My big kids did 10 years of karate when we lived down in San Diego; so, I am no stranger to the…read moredojo. After trials and tribulations at other locations here in SB, I finally found the perfect professional karate environment for my six year old. I look forward to many prosperous years at Koei Kan Karate-Santa Barbara

I highly recommend this Academy for your kiddos, my wife and I are super happy for bringing our son…read moreto be part of this good group of people in our community! My son is learning a lot! Tony and Miguel are a great persons and senseis! Good job guys!!

I've known of Chin in the capoeira community for a while and recently due to a relocation had the…read moreopportunity to train with him. Chin is one of the most professional capoeira professors I have come across of second to legends such as Mestre Amen and Mestre Accordeon. His training style is very tough and he keeps pushing you, but with positive words rather than criticisms as what I'm used to. The members themselves are very helpful and welcome everyone with an open arm. What I like best about Chin's style of teaching is that he explains why we train the way we do and corrects people and gives them tips constantly. This is much different from my previous instructor who would tell you a year later you were doing something fundamentally wrong and that I should have picked up on the visual differences. My favorite thing about Chin is that he asks you for help but doesn't expect it. He knows we all have lives outside of capoeira and is willing to share his life if we are willing to commit. Given my previous experience, this makes it easy for me and more willing to commit at my own pace.

I love coming here whenever I'm in town for friends or for an event. Professor Shin is a great…read moreinstructor with a really supportive class of individuals and students under him. Their space is big with really nice hardwood floors and cubbies to keep your stuff in. Muito axe!

Sensei Ken Ota & his beloved wife Miye are both World Class teachers in Ballroom Dancing, Aikido,…read moreJudo & Etiquette. The Ota family has taught for over 40 years in Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito & the bright minds of UCSB. Sensei Ken Ota, his son Sensei Steve Ota & there exceptional Senior Students have instructed generations of families in the Art of Cotillion. There students have grown up to become exceptional citizens that support there local communities & encourage future generations to continue the Ota's Legacy. The Ota's Family legacy continues to this day at his most humble Dojo in Goleta California through the cooperative efforts of there senior Aikido & Ballroom students. Sensei Ota, his students, & there Dojo are Goleta's best kept secret. Oops... I just revealed it... :~)

The cultural school is the ideal place for children and adults to study Aikido with Ki. I trained…read morehere in my adolescence. It was the perfect environment to learn responsibility, accountability, self-discipline and respect. Not only did I learn non-violent self defense, but also self-confidence and self-reliance. Sensei Ken Ota was a pillar of the community and his son, Sensei Steve, carries on the tradition of true martial artistry taught with patience and love. I encourage parents to stop by and observe a class. As a teacher, I have witnessed students with various special needs blossom after practicing Aikido with Sensei Steve.

Matt Bridi Sensei (3rd Dan) is a gifted instructor with great insight & educational metaphors…read more Located at the Goleta Valley Community Center, AKI Goleta Aikido is a great place to have an introduction into the world of Aikido. Affiliated through Aikido Kenkyukai International, AKI Goleta offers fun & exciting children's classes for the local community. However, you don't have to be a kid to try Aikido. Their adult program meets twice a week & gives you a one-to-one personal approach to the Art. Not only do you get a tutor like environment to learn Aikido, but you also get to enjoy great stories from their members after class with a cold glass of IPA.

Matt Bridi is the main instructor, or sensei, at AKI (Aikido Kenyukai International) Goleta. He…read morecreates an open, welcoming, and safe environment that I really appreciated as a total beginner with aikido. I now participate regularly in the adult aikido sessions here on Tuesday and Thursday evenings with Matt, Andy, Vern and the rest of the crew, all of whom are very experienced teachers and practicioners of the art. I have also seen Matt and Andy teach the kids' classes on Thursdays, and they are really good with kids. They are able to teach kids discipline, leadership, physical control, confidence, and gentleness, all through aikido. Whenever I have a kid, he/she will be doing aikido. I would highly recommend this dojo to adults and children--everything about this place is so positive. And the first month is free, so give it a try!

While visiting Santa Barbara for a week, I was fortunate enough to train at Paragon's main location…read moreand it lived up to its legendary reputation. I had the honor of taking a class with Franjinha himself, as well as one with James. Both are phenomenal instructors who teach with incredible clarity and precision. You can tell they have a deep understanding of the art. I enjoyed the more intimate classes at noon. It created a great "good vibes" atmosphere where it was easy to connect with training partners. Everyone was super friendly and eager to roll. The training was challenging and technical. It's an amazing place to learn and grow your jiu-jitsu, and I felt very welcomed as a visitor. Can't wait to come back on my next trip!

I don't know how else to say it, but this gym has changed my life for the better! I even sought out…read morea new job to make sure I could pay the membership--worth every penny. I started out kickboxing, and have now trained jiu jitsu for the last two years. The sport is amazing, especially for women in regards to self defense and self confidence. And the instructors are dedicated, extremely proficient, patient, motivating, and fun. As a few others have noted in their reviews--Paragon becomes family! If you've been on the fence about trying boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, or jiu jitsu (GREAT kids' classes for anti-bullying!), start a trial today. You won't regret it--believe me!

We have been to one class but my son had the best time. The instructors are great at encouraging…read morethe kids and talking them through kickboxing. He already wants to try other martial arts classes. Thanks so much for a great first time experience and impression to the Paragon team

A great team! Tough training from coaches who care. Ample parking. Hot showers in a clean…read morefacility. Awesome competition team.

Valadez Sensei teaches & guides his students with a firm discipline and a gentle heart. The Senshin…read moreCenter is an Aikido Sanctuary for men, women & children of all ages. Valadez Sensei & his Senior Instructors exemplify the Virtues of Budo, Aikido & the teachings of O~Sensei. I am truly grateful to Sensei for giving me an opportunity to study, train & grow physically, mentally & spiritually in the Art of Aikido. It was a privilege & honor to train, study, & learn Aikido with men & women of such high caliber.

My son started taking the kids classes with Aikido Kenkyukai when he was 4 years old. He is now 10…read moreyears old. He really loves it. I have watched Aikido really make positive changes in my son's life over time in terms of being respectful, being kind, showing empathy, helping others, gaining confidence, conflict resolution and keeping fit. Martial arts have provided a positive type of structure in my son's life. After watching my son train for a number of years I started training in the adults classes and have realized many benefits myself in terms of very positive physical changes, as well as changes in how I perceive social and business situations. Training in Aikido is hard to describe in that by the end of the class, you are drenched in sweat, tired, invigorated physically and have a huge smile on your face. The work outs are amazing. I've been so enthused about training and have taken a role in assisting with the kids classes as well. My son is 10, I am 48, this martial art is truly for all ages. The instructors and staff are all great. Lia Suzuki Sensei is a world-renowned teacher and we are so lucky to have her influence her on the central coast. Beginners are treated with so much respect and care here that I'd suggest to any kid or adult that is a little nervous about training to put those feelings aside and try an intro class - you will feel very welcomed here.