3 years later, still at the same dojo. That's gotta tell you something. The team at Boulder Karate isn't here for bravado, they're not here for ego. They're here to make you the best you can be. Sensei Brad now gets instruction from a 10th degree Grandmaster in Karate, Grandmaster Jim Brassard. (Check youtube if you don't believe me.) Awesome instruction, awesome classes, awesome private lessons. This is why Boulder Rules. Update: Boulder Karate recently won Best of Boulder 2013. They also won it in 2012. If you haven't tried them, you're missing out! read more

This is a fantastic dojo! Both my daughter and I have been taking classes (group and private) for almost a year and I am so impressed by the instruction, dedication and positive energy of this great dojo. Master Randolph, the owner and a sensei at the Dojo is a stand out. He is highly motivating to both kids and adults. Our experience has been very positive and we look forward to our continued practice here! read more

My experience with Boulder Karate has been amazing! The instructors show true passion for what they teach both physically and mentally. The program has given my children a tremendous amount of self confidence along with respect for other people. The combination of those two traits has improved their attitudes and helped them grow in all of the other activities they are involved in! I can't say enough about the program and the school! A big shout out to Brad the owner! Thanks for your dedication and patience! read more

I joined Boulder Karate one year ago yesterday. It just so happened to coincide with a fund-raising hike (donating to cancer and COVID relief) with students, instructors, and friends up one, two, or for a few of us three 14ers. It was a good day to reflect on what the last year of training at Boulder Karate (Shaolin American Kempo) has given me - there is strong emphasis on fitness (a year ago I couldn't have imagined being this fit); the instruction is top-notch bringing to students decades of experience, consistently positive instructor attitude, and a practical and structured (yet flexible and inquisitive) approach to self-defense, and tailored instruction and sparring appropriate to each individual's ability and willingness to go hard / be pushed hard. Among instructors, and students too, there is a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for martial arts and all that they have to offer to each individual. As you advance here, you truly feel that you have earned your belt - though for me, it's not about the belt, it's the day-to-day experience of working with Master Brad Randolph and the other instructors and fellow students that I look forward to. I started my then six year-old daughter here (they also have great kids programs/instruction!) and a few months later I joined myself - it's no doubt one of the best decisions I've ever made. read more

I have visited many martial arts studios over the years. This is hands-down the nicest, and cleanest Dojo I've ever been in. Aside from the facility, Master Randolph and the Boulder Karate staff make it a welcoming and energetic environment. Master Randolph's skill level and fitness level are an inspiration, and it shows in the quality of his students. read more

We are a Martial Arts family, so I have been sending my kids to martial arts training and camps since they were very little. Why? Because, in my opinion, no other sport values and teaches kids focus, discipline and respect while growing confidence, athleticism and skill better than a quality martial arts school. These are important learning opportunities outside our homes that help set our kids up for a successful future. When my family decided to relocate to Boulder, one of our top priorities was to find another martial arts school. After researching a few local places, my husband stumbled across Boulder Karate. He met with Master Randolph, participated in some group adult classes and took some private lessons. He was immediately impressed with the high level of professionalism, the welcoming environment, the overall quality of the students/facilities, the school's curriculum and it's mission. Needless to say, we enrolled shortly after the moving truck left and the dust settled and that is where we have happily remained. Best in Boulder! Read more at http://www.battlemom.com/blog/2016/8/7/battlemoms-favorite-summer-camps-2016-boulder-karate read more

I have NEVER liked exercising, but I started at the USSD Boulder dojo in May 2010 and I LOVE it. The Senseis are fantastic, I'm having tons of fun (even when I work my tush off) and now I look forward to working out. My 6-year old daughter is also a student, and my wife recently joined too. They have personalized instruction, a very positive and friendly attitude, and they are GREAT with kids. HIGHLY recommended. read more

I am a parent of a student at this dojo for over 5 years. So I've had experience dealing with Sensei Brad and the team at Boulder karate from when my child was in the younger kid classes and now at the teen level. The entire experience has been very positive, especially for my daughter, and it has always been a pleasant and welcoming place for the parents as well. The staff is outstanding, and they have continued required training for anyone who works there as part of the team in order to keep the instruction consistent and top notch. My review is mostly about the kids programs, but the dojo also has a large adult program as well. The kids programs are outstanding. I remember early on I was very impressed with how they balanced the instruction and discipline aspect of martial arts with making it fun for young kids. I was probably stunned the first time I saw a room full of kids 6-8 years old all quietly meditating at the end of class. And when they finish they all have smiles. The teen program takes on another flavor, where they discuss the aspects of martial arts and how to deal with being a teenager and social situations. The teens all seem to feel very comfortable and like hanging out there. It's a safe and positive activity for the teens, for sure. One thing I like about this program is that it combines 2-3 classes a week per age with a weekly "private lesson" (1-3 students with an instructor) specifically geared towards learning the specific skills those students need for their next belt level. They don't try to teach all the different skills in the big classes - they instead are able to do the classes in a way that works for all the levels. The instructors work really well with the kids in the private lessons for them to understand their goals and what they need to be learning and mastering. They also have an excellent guidebook that I remember my daughter devoured when she was younger. The students all know the goals and what they need to learn, and that things like effort and attitude are part of it. The testing process is also great - the first test I saw, the kids were worked pretty hard, and at the end, you could see how proud they were to work hard and accomplish a goal they set out for. I am not that familiar with the adult programs, but I think it is mostly the same. Those classes are separate from the kids classes and occur in the evening. I do know I see a lot of adults participating, and they seem to really enjoy it. The dojo also has special events that the kids love. There are regular "Ninja Night" events (4-5 per year) where the kids have a great time and the parents can go have a few hours of free time. Those events are open to all kids (for a fee of course), even kids not in classes. There are also special seminars and classes on board breaking, weapons, etc. There is an additional charge for these classes, but when my daughter has participated, she has always enjoyed them. One big positive, and a great improvement - the dojo moved to a new location 4 monts ago, 2 stores over from where it was. The space is bigger, nicer, and better in every way compared to the previous location. Anytime you go in there, you get a really positive feeling and the energy is that of people who really want to be there. The new dojo takes the rating up to 5 stars for sure. Overall, it has been 5+ years of a very positive experience for my child. If there is a negative, I would say cost. But these days any activity that really engages your kids and gives them something 3-4 times per week is going to cost money. It is a business, so there will always be that aspect. I'd say it's comparable to having your kid in tennis classes 2 times a week in cost, and probably less than if you have your kids in baseball or gymnastics or cheer. I think they are also flexible to find a way to make the program work for you, and what you do get for your money is peace of mind that your kids are being taken care of, they are taught well, they gain confidence, and they have a lot of fun. read more

My son (age 6) started at Boulder Karate the end of August 2013. He has gone from a boy with relatively low self esteem who did not like school to a boy beaming with pride and now loves school. He loves going to karate class and loves learning his moves. He takes his lessons very seriously but also has so much fun. The teachers are absolutely wonderful - especially Sensei Walker who has really brought my son a long way. The teachers hold a good balance between having fun, learning the art of karate, and teaching respect and discipline. Sensei Brad always welcomes parents and kids alike with a courteous hello and makes a concerted effort to get to know the families well. We are so glad we chose this Dojo! read more