My son has been coming here for a few years. I can't say enough good things about Mike, Karen and their staff. It is a clean dojo, with a warm environment. It is obvious they know what they are doing, building the intensity as the kids show progress. While the physical part is great, and I have seen grows in my kid's abilities, the life lessons are where they have this place dialed. Little nuggets of wisdom the teachers sprinkle, encouraging the students. Also they have a very substantial teen cohort which tells me they have the right formula. read more

Absolutely wonderful martial arts studio, with the best sensei and staff. Physical and mental intelligence training with a load of fun on top. 100% would recommend! read more

I have been a martial arts instructor myself for over 30 years, and PMA is the best overall school I have ever seen for kids and teens. Their curriculum is well rounded, but most importantly, they really teach great values and habits and I have seen met so many teens and adults who say time they spent at PMA as a kid shaped their life in such a positive way. read more

I've reviewed this Dojo before and I will always give them as many stars as are available. my kid grew up in this studio. She was painfully shy, had a hard time making eye contact with anyone she didn't know really well, couldn't really talk to people she didn't know really well, etc etc. She saw Kung Fu Panda and decided she anted to do King Fu. We signed her up for Kung Fu and that was a horrible mistake. The teacher was pretty much a peacock and just pranced around and didn't even bother to correct or teach the kids anything. We left that place and ended up at PMA and from the first class is was clear that this was where we needed to be. We checked out ALL of the studios between Petaluma and Mill Valley and PMA was the best by a LOT. FFW to now: she's 24 and kicking ass and taking names. She's a 2nd degree black belt, she's competed in bjj, she played rugby in college and went to nationals, she's physically formidable and, best of all, she's an amazing human being with deep conviction and morals and she talks to people she doesn't know all the time as it's part of her job. Mike and Karen, the owners of the studio are two of the finest humans you will ever meet. PMA is not even remotely macho. Karen is a high black belt - 4th or 5th degree maybe? Mike is like a 7th degree. I was lucky enough to watch his 7th degree test and MY GOD.... I didn't know humans could move like that. PMA is a second home to your kid, an absolutely safe place for your kids to learn about community, boundaries, morals, self-control, care for their bodies and minds, and just an all around perfect place for your kid to me. Just go sign up there - you absolutely will never regret it. Love this place so much. My daughter still trains mma but rugby occupies most of her free physical time now. We are so grateful to PMA for helping raise our daughter. It takes a village, and PMA is a perfect village for your kid. read more

My three children, ages 10, 12, and 15, started at this dojo a few months after we moved to Marin. After doing a bit of research we contacted PMA. Our first interactions via email were warm and welcoming, our initial trial class was so fantastic that the kids wanted to join right then and there, and since then, we've been going 3 times a week! This dojo is about dedication, discipline, respect, and hard work. The lessons taught here are ones that our children will carry with them for a lifetime. We feel so incredibly lucky to have such a gem in our community. read more

Practical Martial Arts - Belt testing day! - Martial Arts Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Sensei Mike and the other instructors are amazing. The classes are great and the staff are super friendly. The kids and teens learn how to be a better person and improve their skills. The ambiance of the dojo is super friendly, and the tools they provide are great for classes. PMA is an amazing service. read more

I've been going here for the past 8 years and I still love coming here! if anyone's reading this you HAVE to sign your kid up for PMA their gonna love it! read more

Pre Covid our daughter Olivia I was training at a different dojo and had been since she was four years old. She absolutely loved it and we were devastated when the dojo had to close because of Covid consequences. After a thorough search, we found practical martial arts and we couldn't be happier. Sensei Mike and his wife Karen are absolutely amazing, accommodating and genuinely nice people. The philosophy behind PMA is one of respect, diligence and overall general well-being and strong mental health. We are so glad that we found this new martial arts family. read more

Practical Martial Arts - Olivia at MMA - Martial Arts Near Me - Corte Madera, California

Practical Martial Arts is an incredible community. My son has gained confidence, physical strength and coordination, as well as learning mindfulness and respect. It's the place my son wants to return to, week after week, year after year. Thank you Karen and Mike! read more

My nephew has been going here for a while now and he is really enjoying himself. He's much more confident now and looks for for his next class every week! read more

I did quite a bit of shopping around for martial arts programs at one time, and I acquired a whole new appreciation for the exceptionality of PMA's curriculum and teaching. I've gathered by observation that Mike and Karen have defined a foundational set of positive values upon which they are basing the program, and--in line with those values--they implement the curriculum with a deep level of authenticity and conscious presence. This bottom-up design and approach is apparent in all aspects of what happens at PMA. For a few examples: The "20 acts" journaling is exceptionally well-suited exercise for character development, which actively prompts the translation of good intentions into positive actions through mindful attentiveness to the present moment. I have not seen anything like it elsewhere. The facility's design and atmosphere are relatively calm and peaceful during class. The individual attention given to students during class and during belt promotions is like nothing I've seen elsewhere. The messaging is well-conceived--whether the focus is on athletic skills, life skills, or character development--and it is delivered with authenticity of tone (not just lip service or rote). Also, it is perceptibly acted upon. I appreciate that PMA instructors are unapologetic and honest about the martial arts skills that the kids are learning. It's not a Tai Chi class in disguise (nothing against Tai Chi). read more

This is where the magic happens.I am sure everybody believes thier Dojo is the best and I have to admit I am no different.However, the instruction at this place is top knotch.My experience here has given so much.Martial Arts inspires confidence,dicipline,and a childlike joy unlike any other. read more

I have been a student at Practical Martial Arts for over 20 years and will continue to for many years to come. Both of my sons attended for many years and learned incredibly valuable lessons from Sensei Mike and his curriculum. The classes are always full of great exercise and fun at the same time. I love that they offer classes for every age and skill level and are now offering classes on Zoom so you don't have to lose progress during this unfortunate time. I truly feel that they care about each and every one of their students and over time have become like family to me. If you're looking for an exciting way to stay in shape in an inviting, encouraging, and community like atmosphere then look no further than PMA. read more

I have been training in martial arts, off and on, throughout my entire life ( I am now 36). I have been in many schools and trained in many different styles, but without a doubt this has been the very best school I have ever had the privilege to attend. I don't give 5 stars very easily and I am usually much too busy to have time to write reviews, but I feel that this school deserves it. Why? That's because there is more than just martial arts here. As a visitor or as a student, you are immediately greeted with a warm welcoming smile. There is a sense of community and friendship. The instructors really do know their stuff; they are top notch. From the owners to the instructors to fellow students, there is always mutual respect for each other. Unlike other schools that I have I attended in the past, they only promote their students if they deserve it and know the material. That is why the black belts that come out of this school are so good. I have been a student now for nearly 5 years and will most likely be a "lifer'. They have a very holistic approach to training which I enjoy and appreciate. In the end, it's just fun! read more

My son has taken practiced at this dojo for many years. I am beyond-words grateful for the influence it has had on his life. Marin Karate Kids is so much more than martial arts education, it's life training. For years, I watched Sensei Mike Valentine inspire the uninspired, comfort the dispirited, cajole the reluctant, embolden the meek, temper the overzealous. His stories are captivating and impactful. He insightfully honors and acknowledges the children. His remarks are the kind that stick to the ribs - not just for the child, for the parent, too. I know that I'm not alone when I say that he really "sees" my child. There's something extraordinarily comforting in that - like I have an ally in this tumultuous parenting journey. Mike uses humor, storytelling and straight talk to plant seeds that my son will harvest the rest of his life. Mike embodies what it means to be a black belt. It's no surprise that Mike's entire staff is top-notch. They are compassionate, competent and warm-hearted souls. They care about the community and give back, too. Wonderful, inspiring people. read more

I have been a loyal member of this dojo for 16+ years. Over the course of my lifetime, I've trained at MANY martial arts schools but they usually don't last more than a couple of years. There is just something magical about this place that keeps me here (and many others that I know). I guess you can say it's all because of the heart and soul that you get from Sensei Mike and Karen, and all the other instructors. They truly care about each and every person that walks in their door, adults, kids, and parents alike. The quality of training is also very evident. This dojo has produced some very skilled fighters and the students who have trained here clearly have a step above the rest. The training program is very comprehensive, from stand-up fighting to ground fighting (and everything in between like the fitness classes). When learning any skill, sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees. I've trained at places where we work on a couple of things for months but aren't taught how it applies in real-life situations. Not with this dojo. We get to work on the finer details and nuances but it's always tested with real application and you see how it fits in the bigger picture. The school's name is quite befitting with its training style. There is always respect between the students too, and the school emphasizes it. Sure we train pretty hard at times (which I prefer) but we don't ever try to hurt each other, which can be tricky at other schools. I've seen students from 5 to 65 train here so every program is tailored to the right skill level. This place just has a great vibe and once you step through the door, you'll know what I mean. read more

Practical Martial Arts - (shot with a wide angle lens) - Martial Arts Near Me - Corte Madera, California

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update as of 6/2014: My daughter is now a youth blackbelt. The road there is tough and PMA and its amazing and wonderful staff/teachers supported her all the way. A few times along the way she got a little burned out and wanted to give up but they inspired her enough to keep going! She's SO PROUD of her blackbelt. The other day, when I picked her up at 9PM, totally exhausted after her leadership class, she must have said at least 20 times on the long drive home, "Mommy, I love my Dojo. I LOVE MY DOJO SO MUCH!" The learning she's received from PMA has been invaluable, and an absolute social game changer for her. She was painfully shy when we first brought her there 4 years ago...now, she's still shy and introverted but has a whole, big bag of tools to work with when she's in situations where she's feeling super shy. A new girl at our little rural school tried to physically bully her and Sage used the, "Bully Stamp" which is what they teach there, and diffused the bully before it went any further. She never needed to touch the girl. The owners, Mike and Karen Valentine are the picture of integrity, passion and are Pillars of the Community always giving more than they take. And they choose teachers who are the same. We love our dojo SO MUCH! They are indeed my daughter's second family. If you're looking for a dojo, look no further. (OH PS- my kid is 5'4" weighs about 110 and can take my 5'11" husband down and wriggle out of any hold her puts on her. She's injured the poor man a few times but they keep at each other every night he's home as part of their bonding. He even cheats and she still beats him. He outweighs her by 50 LBS and is pure muscle... And a last note about the kids. The kids that attend this Dojo are the nicest kids I've ever met. I can never figure out if the dojo makes them that way or that the nice kids are attracted to this dojo...maybe a little of both? Anyway, go, it's totally worth it. read more

Practical Martial Arts is the best decision we've ever made for our children. All three of them attend class and have learned so much. All the dojos are exceptional. They inspire confidence, respect, and integrity in a genuinely fun atmosphere! Highly recommend! read more

My two children and I look forward to our bi-weekly training at the dojo. We have been there for over a year and find it extremely rewarding, fun and useful for focusing energy and emotions. The life lessons we ALL learn are amazing and inspiring. They offer great school break and summer camps, birthday parties, self defense classes for teens and adults, and access to accomplished martial arts experts. Karen and Mike Valentine are wonderfully caring and inspiring people. They run the dojos very professionally and attract terrific instructors. They are also tremendous parents to their two young sons. read more

Great studio! Family atmosphere. The only thing they should watch out for is spreading too thin. They recently acquired another dojo and the management splits their time in both places. Ouch! This is a classic pitfall for small business owners. I hope that they figure it out so that it doesn't affect the experience. read more

This is a wonderful place. I have taken my son to 2 other places in Marin and each time he was bored within a few months. PMA has been great! My son really likes the classes and he LOVES the NINJA camp. He just got his next belt and was thrilled and looking forward to earning another. Another great aspect about PMA is the "FAST FIT" Class with Aaron. It is a combo of kick boxing and conditioning. It is fun and a total work out. I highly recommend this Dojo for the whole family! read more

I hate to sound cliche, but Practical Martial Arts, the instructors and the other students, have changed my life. In the past three years I have become a socially, emotionally and physically stronger person through lessons in situational awareness and a variety of self-defense and martial arts techniques. Their style of martial arts is an ever evolving form with elements of boxing, kick boxing, brazilian jiu-jitsu, muy thai, wrestling and more, but the true value is the integration of these techniques through controlled technical training and various forms of mma and jiu-jitsu sparring. Five stars does not do this dojo justice, nor would any rating to be honest. In my opinion if you wish to be a stronger, more disciplined and aware person, you should come try Practical Martial Arts. read more

Since I wrote my last review, Practical Martial Arts has added a morning fitness class to its schedule (M, W, F, 9 am - 10 am). The class works either as a stand alone fitness class or as a companion to the regular martial arts program. Chris, the teacher, is a delight. He knows exactly what he's doing, and works hard to make sure that the exercises are varied, fun, safe, and effective. My core strength has increased dramatically since I started, which means not only that I have better martial arts skills, but also that my chronic back, knee and hip pain have pretty much vanished. If you'd like an enjoyable fitness class in a delightful environment, you'll be doing yourself a favor if you check this one out. read more

I love this dojo. I started training there as a little kid, four years old, and even though it's a tough contact sport they know how to cater to kids to make it fun, exciting, educational, safe and practical. Now I'm nearly 17 and i enjoy the the sport so much and the teachers offer so much to it. It is the best instruction ever. The teachers are amazing I could never say enough about them. Mixed Martial Arts has definitely become a passion for me but I doubt that would have happened with out this particular dojo. The environment is perfect for learning and again the teachers are phenomenal, they take time to get to know every single student. If you are looking to get into the martial arts world I could not recommend a better place, and I could also not recommend a better discipline. read more

Review for Little Dragons 4-5 years old beginner Based on their website, schedule and principles I thought this would be a great place for my 4 year old to begin his martial arts experience. My main concerns were small classes and a new fun activity for my son. I found much more in this great dojo. Before you sign up there is a 15 min intro class for the young ones. Its basically meeting the teachers (Mr Phelps) and going through a quick prep of basic moves. Mr Phelps put up red mats for privacy so my son could practice his punches, kicks etc without the older kids watching, as another class was going on. I thought it was great as kids often get self conscious about being new. My son instantly fell in love after his 15 min intro class. There is no hard sell here. Mr Phelps had already gone through the basics of the class. We singed up right away. A lot of establishments are great at customer service and caring until they have you locked into their contract. Its been almost a year here and if anything the entire staff is even more caring and involved in their students as time goes on. This dojo does more than just teach martial arts. A few months ago my son ran into a bully issue at his school. I turned to Mr Phelps and the staff at PMA for advice on how to handle the situation. I was floored at their dedication and concern at the situation. Aaron Phelps asked for a week to discuss and think about it. A week later he took the time to talk with me and my son. PMA also did a bully talk throughout the entire dojo. The fact that the PMA took the time to thoughtfully discuss my the bully issue and turn it into a great talk for the entire dojo was beyond any five minute talk I was hoping to get from Mr Phelps. They truly do care about all their students. My son is still in Little Dragons and is now an orange belt. At this stage in his marital arts I believe that belt status is based on attendance. His class is small and usually has anywhere from 5-9 kids in it. The classes are 30 minutes long at his age level. The classes run year long and jumping into a class new is not a big deal. Children will not feel left out or as if they don't know what they are doing. The great thing is there are always teenager black belts available to help out. The other kids here are very well behaved and always eager to help out the little ones. My son met a few older kids (ages 10-12) on his first day. They are still nice to him and always have kind words to exchange with him and always say hi. The other parents here are also great. They aren't stuck up at all and are so nice. read more

Through Personal Training I started to get into Martial Arts. Practical Martial Arts is an amazing dojo. The Instructors are very skilled, great for beginners and even the most advanced students. I have been training over a year and can't get enough of it. What makes PMA stand out are the instructors and the students I train with. They are all great people and I have made a lot of good friends. I look at martial arts as a life style now. Something that I can't imagine ever giving up. read more

I practiced at PMA for 9 months straight, 3-5 times a week. They have great classes ranging from hour long fit classes focused on bagwork (Thai Boxing) and Pad Work (holding and striking mitts and pads). They have a great boxing combo system, and their jui jitsui program will take you from beginner through black belt . Aaron is great at the beginner levels of both Jui Jitsui and Muay Thai and Sensei Mike is there for those wanting to go next level. They also have a ton of class options so you can train in the morning, afternoon, or night. There is a positive vibe all around and you can see it reflected in the way the kids at the studio act and behave; they are respectful and they are having fun. Sadly I moved away from the area but wanted to give them a shout out because they run a great martial arts studio. read more

As a martial artist who has studied for over 15 years and who has studied in over half a dozen styles and schools in the area the choice was easy when it was time for my two boys to join a martial arts program. Practical Martial Arts was the only school I seriously considered. For both the quality of martial arts and the development of character and life skills of my boys, they are the absolute best! My wife drives past numerous other schools to get there and it is worth the drive. read more

I've been active my whole life and I've found that nothing gets you in better all around shape than martial arts. Whether your into martial arts or not Practical Martial Arts has been offering MMA Fit classes both mornings and evenings. These classes are not only a great way to cross train for martial arts but also a great way to simply stay in shape for both men and women. All the instructors are extremely motivating and very helpful. Also no two workouts are the same so you never feel like you've fallen into a workout rut. You are constantly being challenged. Classes start with a good warmup followed by punching and kicking combinations (great cardio) followed by circuits using everything from pushup boards, kettlebells, sandbags, balance balls and body weight exercises. Since these are done in circuits you get the added benefit of more cardio while toning your entire body. I would highly recommend PMA's fit classes to anybody regardless of your interest in martial arts for a great total body workout program. read more

In 1998, I joined PMA at the age of 30, having had some exposure to Martial arts in a life of travel , military duty, school, and other interests. I gave EVERY school in Marin a fair look, and was most impressed by the staff here. Mike and Karen Valentine are true examples of people who work to improve thier professional skills and live thier personal values more than almost anyone you could hope to meet. The kids and adult programs have great student-teacher ratios, and a balence is kept between athletic and technical development. If you are ready to sweat, and build real-life martial ability in a environment of sportsmanship, humor, and disipline, this school is a treasure in the North Bay. read more

I just love this place (which is also known as Practical Martial Arts). The teachers are fun and quite funny. The focus is not just on learning the skills of martial arts, but on knowing how and when to use (and not to use) the skill. Each lesson includes story time where the morale of the story teaches the kids not to brag, or not to make fun of others, or not to be judgmental or not to want to use their martial arts on others. At times, classes include role playing where the kids are taught how to avoid fights, but also how to stop someone who insists on fighting them. Those times that I watched classes from outside, before enrolling my kids, I really didn't like that the kids seemed to do a lot of wrestling on the floor. But then I learned that sometimes this is the best way to subdue an opponent until help arrives. The need for this skill really hit me recently when I saw a girl pinned by an older boy, and then taught how to get out of the pin and hold down her attacker so that he couldn't move. I'm overjoyed with this place! It teaches the physical skills, but also the responsibility and control that goes with it. They even teach the kids other safety skills, such as what to do if they can't find their parents in a store, and how to go about memorizing their phone number. I am so happy I enrolled my kids. (I'm even thinking about enrolling myself.) read more

I started my two sons in martial arts when we were looking for extracurricular athletic programs for them. At that time, several of my older son's friends were talking about Practical Martial Arts-Marin Karate Kids (PMA-MKK). As 11 year olds can be, I was apprehensive because I thought my son would use these skills on his friends. I told him we would visit and observe before I made my decision. PMA-MKK let my son take an intro class while I observed other children training. What sold me on the program was the positive energy that permeated the school. Kids were listening and watching intently; they were smiling and having fun; most importantly, Sensei Mike and his instructors made sure everyone stayed focused. When it came time for students to practice their moves with a partner, Sensei Mike talked to them about training with respect for their partner. Martial arts is certainly not "cooking class" but it also does not mean you use all of your strength against your partner/friend either. My son returned for more classes and in addition to learning his martial arts skills, he also was taught to be respectful in school and at home as well. This came pretty easily for him once he adjusted to the program, because he is a focused child. My second son, however, is hyper-active (ADHD) and just "full of it." I started him at 8 years old when he expressed an interest in martial arts. Sensei Mike and his staff were wonderful and displayed patience and understanding with my younger son. This does not mean that they let him get away with things, and it does not mean they were impatiently rigid with him either. They used their imagination and experience in teaching kids to make learning fun for him (and the rest of the students). My son was able to focus and learn through the whole class. Older, higher ranking students who helped out in the younger aged classes were great role models for my son. He loved being at the dojo. Yes, there were moments when he needed reminding to listen, but they became less frequent and he was having fun! The programs at Practical Martial Arts also cover age-appropriate self defense skills and teach children how to deal with bullies. Sensei Mike and his wife, Karen, live the good, strong family values they teach their students. This also includes sponsoring environmental clean ups on Earth Day and Coastal Clean Up Day; random acts of kindness and community service as part of their curriculum. Even though both of my sons have different personalities and aptitudes, they both gained self confidence, solid practical martial arts skills, as well as learned empathy and respect for family and friends. Through various dojo competitions, they learned how to compete -- to be strong -- to win and lose with good sportmanship. As both of my sons advanced rank, Sensei Mike taught them how to mentor and teach the younger students. Mike has many, many years experience in working with children (and adults) and guides all of his instructors so there is care and consistency throughout the program. I am happy to say that both of my sons trained and earned their adult black belts with Sensei Mike. One son is away at college. When he returns home to visit, he also visits Sensei Mike and Karen at the dojo. My younger son is in high school and continues to train. "It takes a village to raise a child." Well, I'm pleased to say that "it takes a dojo to raise a child." And Practical Martial Arts-Marin Karate Kids is the dojo I recommend. read more