More often than not- people will write a review if their experiences were either exceptional or terrible. I'm writing one because my experiences thus far are fantastic! I am very impressed! There are a few things to consider when determining whether to sign your child up for long term classes or not. The first, you need to understand that this place is a business. I signed the year long contract after going through a trial with Groupon. She explained the contract piece by piece and that there is two months of fees (whether they go or not) if for some reason we decide to not go forward with it. The second, is this right for your child? They are offering great trial deals as well as a Groupon special right now. That is a great way to find out if this is something for your kiddo. Also if you do sign up your child, its an opportunity to teach them about seeing things through, even if they may want to give up (if you're in a contract and they want out). Sometimes as parents we have to encourage them a little extra. It may be an opportunity to teach the kids about money. I.e., if they no longer want to go, but you are stuck paying the two months- give them reason to go the remaining two months. I'm not saying give them money for going! I'm saying that if they don't like it anymore, teach them that sometimes we have to do things that we don't like, and we have to do them with 100% effort. So if they go and give it their all, every class they earn an extra 15 minutes for the TV or tablet or park (whatever motivates them!). This works also if they chose not to go or give it their best- take away something (15 minutes of TV time, park play, etc...). The third is that they hire amazing, patient instructors. They are worth the money. Within the three weeks my son has been attending, they have been nothing but considerate to both him and I. He has behavioral issues and ADHD, and they are good about working with him. There are extra instructors on the floor available to assist any kid. My kid sometimes needs a little extra assistance or reminders to focus, and they are great about giving him the time he needs and speak to him in a way that he will understand and respond positively toward, and not get the mama bear anger out of me! Fourth, they offer monthly events (yes, for a fee) that the kids enjoy and is long enough for the parents to get some time to themselves! This is great and the fee is nothing significant. Less than the cost of a babysitter! Plus the kids are tired out right in time for bed! Fifth- they teach respect "yes sir/ma'am," they teach attentiveness (they played a game of ninja skills to work on increasing response and reaction time- super fun for the kiddos!) and control (red light/green light game or similar). My son, in the short time going there, is now quicker to respond, pays attention more (mainly in the dojo- but also at home and in school!). He IS a 5 year old boy, with ADHD, so he does require additional reminders sometimes. And the instructors will provide it. Sixth consideration- they offer quick advancement opportunities. This is a GREAT motivator for many kids. Testing is every 7 weeks, which is great for kids who are growing up in an instant gratification world. This is something they can work hard for and see results relatively quick! It's great! Last thing to consider: The monthly fee covers UNLIMITED (a minimum of two/week in order to make testing) visits. And you don't HAVE to schedule in advance. You come in when you can- which is so nice! I'm very impressed so far. read more

We were looking for something to put my 10 year old daughter to keep her active. We thought that karate would be a good thing for her since it teaches her discipline, will keep her active, she will make new friends, and have her be part of something. We searched through all the local places and came across this great deal on Groupon for the Budo Shingikan location so we figured for that price let's try it! If she did not like it, it was not a pocket breaker. We go to the one in Mesa. We are so glad that we signed her up! She loves it! She loves the teachers and instructors. They are so amazing with the kids. They are silly, but firm and are really attentive to all the kids in the class. They have a special group of kids called the Black Belt Club. These are kids that have good attendance and attitude. They are a role model for all the other children. It gives the other kids something else to try for besides their new belts, which I think is a great idea. Those kids also help to keep all the kids paying attention and help when they can. She has only been going to class for going on 3 weeks now. Class is 45 minutes long. This is what the class consists of : warm up and stretching, followed by exercising, some practice moves like kicking and punching the shield, then they go through their katas. After the katas, they do a circle and go over announcements and talk about a topic that will help the kids with life skills. The one that they were doing was focus. All of the kids get a chance to speak up, which really makes them feel good. We have been to another karate studio, so I do not have anything to compare this to. Here are the things that stuck out to me: - There is plenty of parking available in the lot. - The room that they keep the shoes in is small, but people grab and go and do not linger. - The place is very clean and well organized. - There are 4 bathrooms, so you will not find yourself waiting in line. - There is no contract but you do have a 60 day cancellation policy, so if you are looking to cancel, you have to keep that in mind. - They do not pressure you to sign on, which I really liked. - Again, we have nothing to compare price to, but the cost was higher than expected. There are other additional fees for uniform (beyond the free one given to you if you sign up with a special), a yearly fee, testing fees to progress to a new belt (which includes the test and belt) and a shirt that they encourage you to buy. - They do belt testing 4 times a year, so remember that is an additional fee. - Ask questions! Educate yourself. The staff is very friendly and willing to answer your questions. read more

I've been studying Bushin Ryu Aiki Bujutsu at The Budo Shingikan for a little over four months now and it is and continues to be a truly awesome experience ever since day 1. Everyone who helps teach or studies there are open and friendly and willing to work with you to help you learn regardless of belt rank. And there is always something new to learn, every open mat and every lesson, there's always something new. Another reason I enjoy studying Bushin Ryu is that the system itself isn't based on contests of strength or endurance. I'm a woman and a smallish one at that, I don't have the brute force to contend with bigger guys but, using the techniques I'm learning and the principals that make them work to begin with (working around the point of conflict), I can still throw a man 3-4 times my size to the ground and if he doesn't back off, he will suffer a 'minimum' of a broken wrist and potentially a snapped elbow for his foolishness. Minimum. For a woman, that's very empowering. But D'Antonoli Sensei isn't trying to teach us on how to be violent, he also incorporates more intellectual lessons on why Bushin Ryu works the way it does and how to incorporate those principals into our daily lives to make us better people as a whole. He doesn't want us going out and picking fights to prove we can, he wants us to be safe but, still be able to live our lives without fear of confrontation. A cliche way of putting it would be 'learning how to fight so you never have to'. That being said, for anyone reading this review, Budo Shingikan is not a McDojo. You won't be able to go in, study for a few months and walk out with a black belt. You will actually be required to fully learn and understand what you are doing which will take time. But trust me, it is time very well spent. Just one other awesome thing about Sensei, if your thinking about joining, you can schedule a tour of the dojo and can sign up for a week of trial classes just to see what it's like in person, ask questions, and meet the other students. If for whatever reason Bushin Ryu is not for you, Sensei will go out of his way to sit down with you and help you find a martial art school to best fit your needs. Tell me, how many other martial art instructors will do that? read more

The Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts is a Dojo much like I had gone to when I started my Martial Arts Experience in 1965. This Dojo is a very traditional Japanese style school where the student is the apprentice and the Instructors are the Craftsman. But it is more than just the Kancho (Head of the School) or His Instructor's (Sensei) that instructs the new students ... it is done as a community where all of the higher students help the newer students. This makes all the training more personal and gives even more family /camaraderie feel to the training. Their Dojo is very reasonably priced because of this extended family atmosphere of passing on new skills to each member instead of a money making business. After all - to do Akido or Jujitsu properly and safely one has to have a lot of two way trust going. Kancho D'Antonoli has a wonderful calm peaceful approach to Akido and his dynamic easy going nature sets the proper stage. Sensei Berghain takes the student safely into the realm of explosive JiuJitsu into that confidence area early on with his smooth manners and open dynamics. The weapon classes merge and identify the cross training of the weapon with the weaponless forms of Martial Arts bring the harmony of the two instead of teaching like they are separate skills. All of the Instructors have that calm patience and skills to train new techniques, no matter how complex, in a natural easy to learn manner. Each Instructor cross learns from each other's expertise and brings a vast repertoire of knowledge to the mat and there are Instructors that rotate in from other schools - the commonality of which is their passionate, friendly manner of breaking things down to make Martial Arts training a gentle controlled art. I had no reservations in enrolling my 14yr old son and he is loving the experience! He started as a 7yr old in an ATA Taekwondo school and is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in that style. But here at this Dojo he has a whole new experience with real world type of skills in a traditional Family style Japanese School of Martial Arts. My son is having the time of his life learning new paths in Martial Arts read more

There isn't enough good I can say about these amazing people. Their kindness and patience with each child is just incredible to see. My children are 7 and 8. My younger child being a target for bullying and having very nervous energy in public, my husband and I felt that self defense classes would grow him. We just didn't realize how quickly he would go from a child in a shell to a little samurai with a face filled with glow! My youngest was showing progress from the very first class! A child that would normally sit in the back, hide behind his mom, and look for any excuse to not participate was on that mat throwing kicks and blocking hits! I was astonished! I videoed the entire first class because I just could not believe it! The energy in the dojo is calm, but stern. Exactly what my boy needed! If your child is like mine, shy and sits in the back, get them into this dojo! You will NOT be disappointed. After my son's third class he came home from school and told me that his bully tried to throw him to the ground and he blocked and kicked him away! My son was BEAMING with pride! Today if you ask him if he had a good day at school he tells me, "yes!", before taking him to this dojo he often wouldn't speak for a while after school or would only say, "my days are all the same at school". I honestly believe the amazing staff at this dojo changed my son's future in a way I was unable to do. I will forever be thankful and my children will be in this program for as long as I can afford to bring them. Because of my lower income the owner of the dojo was more than willing to split up my payments to make it much easier to pay. They went out of their way to make it work for my family and they didn't have too. That says allot about who these people are at their core. They care about the KIDS! They know their program will help them and they are willing to help you continue to take your children even on a lower income. If you want to help your kids be more confident, calmer, happier and have the ability to keep themselves safer, then enroll them at this dojo! Your children will flourish here! read more

My Children have been with Budo Shingikan for over a year now, we love it. When we first started classes sizes grew quickly and the Dojo was small but the price was great as well as the location, Not to mention the great ownership behind it. We stuck through all the little bumps, and have a new home for the Dojo with ample room for students and spectators. They were working out their program and much like any new business some things worked some didnt. They seem to have all those little kinks worked out. What is most important to me and for my children is when they walk into a classroom like this they have a feeling and sense of pride, respect, and family. In big cities we tend to loose that feeling of togetherness. At this Dojo you will not see that, we don't have "clicks" we are one family we talk about our children, family, and work, we are a community. Sensi is an amazing Martial Artist, and loves the kids, and takes this role very seriously.There is a time for work and time for fun and he does both equally great with the kids we have. I also have taken one of his self defense classes with some of the other Moms in the Dojo and we had a great time a learned a lot about protecting our selves. A lot has changed since we started with the Dojo, and all for the better, the kids now have ID cards they scan at the start of class which takes attendance, there are plenty of Instructors, and higher ranking students that help with class, if by chance Sensi is out on conference building his skills as a Martial Arts teacher. WE are always informed of Dojo plans and activities. My children have grown a lot during the time at this Dojo and I love the ownership and parents we have with us. So while this Dojo may not be for everyone, If you are looking for a place you can feel safe bringing your children to, and have true teachers of the Japanese arts come visit us at Budo Shingikan we would love to have you as part of our family. heiwa read more

Practiqué Aikido hace unos años, en una escuela ortodoxa donde se impartía Aikido tradicional Japonés, hace tres años decidí regresar a este arte marcial; buscaba una escuela que no sólo fuera similar a aquella, si no que la complementara y enriqueciera, tenía la impresión de que algo me haría falta se seguía en la misma línea de estudio, quería algo práctico y divertido, no tan rígido y dogmático. Hay muchas escuelas, linajes, asociaciones, esa situación que caracteriza a una sociedad moderna y rica en opciones, y no sabía por donde re comenzar. Encontré mi respuesta en el Dojo de Sensei Darrel, su conocimiento en varias artes marciales condensadas en Aikido, la filosofía y ética Budo transmitida a sus estudiantes, y sobre todo su interés porque sus discípulos apliquen esas enseñanzas en la vida diaria, me convencieron de estar en la escuela correcta. I practiced Aikido years ago, in an orthodox school where it was taught traditional Japanese Aikido, three years ago I decided to come back to this martial art; I was looking for a school that not only would be similar to that, but also complement it and enrich it, it was under the impression that something i would lack if I continue in the same old fashion line of study, I wanted something practical and fun, not as rigid and dogmatic. There are many schools, lineages, associations, situation that characterizes a modern society full of options, and not know where to start. I found my answer in Sensei Darrel's Dojo, his knowledge in several martial arts condensed in Aikido, the Budo philosophy and ethics passed on to their students, and his real interest of that everyone applies these teachings in daily life, persuaded me to be in the right school. read more

I have been intensely involved in martial arts for 8 years now. My experience includes Kenpo Karate and Shorin Goju Ryu Karate, the latter of which I pursued to a black belt rank under Grand Master Hanshi Greg Tearney, 10th Dan, in Syracuse NY. As I moved to Mesa AZ from Upstate New York two months ago, I did some extensive "shopping around" to find a martial arts school that would fit my standards for continuing my education. After sitting through classes in various schools in the area, the Budo Shingikan Dojo stood completely apart from all the rest with the quality of its program, and the quality of the students many of which have solid backgrounds and accomplishments in other martial styles. D'Antonoli Sensei's students have chosen this school to enhance their previous knowledge and skills by practicing a high level martial system in a community of friendly and avid learners led by a great master. D'Antonoli Sensei has created a school that promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect, remarkable discipline (a rare finding in today's martial arts business reality), and opportunity for exquisite quality learning. I am grateful and honored to be part of Sensei's team and I highly recommend this school if you want your child to learn how to be an amazing human being, or if you want to improve yourself by connecting to and honing a great martial art. The reason why this is possible is that D'Antonoli Sensei sets a firm personal example as he truly lives by the standards he advocates to his students. read more

For those who follow true martial arts, this is the Dojo for you. The Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts is outstanding. I have studied various forms of Aikido over the last twenty years. This Dojo truly represents the core beliefs and structure that I think followers of Budo can appreciate and enjoy. Truth is simple, come in with preconceived notions and not an open heart and you will leave disappointed. An open heart and an open mind will show you the truth that is being taught here by Sensei Darrell D'Antonoli. You learn more than just technique, you learn how to incorporate your lives and find balance with Family, Work, and Dojo. My fellow students have accepted me with open arms and smiles in their hearts. They realize we are only as strong as our newest student. Time is given to all new and returning students so they can grow at their own pace. Remember it is what you put into it is what you get out, Sweat Equity! The fees are commensurate with the level of knowledge passed; knowledge is priceless by the way. Investing in your Dojo is common whether time, sweat, or fees. This is a business and thus it has to be self-sustaining. I would always in the future and currently encourage anyone interested in Martial Arts to visit the Dojo. You will be pleasantly surprised and delighted with your experience. Of course this is my humble opinion. read more

Another Year has gone by since my last updated review. My son and I are still going strong at the Budo Shingikan School of Martial Arts. We have gained a lot of experience and still there is no end in site. This is a martial art system one never masters but continues to grow, loose the fighting mind, learn concepts and techniques, philosophy and get a little better each time. Looking back I can see the progress... we evolve, things change as we get more experience ... we polish and learn more. It is a continual journey with Sensei as a guide and our fellow students taking the journey with us. This is a martial system that is hard to explain it is not linear and it is not aggressive it is defensive and works for young and old, short and tall, women and men.... not really aikido... though it is an aiki art... It is best to be experienced It is also fun to watch the kids and help them with their training... they are receptive and don't have to unlearn traits.... It is a fun activity for them that is useful and has life skills added to the mix. The Dojo has special activities outside of classes as well.. the kids have a good time, martial arts and fun snacks... the parents get the piece of mind that they are in a fun safe environment and they get some me time. read more

We enrolled our son in the Kids Martial Arts Program and The Budo Shingikan School of Japanese Martial Arts because he was bullied at school. We wanted to provide him with a way to learn how to protect himself through self defense in blocking. We checked out the school in April and we immediately enrolled him. We were welcomed not only by the Kancho and the children's Sensei, but by the individuals who are students there. We immediately felt a sense of family and continue to feel that we are part of the family to this day. My son has and continues to learn blocks, techniques, the Japanese language, and also things about the Japanese culture. Also, his Sensei takes a portion of their class to talk about values, safety, and respect! Not only are we seeing our son grow in his self confidence and ability to protect himself, but he is working hard at keeping a positive and respectful attitude. Kancho and Sensei expect their students and families to show respect which is needed especially in today's society! This is a great Dojo to learn from, interesting and wonderful people to spend time with, and teachers who are making a difference whether it be with the adults or children who are learning. This makes a big difference and it has become a family for us! read more

I have been attending the Budo Shingikan Dojo for about 4 months. The attitude there is one of growth and learning. There is no competition. Everyone is there to help each other grow. Sensei is sincere in his desire for others to learn and come to love the martial arts as he does. I was looking for a place that was specific to Japanese martial arts and so many other places have just jumbled different martial technique together that you can't tell where it came from. I had gone to a few different dojos and once I spoke to Sensei and attended a class I realized this is what I had been looking for. This dojo is seeded in the traditional Japanese Martial way. Not only are the techniques useful, but the principles taught of focus and balance, being a humanitarian by taking care of others around you are useful for everyday life. Here you will learn the Bushido of the Samurai and learn how to take those principles into your everyday life in our western society. The dojo is not focused on "belt" rank but on development and learning. I highly recommend the Budo Shingikan to anyone that is looking for a place to grow and develop new skills and learn how to control yourself in any situation. read more

BE VERY CAREFUL! I left a very nice review for this dojo less than 3 months ago, but have since run into some issues. As a crazy 3 year old my son has had some issues attending in class, and the instructors are mostly very kind. We had an issue or two that led me to want to take advantage of the "freeze option" described in one of the dojo's videos. I thought that meant I could wait for a couple of months while my son matured a bit, then when he was ready we would go back. Since we signed a one year contract I thought that meant I would have those months that I skipped added on to the end of my contract, and we would begin paying again when we returned. Hence the term freeze. Anyway, that's not how it works, and although everyone is very nice about it, they actually want to charge you for the months you are gone AND extend your contract. Let me be clear, this was totally my own fault for signing the contract in the first place, but it is upsetting that I fell for their nice people act and they are actually just in it to make as much money as possible. I think the dojo is a great place if you know your kid won't have any issues, don't sign up a 3 year old, and be smarter than I was. read more

A Dojo with a loyalty like no other. I've never seen any business have customers as loyal as the Budo Shingikan School. There is an established community of ever growing students. I am a parent of a young boy who trains at the Dojo. I watch each class as my son learns martial arts, but also cultural training such as the language and tradition of Japan. My son loves it and is always enthusiastic about going. This is a big thing! But, he's not the only one. He is one out of many enthusiastic students: kids and adults. Each week has new students joining either the kids or adult class. People are finding out and joining because of what they see... A community of students dedicated to the pursuit of martial arts lead by an energetic and enthusiastic Sensei and his family. This School is creating an ever growing family. They do this for the art and not for financial purpose. Everyone involved volunteers in some way, shape, or form because they want to see the school evolve into one of the best in the area and maybe even the nation. If they keep going the way they are, this is an easily attainable goal. If Martial Arts training is what you want, go here first. You won't regret it! read more

I don't understand why this business has a one star rating? All the "filtered reviews" are five stars. Why does Yelp do this? I have been a student here for more than a year, and everything that "Angry Mom U" posted below is inaccurate! There are actually a small number of kids in the classes. The school, I am sure, would love to have 15-25 kids, but the program just isn't that big. The mat area is huge and could easily hold that many, but there just are not that many students. The classes look good to me. Lots of teaching going on. I'm not seeing any "trying to get the kids into line". Policies in the school do change from time to time, but it has never posed a problem for me. Actually, I find that the head instructor, D'Antonoli sensei, is an incredibly dedicated person. His classes are fun and educational. My kids are both students in the adult class, and my brother's kids are in the children's class. Everyone is very happy and learning some effective martial arts. The new location is awesome, too. Huge mat area, nice waiting area with free wi-fi, TVs etc. I highly recommend this school to both kids and adults. read more

I have read the previous comments regarding money issues, this is unfortuate to hear because my experience has been completely different. When I signed my daughter up back in October for a 6 week class and a free uniform for only $19 (killer deals they have going all the time) I was enrolled in nursing school and my husband was the only one working, so money was tight, but my daughter really loved it so I spoke with them and asked if they would be willing to split the payments in half, they had no problem doing this for us. I am 100% positive if we were unable to make a payment for any reason they would be more then willing to figure something out for us. I highly recommend this dojo, my daughter is meeting new friends every week as well as learning to have courage, self respect, and self defense, so if your looking for a new dojo family look no further! Thank you for taking the time to read this, hope it helps! read more

When my son age 11 wanted to get back into Martial arts I was a bit hesitant from a previous experience from martial arts due to lack of discipline and lack of connection between instructors and kids. I called around looking for a good fit. Then I called Budo Shingikan and talked to Shannon I told her about my sons and his experience, she gave me all the information to make the right decision. I enrolled my son into class and by the second week I knew I made the right choice. Mr. Manny and Mr. Skyler are great instructors they made my son feel at home. They explain what they are teaching at a level that kids understand. They teach them discipline they teach them respect and help build their character. At Budo Shingikan students have the ability to grow and be the best they can be. I knew my son found his home at Budo Shingikan when he said to me dad I want that red gi and black belt . read more

The Budo Shingikan is great. We had initially signed our 5 year old up to help him gain confidence and balance. In the 8 months thst we have been with the dojo, we have noticed a huge jump in our son opening up and loosing some of the shyness that he has had. We have also been happy to see the confidence levels go upnot only at the dojo but at school as well. Not only are they concerned with his performance in martial arts, but they keep in touch with his school teacher and us as parents providing us with updates. They want to see him succeed not only in martial arts but in life. A special thanks to Sensei Shannon. I have also been impressed with the teaching of self control and ending a conflict rather than teaching them just how to punch and kick and becoming part of the problem. I have been so impressed that I also have joined the adult program. read more

I signed up in January looking for something other than going to the gym, which is dull. I didn't know what to expect going in and have been very surprised so far. This is exciting, challenging, and very rewarding! I'm 53 years old and starting learning a martial art at this age scared me somewhat but everyone from the top down has been incredibly supportive and encouraging. They have welcomed me into the dojo family. Now about the training, while I'm only two months in, I have learned so much already. The way the material is presented is clear and concise and always leads up to the next technique, which leads to the next and so on. I do plan on continuing my training which I hope leads to a black belt, but even if it doesn't, these people have already taught me very much. I look forward to where the path leads me next read more