I was working on a pyung ahn form, aka pinan or pyung hua, which are the turtle forms. I was…read morethoroughly impressed by Master Meyer's explanation of a particular set of movements which was a crescent kick then an unnoticeable mental pause to show balance, an ommitted foot stomp, the shoulder butt and extending out with a long reaching back fist. He explained to me, articulately and succinctly, not only the movements of the form, but of the optional omission of the stomp, the optional crane stance, and the history of changes in the form. I found this very interesting and it showcased one of the many ways that I am impressed by his knowledge and teaching ability. I am also impressed by his agility, speed and power. I have to work very hard to get the snap of the dobak but he makes it look effortless. I also enjoy very much working with my fellow clasmates. They are a good crowd. Master Meyer maintains a pleasant environnent in which to work. If you enjoy the art of karate, the art of Tang Soo Do, then you will enjoy coming to Tang Soo Do of Santa Fe. See you in the dojang! Seth

I am sharing my experiences here so it does not happen to somebody else…read more I came to this Karate in an effort to better myself and pursue something that I have been wanting to do for the past 20 years, but was always reluctant to do so due to the cruel comments of others. I had an introductory lesson with Richard and from the get go he was extremely rude to me and condescending he would talk to me like I was a 5 year old. To make matter worse he shamed me for my body size because I have an unconventional muscular build and he told me that I was too heavyset to pursue competitive karate. What really was the last straw when he told me that I couldn't do karate because I wasn't 120lbs. To put the arbitrary numbers and infantilize somebody just because they have a different body type is appalling, and shouldn't even be permissible. It's cruelty disguised as honesty, and brutality disguised as objective opinion. I am somebody who is no stranger to body shaming so when I addressed to him calmly he started to back pedal and told me "verbatim" " that my body was my business " after the fact he insulted both my physicality and my intelligence. He then tried to bully me into buying a size 5 when I am actually a 4 to add more insult to injury. When people are working out or pursing a sport in a public space it is so important to not body shame, and to remember manners and basic human decency. People are fighting battles everyday and you don't know what they have been through, and unfortunately body shaming is so normalized in our society to the extent it furthers disenfranchies the person who is on the receiving end even further I left the lesson being completely covered head to toe in shame. Not a single person on this earth has a right to judge or mistreat a person just because they are different.

Great Dojo, Sensei Randy is not just a instructor is an inspiration for the kids and students, and…read morethe students are not just instructed they are loved! I have not seen the passion that Sensei Randy have for teaching Karate

I've trained in multiple states over the course of many years. This is hands down the best dojo…read moreI've ever trained in! New Mexico Shotokan will always be my home. Sensei Randy is such a great and versatile teacher. Whatever your goals are, New Mexico Shotokan is the place. This school trains traditional Shotokan, Meibukan Goju Ryu, Okinawan Kobudo and even Muso Jikiden Eishin Ryu Iajitsu. Great family environment and excellent training facility. Thank you New Mexico Shotok

I can't thank the Blackman's and staff enough. The last 6 years have been awesome. Soon my youngest…read morewill test for her black belt. It is one of the best things I've done as a parent, making her come to class when she didn't want to. It has paid off. Whether next month or in 6 months my daughter will have a black belt. But more importantly, her journey has taught her consistenency and persistence pay off. And she's gained courage, confidence, self discipline, focus, a little tenacity, and the list goes on. And, learning to stick with it has paid off in other things in which she is involved. Her various coaches have noticed her body awareness, and self control, that she gets right back up and moves forward even after bad falls that make other kids want to stop and go home. And, she keeps pushing through until she reaches her goals. If that sounds like I am bragging on my kid, I'm not. This review's not about my kid. I'm bragging about what TKD has done for her, and about the impact of martial arts training, and Blackman's TKD in particular. I'd recommend Blackman's to anyone - child or adult. They are super good with kids. Plus, by the way, now that Covid is with us - The Blackman's have gone the extra mile making sure their facility is well ventilated, and squeaky clean. Their sanitizing procedure is ... probably overkill in my opinion. I'm thinking its beyond anything required. But, better to err to the side of caution, right? At Blackman's they do. I know I am thoroughly safe sitting there watching my kid train.

Our son was criticized for having a Gospel verse on his black belt…read more After spending around 5 years at Blackman's, including becoming Legacy Program members, we've come to learn who the Blackmans really are. If you want the short version we'll say this: They believe they are the be-all and end-all of martials arts in Albuquerque and will attempt to bully, harass and intimidate anyone (staff, students and even parents) who do not toe the line and show unconditional loyalty. If you want the longer version, read on... In order to earn a black belt, you will be required to sign your child's rights away via a non-compete agreement (Image 1, 2 & 3) The Blackmans will not disclose this until just a couple of months prior to the black belt test after you've already spent thousands of dollars and countless hours to get to black belt. They do this purposefully because they know at that point you won't say no. The agreement positions your child as an employee (Image 1, Sec. 3). The reason for the non-compete is because Phillip believes he owns the copyright on taekwondo forms and wants to prevent any potential competition across the entirety of martial arts, even disciplines he doesn't teach (Image 2). While his "student manual" is indeed federally protected, the law says that the forms and movements therein are not copyrightable. We managed to navigate not signing the non-compete because our son's paperwork was not reviewed until after the May 2026 black belt test. After the black belt test we were told by Brooke and by JohnMark that his embroidered black belt would be withheld until we capitulated to their demands and signed away our minor child's rights. So instead, we ordered a custom belt for our son that has his name and his favorite verse from the Gospel of John (John 8:12). During an early September 2026 meeting involving Phillip, Kristine, JohnMark as well as me and my wife, Kristine told us we were the only parents in 30+ years who refused to sign the non-compete. She was not happy about it. JohnMark was critical and dismissive that our son opted for a Gospel verse instead of Blackman's name. JohnMark's dismissiveness of our son's desire to have a Gospel verse on his black belt stinks of religious discrimination. We were told tradition demands that black belts wear the name of their dojang to show it off with pride to other schools. But who are they showing it off to? The Blackmans don't even attend competition with other schools. Instead they have in-house tournaments that will cost you more money for participation trophies. And you'll have to pay for those participation trophies four different times in order to get a black belt. For too long we've watched the Blackmans and now JohnMark, bully, defame, and intimidate students, instructors and other staff members (both current and former). We've watched the Blackmans threaten frivolous lawsuits against former employees. Even parents have been accosted and had their loyalty questioned. They seem to forget who is paying whom. Before the Blackmans try to refute what we've shared, in the interest of transparency, please know everything in the review is backed up with either documented evidence or supported by their own words on audio recording. Finally, think twice before believing the 5-star reviews. Phillip pays for them every testing cycle by offering a cash or gift card raffle in exchange for 5-star reviews.

The Instructor is knowledgeable, is an awesome role model & cares a lot about each & everyone of…read morehis students. He knows how to motivate his students, he is always willing to help, & he is patient with each & every one of his students. This place & the Instructor is highly recommended & it is an honor to call him a Mentor.

From the owner: Our business is to make sure that our students become the best martial artist they can possibly…read morebecome. We specialize in reality self-defense and fitness at the highest level. We build confidence, Install discipline, and bring our students to a better place in their lives. We don't just create fighters we create great martial artist in a great, Clean and safe environment.

This is a school for kids not adults. I was a member for years. I was rarely promoted while 12…read moreyear olds were black belts. I started sparring black belts and made them look like fools. Sensei Anna hated me so much, she strangled me unconscious-- an illegal move in karate -- and tried to kill me. I'm lucky to be alive. If you value your life, you will avoid this school. If they don't like you, they will try to kill you. They say "karate is a dangerous sport and you signed a waiver." It doesn't matter that the instructor killed you with an illegal tactic. This is the most dangerous karate school in existence. If you walk out there alive, count yourself lucky. They also used to have a sadistic monster there named Clarence who would fight new white belts at full force using every illegal tactic in the book. Run from this school. The irony is that I caught one of Sensei Anna's kicks. I could have kicked her remaining leg out from underneath her, but I was trying to be kind, sportsman like. My reward for kindness was that she tried to kill me. I look over all of these five star reviews from parents. None of these people have had to spar Anna. She's a dirty fighter. If she can't win fair and square, she will cheat.

I can't say enough positive comments about this dojo. My son has been coming here since May when he…read morewas 3. He is 4 now and has learned so much. Not only has he learned skills in karate that enhance his core strength and dexterity, he is also learning responsibility and commitment. The senseis here are very patient with my son and have worked with him at his level. They encourage him and even check up on him if he is absent. They are truthful about his skills, yet kind. They have several different levels of classes and each student must work on a homework sheet each month as well as a Self Discipline card that the students return before they are allowed to test up in belts. The Self Discipline cards have a reading section, a karate practice section, and a chores section. MEKA also bring in senpais at times to work with the students one on one or in small groups to help them be more successful. I'm so very glad that we found this dojo. My son's dexterity as well as self esteem has tremendously improved! Thank you, MEKA and cheers!

Friendly and supportive staff with a lot of knowledge and dedication to BJJ and communityread more

Great place to train. Started in my late twenties and have been greatly supported by both Professor…read moreRobert and Professor Mario. It is definitely a place where if you are struggle with a technique Professor and the other coaches will work with you until you learn it. Very safe and respectful environment.