I started coming to Samurai Academy in 2018. Sensei Daniel has always taught his students to use physical training only in self-defense when there is no other choice. It's something to have in reserve ready to go. If a situation arises where conflict can't be avoided, his students have no choice but to win. Not only does Sensei Daniel teach how to defend yourself physically but he also shows how to do it in ways that can avoid those kinds of situations altogether. I personally had to use some of the lessons learned in the past after my car was stolen in front of my home. I was able to hear the engine start and noticed my car was missing. I took my other car out to see if I might be able find it. A few minutes later, I was able to spot my car at a red light. Both vehicles were involved in an accident and 3 people who were in the stolen car all ran in different directions. I was able to find one of the suspects walking on the sidewalk. I initially thought about different ways I could hold the person until the police arrived. Fortunately, I chose to keep talking to the person as a way of keeping them at the scene. During the phone call with the police, they asked if I was physically detaining the suspect and informed me that I could be the one committing a crime. In the end, all I had to do was talk until the police arrived. Sensei Daniel teaches his students to try to verbally de-escalate confrontations when possible and it helped me out that night. I recommend Samurai Academy for children and adults of all ages. You'll be able to learn how to defend yourself in different ways. read more

Samurai Academy is an amazing place to train and develop not only as a martial artist, but as a human being. I've been practicing martial arts since I was a kid, starting with Japanese jujutsu, then Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As I was studying and competing in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I wanted to learn more about stand-up grappling, so I stopped in for their Judo class and boy I was hooked! Sensei Daniel Warren has helped me become more of a complete martial artist by teaching me more about take downs, throws and break-falls. Sensei Daniel Warren is extremely patient, technical and thorough. He is extremely humble, kind and motivating as an individual. He is a man of strong morals and character. I would recommend people of all ages to come and train here. This dojo is truly a gem. You will not regret stopping by! read more

We have been coming here since March. Very friendly environment. Knowledgeable and patient sensei who is amazing with kids. There are enough chairs in the waiting area for parents to sit on. Very affordable and I highly recommend this dojo. read more

Sensei Daniel is an incredible martial artist, instructor, and more importantly and incredible man. He is a great role model for the kids in class. This is my fourth martial art that I have studied. The other three I quit after being disappointed with the classes. The classes here are great and vary each time. I am a lifetime student at the Samurai Academy and will be bringing my 2 sons to the dojo to start their martial arts journey with Sensei Daniel. read more

Sensei Daniel is the best! I was looking for a place where my 8 year old son could learn karate. When I finally spoke to Daniel I was immediately impressed. Even more so after the first lesson. This is the place for your children to learn karate, confidence, and discipline. read more

Absolutely love this Academy. Sensei Daniel is one of the best instructors. My boys love Karate and Judo! Highly Recommended. Prices are reasonable. read more

My husband and I are very impressed with Sensei Daniel both as a martial arts instructor and person. He is not only skilled in martial arts but how to teach a very mixed class of varied ages and abilities. My children (6 and 4 yo) love and respect him because he makes learning karate fun while maintaining high expectations for the discipline. We chose this dojo even though it is a far drive because Sensei Daniel is a highly skilled karate master with love and ability to teach. read more

OK, just to prepare those that read this, it is essentially going to be a consumer review, so brace yourself and grab a lemonade, you're gonna be here for a while. Beginning when I was 14 years old (I am currently 32), I began training at the Samurai Academy. I was young and naive and expected an old Japanese man to teach -- like in the movies. This was not the case. I was a little disappointed until I discovered that the old white guy (who wore a causal button down shirt and black slacks instead of a uniform) that was teaching the classes was one of the BAAAAAAAAAAAADEST motor scooters you would ever come across. Sensei Jerry Warren, even in his advanced age, is still one of the quickest, most knowledgable, and tough guys I have had the privilege to know. I trained at this dojo for about a year until I had to move on. In my early 20's I started to want to train again, so I did. By this time, Daniel Warren (Jerry's Son) was older and teaching himself. In the family tradition, he was beginning to teach and take the reigns from his father. I stuck with this training for 3 years this time, but once again, life got in the way and I was not able to continue my training. As of today, I have continued my training again. This time under the guidance of Sensei Daniel Warren. So over the course of more than a decade, I keep going back to the same Dojo, regardless of where I live. Why is that? Let me explain. In my time away from the Samurai Academy, I have tried several different martial arts, (Krav Maga, Ju-jitsu, boxing, etc.) and nothing comes close to the fullness and completeness of the training offered at the Samurai Academy nor the extensive knowledge of the instructors at the school. Let me start off reviewing for an adult that may be interested: This is a major source for physical fitness. In the 3 months that I have been back, I have lost 12 pounds and on course to lose more. We've all been to martial art schools where either the attitude of the dojo is super intense with egos fighting more than sparing on the mats or we have been to dojos where the instructors are so inept that you are wondering how they even figured out how to tie their shoes. This is not the case. Sensei Daniel has no ego, and he is one of the most competent martial artist that you will ever come across. This school has a tradition of staying true to the old styles in which they teach. For example, many karate schools teach for competition or show. This style of teaching works great for a slap fight or a talent show, but for self defense, it is utterly useless. Sensei Daniel teaches all of the original Shorin-ryu techniques. The eye gouging, bone breaks, soft point strikes, and break outs (among a whole host of other things) that might just save your life. It is truly combative art. While Sensei Daniel does teach traditional empty hand techniques as well as weapons, he and his father have trained in many other styles as well. They incorporate escrima,kali, aikido, and modern weapon techniques such as firearm disarmament and knife and bat defenses as well. When I say you leave this place a complete weapon, I mean it. In other words, the instruction is there if you're willing to put in the work. With the Judo, many schools have chosen to teach the Olympic style of Judo where once a point is scored, the match ends, and thats it. This was not the original Kodokan Judo. Those matches involved throws as well as ground techniques. The Judo taught at the Samurai Academy is traditional. Many techniques that have now been banned in BJJ and Olympic Judo are taught. And I am grateful for this. I am getting the completeness of training, lacking nothing. I have rolled against BJJ guys and have not only held my own with them, but I prevailed against many of them. I owe this to the training I receive here at the Samurai Academy. Now as for kids: This is a great Dojo for kids. Sensei Daniel has a way of connecting with every person at their level. He is very patient, and enjoys helping people grow and become more self confident. I would call it a talent, but it is better described as a gift. If you want your child to truly learn and grow physically and mentally, this is the place to go. I wish I had a few more hours to explain how much better this place is compared to everywhere else Ive trained, but I think what I have written so far will suffice. SO TO GIVE A QUICK FAST REVIEW, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR GOALS OR OBJECTIVES ARE, THIS IS THE PLACE TO MEET THEM. read more

I like this little dojo in a residential side of Fullerton. Family-owned and therefore, I like the personalized attention that Sensei Daniel gives to my son and (3-year old) daughter. My son looks forward to his Judo class every week and begs to enroll month after month. My daughter is participating and learning some moves and truly, that's all I can hope to expect from her age. Our family appreciates the service and discounts they offer. But more than that, we stay because Sensei Daniel teaches well and emphasizes respect among the kids. read more

At the Samurai Academy there is a close-knit community that I feel a lot of other dojos in the OC lack. The Samurai Academy has been a wonderful dojo for me to begin learning Karate, Judo, and various other martial arts. I started working with Sensei Daniel Warren as an adult and was a bit nervous to be getting into martial arts so late in the game. But immediately Sensei Warren made me feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident in my abilities. As a female it was important to me to learn how to defend myself and learning here has really helped me improve my skills and confidence. Pros: - very reasonable pricing - respectful and welcoming atmosphere -Great for beginners to experts - One-on-One individual attention - Positive environment - Genuine commitment to martial arts and teaching others read more

Sensei Daniel is great with children, my daughter is very active and doesn't speak English yet. He has been very patient and great with her. I highly recommend this Martial arts school because we took her to another place that claimed to be very professional at dealing with active children and turned my daughter away after her second class. Toddlers could be difficult but it takes a special person to know how to work with them and Sensei Daniel is it. Him and his wife and daughter are very kind and welcoming. Thank you. read more

This dojo is awesome! I started practicing judo last September, and a friend of mine introduced me the Samurai Academy dojo. I love this place because senseis are very friendly and knowledgeable. I have to say that I have learned a lot from senseis and others from this dojo. Not just combat skills but also the discipline, the tradition, the respect and the philosophy behind martial arts. Basically, they teach judo and karate. They also have jujitsu on Friday and aikido on Saturday. I am pretty sure one sensei there holds a national title for judo. Let's Gi up and judoing! read more

I can't say enough great things about this dojo. My son and daughter both take Judo from Sensei Daniel. Samurai Academy is awesome. They are professional, welcoming and Sensei Daniel is amazing. He is so patient and kind, no matter what your age or skill level, and he truly knows what he is doing. You can tell he cares about teaching martial arts, not just collecting your money. My kids have learned so much and have enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Samurai Academy!!! read more

My son started Judo a couple of months ago with Sensei Daniel and absolutely LOVES it! I've never seen him more passionate about anything. So much so that I decided to join as well! I do weight lifting and cardio workout, so Judo is a new territory for me. I was hesitant at first, but after seeing how great Sensei is with my son (and kids in general), I felt comfortable enough to give it a try. Sure enough, he's been very patient with me, and does an excellent job introducing the techniques and explaining how certain moves might be different from what I'm used to (learning curve) just from knowing my background. I'm really enjoying learning new ways of moving and waking up certain parts of my brain! I'm also looking forward to perfecting all the valuable self defense techniques. I would highly recommend Sensei Daniel, and encourage others to try something outside their comfort zone! read more

After checking out several Karate schools in the area (for both myself and my young son), I decided on Samurai Academy. I emailed multiple schools a series of questions and requested to observe one of their classes. Other schools took up to a week to get back to me, while Sensei Daniel replied and answered all my questions in less than 24 hours. After meeting him and later attending classes it was obvious that he truly loves teaching Karate/Judo and is passionate about his students progressing. This is NOT a Karate school that is more concerned with your money than your learning. The school is smaller than most, but in my view smaller class sizes are a plus. Especially if you are a beginner or like me, someone who hasn't practiced for a very very long time. Sensei Daniel and his students are very welcoming and friendly. They really make it an enjoyable experience to train at this dojo. read more

I love that my daughter loves going here. The teachers are real good with kids and I see how much my daughter looks forward to her classes.

Daniel is really good and he has a smaller class which is great for his students to have more one on one. I am so glad that we met Daniel at an event in downtown Fullerton during the summer. read more

This is the place that I grew up in. I started when I was 7 after trying other dojos as well and we decided to stick with this one. Mainly because of the atmosphere, students, and of course the teachers. I have now been there for over 10 years and will always be here. Because you will not find another place that teaches the traditions and combined fighting styles that we learn here. I support the Samurai Academy 100% and hope you try it. read more

after exploring several local dojo's I was very impressed w/the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledge of the team. Well worth it!

Let me start off my stating that I have never taken any kind of Martial arts class ever, and was extremely nervous about going here. I took a girlfriend and we tried Judo from 6-7 on a Thursday night with Sensei Daniel and may I say, he was a fantastic teacher! The environment was friendly and welcoming as were his current students. Daniel teaches respect before anything else, which I admired most of all. His sister, Tina, took us into the back to size us for clothing for the lesson (yes this is important!) And she was extremely friendly as well. While the class began going over what they learned, Daniel had my friend and I come to the side and he aided us in what we didn't know and caught us up so we could participate with the others. He was cautious and made sure we were comfortable before moving on. His current students were all so greatly trained that when we went up with them, I was terrified I would have my rear end handed to me! Which was the case......yea. They were all so sweet and encouraged us to just keep trying and were helpful all the way! I am very glad I came and learned something new! Its a great work out and also very helpful. My reason for taking this class was to learn some self defense since I work late and live in a bad neighborhood. Thank you Daniel and Tina for everything! read more

My 7 year old son took karate classes at Samurai Academy and loved it. Sensei Daniel is excellent - very patient with the kids and easy to work with. We moved out of state so we couldn't continue attending this dojo, but because of our wonderful experience there, we are going to continue pursing martial arts with our children. read more

This Dojo, the family who own and operate it, all of the brilliant, dedicated & tremendously patient Sense is (instructors) as well as my fellow students have given me so much more than physical instructions: you learn how to truly be a Martial Artist! They are able to teach senior citizens as well as 3 year old children! My son has practiced/learned/taught Karate for 13 years. My husband has also learned/practiced Karate for 13 years. I have learned/practiced Judo for 5 years. The 3 of us also learn/practice & occasionally teach Aikido for more than 5 years. This is a Dojo run in the tradition s of the old Masters. This is when you go when you want to learn to be a true Martial Artist! read more

I've been at the Samurai Academy for close to 15 years now since 2000 after my second kidney transplant. I'd previously done a lot of taekwondo and didn't realize what I'd walked into when I first met Sensei Jerry Warren. He taught me old style family Okinawan karate, Judo, and some old style Japanese jujutsu that one would be hard pressed to find these days. It has been a great honor to have Sensei Warren as my sensei for so many years and to have trained with his son and my friend Daniel, the current headmaster of the dojo. This dojo has been a part of my neighborhood for a long time and many of my friends growing up have trained here. It is a dojo dedicated to community taught by locals. For a good martial experience where you will learn old styles and good character with friendly people and a close knit environment, come down to the Samurai Academy. read more