We were lucky enough to find Sensei Maile during the height of the Covid pandemic lockdown. Our boys, twins age 6, began private lessons with her outside at our house. This fall, they have been able to attend classes and private lessons at the newly opened Kachi Karate dojo on S Beretania. The boys LOVE Sensei Maile. She is calm, patient, fun and a super skilled expert. She also happens to have a daughter their age, so she really "gets" kids and knows how to motivate them. My husband and I love that she emphasizes the mental discipline, including doing well in school and being respectful of your parents, in addition to the physical discipline. I cannot recommend Sensei Maile and Kachi Karate highly enough! We are so happy to have found this wonderful place for our kids to learn and grow. read more

Kachi Karate - Sensei Maile helps T learn to tie his yellow belt. - Karate Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

First of all, I knew nothing about karate other than what I saw on the Karate Kid, and when I pictured kids taking karate I pictured a hard ass teacher yelling at his students just like that mean teacher at the Cobra Kai dojo. So when my father-in-law suggested my daughter try a karate class near our house, I was a bit hesitant...she was only four, REALLY tiny, and not the most aggressive kid; but she was coordinated and definitely could use the discipline; so we decided to try a free class with Kachi Karate. When I met Sensei Robert him and heard how he spoke to my daughter as he took her aside to teach her some basic things before class, I could see he was a really nice guy who had a special way with kids...and my anxiety about this whole thing just went away. In the beginning, my daughter had a hard time following along as a lot of the class had been taking karate for at least a few more months. After the first couple of classes, she wanted to quit, but we convinced her to stick with it for just one month and told her she could quit if she didn't like it by then. Sensei Robert had always made it a point to make sure the higher belts in the class take care of and teach the younger ones. This helped her a lot, to feel like the older kids were supportive of her and not going to make fun of her. it was also a great lesson in responsibility for the older kids as well. At home, she kept practicing and practicing, and one day was able to get some of the moves from the kata she was learning. From achieving that, it ignited her confidence and commitment to the class as a whole. So much so that she has kept up with this for over year a year now! I also really like the fact that there are two female teachers - Sensei Maile and Sensei Shannon. They are both so good with the kids and I am grateful that my daughter gets to see at an early age that women can be both feminine and strong at the same time. And now, I see karate in a whole new light. It has kept my daughter physically and mentally fit, but also instilled in her important life values. She started kindergarten this year at Aina Haina school and I truly believe that Kachi Karate has helped her transition into this new chapter in her life more seamlessly. It is evident not only in her work ethic, discipline, and respect for others, but also in her ability to make new friends, try new things and be a more confident person overall. Sensei Robert has also expanded his dojos around town and even has a karate class for 3-5 year olds that my 3 year old son will be trying soon! I think it's great what he is doing for the communities around here and I would highly recommend his classes for any child, boy or girl - as they will be getting much more than self-defense skills - you'll be surprised at what they can accomplish and what kind of person they will become! read more

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Maile Sensei and Kachi Karate have been the best thing we could have ever put my daughter in! I know it seems silly to think a 4 y/o has found her "passion", but she's been exposed to many activities from as young as 18 months and from her 1st class it's like she was born for karate! Maile Sensei is the epitome of a strong woman (such an awesome example for my daughter), yet is so patient, loving, sweet and silly with the kids at the same time. My daughter both is learning actual moves (she is obsessed with practicing at them at home), and at the same time, is thoroughly having fun the entire class. She is excited for every class (asks to go everyday), and it's awesome that Maile teaches them Japanese as well- it finally motivated me to speak Japanese to her more! I cannot say how much she is learning, from actual karate, to discipline, respect, focus, balance, coordination, confidence... The list is never-ending, but most of all it is FUN for her! We love Maile Sensei and will be with Kachi Karate for years to come! I wish I could post videos (she was instantly comfortable with Maile and totally into every minute of class- she even imitated Sensei's powerful voice, which was the cutest thing ever.) The whole family is excited for Karate Saturdays (it is the only extracurricular my husband watches, which says A LOT, lol!) Maile Sensei is helping coach at the Olympics in Japan this week, so trust me when I say you are literally learning from the BEST at Kachi Karate. read more

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Sensei Robert has the patience and kindness it takes to build trust and confidence with the young children. A must when creating the base for karate and future life skills. He also firmly establishes the element of discipline which is a must in martial arts. Unlike other Sensei in our area, Robert does not use fear as a tool to motivate the children. A very balanced, fair and consistent teaching style that is genuine and rare. Our child is five and we (unfortunately) do not have time to attend the larger mixed classes very often. The more advanced classes are something to aspire to. We have seen Perfect Kata and World Class Point Fighting. KACHI Karate is excellent. Highly recommend. Aloha read more

This is an awesome karate class for kids. My son has taken other karate classes before, but he really likes this class. The sensei is great with the kids. He thoroughly teaches them the right techniques. The sensei incorporates discipline with fun, competitions, and trophies. I would highly recommend this class. read more

Kachi Karate - Karate Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This program is great for young kids, the Sensei is very professional, very likeable and keeps the kids in order. Highly recommended if you want affordable, professional karate classes for your keiki. read more

Kachi Karate has been a great experience for my kids! Sensei Robert is a caring, fun teacher who expects the best from his kids, at whatever skill level they are. He knows how to push them without making them feel discouraged. He tries to instill respect and discipline in the students which I deeply appreciate. This is a great class overall and I'd highly recommend it to others. read more

So far I been very impress with Sesei, I took my five year old daughter to see a lesson with him and what I saw impressed me. The behavior of the kids represent greatly his teaching skills. All the kids, even one that look as young as 3, were very respectful and follow directions all the time. Sesei is a very charismatic person and the kids follow his lead. The monthly fee is reasonable and comparable to other karate classes I had previously looked at before. I'm looking forward to taking my daughter to his class for now on. read more

As an 18 year karate practitioner and competitor. I can honestly say that Sensei Robert is ,simple put, one of the best. He is passionate about his craft and is willing to go the extra mile for every one of his students. Originally he was located in Slovakia, I travelled all from Florida two summers in a row receive instructions from Sensei Robert. Every time our paths cross is a blessing and I wish him all the best. In Summary, anyone can benefit by learning karate from this great teacher. - Kevin read more

Excellent facility, world class staff, great atmosphere.

Sensei Robert and Sensei Maile are amazing instructors who have a talent for teaching kids. Kachi Karate has helped with discipline and confidence. read more

As the parent of a Kachi Karate student, I just have a few clarifying points in response to Armida Y's comments of 7/10/17: First: The fundraisers that were announced at the end of classes were for the benefit of Kachi Karate Ohana, not Kachi Karate LLC. Kachi Karate Ohana is a nonprofit booster club created to provide supportive funding to karate students who train to compete at national competitions. The non-profit is run by volunteers who can't make it out to each class to announce the fundraisers. Sensei Robert graciously agreed to support the non-profit organization by announcing fundraising events at the end of each class. The funds raised through the efforts of the non-profit and with Sensei Robert and Sensei Maile's help provided support to 25 athletes and coaches competing at the AAU and NKF National Championships this year. The fundraisers had nothing to do with Kachi Karate, the school, making more money. Second, I strongly disagree with any claim that any of the Kachi Karate Senseis have "lost focus." All of the Senseis of Kachi Karate know and care for each student as distinct individuals. To their credit, they overextend themselves trying to meet the individual needs of scores of young students, adult students, students who compete in national competitions, and elite karateka who compete internationally and have Tokyo 2020 Olympic hopes. Much of the extra time they spend with their students is spent without compensation. It's unfortunate that parents like Armida Y and the "Most parents" she refers to in her comments didn't just approach Sensei Robert and voice their concerns. I'm sure that a short chat would have helped her and others understand that Sensei Robert was, as always, just trying to help as many people as he can. Kachi Karate has never lost its focus on helping their students be the best they can be in karate and in life. read more