As a fresh-on-board in Ashland, I was welcomed by the Ashland Karate Academy with opened arms. They are non-judgmental and treating everyone with a pure heart of gold, love and respect. Hanshi is definitely not the generic gym or karate trainer, he teaches mainly for his passion to pass on the spirit of dojo, not the money. Ashland Karate Academy helps to groom the "little humans" & "big humans" into quality human-beings . I remember when I first walked into the school, there was a rules & regulations print-out on the notice board. I was amazed that one of the clause was stating "helping your parents at home" or "respect the elders" something along that line, it says a lot about the school to me. As I remember my parents once said to me, "As the parents, we tend to over-pamper our kids regardless what they do. It hurts seeing our kids shed even just a tear, which eventually allowing them to do what they please disregarding the right spirit, discipline and respect. Life is not as simple as a bed of roses. We need our kids to realize there are "thorns" within. They need to learn how to handle the "thorns" since young. So, there'll be no surprise for them and they will be able to handle anything that's coming their way. That's why we send them to school and classes." It rings true to me. I met the younger kids, even as young as 3 year-old girl from the school and was proud to see how strong the young girl becomes through her trainings in the Academy. Being said that, if you are looking for a school that will groom you/ your kids and feel the empowerment. Become a quality human. You're at the right place. read more

My daughter has been going to karate classes at Ashland Karate Academy for four years. I can only say wonderful thing about this place. She had developed discipline, focus, confidence, and respect. The other students are also respectful and supportive. Naysayer has been a positive teacher, consistent and fair and Hanshi has been there every step of the way. The instructors and staff take their responsibility to their students very seriously and have changed My daughters life. Not only Karate and self defense but life skills. I could never thank them enough for what they have done. Its a great way to get involved in the community and getting kids in their in crucial years helps them with issues such as interpersonal communication, kinesthetic awareness, physical fitness and coordination, mental development, establishment and respect of personal space, and self control. I have never had any complaints or problems with the way they run their Dojo. I've also seen a lot of kids coming back each year, sticking with it and not giving up or quitting too soon. Seeing these kids succeeding, competing and moving up in their belts all the way to black belt and beyond had been great. I'm not saying it is easy or without hard work and struggle but the payoffs are immeasurable. If I could give them more than 5 stars they would get it. read more

This is the by far the best Karate school in Southern Oregon. I enrolled my child in a school that actually cares what and how they teach. Not only do the children learn respect, safety, the art of Karate, they also learn independence and inner strength/confidence. I believe that my Son is growing leaps and bounds here as opposed to regular public school. The owner Sensei Elaine Sayre teaches old school Karate with heart. She has all sorts of classes from the Little Dragons all the way up to the adults. It is like being part of a big family. Even the Dojo has a sense of security, peacefulness and tranquility when one enters the sacred grounds. It reminds me of a temple where children are nurtured and respected and are helped to grow individually into the art. This experience that I have become part of has changed my son's life and has given him an inner strength of kindness and mindfulness that I couldn't duplicate at home or that could be found in public school system. So glad I found this Dojo of the art of self defense. AF read more

This is my favorite place in Southern Oregon to go for karate. They teach more than just karate, they teach life skills that kids going to use for life long. My kids knows value of confidence, compassion and integrity more than ever just by going there! My husband my daughter and My son has been studying at Ashland Karate Academy for several years now and they love it! Hanshi Piddington is very respectable knowledgable and passionate person. We are lucky to have him here. This place gives me true sense of community. I would love to join their self deference classes for women taught by Ms Elaine, she is just another amazing teacher. Overall I will highly recommend this place to atleast check it out one time and get the feel for yourself. It's totally worth it read more

I found the Karate Academy originally for my son, but watched for about a month and was so impressed and inspired by what I was seeing that I then began to study also. Honestly, there have been challenges in my life over the last few years that I am not sure I could have faced without the training I have gone through. The confidence of knowing I can defend myself is one thing, but the focus and determination that I have developed (and my son) has really shown me what I am capable of. This dojo teaches a system of self mastery that anyone can use to improve themselves and their lives. Plus the instructors, students, parents and staff are an incredible family that I feel so blessed to be part of. Check it out! read more

Ashland Karate Academy is a very family-friendly and child-supportive environment. My son, who is not naturally athletic, has learned a great deal about balance, core strength, self-control, and agility at AKA. The teachers are kind, patient, and encouraging of kids of all skill levels developing their fitness through karate. I've also seen AKA mentor and support other kids who are more athletic and motivated as well. They sponsor a "black-belt club" as a fast track to earning the black belt. They also support kids to participate in local competition as desired. AKA is a great contribution to our community in the areas of youth fitness, character, and excellence. read more

The people are what make this dojo the best. Our son has been participating in karate for 9 years in multiple locations - including Mexico City - and by far this is A #1 for the knowledgeable and caring instructors, committed athletes and supportive families. The instructors are patient, taking the necessary time to help each student reach his or her full potential. Athletes - ranging in ages from 4 to 70+ - participate with unbounded passion which is an extension of teaching and beliefs of Ashland Karate Academy. We are pleased with our choice for our son, knowing that he is involved with an incredible family! Thank you everyone at AKA! read more

This is much more than a dojo, it is a family. My oldest daughter had been attending classes since early 2012 and now she is joined by her two sisters. The karate instruction from Hanshi, and his hand picked group of instructors, is second to none. I have watch some amazing person transformations of kids and adults through the years and have been brought to tears more than once. There are camps in the summer, parties at Halloween and even kids night out events. I can't imagine life with out it, for my girls and myself. We are so blessed to have this world class dojo in our town. read more

My 14 yr. old daughter has attended the Ashland Karate Academy for two years, and is working hard to receive her black belt in another couple of years. She has learned so much! Hanshi is a Master, and is supported by many skilled practitioners, and teachers... it is a communtiy of uplifting, respectful, kind, strong, noble individuals, working towards the greater good. She is growing her physical capacities as well as her inner capacities. Thank you, Heartfelt Gratitude. read more

I've known of Hanshi Piddington for a long time, but I only met him about 6 years ago. When I heard he was teaching karate again in Ashland, I jumped at the chance to learn from one of the great masters of martial arts. This dojo provides an AMAZING experience. It is an honor for me to have been able to learn at this dojo. It is a welcoming family of folks trying to improve themselves and help others improve for the betterment of all. read more

This Sivananda style of yoga feels very healing. The way the class is led, the healing energy is built up powerfully and then absorbed directly into the body. The teacher, Hari-Om RadhaKrishna, is easily able to work with people at all levels. He is a very kind, intuitive and obviously athletic teacher. The studio is well-appointed and he creates a calming atmosphere within it. read more

My son has been studying at Ashland Karate Academy for several years now and he loves it! Hanshi Piddington and all of the instructors are knowledgable and passionate. The dojo has a true sense of community, and a commitment to excellence that has helped my son develop confidence, compassion and integrity. read more

My Wife and I have been attending regular classes here for over two years now and we enjoy the expert karate instruction. Both of us have belonged to other dojos in Wisconsin and were happy to find one in Oregon that treats everyone as family. read more

I have taken many yoga classes in Ashland, but this one is by far the best. Hari Om teaches traditional yoga, not yoga as a sport. If you are seeking yoga in the Sivananda or Integral style, you will love his classes. Highly recommended! read more