Shihan Taku is one of the best instructors I've ever had the pleasure to train under. He has…read morelocations in Torrance, DTLA, North Valley, and Fountain Valley. These are the things I've been seeing as a student at their Fountain Valley location. Kids classes are very well structured for an excellent and fun learning environment for kids, but Shihan Taku also teaches self discipline. Adults with no previous experience can have a great work out at the Fountain Valley location. For the ones who are looking to get into competitions, I recommend also attending the Fighters classes. This is truly a one of a kind dojo that have produced excellent martial artists and competition fighters.

I tried this place out in July and August if 2023. I stopped attending because it is a not a very…read moregood dojo. First, there is too much attitude. Some of the guys think they are tough guys and come off with bad attitudes. One student repeatedly on a weekly basis tried to start problems with me. I have over 30 years of martial arts experience, 10 years of fighting experience and I am a Marine Corp veteran. The disrespect I received from some of the students was very surprising for a dojo. Second, the head instructor told me to watch youtube videos in order to learn kata. So why him $110 a month to watch youtube videos to learn? The overall deciding factor in leaving this place was the negative attitude of some of the students, it was too toxic. especially the student attempting to start a fight with me, which I could have easily handled, but chose not to. Also, when I brought this to the attention of the head instructor he basically ignored it. He said and did nothing. Almost as if he allows this type of behavior. The only reason I attended this place was because I miss karate and wanted to train again after having Covid. Covid made me really re-think things. Apparently this place is not the place to grow. I don't recommend it to anyone.

I recently enrolled my 6-year-old daughter in a 3-month trial for martial arts, and it has been…read moresuch a positive experience! She was nervous at first, but to our surprise, she absolutely loved her initial sessions. Master Nagayama and his team of black belt instructors strike a perfect balance between being firm and constructive, making the classes both engaging and encouraging. My daughter never felt intimidated, which was a huge relief as a parent. The facility itself is spacious, with plenty of seating for parents to comfortably watch their kids. The overall ambiance is welcoming and supportive, creating a great environment for young learners. Highly recommend if you're considering martial arts for your child! Street parking can be tough off of Burbank but please note there is NO PARKING in the neighborhoods. Stay on Burbank Blvd or around the businesses on the side streets.

My son has been coming to this studio for nearly 4 years. This isn't just a karate studio, it also…read moreteaches strength in the mind and spirit. We really enjoy the life lessons that this studio has brought in to my son's life. We also enjoy that this studio doesn't give belts away but makes the students truly earn them. This reinforced our family values that not everything comes easy and you shouldn't always expect a participation trophy in life. Worthy accomplishments are often earned through hard work and practice.

I recently had the opportunity and good fortune to participate in a joint training session with the…read moreMaryknoll Shotokan Karate in downtown Los Angeles along with many other SKA schools from across California and the US. It was a great evening of training with about 50 other practitioners. We were all very honored and excited to train with Shihan Dr. Teramoto who flew in from Indiana! The instruction went beyond technique and into the very spirit of karate as Gichin Funakoshi taught. The camaraderie of the group continued well into the evening after the training session ended with the awesome Maryknoll Shotokan Karate team providing lots of great food and beverages! I highly recommend if you're interested in experiencing a solid taste of traditional karate to check out this monthly training session or visit any of the over 100 dojos across the US and around the world. https://ska.org/dojo-directory/

If you're looking for a place that teaches authentic traditional karate, Maryknoll Karate Club is…read morethe place for you. I have been practicing here for over two years now and have no regrets. The place is rich in history, experience, and community. Not only will you learn effective martial arts, you will also find the best parts of yourself you never knew you had in you. The instructors are passionate about the art and the members are a reflection of their passion. This dojo will teach you how to face the toughest opponent, yourself.

What a great school ! My 4 year old daughter absolutely loves the Tiny Tigers karate class. The…read moreteachers are wonderful, Master Manuk and Master Dave. They have a great energy and really inspire the kids. The other students are fantastic and giddy with energy. It's such a positive and healthy experience. The music is great and all the children have so much fun together. Highly recommended!

We've had such a great experience at Benjanian Martial Arts, specifically the NoHo school. Before…read morestarting, my son had a hard time staying focused and following directions, but we've seen a noticeable improvement since he began. Mr. George is fantastic with the kids--he keeps them disciplined and focused while maintaining a calm, positive, and encouraging environment. We're very happy we found this school and would highly recommend it to other families!

I live a few blocks away from the old Knowles Karate location on 3rd and just wanted to pop in here…read moreand say thanks for the hospitality. I took my kids on a walk a couple weeks ago, and we stopped by to look through the full-length windows--a bit of entertainment for two boys under five. We kept going, but on our way home, my older kid asked to go back to the taekwondo studio. He peered through the window again, but this time, a nice woman in uniform invited us to come inside, stroller and all. She explained that they didn't teach taekwondo, but a Korean version of karate. The studio was pleasant, roomy and clean, with mats on the ground and mirrors along the walls. We sat and watched as a few older kids took turns kicking a giant weighted punching bag. My son was fascinated, and I asked about classes. Knowles offers a beginning class for young children, which he immediately asked to take. He has also asked to take ballet and tennis, and I will sign him up for one or all of these things after the summer, when his little brother starts school. Knowles is no longer right next to our house, unfortunately, but it's still close enough that it would be easy to go. I'll keep this place in mind come fall, but in case one of my boy's other whims wins out, I wanted to make sure I noted my appreciation.

There's a dog that is absolutely not trained at all; it runs around the studio and rubs its back on…read morethe mat, causing not only a disturbance during class but also dirty floors. It also barks all the time, which distracts the kids. There is unfair treatment between the different age groups as well. The younger kids are yelled at while the older students are given calmer recommendations. For an establishment that preaches self-discipline, I find it quite interesting that they only try to teach that to the youngest kids. Adults are coming to learn that too, so shouldn't they also be getting yelled at, if that really is the preferred strategy? My kid asked to switch studios because of this; super disappointed.

I really love this martial arts studio for my Son. It's a family owned business, and they really…read morecare about the children. The setting is really clean and I love how the layout separates parents from the children while allowing us to watch them the entire time, but minimizing their distractions. There's also a good mix of martial arts taught here and I appreciate the variety.

We've been with Kingi for a year and a half and we love it. I have two kids and they have learned a…read moregreat deal because of the support, encouragement, discipline, structure provided. It truly is a family, we have enjoyed going to the beach together, celebrating Halloween, and we've even attended Kingi camp. There is over 40 years of experience in this environment and it shows. We couldn't be prouder to be a part of it! Thank you Kingi Kajukenbo

My son loves this place! Sensei works to make sure the kids…read moreare active doing stretches and workouts prior to their karate lessons. Totally don't mind putting my money into this as I see he is being taught properly. He is exercising and it's fun exercise as he looks forward to working out for each lesson. They are using the outside area but there is an indoor space for when things go back to normal. It is very clean! There is space for parents to see what the kids are learning. They have water and snacks for purchase and the schedules are great. It was difficult to find an activity in which I would feel safe taking my son during Covid. This place is organized, very clean and they follow Covid guidelines such as cleanliness, distance when possible and face covering.

The sensei is amazing and very patient. My 5 year old loves it. Great for teaching kids discipline,…read moreexercise, listening and motor skills.

Zenki Dojo has become my home away from home. When I'm not working, eating, or sleeping I'm at…read moreZenki training Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Zenki is part of the Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu network and all belt promotions are handed out by Rodrigo Gracie. Sensai Tim Santos along with Greg Hall, and Gavin Atkins, are great Jiu Jitsu instructors with a long history on the mats. The other schools in the network (Neutral Grounds in Long Beach / Pat King in Northridge) are also good places to visit and train. Neutral Grounds instructor, Evaldo Lima, also makes guest appearances to teach once in a while. Zenki offers many other classes, and they look great, but Jiu Jitsu is my thing. Even though I have dabbled in some cross fit, yoga, and personal training. Community is a big part of Zenki. Many of these people are great friends and it feel like family. Zenki isn't the largest or most up to date facility, but the size adds to the charm and builds character. See you on the mat. :) oh yeah.... Free yoga on Sunday!

This place is awesome!!! What a legendary neighborhood gym for everyone of all walks--all ages,…read moremale and female alike, all creeds and colors. Come here and learn how to be powerful and defend yourself.

A fine karate school. I attended for four years…read more It was what I needed for personal development, self-defense and exercise. Price was good. Strong community. WLA Dojo is the premier kyokushin dojo in LA.  Kyokushin Karate is one of the strongest karate's you can do.  Shihan Hasegawa is very deferential and loving towards his students. West L.A. Dojo has had at least 3 participants in the past 5 years in the Kyokushin world tournament.

Hasegawa Sensei is by far one of the best and most dedicated instructors you will ever find…read more His attention to detail and passion for teaching is only mirrored by his unconditional love for Karate. His hard work ethic and enormous spirit will be sure to invigorate you through the most exhausting practices, teaching you the true meaning of the Kyokushin spirit. His unique, lively character and compassionate nature makes him approachable and easy to talk to; you will find that Sensei is more than just an instructor, but a genuine friend. With that being said, everyone at West LA Dojo is family. The members will welcome you with open arms and introduce you to the wonderfully brutal world of Kyokushin Karate! (Do not be deceived by the Dojo's humble appearance! Although small in size, it provides some of the best Kyokushin instruction in the West Coast!)

The National Wushu center is amazing!!! I've been wanting to get into martial arts and what a…read morebeautiful introduction. A friend invited me to my first class and we had a ball! Very accessible for all levels and challenging for strength, balance, mobility, and movement patterns in the best way. Coach Matt is the best and infuses history into the lessons with the movement. Planning on making it part of my routine ‍

When I was looking for a way out of my ordinary routine I managed to find National Wushu Center…read more Here I began to study Changquan - a northern style of Chinese martial arts also known as "Long Fist". I've had experience with eastern martial arts such as karate, however I never practiced Chinese wushu before. At this school, you will learn the fundamentals of this art in its true and authentic form. Coach Matthew, carrying on the legacy of coaches Eric and Debbie, holds an incredible passion for wushu. He will convey the utterly rigorous and precise forms of this art to each student in a clear and intelligible manner. Coach Matthew's mastery is awe-inspiring and motivates students to sharpen their skill at each class. He is without a doubt a very talented wushu master and a very talented teacher. After training at National Wushu Training Center for a couple of months you will find yourself a part of a community all united by a single devotion to wushu. This will give you that one third space everyone is in search for. It's a circle where friends are made and relationships are built. Practicing graceful and powerful Changquan comes with challenges but at Coach Matthew's class you get to overcome not just your physical limits but learn how to take a break from whatever may be troubling you in your life. It's strengthening and therapeutic. You will never feel like a failure at the class. Coach Matthew will make sure to guide you thoroughly through every combination, routine and even smallest movement that is there with great attention and attitude. Training here doesn't require a lot. The classes are very affordable. You don't need to get into a fascinating physical shape prior to taking your first class. All you need is to show up. At least once a week. And then Wu ("martial") Shu ("art") can become your real lifelong Kung Fu.