Highly recommend AK as it has been such a huge hit with my…read more5 year old who has never done martial arts before. He looks forward to his weekly classes with Master Estes who has done so much for his & his friends' confidence. Master E makes each class fly by with a variety of engaging activities & makes the kids laugh throughout, while ensuring they're using proper form & focusing on each new skill learned. My son always comes home to show me a new sequence or kick/ hit move (and he's actually impactful doing them!). We want to offer sincere gratitude for this company because they also went above & beyond to create a safe space in accommodating our families that have higher needs for health mitigations - Master E created a private class for our kids to support them & we feel so lucky to have found him + AK.

So glad we were recommended to join about 5 years ago; we highly recommend it as well for any and…read moreall kids. Our kids have a lot of extracurricular activities (piano, horseback riding, hula, ballet, flag football, basketball, etc) and AKKARATE is the most organized, well-prepared, well-communicated, and with many leaders that understand how to engage and teach without the kids feeling like they are learning. All of the preparation and thought they put into the classes results in happy kids and happy parents. And particularly, it helped the kids survive the COVID-19 lockdowns and come out mentally and physically HEALTHY! Out of all of the activities, the parents coming out of AKKARATE classes at pickup time are the happiest. And the kids are eager to learn and setup to succeed every step of the way. Our kids are in the blackbelt process now and the support and leadership is so very much appreciated.

I have been attending this school for two years. I have studied martial arts and been in law…read moreenforcement for 35 years and can say this is the finest traditional martial arts school you will ever find. Prices are very reasonable, the curriculum makes sense, and they put you on a fast track to great knowledge and self discipline. Highly recommended for all genders and age groups.

Karate taught by well experienced Japanese Master. Children here are focued, self-motivated,…read morerespectful, and playful, that says a lot about his teaching. Not only they are getting the authentic training, but also having a great time working out.

We went to their event and everyone was so nice and welcoming. There was a lot of activities for…read moremy girls to do. They had a lot of fun!!!!

A Truly Exceptional Martial Arts Community at NCMA…read more NCMA has been an incredible place for our family, and we are so grateful to be part of this karate community. The studio shares the same facility as Carlsbad's Best, but the martial arts program deserves its own special praise. My oldest is now a black belt, and watching that journey has been amazing. My youngest and I are working through the color belt ranks together, and training side by side has been one of the best experiences we've had as a family. I love that karate is a lifelong sport. There is always more to learn, and the community here makes you want to keep growing. The coaches are outstanding teachers. They know how to push students in a positive way and bring out their best. Their approach helps build discipline, self-respect, and real confidence, not just in class but in everyday life. One of the things that stands out most is the black belt community. Every black belt student I've met here seems wise beyond their years. They know how to communicate with adults, support younger students, and speak comfortably in front of groups. It's a level of maturity that is rare to see, and it reflects the quality of instruction at NCMA. If you are looking for a place to train, learn, and become part of a strong, supportive community, NCMA is truly something special.

We absolutely love our Swiftkick family. My 6 year old…read moredaughter and I have been training here for 3 months now. Since day 1 everyone here has gone out of their way to be sure we have been and felt welcome and included. The coaches here are truly kind, caring, passionate, and dedicated to addressing the individual needs of every student. Their patience and resilience while working with children and adults is unsurpassed. My daughter's confidence has increased exponentially. Her behavior has improved dramatically because Swiftkick is also instilling lessons in kindness, bravery, perseverance, compassion, and integrity. As for me, every single time I go remains a highlight. My mobility has improved significantly. My stamina is getting better every week. I've learned a lot in a few months. Thank you Swiftkick family!

If your considering martial arts and aren't sure which style to choose I highly recommend checking…read moreout Swiftkick Martial Arts. What's cool about this place is that you will be learning practical martial arts that work in real life situations. Here you will be learning kickboxing, boxing, and grappling. The coaches are all extremely knowledgeable in MMA and are excellent with children. My daughter's progress over the past year has been nothing short of amazing. I'm no longer worried about her being able to take care of herself with rough groups of kids at school or at local parks. Now she can more than take care of herself and its nice not to have to worry. I attend the adults classes and look forward to each and every class. This gym really has a no ego attitude and all of the employees are friendly and welcoming. Please do yourself a favor and give it a try.

We love this place. My husband and sons train here. Franco…read moreSensei is an incredible teacher. World renowned. Master in weapons. Asked to teach throughout the world. If you want to learn traditional Okinawan Goju karate, this is the place. His team of team are fantastic. You will not only learn how to defend yourself, but also learn the culture in which it embodies.

After years of searching for the right place to train, I knew moments after walking through the…read moredoors at Bushikan I had found what I was looking for. As the old saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear! There is a sense of history and tradition at Bushikan that I have found is often absent elsewhere. Here students are taught the correct Japanese terminology, and history of Okinawan karate, which not only helps them to better understand the cultural origins of Goju Ryu, but helps create a sense of deep respect for themselves and others. As I complete my second year of training at Bushikan, what stands out to me is the sense of family fostered by Franco Sensei and Chrisan Sensei. We train hard. Kihon (basics), Kata (imaginary fight), Kumite (sparring), and Hojo Undo (supplementary exercises) set a strong foundation for the students here. The expectations are high, but not without understanding and a strong focus on teachable moments. One does not simply learn to fight at Bushikan, one learns to keep fighting and to conquer the things that keep them from doing their best while helping others do the same. Students are given the opportunity once a year to travel to Okinawa and train where Karate was born, gathering understanding of the unique culture that it sprang from. Likewise, students and teachers from all over the world travel to Bushikan dojo several times a year to gain deeper understanding of Goju Ryu Karate and Matayoshi Kobudo. I can't speak for everyone. One gets out of Karate what they put into it of course. However, this dojo has been a powerful force of positive change in my life and I am thankful to have found it. As a teacher for twenty years I can honestly say that the younger students are some of the most astute and respectful I have ever known. Some of them have been students at Bushikan since they were as young as three years old and are now in their teens and twenties as responsible leaders. The adults are some of the most helpful and giving people I have ever met. If you are looking for a traditional karate dojo, Bushikan is a place for both the young and young at heart. There is a lot more to know, but it is best experienced and not read on a website. I highly recommend you come and see for yourself. You won't regret it.

This truly is an amazing place. I love training here. The instructors are incredible and always…read moreencouraging. Highly recommend.

My son has been taking karate classes at San Elijo Martial Arts since he was 4 1/2. He is now TEN!…read moreWe both love the studio and he loves his instructors. He has learned so much in all those years. The discipline and instruction are simply the best. My son had a hard time staying focused and staying put but now is doing much better. The studio also offers sparring and weapons once you join the black belt club! Kyosanim Salgado and Sensei Emerys are very patient with all the kids. They make you feel like family! You won't regret it for your kiddos!

Finally over this place. This is an update review. It WAS a great place. I used to work at martial…read morearts international but had to leave because they could not get over their shady business practices. All the reviews are true both positive and negative. The quality and content of what kids are learning is great, but it was used as a justification for uncalled for actions. The martial arts training was fun and exciting for both students and instructors that care for bringing martial arts to families. However, when the owner has a "I don't care what's being taught as long as my margins are good mentality" you run into the issues most people have and express here on yelp. All the instructors and assistant instructors left at the peak of good training, some to go on and train elsewhere. This should be a red flag in itself. Martial Arts international WAS a good dojo to train but it is not what it once was. It was ran into ground over the years because of the young entrepreneur mindset of cutting corners and bad deals. Then the answer to continue in the business was to figure out how to lie, find ways to cheat employees and clients to get better profit margins. Go to the trial class, hear the used car salesman pitches and vibes. Glance over the small print in the contracts. Look at the owners new Porsche but also couches the parents sit on that are falling apart. They are nice and great at first but when they get comfortable with you the true colors show. That's why everyone that knows them eventually leaves.

AVOID THIS CLUB. THEY ARE MASTERS IN CHEATING !!!…read more My daughter attended for 4 years and I'm not very happy with how it went. Sensei Lo Bell is not a trustworthy person. Overcharging had been a routine task he did. I had to follow up endless times to get that corrected--many times I just gave up. He is just after your money. He doesn't care if your kids get the right training or not. This club was closed multiple times FOR MULTIPLE MONTHS and trainers leave very often. My child's growth was very much hampered. If you are serious about this club then exercise caution.

We tried 2 other facilities before becoming part of the Key Martial Arts Family. None of the other…read moreplaces could even get my son out onto the mat even though he was adamant he wanted to do it. Sensei Matt was able to gain my son's trust and had him participating right from the beginning. Giving me a special seat next to the mat so I was closest to my son putting him at ease, being firm but encouraging, and pushing him to try his hardest. My son feels right at home there and is so excited to come home and practice new skills he has learned.

I can't recommend this dojo enough! My daughter has been training under Sensei Matt for six years…read morenow. He is awesome with the kids (and adults)! There are so many valuable life skills she has learned aside from just self defense...things like discipline, leadership, character development, organization, high achievement drive, and focus...just to name a few. If you're looking for a new dojo or considering options for yourself and/or your kid, it's definitely worth checking out. Stop by and have a chat with Matt to see how Key Martial Arts should be part of your future training.

Good Training with a lot of one on one experience…read more I was in Carlsbad for a reunion with a Daughter and her family and Friday Night was Tang Soo Do Practice with the Grandson who was just a couple days shy of 10. Not being familiar with Martial Arts much less the individual styles, I asked if I could tag along and watch the class. I was impressed. At first it was a normal rambunctious group of school kids that under normal conditions would have been next to impossible to control. Not here. As soon as the class started, everyone settled down and obeyed every command and order. The kids followed readily and with enthusiasm. I've been to many places where the kids go through the motion to make Mom happy and this is true of many youth sports. Not the case here. The kids were eager to learn and pushed themselves to do their best and improve. Zayden, the 10 year old blond Grandson and his friend Dylan worked hard at in this practice but you could see it was something the really enjoyed. The Master did a great job motivating this diverse group of kids and I commend them for a job well done.

My 2 kids train at West Coast Dragons. They are motivated abd eager to attend their training…read moresessions. Master Osai, Shakira, and Aida keep their students focused and disciplined.

This dojo is awesome! Master Waterbury is not only a fantastic instructor, he's also a wonderful…read moreperson. His classes are clear, concise and well thought-out. The culture in his school is very welcoming and there is no ego or posturing that you sometimes encounter at other martial arts schools. I would highly recommend this school to anyone looking to train and grow as an individual. Perfect for kids AND adults. He also offers a lot of cool classes like fitness or self defense workshops for the community. Top notch!

We adore ZUltimate self-defense! The private lessons are absolutely fabulous! The instructors are…read moreknowledgeable and ready to help you train on any given day! Thank you to the instructors for a fabulous experience!