Bob White's Karate Studio is at the heart of the kenpo world. I came to Mr. White's studio as a 5th Degree Black Belt, in need a new teacher. Mr. White offered far more than his profound understanding of the art, far more than a lifetime of experience in how kenpo works. He embodied a mindset of respect that led him to always improve whatever his students brought to him. That mindset, that depth of experience lives on at his dojo. It woven into every class, every interaction. Barbara White, Vishal Shukla, Jim McClure, Captain Sanchez, Andree, Alia, Rod, Seamus, Jenifer - the depth of experience and hard-won knowledge is flat-out beyond compare. If you have any interest in making your life better, or giving your kids a better start, I'd recommend visiting this dojo. read more

Bob White's Karate Studio - Barbara White as superman - Karate Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Having driven past this dojo for several years, I finally decided to pull the trigger and sign up for lessons a couple months ago. I must say it was a good decision. The instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. Not only that, but they are great communicators who really know how to convey things in a way that anyone can understand the material. And there are no shortage of black belt instructors to learn from. Also, I must add that this is a very positive and friendly environment. Unlike some martial arts academies where you have a couple of alpha dogs and the rest of the students are there to feed their egos, there are no egos in this place. Just a lot of positive vibes and everyone helping each other to improve. If you're looking for a karate school, come on by and check this place out. read more

If your on the fence about starting, DON'T WAIT!! I had my eyes on this school for an entire year but was too scared to even step foot in the building when I finally got in there, I WISH I STARTED SOONER! I've been a student here for 1 year now and I LOVE KENPO KARATE! I've always been really sensitive to energy and easily emotional so I started classes with the intention to build more inner resilience and confidence in my ability to protect myself energetically. My relationship with the school has always been a more spiritual journey for me to connect with my ancestors and my own inner Light Warrior My main teacher is Mr. McClure - he's been an incredible coach and the fun-father-like figure that I never had growing up. He takes his role as your teacher seriously, he inspires you to focus on yourself and to be a true student of the art. At the same time, he cracks tons of jokes and has a good balance of keeping things light and encouraging. He reminds you to breath and flow along with being powerful and intentional about what your doing. He also has a a lot of knowledge of physic's which he weaves into his teaching, along with concepts about life / spirituality that are casual gems I think more people need to hear. He's awesome and teaches Monday / Wednesday @ 6pm and Saturday sparring at 12!! The entire staff of teachers are incredible human's too... Mrs. White and Ms. Cass, Mrs. McClure and Ms. Gibson are all bad ass women who have helped me feel progress so much in my schooling.. Along with all the other teachers I've worked with, Mr. Hardesty, Mr. Shukla, Waddington, Mr. Opreza, Mr. Sanchez, Mr. Sanders... literally everyone there is amazing, I love them all so much! Karate is an amazing work out, it will make you a lot stronger, sweat like crazy and tone your body forsure.. but to me it's a lot more then that. This is an actual school where you will learn how to defend yourself. It will challenge your ego and humble you - but in a good way that promotes growth in a positive direction in all areas of your life. Kenpo Karate, and specifically how Bob White's Karate School teaches, has helped me feel more connected to my body, grounded, centered, present, calm, alert, safe, confident in who I am and what I am capable of. I love studying my techniques and the feeling I get progressing through the classes and belts. This practice has helped me cultivate a feeling within myself no one can take from me and that's worth the investment. It took me about 3 months as a white belt before everything really started to "click" and make sense, so don't be discouraged if it's a lot at first, just stick with it, show up, do your best and everyone in the school, including me, will always be there to help you!! :) Love, A fellow orange belt - soon to be purple!! hehe :) read more

I took self-defense classes here and I can't recommend them enough. The training was practical, empowering, and tailored to real-world situations. My brother earned his black belt here and my nephew also took classes. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and truly passionate about martial arts. The studio fosters discipline, respect, and confidence, while also making learning fun and engaging. read more

I have been coming here since I was 8. I'm 38 now. And now my daughter is here. If you want lifelong friends and family, as well as learning self defense and discipline this is the place for you. Very kid oriented and the adults classes are amazing too. Highly recommended read more

I came to BWKS eight years ago. The T-TH classes at noon worked perfectly with my schedule of taking care of my kids after school. Master White was so encouraging and motivating, and really fostered a culture of coaching, as did all the upper belts. Since his passing, all of the instructors have maintained that same attitude. The kids classes are full of happy, respectful students ready to learn. The adult classes are challenging, fun, and full of black belts ready to help you reach your goals and next level of understanding. BWKS has become my family, and I am proud to be part of the team that carries on Master White's legacy. read more

We couldn't be happier with our experience at Bob White Karate Studio (BWKS)! From the start, the entire staff has been so welcoming--it truly feels like a family. Mrs. Cass is phenomenal--patient, motivating, and such an inspiring master. Mrs. White has also been an incredible person who takes time to pull you to a side and Coach you. Their dedication to students really shows. The other masters are phenomenal as well. We are truly grateful for them. Our twins joined first, and now my husband and I are training too! We're learning how to protect ourselves, build confidence, and grow together as a family. The variety of classes is outstanding--kids-only, adults of all levels, women's self-defense, private training, and even guest speakers. There's something for everyone here, no matter your age or skill level. We're so glad we found BWKS and look forward to many more years as part of this amazing community! read more

Bob White's Karate Studio was established in the 1960s and has been training champions for decades. The Studio is recognized for having high standards and dedicated male and female instructors. The Studio has classes for all levels and has a very strong kids program. Students here grow with team work, friendship and lots of support. read more

If you are looking for a positive and empowering environment for your children, yourself or your friends, Bob White's Karate Studio is the right place to go. The instructors are amazing and willing to not only teach but to prepare the students for life. read more

Love Bob White's. The kids program is amazing and it's great to see the little ones gain such confidence and focus. The studio's family atmosphere means everyone feels welcome here. read more

This place is such a disspointment. Since the passing of Master Bob White, it has been run by his oldest daughter who doesn't seem to have knowledge of Kenpo Karate. Master's Wife has no passion or charisma. There is no way that anybody who wants to learn this art would benefit in a way from this school. read more

My son started when he was 5, he is 19 and in college now. The discipline that he got from Bob White's has helped him in so many things in his life. It's invaluable, the experience. Thank you for everything!!! read more

Bob White's Karate Studio has been in service for well over five decades! How many martial arts studios in the United States can say that? The instruction is the very best and is provided by teachers with decades, not years, of experience. The kids program is empowering and successful in teaching discipline, deescalation, self defense and control. The studio has produced multiple national and international champions. It has a family atmosphere and everyone is committed to providing the best experience possible. I have been a student here for over 52 years. If you are looking a great place to train, with wonderful people, you have found it. The studio is also committed to giving back to the community and has raised and donated well over one million dollars for abused children! I love this place and always will! read more

Bob White's Karate Studio is the real deal. This is a single, family-owned studio and not a franchise. The instructors all have decades of experience and are dedicated to helping their students. The studio offers classes for students of all ages and abilities. Many of the students are 2nd and 3rd generation members, a testament t the longevity of this studio. BWKS has been in service to Orange County for over 50 years. The studio is also active in the community, having raised over $1M to benefit charities for abused children. If you want to learn martial arts, get in shape, make lifelong friends and be surrounded by people of high caliber then Bob White' Karate Studio is the place to be. read more

My grandson started at Bob White Karate Studio a year and half ago at the age of 10. I have seen him mature and gain strength and skill as he has learned new techniques and progressed through his lessons. The students have new goals to learn for each belt as they advance in class and learning them gives them a definite sense of achievement. Respect and appreciation of skills acquired as students progress is part of the principles of Karate. When new techniques have been attained with proficiency a new rank and belt is awarded. The student is tested and then awarded their next belt in a solemn ceremony by the black belt instructors. My grandson agrees with me that all of the teachers in this studio are absolutely amazing! When a technique is done well and an instructor acknowledges it you can know that they mean it and can feel proud of your accomplishment. I do not know if sometime in the future my grandson will achieve a black belt but I hope that his skills, desire and determination for the martial art of Karate will take him to that place. I believe what he learns in the meantime with this sport will help him in his daily endeavors to achieve his goals in school and his daily life. read more

Outstanding teachers, programs, and an unbelievable sense of support from fellow students. First-rate in every aspect. Highest recommendation for interest students of any age. read more

The teacher are outstanding at all levels. The programs are devoted to meeting students' expectations. Bob White's Karate Studio is a tight, supportive community and family. Highest recommendation for all levels read more

Been taking my kids here for years and I got to say, if you want to be taught by battle hardened warriors, this is the spot for you!

My kids and sister all go to Bob White for Karate. We had some issues finding a new place after their Taekwondo with Master Amsler shut down. We tried a couple Jujitsu places, but my kids hated them because there wasn't a lot of technique and a lack of discipline. A lot of martial arts places in HB/FV are scammers and run on profit. Some make you sign contracts that cost a lot to get out of. Luckily we found this studio, family owned and operated. Bob and his instructors aren't here for the $$$ like so many other studios, they are teaching the kids Kempo Karate and how to defend themselves in a disciplined non-Cobra Kai way. They are good respectful people and are teaching the kids to become good respectful citizens. My family is really happy with Bob and all the instructors and feel very lucky to have found them. Speaking of Cobra Kai, look for Bob in the original Karate Kid!! Thanks Master White, keep doing what you do. read more

My husband and I wanted the best martial arts experience possible for our very active three year old. We decided to enroll him in Bob and Barbara White's Kenpo Karate school based on lineage, history and reputation. Although our son is only three, we have seen remarkable improvements in his attention, focus, discipline and respect levels. He has been attending for a few months. This is a very caring and clean environment. The focus seems to be on the care and well-being of each child as well as early implemention of core values. The instructors are highly attentive, highly ranked and very knowledgeable. read more

Excellent instructors and programs for all ages.

My girls have been coming since January, and they love the instructors. I like the way they run the school, so far. We'll see how the kids progress, and how their skills improve. I devoted 4 years of my life participating in karate, and competing, and I absolutely LOVE the sport, but not a cheesey studio that passes everyone through like clockwork, regardless of skills and form. So far, I am pleased with the program, overall. I was a little put off to learn that belt testing is done individually and during a normal class. But I don't run the school, so I don't get to decide how formal to make it. As long as my kids are having fun and learning something, and not having to put up with a bunch of rowdy, misbehaved kids that are not being kept in line - it's good. read more

I attended a women's self defense workshop at Bob White's Karate Studio and was so pleased with my experience. The instructors are passionate, skilled, and encouraging. I can't express enough how valuable the training I received in just one lesson was. As a novice, I was unsure how I would feel in a martial arts class, but the instructors made me feel comfortable and teachable. I look forward to learning more from the experts at Bob White's! read more

When I moved to Orange County, I visited at least a half dozen martial arts studios. I spoke to the head instructors, and watched how they treated their students in class. I picked Mr. White's studio. After a few years of learning karate and developing friendships there, I have no doubt that it is the best karate studio. I consider myself blessed to learn from Mr. White and be a part of his studio. Mr. White is a legend in Kenpo Karate. You can see that from the pictures of famous martial artists in the studio. But I can tell you that he has a passion for teaching and coaching each student to do their best at all times - in every class, private lesson, competition, and test. Mr. White sets high standards, and teaches you how to achieve those standards. Mr. White sets an example of respect and focus for all his instructors and students. They help each other learn and become better martial artists. Teamwork. Character. Courage. Rise to the challenge. Achieve. read more

Our family has been attending Bob Whites Karate Studio for almost five years now. We have four boys and Mr. White and his team have been a huge blessing to all of us. There is so much more to the studio than just karate. The staff is kind, they encourage our kids, they pour into their lives in the time that they are with them in a way the overflows into other areas of their lives. I have seen my kids gain confidence, respect and life skills that will be an asset from childhood into their adult lives. We could not be happier with our experience here. read more

This studio has been a blessing to my family and I. We are exposed to wonderful opportunities and seminars. We really appreciate Mr. White's genius and enjoy coming to his classes. The studio has enlightened us and we are grateful we invested in Bob White's Karate. read more

I have 4 kids participating at various levels from white belt to brown belt. I really like the "community" feel of the studio. The instructors are excellent and very attentive to the students. Larger kids classes are controlled and kids that are messing around will be called out on it. There is little messing around. Respect is key here and students respect the instructors and vise versa. This studio is NOT just for kids. Their adult program is just as active as the kids program. Adults of all levels and ages are active in the program. I have never seen so many women black belts and this motivates my daughter. As a teenager, it's important to have positive female role models and she has that here. I like that they belt test when the students are ready, not on a prescribed schedule. This is a more accurate way to advance IMO. There is a great variety of classes to choose from 5 days a week. I feel the tuition is reasonable and families get a discount for more than 2 participants. Kenpo is a self defense martial art and very appropriate for today's world. read more