Most Elvis pilgrims know the music and the mansion, but fewer know how seriously he took karate. TigerMan Karate Dojo and Museum tells that story. Elvis trained under Grandmaster Kang Rhee, founder of Pasaryu Karate, and the museum builds its collection around that relationship: memorabilia connected to Elvis and his karate training, items from Jerry Lee Lewis and other celebrities, and exhibits about Kang Rhee and the Pasaryu style. The dojo also hosted filming for a planned martial arts film, The New American Gladiators, which adds another curiosity to the walls. What makes it different from the larger museums is that you can take part. Visitors can join a karate experience session and receive a Certificate of Pasaryu Practice, and guided tours are available, so you are not left to decipher the displays alone. The ticket page describes the experience as including optional zero-contact lessons, which keeps it suitable for people with no martial arts background. This is a niche stop, so go in with the right expectations. It sits in South Memphis, roughly three miles from the airport, rather than in the downtown tourist core, and it keeps a more limited schedule than the big attractions. There is no star rating on the ticket page yet, which tells you it is a newer venue that has not collected the review history of Graceland or Stax. For die-hard Elvis fans and martial arts enthusiasts it is a memorable add-on; for a first trip with a short list, put it after the big Elvis sights.
How to visit
The museum’s tourism-board profile shows opening from Friday to Sunday during the daytime, and the venue is in South Memphis near the airport, so a car or rideshare is the practical way to reach it. Confirm the current days before you go, and be prepared to arrange your visit around the weekend. The admission ticket is sold as a general entry pass, with the lesson and tour options described on the venue’s pages.
What to expect
A small, personal museum rather than a polished attraction. You will see Elvis-related memorabilia, karate artefacts and photographs, hear the story of his training with Kang Rhee and, if you choose, step onto the floor for a short introduction to the style. Wear comfortable clothes if you want to try the session, and ask the staff how long the tour and lesson take on the day you attend.
Making the most of it
Combine it with Graceland, which is also in the south of the city, so you travel to this side of town once. It works as the second Elvis stop of a day, after the mansion and before dinner. If you only have time for one Elvis attraction beyond the mansion, Sun Studio is the better first choice, but TigerMan rewards fans who want something unexpected.
What to expect
The experience
A small museum and working dojo with Elvis memorabilia, guided tours and an optional beginner karate session.
Best time
A weekend daytime visit, when the venue is open, ideally combined with Graceland.
How long
About an hour, longer with the lesson.
Tips
Confirm opening days first, wear comfortable clothes if you plan to try karate and use a car or rideshare.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Elvis fans and martial arts enthusiasts who want something beyond the mansion.
- Families
- Children can try the beginner session, and the zero-contact approach keeps it gentle.
- Couples
- A quirky shared activity for couples who have already done the big Elvis sights.
- Pair with
- Graceland, which is also in the south of the city.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Why is there a karate museum in Memphis?+
Elvis Presley trained in karate under Grandmaster Kang Rhee, founder of Pasaryu Karate, and the museum documents that part of his life.
Can I try karate?+
Yes. Visitors can join a karate experience session and receive a Certificate of Pasaryu Practice. The ticket page describes the lessons as zero contact.
Where is it?+
It is in South Memphis, about three miles from Memphis International Airport, not in the downtown tourist area.
When is it open?+
Its tourism-board profile shows Friday to Sunday daytime hours. Confirm the schedule before you travel.
Is it a good first Elvis stop?+
Not usually. Graceland and Sun Studio tell the main story, and TigerMan suits fans who want an extra, offbeat chapter.
