Family-owned since 2007, Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center builds confidence, discipline, and real self-defense skills in students ages 4–17 — with a training approach built around each individual child, including dedicated Inclusion classes for children with special needs.
Every student. Every goal. Every belt. We're here every step of the way.
Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center has been Palmetto Bay's family-owned Kempo & Ju-Jitsu school since 2007. Every child is an individual — so our positively-based training model is built around each student's own pace, with small class sizes, hands-on instructors, and a genuine focus on the whole child: coordination, focus, self-esteem, and real-world discipline, not just technique.
Co-Founder & Head Instructor
A native of Moscow, Russia, Sensei Lana Smirnova is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in American Ju-Jitsu who spent five years working with children with special needs in Miami-Dade County before co-founding Kia Kidz in 2007. Parents consistently describe her approach as firm but gentle — guiding students through real challenges (including, for several families, a first group class after starting one-on-one) while making sure every child feels like they belong. It's Sensei Lana families call directly with questions, and it shows: this is still very much a hands-on, family-run school.
Co-Founder & Instructor
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Miami, Sensei David Miranda brings 33 years of martial arts experience to Kia Kidz, holding Black Belts in both Kempo and Jiu-Jitsu. He co-founded the school alongside his wife, Sensei Lana, in 2007, and families often mention him by name alongside her — from running belt testing to jumping in for private lessons — as part of the same hands-on, family teaching team that's kept Kia Kidz feeling like a second home for students for almost two decades.
We don't just teach Kempo & Ju-Jitsu — we build better people.
Our certified instructors are hands-on and genuinely invested in every student's growth — in technique and in character, with 19 years serving Palmetto Bay. Our results 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.
Programs for every age and level — from Tiny Warriors (ages 3–5) to adult Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Our Little Ninjas program introduces the youngest students to Kempo & Ju-Jitsu through fun, age-appropriate games and drills. Kids build coordination, listening skills, and the confidence to follow directions in a group — a strong first step before moving up to our Beginners classes.
Our Beginners classes welcome kids brand new to martial arts — no experience required. Students build a foundation in Kempo & Ju-Jitsu technique while developing the discipline, respect, and teamwork Kia Kidz families consistently point to as the real payoff of training here.
For students continuing their journey past the basics, our Intermediate & Advanced classes sharpen technique and prepare students for belt testing, building toward Black Belt under Sensei Lana and Sensei David's direct instruction.
Kia Kidz was built in part around Sensei Lana's own background working with children with special needs, and our Inclusion classes are individualized, positively-based, and welcoming to every child — including students with autism or who are non-verbal. Parents are encouraged to join their child on the mat, and small class sizes mean real, personal attention.
One-on-one instruction for students who want extra individualized attention — often the right starting point for a child who isn't ready to jump straight into a group class. Many Kia Kidz families start here before transitioning into our regular Beginners or Inclusion classes.
On school holidays and teacher planning days, Kia Kidz runs half-day and full-day Karate & Jiu-Jitsu Camps — martial arts training mixed with games and activities, so kids stay active and keep building skills even when school's out.
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 5.0 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. The classes are fun and suitable for all ages, and the facility is clean and safe. I highly recommend Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center for any parent looking to help their child thrive!"
via Google
"Our six-year-old son has been attending Kia Kidz for almost one year. We are incredibly happy with the instruction that he receives and he has made significant progress with his physical fitness, coordination, and ability to follow directions. Our son feels very comfortable with his peers at Kid Kidz and loves Sensei Lana and Sensei Christian. I would highly recommend Kia Kidz to kids and parents alike. They are fantastic!"
via Google
"We joined Kia Kidz only a couple of months ago and I sincerely wished we would have done it sooner. Sensei Lana and Sensei David are simply awesome and instill in their students a sense of self worth, teamwork and dedication. My sons love it there and have become good friends with their classmates. Sensei Lana guides the kids firmly but lovingly, and she makes every child feel like they belong in there. I have been able to chat with a few parents whose kids have been members of Kia Kidz for years and they have shared nothing but praise and positive experiences. Thanks Kia Kidz for all that you do for my little guys."
via Google
"Kia Kidz is an amazing dojo. Sensai Lana provides wonderful instruction. She is so caring and truly loves her students. She offers interns, like Bianca, a wonderful opportunity to participate and help. I would recommend Kia kidz to anyone!"
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! He's excited and motivated to go and his comfortable with the surroundings! Sensei Lana, and her family have a very gentle but firm approach and teach how important it is to follow through! They make sure to include everyone and train them to their needs! This family owned business prioritizes and treats every family equally with a positivite approach! We are happy to continue and looking forward to the future with our new family!"
via Google
"There are no words to describe the job that Sensei Lana and her team do, they are beyond AMAZING! Our son started with her on a 1 on 1 class because he couldn't follow direction — even putting the uniform on was a big deal — and is now able to do a group class (no issues wearing his kimono), her patience and ability to deal with kids are a gift that not many people have. This place has been a true blessing to our family since it has helped our son so much. 10 Stars for Sensei Lana and all the Kia Kidz Martial Arts team."
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. This is a place where all children excel no matter their level of skill. The instructor's are caring and very dedicated to what they do. I highly recommend Kia Kidz to any family looking for a great karate school!"
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
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Kia Kidz Martial Arts Center