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.

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.

My daughter joined North County Self Defense almost 2 years ago…read more This has been such an amazing journey watching her learn and make new friends. I am very Grateful for all the instructors for having such patience with my daughter. Especially when she has her meltdowns. They way they are able to help calm her and get her to rejoin class. I am so excited for everything she will continue to learn. A direct thank you to Sensei Robert Ellis for supporting my daughters needs and help with her growth.

I've been going here for 3 years now, the staff is amazing and my confidence went from a 2 to a 10…read morein just a matter of months!! I definitely recommend coming!

Master Arango is truly phenomenal! My son, who is autistic, is very particular about how he…read morecommunicates and how others speak to him--but Master Arango connected with him effortlessly. It was amazing to see how naturally she understood and supported him. What we appreciate most is her ability to turn everyday moments into meaningful life lessons for the kids. Her passion genuinely shines through in everything she does. We feel incredibly grateful and fortunate to have her in our lives. The entire CKA team is wonderful!

This place is great, my son trained here for over 2 years. The instructors, Master Arrango and her…read moreassistant instructor Mr. (Bowman?) are incredible with kids. They are patient and understanding and great at boosting the kids' self confidence while instilling self discipline, focus, and respect. Overall fantastic studio and hope one day my son will take interest in it again!

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.

Great studio Kind and organized leadership…read moreSolid instruction Pricey though, I wish classes were longer so that we would get more bang for our buck or that you didn't have to pay so much (for your kiddos to level up. (However, I feel like a lot of karate places charge too much, I need a Mr. Miyagi studio)

Our son is really enjoying his Karate class here! His Sensi Michelle has a wonderful way with the…read morechildren! I am so grateful we found this place.

A friendly and inviting environment for my children. All the kids who train here seem to really…read moreenjoy the instruction. They are confident, strong, and talented, regardless of their skill level. It's a warm and nurturing environment for kids and adults alike. I recently started taking Krav Maga classes and am really impressed with how talented and engaging the instructors are. They take the time to work with everyone individually and make it a lot of fun. In a short period of time, I am prepared for whatever the world may throw at me.

Great place for #karate and #Krav Maga. I just warned myself some medals at the 2023 AAU tournament…read moreat #UCSD. That was exciting and fun. Training here is fun, I feel like I am always advancing and there is always new technics to learn.

i'm so happy that i found this dojo... the people there are so kind and empathetic, and my autistic…read moredaughter feels respected and appreciated by sensei and all of the teachers and students there... it has been a profound experience for her and i am deeply grateful seeing her grow and feel safe under the tutelage of sensei...

best dojo ever!!! Sensei Sal has a true gift for teaching and guiding. As a parent of three I am…read moreconsistently blown away by his ability to oversee, instruct and conduct fully functional classes sometimes overflowing with kids. the black belts that assist him are amazing as well and truly feel blessed to be a part of something so special. although the focus is karate this dojo provides so much more; community, compassion, discipline, friendship, leadership, family...THANK YOU Sensei!

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.

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!