Rise Martial Arts

Rise Martial Arts is a trusted family-owned karate school that has been serving Pflugerville, Texas and surrounding communities since 1999. For more than twenty-five years, the school has provided a place where children, teens, and adults can learn discipline, confidence, and practical martial arts skills in a structured and supportive environment.

What makes Rise Martial Arts truly unique is its three-generation family legacy. The school has been led by the Barkley family since 2005, creating a rare and meaningful tradition where martial arts knowledge and values are passed down from one generation to the next. Head instructor David Barkley began his journey as one of the school’s earliest students, earned his black belt in the first generation, and now teaches alongside his father and his two sons. This continuity has shaped Rise Martial Arts into more than just a school — it is a family tradition and a trusted cornerstone of the Pflugerville community.

The curriculum at Rise Martial Arts is built on Hybrid Karate and Hybrid Taekwondo, emphasizing strong fundamentals, powerful striking, competitive sport karate elements, and dynamic taekwondo-style kicking techniques. Students learn through a carefully structured program that balances rigorous technical training with essential personal growth. The foundation of instruction rests on their Warrior Keys stystem: Vision, Discipline, Determination, Courage, Confidence, and Respect. These core values are woven into every class, helping students carry the lessons of their training into school, work, and all aspects of daily life.

Belt advancement at Rise Martial Arts is based on both skill development and character growth, never time or fees. Each student trains with a unique skill card system that meticulously tracks progress step by step. These cards ensure that students are promoted only after demonstrating true mastery of techniques, knowledge, and life skills appropriate to their level. Every belt is earned through the clear completion of stated goals, and there are no additional testing fees. This transparent approach gives students clear objectives, reinforces accountability, and makes every new belt a genuine achievement that both parents and students can celebrate with pride.

Programs are carefully designed for each stage of development. Preschool and young children benefit from fun, age-appropriate training that improves coordination, balance, and listening skills while building a foundation for lifelong learning. Elementary-age students develop strong karate fundamentals, practice progressive sparring in a safe and controlled environment, and learn invaluable life skills including perseverance, self-control, and respect for others.

All students begin with the Foundation Training curriculum, which establishes core techniques and essential life skills. Upon completion, kids, teens, and adults advance into the Warrior Program — a required next step that emphasizes progressive sparring, sport karate elements, and advanced taekwondo-based kicking techniques. This comprehensive track also develops leadership abilities and personal resilience while continuing to strengthen discipline and confidence. Adults benefit from the Warrior Program just as much as younger students, finding physical challenge, improved fitness, and practical self-defense skills in an environment that remains safe, measurable, and consistently rewarding.

Rise Martial Arts has earned recognition as one of the most trusted and respected martial arts schools in Pflugerville, with a reputation built on consistently high-quality instruction and a genuinely supportive community environment. The Barkley family continues to lead with the unwavering belief that martial arts education is about far more than earning belts or titles. It is a proven pathway to lifelong growth, personal resilience, and individual excellence.

From the very first white belt class to the most advanced black belt levels, students are guided step by step toward becoming not only stronger and more skilled martial artists, but also stronger, more confident, and more capable people in all areas of their lives. Located in Pflugerville, Texas, Rise Martial Arts proudly serves families from Round Rock, Austin, Hutto, and surrounding communities, remaining steadfast in its mission of building confident, disciplined, and respectful students who are thoroughly prepared for success both on and off the mat.