My 5 year old girl has been growing a ton of confidence here. We started in jiujitsu and she was having trouble leveraging her weight and figuring out the twisting of body parts with her partner. The competitive nature of that program and discipline didn't build her confidence much. Here, the practice is focused on the individual but also as a part of the collective team. No real sparring yet in the Little Samurai class, only some practice punches and kicks with chest protectors. Lots of punching bag practice for strength building and training. Lots of calisthenics as well with lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, frog jumps, burpees, etc. Skills that they can use their whole lives and get stronger with. At the same time, there will be fun games like tag, dodgeball, red light green light to keep their interest and to work on reflexes. Excellent training in focus and active listening as well with focus claps, raising hands to speak, caring for others and awareness of everyone's space. These things I have not encountered in any other studio/dojo. I've seen many places that allow disruptive students or even parents. In contrast, here at 1st class, they don't teach blind discipline towards any instructor/owner but respect for one's self and each other. This alone is what keeps us coming back. This is what schools don't teach enough of. Not to mention the actual martial arts she is learning here. Channeling their chi into a strong Aiya, learning how to punch and kick correctly in self defense. Amazing program for little ones. Instructors are all black belts who are not only cordial, but also gentle yet firm. We fit in very well here and would highly recommend this program for little ones. read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

Took my little one here for a complimentary class. I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of students and staff. The class was cute. It went by a little fast but I'm not sure if my little one could handle and hr long class though. Besides the distance for us, we would have committed. We may consider later. read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Inside studio - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

I highly recommend 1st class martial arts for anyone looking into martial arts, self defense or your toddler just has way too much energy. This is your place! My daughter started in the little samurai program (earned black belt), now she's 6 in the discovery program and she has learned so much from the instructors. Discipline, respect, courage and confidence are just some of their development topics. Which I see them practice during class. The staff is professional and knowledgeable. They are very attentive to each child's needs. The "drills are fun", according to my daughter. I love that she's learning life skills while having fun. They are always having trial promos so check them out for yourself. read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Evening classes are so convenient. - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

My daughter has been going to this school for the past 4 years and has grown so much. She has made so many wonderful friendships and all the coaches have been so wonderful especially Mr. Chris. He really motivated her to work hard towards her Black Belt that she will be testing for in December. read more

My 6 year old just started karate here a few months ago and she absolutely loves it ! She's tried tennis , soccer , and swim and she said karate is her favorite . The instructor's Mr Chris and Mr Nelson are so great with the kids and make the class so fun while teaching them discipline at the same time . Definitely recommend this school if you're looking for a karate class for your kiddo ! read more

We love taking taekwondo here. The instructors here are patient and actually know how to teach kids skill and discipline. They also hold a lot of events for kids to bond and parents night out. My kids are at 2 years here and we'll be here for awhile longer. Highly recommend! read more

If you are looking for a friendly environment for your child STOP looking. I have been coming here since last year during the pandemic. My child was able to develop her friendship skills and character. They definitely teach teamwork, humility, courtesy and perseverance. She has gained control of her emotions and also built confidence. read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Kicking - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

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Great class instruction for 4 year olds including listening skills and respecting your parents.

My son has done really well in taekwondo. He was experiencing challenges focusing, but we've noticed that his behavior has changed. We feel it is partly due to taekwondo. He gets additional support because of his challenge focusing. read more

This place is magic. MAGIC! Wild young kids walk in. Mature, composed and poised youth walk out. We love the staff - so friendly, approachable, and communicative. They're excellent with kids: firm and caring. The students want to earn their praise and respect. Our kiddo has learned so much - physically and mentally - and practices on his own at home for himself. We have seen him grow LEAPS AND BOUNDS thanks to the incredible team at 1st Class Martial Arts. Grateful for you all! read more

The instructors are kind, gentle and amazing! They give each student attention and work with parents to reach their potential ( in the class and out). My little one just started a couple of weeks ago. It was a bit overwhelming in the beginning but she comes home talking about her kicks. read more

Teachers are very energetic and forcus in all students. My girl has a short attention spam and with short directions and moving the body is helping a lot. Great job 1st Class Martial Arts! ​ read more

Love the clean and well organized atmosphere. All the instructors are great!!!! My son started off taking private lessons with Mr. Calvin and he helped him feel comfortable and confident enough to join a group class. All the instructors are well aware of each student and help them improve individually when needed. I also love the fact that they offer other fun activities for parents and students. Most definitely recommend!!!! Very encouraging with discipline as well. read more

Our daughter has been a part of the 1st Class Martial Arts family since October of 2023. And what can I say? Almost a year in, and we have always felt welcomed and all the instructors go out of their way to make the environment a safe place to grow for our kids. They are always supportive, and even though the instructors can get super busy- they do find a way to regularly check in and also take the time to chat with the kids when they're having a hard time (even with things outside of Taekwondo). I personally have so much respect and admiration for the entire team at 1st Class Martial Arts and we know this is a gem in our South Bay community. Every single instructor/coach has done so well in keeping our daughter motivated and disciplined during class and we feel so lucky to be a part of this community. They also sponsor Parent Night Out's, summer camps, Halloween trunk or treats (and so much more)- they really put their heart and souls into their students- and it shows!!! Thank you 1st Class Martial Arts!! (Also, first time we've been a part of an extracurricular for this long!) read more

The teachers are great! I think these guys could teach kids anything. They're engaging and high energy! Love this place :)

My 6 year old has been enrolled here for about 2 months now and he absolutely loves it. The instructors are very good with the kids. My son was very shy at first but they were welcoming and now he is very comfortable with them. read more

I wanted to find a local Place that was a reasonable price and work with kids. Well this is it! I have been taking my 6 yo for about 3 weeks and she is so empowered, full of spirit and eager to learn more. I want to thank the staff because they are kind and patient with the children - They practice social distance. I have referred some folks over read more

1st Class Martial Arts - My child - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

There are so many good things I want to share about 1st Class Martial Arts. As a student, I really appreciate the Instructors. They are encouraging, helpful, and help me correct my mistakes, so I learn the techniques the right way. I really like how I work with my classmates in partner drills. 1st Class martial arts is helping me to achieve my martial arts goal of becoming a black belt. I recommend 1st Class Martial Arts for anyone who is looking for a fun and encouraging martial arts program. - Anthony O. (Brown belt) read more

The 5 and 7 y/o have been attending for 6 months and have really enjoyed it. The instructors are very helpful accommodating to a variety of students and their parents. They have gone out of their way to ensure the process is fitting for my family, and the core lessons of discipline, focus, respects, etc. have grown within my kids since attending. I am thankful for the team and glad I chose 1st Class Martial Arts. read more

My 6 year old has been a student for a few months and my husband and I have been really impressed with the coaches here. Their way of guiding, pushing and teaching the students is such a great balance of gentle kindness and firm structure. Each coach has their own unique voice and approach and my son enjoys learning from all of them. I'd highly recommend this school if you're looking for a great introduction to karate for your child. read more

A friend of mine recommended 1st Class Martial Arts to me for my son. My son whined and cried about going to karate all the way up to the class! Once we got in and he tried out one class, he told me "this is so much fun!!!" From kicking and screaming to "ohhh this is awesome!!!" How could it not be awesome? You get to jump around, kick a bag and do punches. Now for the parents' opinion...I wanted my son to do a sport and be out of the house not in front of a screen. His dad did karate as a kid as well as his grandparents. Not only is this place good for getting some energy out, the masters also teach them valuable lessons! We came during the time where Master Chris was speaking about ethics and explaining to kids good vs bad. He also challenged the kids to listen to their parents on the first time! Guess what, it works! OK, not all the time but it is getting better. They will not coddle your kids here...they expect practice and hard work. One cannot be only good on the mat but one also needs to be good at home, at school, etc. Both Master Chris and Master Janaya are amazing with the kids! Stern but not harsh. They make the class fun while they are teaching it! If you want your kids to try out karate, come here!!! read more

My son started here a year ago during the pandemic!! We needed a safe place for him to get some outdoor activities and make new friends. Mr Chris and Ms Janae are the best instructors hands down!! In fact all their instructors are wonderful, I just know Mr Chris and Ms Janae from when we first started. My son has done so well in his training and it's because of the instructors passion, drive and care for their students to be the best. If you haven't tried them out you truly should consider it. Jaydon loves going every week! read more

It is a great place for children to Develop the motor skills depends on coordination and valnce, through punching, kicking, and jumping. All the instructors are excellent. read more

Have Been Taking My 4 Year Old Here For The Past Month. All The Instructors Are Great. I Love The Fact That Mr.Chris Holds The Kids Accountable. I Was Worried It'd Be Completely All Fun And Games With No Real Teaching And Discipline But It Isn't That At All. I'm Excited For My Son To Continue His Learning Here At 1st Class! If Your Thinking Of Joining Stop Thinking And Just Do It. **Also They Have Really Good Disinfecting And Social Distancing Measures In Place Right Now. Cleaning Mats After Each Class, And All Children Must Disinfect With Sanitizer Before And After Getting On The Mats. Plus The Kids Are All Spaced Out Accordingly. read more

My daughter started classes here when she was 5 years old in May of 2022, almost a full year ago. My daughter and I love this school so much. The staff is wonderful, they are so good with the kids. They are kind and make the classes fun, but know to be firm and teach them discipline. They have belt testing every quarter. My daughter started off as a white belt, and has since leveled up to white w/yellow stripe, white w/orange stripe, and now has her white w/purple stripe belt. It's normal for kids to get bored of activities and want to move on to other things, but I'm happy to say this school has kept my daughter engaged and motivated and she continues to enjoy the lessons. I'm so glad I found this school. read more

Love this place they are affordable and they make it easy to reserve classes. My boys love it and look forward to going to class.

Staff is really great at what they do! They made my child feel comfortable & got him to really enjoy martial arts.

My son has been attending classes for almost a year. He has learned so much more than karate and skills that help him be a better person. It's been amazing to watch him change over the year! This program is so great for kids read more

Both kids are truly enjoying training here! Instructors are knowledgeable, helpful and encourage discipline & focus. Looking forward to continuing classes here! Thank you!! :) read more

Excellent for learning Kung Fu, great instructors and curriculum. My son is more confident, mentally and physically stronger. This school help kids become better person, teaches high morals and principals as well. Thanks to the coaches here read more

1st Martial Arts is tremendously excelling on what they do when it comes safety measure during pandemic and they're not just teaching but letting kids like mine be more confident and respectful and have a manner in a way they should grow up with. Mr. Chris is not just a instructor but a good mentor with a heart on each and every kids he's focusing on, he made sure every kid that enrolled gets the learning they deserve and "leaving no one behind" he doesn't move on until one last kid didn't get it and I applaud him for that. As well as Mr. Calvin accommodating skills in the business is also well much appreciated! So yes this place is incredibly have the integrity to be recommended! read more

Excellent instructors that are great with the kids. Class sizes are great and there is a good mix of instructor 1-on-1 time and group work.

Obsessed with the instructors! Mr. Chris and Ms. Janae are so great with the kids! They provided coaching, feedback and discipline. I love how they incorporate a chat about the focus of the month coupled with the skills they are working on. My son looks forward to his classes each week! I'm now looking on enrolling our 4 year old based on how well my 8 year old has been living this class. If you are looking for a martial arts class in South Bay - look no further! This is your place! read more

I definitely recommend this place for new students. As a new student to the Taekwondo world, I felt very good about the class. The instructor Chris is nice and takes things at a steady pace, they a have great resources such as apps, youtube videos and a guide map to learning new moves. I 100% recommend this. read more

Took my 6 year grandson there today for an introduction class. He loved it. Learned some self defense moves as well as the importance of being alert. From what I saw today I'd recommend it to o read more

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My son looks forward to his karate classes every week. The instructors are really great! Coach Chris is amazing with the kids. They follow all safety protocols. The zen planner is very user friendly for reserving classes, and the zoom link is great for parents to view their kid in class. I love the monthly themes teaching the kids different lessons. 1st Class Martial Arts is a great place to enroll your kid to keep them busy, fit and to build their confidence, and social skills. 5 Stars! read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Halloween Gradu-ween to next belt level with Coach Chris - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California

My 6 year old son has been coming here for about a month now and he loves it! I highly recommend this place to my family and friends.. This place is clean, the instructors are very patient and great with kids. read more

What an excellent group of Masters! I love how they help my child 'become a better version of' himself. When it comes from 1st Class, it sticks vs it coming from the parents. I know he'll learn more from each one of you, thank you! read more

1st Class Martial Arts is the best way to get your child involved in extra curricular activities. The staff is awesome and I love how they work with the students. My daughter has been attending for over 3 years and we love it. It is definitely worth it. read more

We found this place on yelp and we just couldn't be happier here we had been looking for a good martial arts place for my son and this place is just great always a great vibe and good teaching not only do they teach these kids martial arts but they also teach them respect, manner, confidence, attitude, and discipline ! I would highly recommend this place to anyone attempting to bring there child to a karate place ! read more

1st Class Martial Arts - Karate Near Me - Torrance, California