We took our 3 year old son to Sandoval and he absolutely hated it. At one point, he was pushed forcefully down by an instructor. While this may have been an accident, this affected our son and from that point on he refused to attend. We paid 4 months of hte 6 month contract and asked to be relieved of the last two months due to this. Instead of letting us out of the contract, they threatened to send us to collections for refusing to pay. I would suggest talking with other karate organizations before signing up at Sandoval. read more

Very kid friendly classes with a great mix of instruction, life lessons and fun. My daughter is loving it and I love the clean facility with ample seating for parents to watch and helpful staff. read more

This is an OK studios to me, because they really don't focus on the quality, and it is because parents don't ask for it or don't appreciate it. I can understand the parents who have no martial arts background or who just send the kids there to have fun and to get fit. To understand what I mean, when you go to the studios next time, look how the kids punch or kick. They kids need to learn to punch, block, or kicks correctly at the beginning. It does not have to be strong, just firm and correct. They don't have to learn so many moves like a movie star. This makes the parents or their kids think that they can defend themselves to the bullies. Bully can break your kid's hand if she/he does not have a quick and solid punch. Think about the quality before dreaming about your kids becoming a movie star. My input could be negative, but I just hope people focus on the quality whenever teaching children. The positive thing is the kids seem to have fun at the studios. To the reviewers who have black belt and still rated 5 stars, I just LOL. read more

PLEASE BEWARE!! ABSOLUTELY DO NOT SIGN UP WITH THIS COMPANY!! Also, take note they aren't replying to any of these complaints on this page!! 1.The staff is over worked! Way over worked, and it shows! 2. They don't care by any means if you want to quit, even after you have completed your contract. If you do (for some reason) want to sign a contract, make sure you know what you are doing fully to a T!! My child only went into the place a handful of times for 6 months which I paid over $900 for, and because I didn't follow their so called "come in and sign" (I sent an email and did not bring my child for the last 3 months before being charged, this alone should have been a sign of a dissatisfied customer and child) I was sent to claims for $900+!! I would actually still have services for the six months, but nope! I supposedly owe $900 dollars for services I can't get (and MOST DEFIANTLY DO NOT WANT)!! NO ONE EVER CONTACTED ME TO COME IN UNTIL AFTER THEY NEEDED MY 900 DOLLARS TO KEEP THE CONTRACT GOING!! The other 3 months we paid for and never came (cause I paid for 6 months and only went the first three) not one call to see if anything happened or did they care!! Surprisingly they grew a great care when they needed to be paid! 3.If I would have come to these yelp reviews or any of the reviews that I have come a crossed now that I am letting others know how I was treated and feel, I would of NEVER have spent my time or money at this place! 4. No matter what you have to pay for 2 times a week, around $20 a piece. Even if they don't fit. I knew this signing up I but I wish I would have paid more attention to the odd hours and if you move up a belt you are only given certain options. THis is with most activities but I just wanted to put this in there to be aware of. 5. THE SEATING SUCKS! The few times I went they only have seats on a bench and it is VERY cramped! I hope this helps others to make a wiser decision than what I did!!! read more

I would highly recommend Sandoval Karate! My son loves the classes and feels great afterwards. The staff is very welcoming. The teachers create a friendly environment with positive motivation and encouragement. The facility is clean and professional. Wonderful place for my 12 year old son! read more

My 9 yo daughter found this studio herself after hours of searching the internet and has been hooked since her first class. The thing I am most impressed with are the values that each teacher helps to instill at ever class through disciplined teaching of martial arts. I would recommend this studio to anyone in the valley looking for a martial arts studio that cares more about their students than the cost to do business. read more

I have been attending the adult classes for over a year now. I have been very impressed by the work out I have been getting! What a great way to stay in shape and have fun. The instructors are great and really know how to get the most of you. I'll be a client for life! read more

Sandoval Freestyle Karate is just as the 5 stars states...AS GOOD AS IT GETS! I have (2) children attending the studio, ages 9 and 6 and we have been attending 2x a week for the last (9) months. My children have had to endure a tremendous amount of stressors in their childhoods and I really wanted them to have an outlet, but I never could have imagined all the amazing things this studio has done for my precious boys. Not only are their plenty of instructors to ensure the kids get the proper guidance and structure, they are amazing with all the kids no matter the age or the skill level! One of my absolute favorite things about this studio is the kids have to know what they are doing in order to achieve their next goal.They are not just handed a new belt when they have been in attendance for a certain amount of days, they are tested and if they are not ready and they don't pass their test then the don't move forward until they are ready; however, if they don't pass the instructors take notice and give that child one on one attention until they get it. Personally, it bothers me when our kids are rewarded for participation or given trophies when they did nothing to deserve it. My boys are now yellow belts and it took (8) months for them to get to that point...but they know their stuff and they are dedicated to the program. They have started an understanding that this is a commitment and they love it! I want every one to know that this studio is not based on any type of violent behavior. I have NEVER heard any of the instructors so much as raise their voice no matter how many buttons the kids will try to push (that's where push-ups come in), the kids also know that if they misuse their karate skills then they could be stripped of their belts! Lastly, all the parents are involved in this journey with our kids. If they are not producing at school or behaving at home, the instructors want to know about it and they have personally set goals for my boys when they have faced certain issues which has helped a lot! I love telling them that I am "going to tell Mr. Garrett"...or if they do something great the instructors want to hear about that as well and they get rewards like picking the game at the end of class or even getting a tip for their belts. This studio is just an amazing atmosphere, a great outlet, a wonderful balance between exercise, technique, skill, self-defense and fun and the pricing is spot on! In a recent project for school my son wrote that Mr. Garrett inspires him, and that speaks volumes! I highly recommend Sandoval Freestyle Karate and I can't wait to see how far my boys take this (my oldest says he will have his black belt by 15) and the continual positive changes they will make! read more

Do not get hoaxed into signing up under a contract with this company! There unethical business that only cares about making money! They moved a great distance father from our house and it was already difficult to get there 2 times a week with such busy family priorities and they said we can cancel contract. Then they moved and we tried it a couple times, but it was just to far! They didn't even give a 30 day notice that they were moving, but expected one from us!!! now they sent me to collections and want me to pay off the contract even though we areeven going absolutely unacceptable. Also they can take off days and you still have to pay them. They say you can do a make up class when already we don't have enough time to go 2 days now they want you to pay even though they took off and want you to do 3 days to make up!! Allan Sandoval called me back and left the rudest message and was insistent that I had to finish the contract! when i told him of the things i witnessed about his instructors he was so defensive! That not what a great business karate instructor leader should act like especially to someone who's paid thousands of dollars in auto drafts to his studio! Also my My son was going there for over a year and there's so much favoritism!! He showed up late on a few occasions to the farther new studio and they straight broke him off with push ups then few kids come right after him by 5-10 min even more late and they let kids get straight in line such bad examples!!! I watched it all happen right in front of me. When I left a message explaining this he basically called me a liar and said there's no way his instructors would ever act like this! I seen it with my own eyes! there's no reason for me to make this up!!! Also Kids would get belts and tips and not even have there hands up to to protect there face and then my son on several occasions does so good and I watch him and so proud of him and they don't give him a tip or belt! One time they made him due 30min of intensive exercise till he was balling so bad in front of all the parents and other students. Making him feel so bad about this place that he never wanted to come back again and hates karate! To make matters worse they also took his belt away for 3 weeks all because after class was dismissed he was dancing playfully in the mirror. I understand discipline but this was way over the line especially because class was dismissed and they made him feel so embarrassed in front of everyone. Even the parents were saying this is so wrong!!! Plus I looked around other studios and lots are way less and also don't try to lock you in a contract!! Do not go to this business and tell your friends or you may be the next one dealing with $1,000+ dollars of canceled contract collections and writing their next bad review! look how many bad reviews this place has it's not a coincidence! all the good ones are probably the kids they show favor to like the ones who i see come late and don't have to get broke off when my son is! read more

We we're referred to Sandoval by a friend to help my kid be more confident and learn to stick up for himself. In the nearly year we've been attending I've noticed a difference in his demeanor. He's more confident and willing to stop someone from picking on him. I can tell they are all about the knowledge and not just pushing someone to the next belt level. They require the students to be dedicated and reliable. We will continue to attend. read more

I am really disappointed and disheartened by Sandoval Karate. My son went for over 6 months and the instructors were great. After that time, my son was no longer interested which was fine as I'm a single mother and the expense was tough to do but obviously worth it if it's something he was interested in. When I tried to cancel, they wouldn't let me. I've asked to talk to the owner on 4-5 different occasions. Instead they try to sell me on staying. I asked to cancel right at the renewal period! They have ignored my requests to speak to Allen and I still haven't. They have the audacity to then debit me an additional 3 times!! I've even tried changing my debit card number and some how they are still charging me. I feel this is in unjust and unfair and really shows greed. I WOULD NOT recommend this studio to anyone. I wish I could take back the other referrals I provided previously. read more

I absolutely love Sandoval freestyle karate! They have great instructors that are friendly and give great individualized instruction for their students. The staff is always kind and helpful. My stepdaughter was having trouble following directions at home, going to karate really helped her learn respect. I would recommend anybody there! read more

Neighborhood friendly location. Have had good experience with both locations. This one was just closer for me. The kids love them both. Instructors teach between locations so if there's a teacher you like more it's nice that you don't have to feel like you're choosing. read more

This karate school is AWESOME! We have been bringing our daughter here for a few years now and she loves coming. The instructors are great with the kids. The quality of teaching is amazing because not only do they have Mr. Garrett as the main instructor but they also have a few other black belts in each class that help all of the kids. Each kids gets assistance during class which is nice because I feel like I'm getting the best value for my money. I couldn't recommend a better school!! read more

Both my 10 year old daughter and 4 year old son have been with this school since January 2014, all of the instructors are great with the kids, and my children love it not once have I had to force them to go. They do have a contract, but I've had a contract with most other activities the kids have been involved in. I would recommend this school for any parent who has a child interested in learning karate, the instructors are what makes this the best karate school around. read more

My 7 year old son has been going to Sandoval Karate for close to two years now and I can say enough great things about it! I would say my rating is more of a 4.5, and the only reason it isint a 5 is because of the lack of seating which is the only thing negative I have to say. The instructors are awesome, they remember every one of the kids names (which some days seems like 1000). They have excellent control over the class which if you have ever worked with kids this age you know is close to impossible. The training is outstanding and they do things that keep the kids interested such as sparring, weapons training, and games. During the belt ceremonies which make the kids feel awesome they usually have a presentation from the black belts that gives the kids a high standard to achieve and pushes them to become better. My son has excelled rapidly and loves every practice. I would highly recommend Sandoval Karate to anyone and everyone, and will continue to bring my son here for a very long time! read more

My son has been attending Sandoval Freestyle Karate for about a year and a half. He really enjoys his class and all of his instructors. The instructors work very hard to make sure that each child is learning all of the techniques correctly. Sandoval karate is a place where children can learn karate in a safe and positive environment. read more

My two boys (5 and 7) have been coming here for about 8 months now. They both have fun and are learning so much! The teachers make it fun and instructive all at the same time. The front desk people are always very helpful with any questions I have and have never had a problem. Like any business you inquire about its good to be knowledgeable about the contract and terms, so I asked ALOT of questions! They were very upfront on what the contract entails , so nothing was left grey or unclear. I have nothing to complain about and would definitely recommend Sandoval Karate to anyone! read more

The instructors are amazing. They take the time to teach each student to reach their potential. They are strict but caring. The are vested in seeing each of their students succeed. We are very happy that we signed our child up for lessons. Would recommend them to anyone seeking karate lessons. read more

The Sandoval Freestyle is worst Karate Chandler center. If you miss your month payment by one day they charge $15 delinquent charge. The staff behave very well and polite as long as you are part of the program. Once if you try to cancel they behave very rude and give you hard time. There is no customer loyalty. I rate them the worst possible rating. The true color of the customer service shows up when you try to cancel your membership. read more

Horrible experience. I could only bring my son on tuesdays and saturdays but some saturdays they tested for belts so they did not have class. This means if your work schedule does not work with taking your child to class during the week only, you dont get the classes you paid for. We left Sandoval because of my work schedule. Now I'm being harassed by collections to pay $596 for services I never received. Robbery! I will gladly pay becaue I did not pay attention to the fine print...my mistake, but I will never endorse this company.They are focused on the money not the child.Do not sign the contract unless you really feel that you will be able to commit for the time they plan out. And please understand that some days that work for you, will not work for them. read more

My name does it matter I'm a black belt and student of Don Nagle isshinryu karate from Jersey City New Jersey .. it is karate as taught in Okinawa....years ago I moved Gilbert and joined my son to Sandoval School of karate it was okay for a month but my son didn't really learn too much from them ...they are big babysitters from what I could see not true karate class for children or adults my son was invited to a party there at one time and at the party he broke his arm they didn't even call 911 drove him there to the hospital when I got to the school to pick him up then they told me he was at the hospital very unprofessional. I confronted the owner about this and how it happened he didn't seem to be too concerned so I got an attorney and sued them and had an out-of-court settlement with them so you make your own decision to send your child to this school I have proof of everything I said in this statement. read more

If you care for your children please do not enroll them in classes at Sandoval Karate as they only care about your money and not your child. I am a single mother of 4 boys with a full time job. I had enrolled my youngest son (10 years old) in classes there two years ago and continued to take him there for the following year and a half before he started developing severe allergy issues, which led to respiratory problems and asthma. I felt that it was important to keep him enrolled in the class but soon realized that it was to much stress on his respiratory system which caused him to start missing classes. After about a month and a half of missing classes I called his doctor about his issues and was told that Karate is too much for him. I then called Sandoval to let them Know that my child could no longer physically take the class and that I had a note from his doctor stating this. At which point I was told that I could not cancel my contract because I did not cancel with a months notice prior to there automatic 6 month contract renewal. So I now have a child who has been told by his doctor to not take the classes and on the other side I have Sandoval Karate harassing me about paying them $750 over the next six months even though my child can not physically take the class. Again I would like to point out that I am single mother of 4 boys I do not have the extra money for this, I have repeatedly spoken to the individuals at Sandoval Karate as well as Mr. Sandoval himself. At no point did any of them have any concern for my child, they did not ask how he was feeling, if there might be a time when he would like to rejoin the class, all they wanted to know was when I was going to pay them and that if I didn't that they would send it to collections. Well being a SINGLE MOTHER, I don't have the extra cash so Sandoval has sent me to collections. I would also like you to know that I did not abruptly pull my child out of the classes either, I paid for a month and a half of classes that he was unable to attend. As if I didn't have enough to worry about, I now have collection agencies calling for money that I don't have and for amounts that I don't owe, as only two months have passed since we stopped going meaning that we owe them $300 according to the contract, but they sent a bill of $750 to collections which would include months that are still to come. The most unfortunate thing about this is that I wanted my son to take Karate to teach him discipline, respect and compassion for others and to develop a hard work ethic. Sadly though after my many conversations with the employees and Mr. Sandoval himself I realize these are not concerns of theirs. Instead Mr. Sandoval only cares about taking your money, his over inflated ego. Honestly these people have no business teaching your children anything. read more

I signed my three year old son up thinking this would be good for him because he is a very hipper kid. The instructors were very helpful and took him aside one on one to help him focus. Unfortunately due to our schedule changed we were unable to get him there more than one a week which wasn't fare to my son, So we called to cancel and that's when the headache started* Call One they told us that we would still have to pay for the following month then the deductions would stop. "I get that seems fair". Sure enough payment came out the next month. Now the following month we get another charge!*Call two they explained that we had to pay for the rest of or contract. "If I had heard this the first time we would have tried to work something out to get him there the last few weeks since we had to pay anyway". But once again they said they would stop the billing us. Sure enough the next month comes around and we are billed again, *Call three, four and five we get nothing but a runaround and their reply is that Mr. Sandoval would be giving us a call "which he never did. For the last three months we have been getting bill for something my three year old has not been able to attend. It's unfortunate that they had to ruin a good experience by bad business practiced. In short they seem to be more interested in the money than the kids. I also feel a six month contract for a three year old is ridiculous. Good studio, good instructors Just don't try to quit. read more