Free karate games on Android are mostly one-on-one fighters where you chain kicks, punches and combos to beat a ladder of opponents. Content ratings vary a lot, from Everyone to Teen, so check the rating before a child plays. Several listings say they work offline, which makes them handy for travel.
Karate classes teach discipline, balance and respect. Karate games mostly teach you to tap the kick button faster than the other fellow. Both are fun, but they're not the same thing, and it helps to know that before you download.
I read the Google Play listings for popular karate and kung fu games and noted the developer, installs, the content rating, the ads and in-app purchases labels, and any offline wording. They're in no particular order.
The biggest difference between these games isn't the graphics. It's the rating. Four are rated Teen, four are rated Everyone 10+, and two are rated Everyone, which matters a lot if the player is still in primary school.
Karate games side by side
| Game | Developer | Google Play installs | Ads / in-app purchases | Offline wording on the listing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kung Fu Karate : Fighting Game | Frolics Simulation & Action Games | 100M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'It is an offline game' |
| Gym Heros: Fighting Game | Fighting Arena | 100M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Karate Fighter: Fighting Games | Fighting Arena | 50M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'offline fighting experience' |
| Karate King Kung Fu Fight Game | Fighting Sports | 50M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Karate Fighting Kung Fu Game | Mini Sports | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'an offline game that you can play anywhere anytime' |
| Karate Legends: Fighting Games | Gamexis | 10M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Kung Fu Game - Fighting Games | Offline Games Gallery | 5M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'kung fu karate game offline' |
| Ninja Clash: Karate Fighters | Fighting Sports | 1M+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
| Karate Hero - Street Fight 3D | Connect Game Studios - Car Racing Games | 500K+ | Contains ads, in-app purchases | 'Play anytime without an internet connection' |
| Karate Sheep | Xilam Animation | 50K+ | No ads label, no in-app purchases | No offline claim on the listing |
Ten fighters to try
Kung Fu Karate : Fighting Game
A 3D kung fu and karate fighter from Frolics, with more than 100M installs. Its listing leans hard on offline play and non-stop action, and it's rated Everyone.
Gym Heros: Fighting Game
Boxing, karate, kung fu and wrestling in one-on-one bouts, where you start as a novice and work up to harder styles. It's rated Everyone 10+.
Karate Fighter: Fighting Games
A 3D martial arts game from Fighting Arena that pits you against skilled opponents. Its listing calls it an offline fighting experience for players of all levels.
Karate King Kung Fu Fight Game
You play the Karate King, using moves and combos to beat opponents and claim the crown. It's rated Teen, so check it before a younger child plays.
Karate Fighting Kung Fu Game
Face-off karate fights where you climb towards the top, from Mini Sports. It's rated Teen and its listing says it plays offline.
Karate Legends: Fighting Games
Yoko Zen, a kung fu expert, enters a tournament of champions in this game from Gamexis. It's rated Everyone 10+.
Kung Fu Game - Fighting Games
A boxing and kung fu fighter where you train in old techniques and chase a championship belt. It's rated Teen.
Ninja Clash: Karate Fighters
Ninja warriors and karate fighters clash in a shadowy arena, from Fighting Sports. It's rated Everyone 10+.
Karate Hero - Street Fight 3D
Street fighting against gangs and bosses with combos and super abilities. It's rated Teen, and its listing says it plays without internet.
Karate Sheep
Four silly mini-games based on the Karate Sheep cartoon series from Xilam Animation, to play alone or with friends. It shows neither a Contains ads label nor an in-app purchases label, and it's rated Everyone.
Reading the rating on a fighting game
A fighting game's content rating tells you how the violence is shown, not how hard the game is. Teen-rated games here tend to be street fights against gangs and bosses. Everyone 10+ games are more like tournament bouts in a dojo or arena.
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- Everyone: Kung Fu Karate and Karate Sheep.
- Everyone 10+: Gym Heros, Karate Fighter, Karate Legends and Ninja Clash.
- Teen: Karate King, Karate Fighting Kung Fu Game, Kung Fu Game and Karate Hero.
A gentler option for young karate fans
Karate Sheep is the odd one out. It's a set of four mini-games based on a cartoon, with no Contains ads label and no in-app purchases label. If your little one has just started karate lessons and wants a game about it, this is the softest landing on the page.
For the other nine, switch on approval for in-app purchases in Google Play first. Every one of them has a shop, and they all show a Contains ads label.
Offline fights for long journeys
Five listings here mention playing offline or without internet. Fighting games suit this well, because a bout against the computer doesn't need a server. I've got a longer list of offline games that don't need Wi-Fi if you want more choice.
From the screen to the dojo
If a game sparks real interest, a trial class at a local club is the natural next step. Real karate is slower, more careful and much more about control than any game suggests, and that's what makes it so good for kids.
At home, you can make a game of practising stances or counting kicks in Japanese together. It's a nice way to keep the interest going between lessons without another hour on a screen.
More action to explore
If side-scrolling brawls appeal, my guide to beat em up games covers the classics and modern picks. And if you'd rather fight alongside a friend than against one, try these Android co-op games to play with mates nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free karate games for kids?
Kung Fu Karate and Karate Sheep are rated Everyone. Karate Sheep shows no ads label and no in-app purchases label.
Can I play karate games offline?
Five listings here mention offline play, including Kung Fu Karate, Karate Fighter and Karate Hero.
Why are some karate games rated Teen?
The rating reflects how fighting is shown. Street fight games against gangs tend to get the Teen label.
Do karate games have ads?
Nine of the ten show a Contains ads label. Karate Sheep is the exception.
Will a karate game teach real karate?
No. It's fun, but real technique, balance and control come from a class with a teacher.
How do I stop in-app purchases in a fighting game?
Turn on authentication for in-app purchases in Google Play's settings before handing the phone over.
