My two sons, ages 9 and 7, have been training at Stanford's for three years now, and they love it! The instructors have a wonderful gift for balancing firm discipline with genuine warmth and respect, creating an environment where kids feel both challenged and supported. The learning never feels like a chore -- there's always time for a game or a laugh and that keeps my kids coming back. The values being instilled here go far beyond karate. I hope my sons will be lifelong students. read more

They helped my 5 year old son even when he was having a tough time. They do this by having enough staff for all the kids. Instead of 1 teacher it's like 4 teachers for the kids. We are moving away but hopefully we can find another great place like this. read more

My 5 year old granddaughter started karate at Sanford martial arts and was nervous because she didn't know anyone. The instructors gently direct the kids and are incredibly patient and encouraging. They even sent a card to my granddaughter praising her effort which made her feel confident and proud. This has been a wonderful experience. read more

Signed my 16 year up and through the whole process they were professional and courteous. So far (1 month in) my teen loves it. Came highly recommended-by word of mouth. read more

Sanford's Martial Arts - Park Classes - Martial Arts Near Me - Soquel, California

My 4yr old has been taking classes here for about 2 months. I am more than impressed on how they work with the kids his age. They teach more than Karate and have a group talk during every class which I find more beneficial than anything. They have a great staff and I would Highly recommend for anyone! read more

Sanford's Martial Arts - Martial Arts Near Me - Soquel, California

Good parents and a good dojo is the base for all which I am today - I owe the virtues of respect, discipline, humility and confidence to karate. It has been a goal of mine and my wife's to introduce martial arts to my step-son. I have an array of local choices from MMA type schools, to grappling and all other things fight-oriented - and I personally have trained in those arenas. However, it is traditional karate that truly taught me the things outside of combat that formed me into who I am today. I didn't want my son to just learn how to defend/fight - but it's the tradition of virtuous behavior that will last him the rest of his life and transcends just tapping someone or knocking them out. 30 years ago, I trained with Sensei Sanford very briefly after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake destroyed my dojo in downtown Santa Cruz (The Studio), so I understood the dynamics of the school. My friend - Sensei Dan Wakefield - grew up under Sensei Sanford. So, it was to no surprise that the current state of the school is nothing but superb. First class - a true dojo that brings tradition and honor of the old into a contemporary, modern world. The children's class is exceptional. It is just the right amount of technique and tradition, mixed in with talks about things like respect, discipline, humility, stranger danger, etc. There is game play and fun, as well. I want my step-son to get more than just technique. I wanted him to learn the tradition of an ancient art and the virtues that come along with being a martial artist by the old definition - and he's getting it at this dojo. Mr. Sanford (Sean), Mr. Crocker and all the others that teach the children's classes are patient with the right amount of authority. Bad student behavior is not tolerated, but the instructors do approach every child who is disciplined and has a talk with them to "settle" the matter. This is a brilliant approach which works. I attend the adult class - and I truly feel at home there. After a 30 year hiatus from training traditional karate (had some MMA training about ten years ago), I couldn't be happier and more honored to be working with such fine instructors and fellow students. The adult class is a mix of young adults (in their late teens and early 20's) to older adults. The pace is perfect - there is technique, theory, practical application and tradition in a well rounded curriculum. I can't attend all the evening classes, so there are morning classes (which are very small) that I like to go to and fits into my work schedule quite nicely. It is a treat when Sensei Ron Sanford teaches, you truly feel like you are in the midst of a true master. The class schedule is "open" meaning, there are set times throughout the week, and you show up when you can. So you aren't stuck with just allotted times you can train. I use this "open" schedule to my advantage because I don't have typical work hours. There are community events, such as "Bring a Friend Day" and movie night, as well as Family Picnic Day - which is absolutely wonderful. My son gets excited about all of it. What I see in my 10 yr. old son is a new confidence and self respect he didn't have before. He is very self-aware in his actions and seeks to correct mistakes and bad habits (like over-playing his video games). He walks with his head high, he is kind and gentle and respectful. I feel this is a direct reflection of traditional karate. I've told him - if later on he wants to explore other disciplines, he can. But right now, I want him to learn the ancient art, first, and earn his black belt in a traditional martial art. If you are a parent that is dissatisfied with the dojo or how children are handled - possibly it isn't the dojo. My karate experience in the 80's was run like the military - I was 11 years old doing fingertip tiger push-ups and was made to hold stances for counts going into the hundreds. This is not that - and while in the 80's that may have been the standard - I am not sure if contemporary parenting would vibe with that. It is just the right amount of discipline in this school. I am looking forward to seeing my son advance, as is he. What I am getting out of karate as an adult is so profound and different than what I got when I was a kid. I can't put a finger on it - but I can tell you - training as an adult compliments all other things you may have going on. Being a martial artist helps make me a better husband, father and enhances my professional career. I wish more adults would come back to traditional karate. I want to end this review with a shining props to the office manager, Susie! She is the welcome wagon for everybody. She is so wonderful and delightful and sweet - the dojo couldn't have a better person than her working the office. I hope my review inspires parents to come in and give it a try with their kids - but I also hope I inspires curious adults to give traditional karate at Sanford's a try, as well. read more

We were given a gift certificate that covered registration and 3 months tuition! That was 7 years ago and my daughter is now a junior black belt at 13yrs old! We highly recommend this dojo because the office staff is so nice and helpful, the teachers are kind and firm with the discipline and over all we've had a pleasant experience. read more

In my opinion it's the best school in Santa Cruz I have trained in a number of schools and experience tells me how well a school is when I talk to the staff Sanfords martial art is bar none the best traditional dojo. I liked it so much I am now a student and looking Forward to years of learning and becoming a better person each time I train there. read more

My sons (5 & 9) have been attending lessons here for about 4 months and I could not be more pleased. The teachers are kind and patient with the kids but they expect good behavior and respect for the dojo. They must be doing something right if a class of 15 4-6 year olds are all quiet and paying attention! My kids love going and it's the highlight of their week. My older son has special needs and they are so good with him you'd think they'd been trained in how to work with autistic kids. I can't say enough about what a great experience this has been. read more

We had heard great things about this studio for years from friends and school mates but my son wasn't ready to start until this year, at age 9. Now he loves it so much he's disappointed if we have to miss a class. He loves the studio, the instructors and all the rituals and traditions. We love that he is learning discipline, respect, and most of all patience. We love that they include self-defense techniques as part of the curriculum so he is also learning how to avoid conflict and get himself out of any dangerous situation that might come up. We highly recommend this studio. read more

I have studied the Martial Arts at Rod Sandford's Martial Arts for 10 years and was an instructor there for many years. What I love about the dojo is that there is something for everybody. From the easygoing student who is looking for a new workout to the hardcore martial artist you will find what you are looking for here. I personally started when I was 12 and grew up training in the Dojo. It build the foundation for the rest of my life. What makes this a fantastic dojo is that there are classes for every age group with specialty classes weekly. They have an outstanding children's program that starts out with 4 year olds and help them develop their motor and memory skills. They can then promote up to the basic children's classes that start at age 6 which continues to develop physical skills and also life characteristic skills. The dojo promotes such characteristics as honesty, integrity, patience, respect all characteristics that develop children and adults into well respected and accomplished citizens. For teenagers it provides a place where you can meet friends along with developing all the skills and characteristics listed above. Another great part of training and progressing in this dojo is the opportunity for teenagers to become assistant instructors where learn how to teach and give back to the younger students of the dojo. This builds strong characteristics in leadership and communication. Adults have the opportunity to train with others from their late teens to well into their 70s. The dojo promotes an environment that does not isolate beginners and has advanced student strive to help and challenge beginners to their respected levels. Along with a very open scheduling system all student are able to pick classes that work with their schedule that are available 6 days a week with mornings and nights. The most important part of our dojo is that it is a family. Every student, instructor and family member is there to help one another. What I feel is special is how many times I have seen parents and their children both sign up in the martial arts and train allowing them to share a common ground with one another. read more

Our home away from home! Our family has participated at the dojo for three years now. I appreciate the value system instilled from the exceptionally talented & personable sensei's (teachers). All who teach do so from the heart and lead by example. This dojo runs like a well oiled machine. read more

Our son has been learning and growing here since he was 4 yo. He is now a 12 yo black belt. This has been a safe and wonderful place for him to explore what he is capable of, discover and practice the meaning of these words: respect, focus, discipline, kindness, honor, integrity, and perseverance. He takes what he learns from the dojo and practices them in his everyday life, becoming the strong, caring and confident young man we are so very proud of. I don't know what happened with Reviewer Ann J. and her child, but seems to me she could've easily spoken with the instructors and come to a resolution without posting her negative reviews here. Sorry to say, but maybe the "problem behavior" has little to do with the dojo... read more

Taking my POST certified defensive tactics courses here and the facility and staff are amazing

What a great place to learn. The instructors care about personnel development and principles.

This is an awesome place! Rod Sanford and son Sean Sanford run a family friendly, positive, well-rounded dojo. All of the instructors are patient, understanding, and great role models. I am so glad that we found this treasure. Come check it out and see for yourself. read more

I have practiced and instructed Shorinji Ryu Karate under the patient guidance of Sensei Rod Sanford and his son, Head Instructor Sean Sanford for about 12 years. Their Dojo includes two large padded-floor rooms, a large office, and separate men's and women's locker rooms and bathrooms. Martial arts instruction is offered in Traditional Karate, Tai Chi, Aiki (Japanese) Jujitsu, and Traditional Weaponry. Classes are offered Monday through Saturday with class times ranging from morning to afternoon to evening. The schedule includes separate classes for Pre-Karate (age 4-6), Youth Basis, Youth Advanced, Adult Basis and Intermediate, and Adult Advanced, as well as separate Tai Chi classes several days a week. Each class is taught by a Head Instructor and 2-3 other trained black belt instructors, so individual attention is added to group instruction and practice. Sensei Sanford is also a nationally respected instructor in Law Enforcement Defensive Tactics and has provided invaluable training in self-defense to numerous police academy instructors and police officers throughout the state of California and elsewhere. The Dojo is located in the middle of Soquel Village with plenty of parking. read more

Our daughter has been taking classes since she was in Kindergarten. She is now in middle school and a junior black belt. The staff at the dojo are very friendly, kind and supportive. Over the years, our daughter has learned a lot about commitment, coordination, focus, confidence, as well as self-defense techniques. Excellent program and empowering for kids of all ages! read more

Sensei Rod Sanford has presided over the dojo for decades and son Sean has followed in his footsteps, carrying on the tradition of excellence. They and their entire staff are real pros and run an outstanding business --training police, fire fighters and park staff around the state...all the way to toddlers in our community. Not only do they teach martial arts, but life skills: respect, honor, self esteem, conflict resolution, etc that will benefit our kids through adulthood. Rarely do i give such high recommendation...but they've earned it! read more

Our kids have been attending for 3 years now (started at pre-karate) and now Mom is taking it too! Cannot say enough good things about this dojo. I am continuously amazed by the positive attitude of each and every staff member. They truly cater to building a confident self character in addition to teaching to master the different art forms offered. Our family cannot say enough good things about Sean Sanford and all the staff members as they always encourage us. We are grateful to have found this dojo and plan to be there for years to come! read more

Surprised to see only glowing reviews on here. Daughter been going for several years & is serious about martial arts. I find the leadership somewhat flaky and inconsistent - several of he best teachers left during our time and it feels like the remainder mediocre. One teacher for some reason puts kids on the bench as a time out if she feels like they are not listening which goes against their whole philosophy of respect; if the kids are so unmanageable perhaps they should leave the dojo; no other teacher seems to use that tactic - confusing. There are also many times I wonder why certain people are promoted to the next belt. There is also a huge push to pull in new students and you really feel that with the constant friends days with cheap treats offered as a reward for bringing a potential new customer, kids get "raffle tickets" if they bring friends etc etc. Just feels kind of yucky, you'd think they could manage marketing without involving the kids. We're sticking w it as our daughter is quite advanced and committed to this practice; hope to move to Mr. Wakefield's dojo over the hill which is more rigorous and focused. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place, everyone involved is professional, courteous and enthusiastic about what they do. My son is only 5 and so I wasn't sure he had the focus needed for karate. The awesome instructors quickly figured out how to engage him and he keep him on task, being both firm and kind. They give wonderful "mat chats" at the end of each session on things like safety, respect, authority etc. I very much appreciate the way they manage to give each child individual attention even in a group class setting. Miraculously, they know every child's name and they all get one on one attention. I couldn't be more pleased, great program, wonderful staff, a spotlessly clean setting and a great overall experience for our family. We will definitely keep coming back and refer all our friends. My son begs to go and says he LOVES karate and that it is AWESOME just about every day! Oh and they also offer an incredibly accommodating flex type schedule that allows your child to attend 2 x a week on any day of the week the class is offered. A HUGE plus for busy parents managing multiple kids! read more