My daughter attended and Sensei was excellent. As long as classes are still being offered this is…read morean excellent opportunity. Had my daughter been willing to stick with karate instead of other activities, we would still be attending.

It's been 1 year and 8 months, and I am still here. :) Sensei Mehran is truly an incredible…read moreinstructor and all around amazing person. Not to mention the other students there are super welcoming, helpful, and just a really fun bunch to be around. I've experienced so many improvements in myself since joining Okinawa Karate Academy and feel really fortunate to have found this dojo. You do not want to miss out on learning from such a highly skilled and down to earth teacher!

We enrolled our tween-age kids at Karatedo Shinyokai in October 2019 for two reasons: they needed…read moreexercise, and this was the closest dojo. It turns out that we are fortunate to have found one of the best teachers I've encountered, in any subject. Mark Sensei teaches traditional Okinawan karate in a way that is still fun and engaging for typical California kids. He expects a lot from his students, yet is dynamic, understanding and fair. This dojo transitioned seamlessly into virtual classes on Zoom as soon as the shutdown began, and these virtual lessons have been going as well as anything possibly can at this time. The opportunity to engage daily with a group of peers, even virtually, has been priceless. The kids have learned so much beyond punching and kicking: discipline, culture, the value of working hard towards incremental goals... The more senior students help the junior ones with instruction and feedback, and their self-confidence and engagement is something unusual in the average young person. Our kids spent eight weeks in Summer Camp and got to try their hand at so many other fun activities: shodo calligraphy with brushes and ink; various traditional weapons like nunchuks and sticks; even making their own sushi and somen to eat "with" their karate friends! I myself joined the Adult classes in March, and they have helped me in so many ways that I've made this training a priority in my life. Not only have I lost 12 pounds so far :), but there are so many other benefits I was not expecting: better stamina, better mood, a new community of friends, and the mental exercise of learning complex kata. The expression "it's never too late to try something new" has never seemed more meaningful. Karatedo Shinyokai: cannot recommend highly enough!

My 6 year old son takes classes from Sensei Mark and loves it. He looks forward to every class and…read morethe atmosphere is great for boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Mark is fun, patient and informative and offers his students more than just self defense, but a positive way for the kids to carry themselves in all aspects of their lives. The older or more experienced kids help out the younger, newer students in a very postive caring manner that is very impressive ; and fosters a environment that stresses students supporting each other and improving ones technique by also being a good teacher to one another. My son has shown an increase in discipline, self control and confidence. My wife and I are very pleased and highly recommend Karatedo Shiyokai.

My daughter has been attending Sama academy of martial arts since she was seven and has developed…read moreinto a strong independent young girl. My daughter has loved the sport and learning the discipline it takes to climb the ladder of earning her black belt in the near future. She is currently sitting at a brown belt level and continues to develop and improve in such a high level. You can say we love Sama Academy.

My Daughter has been going here for about a year now and She loves it ! It has boosted her self…read moreconfidence and her discipline tremendously. All staff are extremely polite, helpful and look after all students to make sure each student is safe and learning. It is a nice family atmosphere for sure. Would definitely recommend for kids and adults.

If you're looking to learn martial arts and get in shape then this is the place. The culture,…read morecoaches and fellow students are all very supportive and encouraging. I've taken BJJ and cardio kick boxing classes for the last 6 months. I was a little worried as an older student about injury and not "keeping up" with the younger crowd, but everyone is so supportive and care is taken for all our training partners. It has definitely been a life changing experience for me, and I hope to continue to journey. Thanks to all the coaches and students.

Dumlao's Academy of Martial Arts is such an amazing place for any aspiring martial artist. They…read morehave so much to offer from Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Cardio kickboxing and more! I've been in their Jiu Jitsu program for about 5 years and absolutely love it. The atmosphere is so welcoming, not only for this program but any program you choose to be a part of. All of the instructors are knowledgeable and take the time to ensure that you understand what they are teaching before moving on. anyone and everyone who either attend classes here or have children/family that attend classes here can tell you that it's one big family. Dumlao's is simply the best school around!

My girls have been learning/training with Instructor Ed for 2 years and love every minute spent in…read morehis school. Modesty, Courtesy and Integrity as well as additional fundamentals in Karate are taught daily. Classes, tournaments and friendship with others in their classes make each class that much better. Instructor Ed teaches so much more than these kids even grasp today, but will remember as adults. Of course my hope is my children never need their karate training to come into play in a real life experience, but I know with what they have learned and continue to learn with Instructor Ed, they will be ok. Thanks Ed for keeping these kids on track and moving forward to achieve their goal of Black Belt.

Love instructor Ed.. My son always looks forward to going for karate class. He is great with kids..read more

Our now 5-year old has been attending ECMA for after school program during his TK year. We…read moreoriginally were splitting time between martial arts and an on-site school after program, but after a week, he couldn't stop talking about martial arts and we just signed him up for the full week. Extra bonus - they pick up the kids from school every day. I've really grown to respect the approach that Cody and his staff take with the kids. They never force the kids to take the classes, but for those that do, they are incredibly patient, thoughtful, and kind to them. Beyond core martial arts, they teach discipline, accountability, and other strong lessons. Obviously, martial arts may not be right for any kid. But if your kid loves ninja turtles, likes a bit of exercise, and likes also playing with other kids of other ages, then definitely consider this place.

My 4 year old son loved the winter camp! He was excited to go everyday. Cody is very patient with…read morethe kids.

Hanabi Judo has been a fantastic experience for our family. We moved from abroad and Hanabi…read morewelcomed us in with open arms, working with my son to feel comfortable and confident. Dan Sensie is accomodating, always available to give families and kids the individual support and attention they need, and runs a dojo that is warm and community-centric while still maintaining the highest level of discipline and professionalism. We have watched my son grow stronger and improve his skills and practice, while working hard and enjoying himself!

Great experience talking to the owner about conditioning my older body, safety and learning how to…read morefall. Obviously his focus on children is important for the future, but he has great wisdom for us older folks as well.and a special session Tuesday nights for the more mature.

My daughter has been a student at Solis for almost 5 months now. Sifu James, Ms. Carla and the…read moreother instructors are the kindest people and they are all great with the kids. My daughter looks forward to coming to class every week. Not only have I seen her confidence increase, but she's more focused, disciplined and eager to learn -- all of this with a huge smile on her face in every class! I look forward to seeing my daughter continue leveling up at SMA. Thank you SMA for all that you do!!

My 12 year old granddaughter is working towards her black belt at Solis Martial Arts. She is happy…read moreand is learning form, function, and intensity from a staff that is dedicated to giving their full attention to each student. She has improved dramatically since she started there over a year ago. She is very proud of her new level of skills and abilities and it shows on her face because she is always smiling. She transferred from a nearby dojo that has 50-70 students on the mat during their classes. You cannot teach, monitor, or keep safe any child in a crowd that big. None of the students get any personal attention or help during class because there is only one instructor on the mat to teach 50-70 kids. At Solis, when there are more than 10 students on the mat, there are at least two or more instructors. They care about the safety of the students and give precise, individual corrections and instructions so that when they advance to the next level, you know that they are worthy of the new belt color. Professor Solis, Sifu James, Instructor Doan, and Miss Carla are great at motivating and teaching the students that attend Solis. I am extremely happy that our family goal of helping our granddaughter get her black belt will be realized at this dojo. She has gained confidence, pride, and self-respect for her accomplishments in martial arts, and we feel that with this critical skill she will be safer in today's world. Thank you so much Solis Martial Arts for helping her on her journey.

Hanshi Sharifi is a gem in the Shotokan world. He trained under Hidetaka Nishiyama, a student of…read moreShotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi. His unique blend of Iranian heritage, karate, Qi Gong, and Sufism, means every training offers new insights to young, old, and in-between! I offer my humble perspective from a karate journey that began as a green belt in Wado Ryu under Hidetaka Abe sensei. I received my Shodan from sensei Frank Hashimoto of the JKA in 1984, and after a 20 + year break, I found Hanshi Sharifi in 2007. Starting over as a white belt was hard for me, but in retrospect, was a wise decision on Hanshi's part. I have my Yondan now, and continue to train with Hanshi Sharifi. I am not exaggerating when I say I learn something new every time I have the privilege of stepping into his dojo. Please visit us at The Church on the Corner in Albany to experience Shotokan karate in its traditional form!

I've been studying with Sensei Sharifi since 1989, and he still teaches every class himself. This…read moreis not squishy Berkeley martial arts-- we work hard!-- but I really appreciate Sensei's empahsis on karate as a means-to-an-end where the end is spiritual development. As if becoming a better karate practicioner is simply a good way to become a better human being. But thankfully he doesn't say things like this in class-- while he's hassling you about your sloppy technique, it's clear his underlying goal is self-improvement, not just knowing where to put your fist or foot. Sensei Sharifi clearly loves his students and loves what he does. He's especially good with kids... as close to Mr Miyagi as you're going to find. :-) Not a lot of sparring until you get to higher belts, but if you like working on mental and physical focus through practice (and more practice, and more practice) this is a good place.