After the two initial semi-private trial classes my 7 year old was extremely excited to start…read morekarate. Unfortunately the actual group classes where nothing like the trial. He was not given the attention or direction he needed. He was ignored, told to practice some move alone, or told to be quiet and just watch and follow along while he felt lost. I repeatedly told the owner that my kid was overwhelmed, confused, left alone, and bored. Each time I brought it up, the only response was "well he can quit but you still have to pay because you signed a 6 month contract." The experience of my child was of no importance to them, only the money which they'd get either way. They never addressed or acknowledged any of our concerns. We carried on for a couple months but it only got worse with my kid getting so anxious and crying/begging not to have to go to karate and asking everyday after school if this was a day he had to go. We wanted him to learn discipline and self confidence but this experience was the opposite. I still think he would thrive at another dojo but now he is too traumatized to try again, and we're stuck paying these folks. Stay away from Steve Curran.

I taught him all he knows at Barber's Point, Hawaii. Taught him to surf too, but he wasn't very…read moregood at that.

The Washington Karate Lakewood Dojo and Sensei Sweigart have positively impacted my grandson's…read morelife. They have supported him both in and out of the dojo. He is no longer shy and unsure of himself; he has developed confidence, has become a leader, and is more willing to try new things. I highly recommend the Lakewood Dojo.

If your child is needing somewhere to belong and loves cobra Kai show, is interested in learning…read morethe art of karate. this is the dojo for you. Siblings get a discount so more members you sign up the better. AS A mother I really enjoy seeing his progress, along the way I've learned a few moves. I've also gained some bruises in the process. NO BELT IS JUST GIVEN ITS EARNED. Which is respectable.

I have great respect for Soke Thomas and the master teachers at the dojo. My children, particularly…read moremy son, have grown tremendously in the year they've been studying there. Not only does he have a chance to focus his energy physically, but he is learning self discipline and respect, and as a parent, I have gained an additional support system.

I've enjoyed this karate school ever since we joined. My kids started in May 2025. I sat through…read moreevery practice I could and saw the love and consideration they had for their students. I also witnessed how they stay true to the tradition of Okinawain Karate. My kids were taught every skill needed for every task. Every practice they contained so much knowledge. I was blown away. I had surgery on my ankle in July 2025 and at the end of August 2025 they welcomed me into class and it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I've learned so much and just continue to learn over and over again. The focus they've given me and the understanding they've given me of Okinawain Karate is mind blowing. This school has brought so much to my family and they have all became part of our family. Words can't even describe the gratitude I have for them. They are so compassionate, meet you where your at, and bring you up from there. I would highly recommend this school. It would be one of the best decisions you could ever make. Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day and may God bless you and your families!

I waited about 6 months after first looking into this place before signing my 5 year old some up…read morefor his first class. I was hesitant because he's pretty adhd and have had a struggle in school. I've been looking into activities to help him focus and things that could build his confidenc. I called and talked to two people that understood my concer of having a student that has a hard time with direction, and what I was looking for for him. They assured me they work a lot on discipline and focus, and even have seen 180 with kids like him. Well we were asked to leave in the first 20 minutes of his first class. They had helpers and did try to get him to redirect into class and not run around. But they chose to send him out before he was done and told me he might benefit from private lessons. I feel they could have recommended that over the phone when I was going to through my concerns and probably would have liked to try that first if they encouraged it for kids in his situation, that I was very upfront about. It was embarrassing and devastated my kid. I'll find some one that won't give up on him, but not this place and not today I guess.

I paid for karate for my niece and nephew for years. Brought them to practice etc…read more.. Tony (owner) then signed a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that he'd never met me. We asked him in writing to right this wrong. My SIL removes them from karate because they were mean to her ! Not only does he not teach the basics that he professes about telling the truth, showing up he then lies about it. Please make sure you know what training and resources are available if you send your kids to their camps or after school activities. They are not a licensed daycare provider but advertise as such. (I have picture proof that i can share upon request) I'm sure tony will try to have this removed and get his "cult" to respond. I have many parents, grandparents etc that upon calling Tony out have been attacked by his cult following. Feel free to message me for details or with questions about his unethical practices and his refusal to fix his wrongs. I picked this place, paid for the services and he doesn't deserve anyone else to have the same fate that we did. If Tony rights his wrongs I'll update this as truth is important!

I've trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with everyone in the area and am happy this place opened up. It's…read morethe only place I go to now. I go Mon. Wed. Fri. At 10am because that fits my schedule. This dojo has BJJ, wrestling, and no-gi classes that are great to be a well rounded grappler. If your into boxing, kickboxing/Muy Thai, I can tell you that they know what they are doing here! And thats saying a lot! I see men, women and children training here. Some people want to be pro cage fighters and some people just want to get a quality work out. Anyway you look at it you can't go wrong with this place!

From the owner: Group Classes and Private Instruction In- - Karate…read more- Muay Thai - Kickboxing - Cardio and Fitness

Great little dragons program for little ones!…read more Definitely a class that happens to also incorporate karate and self defense. Respect, active listening, taking direction, participating, and discipline are taught in a fun and exciting environment with peers.

AKEA is exactly what I've been looking for. They use a combination of individual and group…read moreinstruction, and are affordable as well. I like that they have you do an introductory course first. You pay a small fee and that gives you 2 lessons and a test. It gives you a feel for what their instruction is like and the test gives them an idea of whether you will be a good student (i.e. are you going to practice, etc). Mr. Jordan was a great teacher throughout the introductory sessions, and I enjoyed myself so much that I signed up. I am now signed up for the school and am excited to begin working towards my first belt. The school has a student manual which has some great information in it. I am still reading through it. I love that it makes it clear which skills you need to perform well in order to progress. While COVID has posed some challenges, AKEA has adopted their group classes to meet the state requirements. I am looking forward to going to my first group lesson next week.

The only reason this gets one star is because you aren't allowed to post it with no stars. PARENTS…read moreBE AWARE - once you are, you will not enroll your children in this dojo (previously Goju Karate Center, same location). This was a big part of my daughter's life for eight years - she began here when she was ten. Once she turned eighteen, she was approached by her Sensei and mentor for nearly half her life, in a way that turned everything she had learned at the dojo and trusted for eight years completely around. She learned that other members were also approached by this Sensei in the same vile way. If this dojo is a consideration for your children, conduct due diligence before enrolling them - this is the smartest and best thing you can do for your child and you will be thankful you did. If your child is currently enrolled, please become aware and reevaluate your choice; you don't want your child to suffer the way my daughter and other students have. Behavior such as this does not change. Even if the girls are not approached until they are older, this is the mindset of the Sensei that is working with them, hands-on, year after year, until his he decides to turn their world upside down.

This is the most amazing Dojo we could have found for our son. I have seen amazing changes from…read morehim. They teach alot of focus before fighting. They are amazing with the younger kids. Sensei Jesse is an amazing person. My son loves it hear. I would recommend it to everyone for a family friendly dojo. 10 stars if I could .

This is all old information. The location closed back in 2019. The current class location, which…read morehas instruction only on Monday/Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon, is located off Dash Point Road. Updated information as of September 30th, 2025.

This program is amazing. My son is more confident and We love Mr. Rainey. He teaches discipline,…read morerespect and confidence. Something this society is lacking. The kids just had a tournament and worked to win medals. I've noticed the commitment my son has to improve and practice everyday.