · Gilmer County · Since 1972
Karate in Ellijay since 1972.
The oldest karate studio in Georgia -same instructor, same town, and the same building on River Street since 1991.
1972Georgia's Oldest Studio
6–82Ages Training Here
4World Champions
50 yrsHosting Tri-State
The students of United Karate Studio in Ellijay, Georgia on the mat with instructor Ben Kiker
The whole school
Everybody on the same floor
From young beginners and teenagers to parents and grandparents training side by side - our studio brings families together under one roof at 377 River Street.
While individual training is tailored to each student's age and experience, our dojo operates on a single shared standard of effort, respect, and growth. Seeing six-year-olds train alongside senior members and high-ranking black belts creates a unique, supportive community - a standard of camaraderie that Grandmaster Ben Kiker has cultivated since 1972.
Who we are
The oldest karate studio in Georgia
Founded by Ellijay native Grandmaster Ben Kiker in 1972, United Karate Studio is the oldest continuously operating martial arts school in the state. Operating out of our River Street location since 1991, Ben has spent over five decades training generations of Gilmer County families - now teaching the children and grandchildren of his original students.
That longevity is built on a simple commitment to excellence. Ben’s competitive drive has produced four World Champions and fueled the Tri-State Karate Championship, an annual event he has hosted since 1974. The wall of trophies in our studio isn't for show - it's decades of proof of what consistent dedication produces.
While world titles show what’s possible, most parents walk through our doors looking for two core outcomes: true physical & mental health and self-driven discipline. We train both in equal measure. We don't just enforce rules while kids are on the mat; we build intrinsic discipline that students carry home, into the classroom, and throughout their lives.
Both of those outcomes are the mission - and that standard hasn't changed in over fifty years.
A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.
Ben Kiker · United Karate Studio, since 1972
What we teach
Karate, for ages 6 and up
One program, one instructor, one standard. Every new student starts with the two-week course and is then placed by age and experience - not by age alone.
Forms, sparring and the belt system. A visible goal every few months, earned at the child's own pace and against their own last attempt.
Trained in the same room, to the same standard. No requirement to arrive in shape — the class is the conditioning.
The two oldest students here are seventy-nine and eighty-two, and they train every week. There is no upper age limit.
Who trains here
There is no upper age limit
Our students range from six years old to seventy-nine and eighty-two—and those senior members still step onto the mat at United Karate Studios in Ellijay every single week.
If you’ve ever wondered, "Am I too old to start?" - the answer is right on our floor. Martial arts isn't reserved for elite young athletes; it’s designed to build core strength, physical balance, and mental clarity at every stage of life. Whether you're looking for an active way to stay fit, improve mobility, or train alongside your kids, our classes scale to your personal fitness level from day one.
Start with the two-week course
Start your training with a hands-on introduction to our studio - official uniform included. You'll learn the fundamentals, experience our community, and get personalized placement by age and skill level.
Find us
Find us on River Street
United Karate Studio
377 River St, Ellijay, GA 30540
(706) 635-6800
Two minutes from downtown Ellijay. Families train here from East Ellijay, Blue Ridge, Jasper, Talking Rock and Cherry Log.