A little sad to have finished up the KUT 6-week challenge, but also really excited and more than ready for what's next for me here at the dojo :) 10/10 experience, it's been so much fun! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I just completed the six-week KUT Method Challenge at Santa Barbara Dojo, and I'm so grateful for the experience! What I love most about Santa Barbara Dojo is the wonderful family atmosphere. From the beginning, I felt welcomed, encouraged, and supported and along the way, I've made some badass new friends. The KUT Method Challenge was about so much more than working out. I learned a healthier, more nutritious way of fueling my body, challenged myself physically, and discovered how much I enjoy kickboxing! I'm leaving these six weeks feeling stronger, healthier, and more confident, and I'm grateful to Sensei Mel and the entire Santa Barbara Dojo family for all the encouragement and support. If you're looking for a place where you can get stronger, learn, have fun, and genuinely feel like you belong, Santa Barbara Dojo is a pretty special place. read more

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I actually did the KUT Program 20 years ago and ended a few days before my 21st birthday, and got in the best shape of my life! Then life happens but I never forgot about the challenge. I decided to return for their 6-week program and realized it would end a few days after my 41st birthday, talk about cycles returning! Life is totally different now, but having a reliable program gave me amazing results: down 10 pounds and 3.5 inches in 6 weeks. The instructors are super encouraging, friendly, and are always cheering you on. I love how they also encourage introducing yourself to someone new, and the veteran members also hold the welcoming vibe of inclusion. It really helps to not feel so alone on the health and fitness journey. I honestly really needed this program, I was plateauing in my gym routine and needed something different. The early morning classes are perfect for my schedule, letting me finish my workout before getting the kids ready for camp/school. What's different this time around - for all of you that have done this program before - is they have a KUT app. The app helped me be accountable to my diet, water intake, and measurements. This was a big plus to actually see what I was doing each day that could be effecting my weight loss journey. They also have a Goleta location which I can't wait to see them adding classes for this! I live in Old Town so the Santa Barbara location is about a 15 minute drive in the mornings - totally worth it - but I'm excited to attend closer to home. If you want to be a part of something, this could be that something you are looking for read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Santa Barbara Dojo - so beautiful in the early morning light - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

The staff at Santa Barbara Dojo is amazing! My son started with the two-week trial program and loved it so much that we signed him up for the six-month course. Master Austin and the entire staff are incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. They create a welcoming and supportive environment where my son has been able to build confidence, develop discipline, and truly enjoy learning. We've had a wonderful experience so far and highly recommend Santa Barbara Dojo to any family looking for a positive martial arts program for their child. read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I just finished the KUT 6-week program...today! Years ago, I used to see ads for this kickboxing program in the Independent and always thought about trying it. Well, I finally did and I succeeded! I'm down 12 pounds, back into some clothes I've missed, and, perhaps most importantly, I have a clearer and calmer head. I'm planning to keep it going: eating healthy, going to kickboxing, staying away (for the most part) from sweets and alcohol, and seeing just how much stronger and fitter I can get. For me, this program was also a good reminder that I actually can eat healthy and take care of myself. I have a 5-year-old, and since having her, I've struggled to get back in shape. There have been physical injuries, motherly exhaustion, and, of course, falling prey to the dreaded "Mom Clean-Up Diet". You know, where you finish whatever your kid didn't eat because throwing it away feels criminal. The kickboxing took some getting used to, but I just took it one day at a time. There were definitely days when I wanted to skip, but my partner encouraged me to go anyway. It's also been pretty fun to improve my technique, especially my roundhouse kick. Every time we do roundhouse kicks in class, all I can think is, "Take a look at what I'm wearing, people. You think anybody wants a roundhouse kick to the face while I'm wearing these bad boys? Forget about it!" Six weeks down. Feeling stronger, healthier, calmer and proud of myself. read more

I am 77 year-old woman. I joined four weeks ago. What seemed daunting to me on the first week is now completely doable. I am stronger. And I'm having so much fun. My fellow Kickboxers. Amazing and helpful. I love this place I would recommend it to anyone. Rebecca read more

Took my first kickboxing class in a couple years and it felt great!! Excited to go back for more classes!

Im on week five of consistently showing up to class throughout the week and I absolutely love this place!! I've seen such amazing results. Everyone is so kind and encouraging, hands down the best workout experience I've encountered. read more

There is a nice sense of community across all age groups from 6 to 76. There are multiple programs to choose from and some over lap. You can do morning kickboxing for, cardio, for stretching, for self defense for HIT while actually hitting something. There are multiple plans also. The nice think of this is the creator of the KUT Portugal and now app. It is wrote useful. read more

Really friendly and clean studio. The people and instructors are really welcoming and make it a fun place to come back week after week. The classes are beginner friendly and instructors are great at giving individualized instruction as well. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to switch up their workout or add something extra to their current routine. read more

A great kickboxing workout this morning! It was so much fun. Can't wait for my next class!

I'm a week and a half into a 6 week KUT challenge and absolutely loving this place. Most gyms intimidate me - but not this one. The instructors are so encouraging, but so are the other people in the classes. No way did I ever think I'd be in a kickboxing class, yet here I am doing it! They make this whole experience easy and spell out everything for your success, whatever your goal(s) may be! Highly recommend! read more

I went for a kickboxing class today and it was the best workout I've had in a long time! A wonderful mix of cardio, strength, moving, stretching and fun. I can't wait to go again. The staff was very friendly and super helpful and kind about all my first time needs too. read more

Increíble team i really recommend this gym. They make sure you're on track with your goals.

This place is so awesome to learn martial arts! My daughter (8) and I (45) train here twice a week and are amazed at the family friendly vibes. Thank you for teaching us hapkido in such a fun way, Master Austin! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Máster Austin rules! - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

By far the best Martial Arts Dojo in town! The only reason I gave them 5 stars is because 6 stars is not an option!! From the moment you walk in, you feel welcome and at home. The owners Mel and her son Austen are great and inspire you to do your best. The kickboxing with bags class is 45 minutes of fun and the time passes before you know it! The members are all ages, abilities, body shapes and levels of experience. There is no judgement and you choose how hard to work out. This is the only exercise program I have stuck with year after year and it is transformational. Give the Martial Arts Dojo a try... you won't regret it! read more

This review is for the six week KUT challenge I just did. I'm gonna be honest, it was challenging and, at times, tedious. The nutrition guide is well thought out and easy-ish to follow. If you are not apt for cooking like I am, then you might struggle with some of the recipes. That being said, I was still able to meal prep and always had three meals a day waiting for me in the fridge. I really enjoyed both the Kickboxing and Power fit workouts. About every two weeks I had noticeable improvements in my strength and endurance. Master Mel provided lots of information and tough love when needed. Coach Kelsee was always encouraging and also made herself available to answer questions. The only reason KUT doesn't get a perfect score from me is because there are no longer 12 noon classes and the recipe measurements were in grams. read more

I did the 6 week Kut challenge and I feel so much better than I did 6 weeks ago. They give you all the tools you need to succeed. I was able to go to so many classes and I feel much stronger for it. The nutrition guide was a bit difficult for me because I am a pescatarian and it is very meat heavy, but they had seafood options, it was just repetitive, and I'm not much of a cook (even though they give you a foolproof guide). Therefore, I had a little trouble and veered a few times, and I am sure if I didn't I would have had even better progress. You get what you put into the challenge. All the instructors are super nice and helpful. They will come up to you during class to correct technique and make it a point to have contact with you at every class you attend. They are also great about reaching out and asking if you need any help with nutrition or classes. I was suppose to receive weekly emails, but the program head had some personal matters arise and a few things fell through on that end, but the classes were always available and it was a lot of self accountability. If you can commit to 6 weeks of trying to better yourself, this is the place you want to go to! read more

We love Santa Barbara Dojo! The instructors are incredibly patient and attentive to the needs of each student, regardless of ability or experience. It is truly impressive how they can deliver helpful feedback while simultaneously keeping a room full of children focused and engaged. Each class maintains a healthy balance of fun and respect, support and discipline. While our 6-year-old son is most excited about breaking boards and practicing takedowns, we appreciate the life skills he is developing that extend outside the dojo. We have observed improvements in his self-confidence and focus, and routinely reinforce dojo values such as integrity, courtesy, and self-control in our dinner table conversation. Thank you to Master Austin, Sensei Isabelle, and the team for providing such great examples of the values in action! read more

No matter where I go to live, I always come back to Santa Barbara Dojo for the best workouts and instructors I have experienced. Everyone is always so helpful and supportive. The routines they have choreographed work and is time tested. I absolutely love that the workout class is only 45 minutes (and works better that 1 hour long classes). Thank you Santa Barbara Dojo Team for the years of support! read more

First impressions: The place looks small from the outside but as soon as you walk in you are welcomed with an inspirational interior design, makes you want to be a part of their community. Then you have the owner who is a Master that trains adults and her son who is a Master that trains all elementary ages, and other Masters who train other ages. THEY HAVE A CLASS FOR EVERY AGE! They even have private lessons and a room for that. Talking about room, the back of the location is HUGE, mostly covered with a thick impact absorbant mat! EVERYONE IS WELCOMING EVEN THE STUDENTS!! I am taking the 6-week challenge and first impressions, they have an amazing scale that weights beyond just your weight ! And the owner is an expert in clean eating, she even wrote a book about it! read more

I'm so grateful for SB Dojo's knowledgeable trainers who go above and beyond to help people like me achieve fitness and nutritional goals! The SB Dojo community is welcoming and supportive and the workouts are fun and effective. I just completed the 6 week challenge and I lost 5% body fat which equated to 11.5 pounds of actual fat. Sheesh, that definitely exceeded my expectations for a short 6 week timeframe! That said - even though I saw results quickly - I'm not looking for a 'quick fix' and the SB Dojo trainers have helped me to orient results around making long term, sustainable lifestyle changes. In addition to losing body fat, I've also noticed my lower back pain (which had been persistent since the birth of my 2nd child 3 years ago) is gone. My core is stronger than it's been since I had my first child 6 years ago, which has helped me maintain better posture and get more restful sleep. My body feels stronger and with increased mobility and energy, I'm better equipped to be a busy, active and fun Mom. Thank you SB Dojo! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Front entrance of Santa Barbara Dojo - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I have started my first couple of classes; I love that the instructors take the time to explain the technique & proper form. Overall there has been a lot of support with a friendly atmosphere read more

Very welcoming place to learn to kickbox. Highly recommend. Instructor Mel guides you through - encouraging you to challenge yourself.

I can't say enough good things about Santa Barbara Dojo. My daughter has been coming here for over 3 years now. In that time I've seen my daughter grow as a martial artist, but more importantly I've seen her grow in her confidence and discipline and perseverance. The instructors are amazing! It honestly does feel like a family here. The instructors genuinely care about my daughter and invest her in life. I am so incredibly grateful for the impact the Santa Barbara Dojo community has had on our family's life. read more

I've been a member here forever a while, so I am probably biased, but I am impressed with this dojo's creativity in offering classes during the shutdown on Zoom, and then outdoors. Now there are class offerings inside (limited number of participants), outside and on Zoom. Sometimes all 3 are going at once. It's a super-supportive group and I have made some wonderful friends there. We do coffee after the 6 am class on weekdays (7:15 on Saturdays). I have done kickboxing and bands class (strength training), and would like to add the martial arts at some point. That class doesn't fit my schedule right now, but the latter is changing. One day... The dojo also does some outreach to the community and has been voted "best of" in the Independent for many years running (formerly known as Martial Arts Family Fitness). read more

I joined the dojo 4 weeks ago and I am so glad I did! The kickboxing classes have reminded me how much I used to love the sport, and I don't even realize that I'm exercising because I'm having too much fun. The biggest plus here though is the community. I already feel close to my 6am classmates and Sensei Kicke is incredibly warm and supportive. I know I've joined a real community who will hold me accountable, keep me laughing, and inspire me to work hard. So glad I joined! read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. My son has been going to Santa Barbara Dojo for a few months now and I am continually amazed by Master Austin and the rest of the staff. They are so incredibly patient and are teaching the children. wonderful core values. Not only do they go and learn how to be a little ninjas and karate but they're also learning valuable life skills about being respectful, having integrity, and setting healthy boundaries. This is a the best karate gym in town, and if you have little children, I highly recommend. So impressed and so grateful that my son is able to be around such a great role models. Thank you Master Austin and everyone at Santa Barbara Dojo. read more

I join this gym to do their 6 week challenge to kick start my fit girl journey. The staff is very friendly and responsive. For the 6 week challenge- I wished that each weight in was more than me jumping on a scale. I would have like to be able to go though my progress and maybe get pointers. If this is something they offer... it's possible that I missed that opportunity because of the times I was going to the gym. I would have loved to stay but I felt that their monthly fee was more than their local competitors and what I would like to pay. Additionally,the lack of showers and having to work in sweat wouldn't be idea for a long term commitment. Either way, everyone is awesome and welcoming and facility is clean. read more

I love this place! It is family run and even the instructors that aren't family care so much about what they are doing they might as well be family. Very Positive environment! Fun and fast paced classes with great music! I cannot say enough good things! If you are tired of your fitness routine you have got to come take a class! You will be hooked from day one! read more

This place is amazing! We started taking our son there for karate (he is 7) and he LOVES it! They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace! Then I noticed they have adult classes. I signed up for their program. First of all, you aren't joining a gym - you are becoming part of the family. The other people who work out there are SO friendly - there is no intimidation or attitude here! Sometimes the start of class includes quick introductions to folks you haven't met before! Second, kickboxing is FUN! I do NOT think of myself as a kickboxer but I go slowly to try to learn the right way and the teachers are supportive and patient with my lack of coordination - ha! Finally I also love the resistance bands class (usually sore the day after so I know it is working!) They have a good schedule that should work for most and again great staff and environment - highly recommended if you want a fun, supportive and challenging fitness routine! read more

we're tourists here in town for a few weeks and we looked around for a dojo. This place turned out to be nicer than others. We signed up and we're having a lot of fun, the teachers are so kind and we have a lot of fun while learning the moves. This is the place for karate! We wish we could just live here and go to this dojo forever. Great place for kids. read more

I've been practicing martial arts at various schools for nearly 20 years. Of all the schools I've trained with, this is definitely among the top. The school is very well structured, allowing for participation at all levels. Advancement is never guaranteed, but it is scaled for kids and adults alike. The atmosphere is full of respect, tho it doesn't follow the heavy handed discipline of some more extreme schools. There are kids programs, and often community oriented charity participation events. The dojo is both a school and a family. The school tries to ensure that the curriculum is ever evolving as well to ensure student engagement, whether it be weapons, or tricks, or additional styles doing seminars. Also I can't forget to mention KUT and the kickboxing/fitness programs. They're brutal and amazing. The only bad thing I could possibly say is that they're no longer a well kept secret, so classes will fill up because it's amazing! read more

I love this place so much. I do the 6 am kickboxing and I do it because it's a community that is welcoming and invested in you. It's an amazing workout that sets your day up to be amazing. I am grateful to have this special place. read more

Staff is friendly, supportive, encouraging and helpful. Kickboxing classes are awesome! Each instructor has their own spin & speed for calorie burning. Power Fit helps with strength training. Overall Very Effective!! read more

MAFF is a fun and empowering place to work out, learn new techniques, and improve your overall fitness level. Each class is slightly different but they all give you an intense, total-body workout, and can be adapted for any age or fitness capability. The staff here are super friendly and encouraging, a make you feel very much a part of the MAFF family from Day 1. I highly recommend them and will be coming here for as long as I'm able to pack a punch :) read more

Seriously one of my favorite places to come for an awesome, fun workout! I love the family/community feel. The staff are so friendly. Randee, Karina & Amanda have been there forever and fill the room with positive uplifting energy! Master Mel and Master Dave are wonderful instructors; they kick your butt and encourage you through the entire class! This is kind of like my home away from home and I always feel loved and welcomed when I stop in! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - KUT - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I recently joined this gym to start to get myself back into shape. So far, so good! The kickboxing and resistance training classes are really fun. Upbeat and still a good workout. The staff members are really friendly and it's very much a non-threatening, non-meat market type of place. I highly recommend. read more

I usually hate going to gyms. But MAFF is different! First of all, you really feel like family. They truly care about their members and their health. Secondly, the classes are great, packing maximum fitness into 45 minutes. Karina, Enrique and Christian, the three instructors I see most, are encouraging and incredibly knowledgeable. Also, unlike many other gyms and classes, there's not much of a barrier to entry. Never done kickboxing before? No worries. Start kicking and hitting the bag following your neighbors, and everyone will help you improve. You may not get as good as some of the blackbelts, but they are incredibly inspiring! And even the blackbelts get a good workout--you make the class what you want to get what you want out of it. I even get out of bed at 5:30 am 3x a week for these classes. I feel fit and healthy thanks to MAFF! read more

My husband spent a lot of time researching martial arts programs for kids in preparation for enrolling our older son (age 4). The overwhelming conclusion was that the specific discipline didn't necessarily matter for kids, what was important was the teacher and teaching style. We did a trial class at MAFF, and were incredibly impressed with Master Austin and the other Senseis. They speak to the children on a level they can understand, while always treating them with respect and patience. Initially we weren't thrilled about driving to class from the opposite end of Goleta, but now we don't mind it at all - MAFF is so worth it! We recently enrolled our 2.5 year old as well, and he is absolutely thriving alongside kids twice his age, such a great experience for him! My boys love to punch and kick as much as the next kid, but what keeps us coming back is the emphasis on speaking to other people, treating peers with respect, being respectful at home and at school, and the list goes on. We as parents put a ton of energy into raising respectful children, but they also need outside examples of good behavior, and this more than fits the bill. I also love the emphasis on social and community consciousness: MAFF supplied Thanksgiving dinner baskets to over 150 local families and we were able to get involved as a family, and they are currently doing anti-bully outreach at schools and with other groups of kids. We are proud and grateful to be part of the MAFF family! read more