I started training at South Bay Shotokan right after the pandemic ended. I studied three different…read morestyles of martial arts before 2020. I've always wanted to be a part of a discipline that has a strong connection to its Eastern origins. After two years of training, I can say that this style of karate is the best that I've ever been a part of. I have never felt like I was being mistreated or in a manner that doesn't allow me to improve. I am allowed to ask questions. I do get corrected if I am doing something incorrect just so I can understand the application and how it can be applied. I should mention that this dojo includes members that have a direct connection with Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder of Shotokan Karate of America. All members of this dojo are great to train with. There is no ego. Nobody is there to show that they are better than everyone else. It's a great learning environment. Please know that this isn't a McDojo of any kind. If you're thinking of signing up to become a black belt in 6 months, then this may not be the right place for you. There is no color belt system, so there may be some frustration being a white belt for at least the first couple of years. But there are also special training moments that can help the student strengthen their physical and mental capabilities. Taking part in these trainings along with attending classes on the regular, advancement in rank can and will be achieved. I cannot recommend this dojo enough. If you're looking for a legitimate form of karate that will help you not only develop strong techniques in self defense, but it will help one improve on many other areas in life. You'll get back what you put in! As of March 2024, the dispensary that was next door has relocated. This has created a much healthier training space.

Great place to learn a great self defense martial art. It has change my life forever. Learn to face…read moreoneself with strict eyes.

My 5 year old girl has been growing a ton of confidence here. We started in jiujitsu and she was…read morehaving trouble leveraging her weight and figuring out the twisting of body parts with her partner. The competitive nature of that program and discipline didn't build her confidence much. Here, the practice is focused on the individual but also as a part of the collective team. No real sparring yet in the Little Samurai class, only some practice punches and kicks with chest protectors. Lots of punching bag practice for strength building and training. Lots of calisthenics as well with lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, frog jumps, burpees, etc. Skills that they can use their whole lives and get stronger with. At the same time, there will be fun games like tag, dodgeball, red light green light to keep their interest and to work on reflexes. Excellent training in focus and active listening as well with focus claps, raising hands to speak, caring for others and awareness of everyone's space. These things I have not encountered in any other studio/dojo. I've seen many places that allow disruptive students or even parents. In contrast, here at 1st class, they don't teach blind discipline towards any instructor/owner but respect for one's self and each other. This alone is what keeps us coming back. This is what schools don't teach enough of. Not to mention the actual martial arts she is learning here. Channeling their chi into a strong Aiya, learning how to punch and kick correctly in self defense. Amazing program for little ones. Instructors are all black belts who are not only cordial, but also gentle yet firm. We fit in very well here and would highly recommend this program for little ones.

Took my little one here for a complimentary class. I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of…read morestudents and staff. The class was cute. It went by a little fast but I'm not sure if my little one could handle and hr long class though. Besides the distance for us, we would have committed. We may consider later.

World Karate is fantastic. Their programs for the kids are just serious enough, and helps kids to…read moreset and achieve goals through belt promotions. Mike and Cathy are wonderful owners and instructors. I've recommended a lot of friends to this studio, several children in El Segundo and surrounding areas attend. They also have adult programming which I have not partaken in, but I do know parents who have, and who in turn loved it.

All 3 of my kids, ages 11, 8, 4, go to World Karate. I believe in their philosophy of not only…read moreproducing kids who use "peace over power", but also striving to become "productive members of society." So important in this day where kids are given everything and grow up with an extreme sense of entitlement and not willing to give anything back to their community. Oh yeah, the owners are super knowledgeable and skilled, and are parents themselves so know how to teach kids in a firm but gentle way. Great for the kids who are very serious and want to go the black belt distance, but also for kids/parents who are looking for a form of exercise. Not too much of a commitment time wise, like some kids sports that have 1-2 hour practices per week with a game on Sat. or sun. This is twice a week for 1/2 hour each time. I think this keeps kids from "burning" out of their sport too soon and perfect for the overscheduled parent, like me! Great for girl power, too and I think they have an adult class?

We couldn't be happier with Sensei Austin and his dojo. From day one, it's been clear that he has a…read moretrue passion for teaching and for working with kids (including special needs). He is incredibly patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in each student's growth; both in martial arts and in character.

If you're looking for an extra activity for your child with special needs, then this is the place…read moreto go. Jason is the only instructor I know that teaches Karate to kids with special needs with extreme patience. He asserts discipline encouraging them to do more. Homely atmosphere.

I recently joined Team Evolution as a beginner and have had such an incredible experience. As the…read moreonly woman in class, I was initially nervous, but the Sensei and students have been so welcoming and supportive that I immediately felt at home. The culture of this dojo is truly special, with everyone encouraging one another to grow and improve. Patrick and Miguel deserve a special shoutout for their expertise and teamwork. They create an environment that is both challenging and motivating while making sure each student feels seen and supported. Every class leaves me feeling stronger, more confident, and excited to continue my journey. I'm so grateful for this space and the community they've built. If you are looking for a dojo where you can truly learn, grow, and be part of a supportive culture, I highly recommend Team Evolution. I literally tell EVERYBODY about it!!

My son did a trial month here. He enjoyed himself, and I found this to be a quality program. The…read moreinstructors were good with the kids. I was on the brink of paying for the 6 month upfront package when I found out that as soon as I did this, the rest of my trail month (paid for) would be eliminated. This left a bad taste in my mouth. I purchased 1 month of privates and group classes. I was about to fork over $1250 to enroll for 6 months, but then they want to take the rest of my paid for classes away. They explained their reasoning for this, but it bothered me enough to find a new program. One of the gentleman I spoke with was super great and not pushy. He encouraged me to check out other programs. The other one was quite intense, and lost us as clients. I would still consider this studio down the line when my son is older because his private teacher (Robert) was very kind and patient. Bottom Line: My son enjoyed the classes. They teach a quality program that felt safe and fun.

Love this gym always makes me work hard and stay focused my coach was now UFC fighter Gregory…read moreRodriguez Robocup he was always respectful

I tried this spot out last night for the Muay Thai class. I have never taken a Muay Thai class…read morebefore and made that very clear to the front desk and to the instructor. They were so patient and went above and beyond to make me comfortable. Fight training of any kind can be very intimidating, especially when. you look around the room and everyone looks like they know what they're doing. I was made to feel very comfortable and safe. As far as the class went, it was RAD! The instructor had me focus on myself and my form. He never put me in any situation where I wasn't ready for. In fact he gave me drills to just keep practicing and then would come and check on me and when I was ready he gave me a new move. I really appreciated the patience and the immediate safety/comfort I felt.

We've been to several bjj gyms between Long Beach and the South Bay, and this gym is amazing!…read more Rodrigo, Gabriel and team are all great, knowledgeable, and welcoming. My 3 kids all trained and placed very well in each of their competitions due to the training and guidance provided by Rodrigo. I know there are a lot of bjj Studios in the South Bay, but this is definitely one of the best! Thanks guys! K, M, L & E

I own a large service, repair and install company across Los Angeles County, and I raced as a child…read moreand professionally through my teens and twenties. I LOVE COMPETITION and I know business. Losing is a phenomenal motivator to hone your skills. We were told about a "friendly" competition at my children's BJJ gym and traveled over an hour to Inspirit for my daughters 2nd and sons first comp. Inspirit is a very clean gym, and we had a pleasant experience throughout the morning and part of the afternoon. The large, enclosed back area felt safe, allowing my youngest to roam around unsupervised. What I think is absolute nonsense is that my daughter, who just earned her grey belt with a white stripe, was moved from a division of three other kids with the same belt to the division with the highest grey belt. They paired my daughter with the owner's daughter, who, in my opinion, is definitely not a grey belt. My daughter fought, tried, and lost, and THAT'S OK. We're PROUD of her and we know what she needs to work on. But what I'm not proud of is the gym lying about it being a friendly competition and then promoting a far less experienced practitioner so their child could win. That's pretty low. A lady next to me, whom I've never seen before, said, "That wasn't even a fair fight," and the coach from our gym later voiced the same opinion to our professor. Our friends voiced that same opinion. To add insult to injury, our gym professor doesn't enter his kids in these "friendly" tournaments due to ethical concerns. So, is this the kind of sportsmanship, ethics and self defense you want to learn or have your kids learn!?! if it is, you've found your gym. Who calls us from the gym to "check up" and then "thank us for our feedback?" - Some random employee who also tried to take responsibility for making the bracket, that's BAD business and I'd bet the family farm she didn't set the brackets - the owners do. At least I now know you're so ashamed of your decisions, you're unwilling to take responsibility for your actions and willing to throw a 7 year old and an adult under the bus. Here's your "feedback"

Great dojo to train for self defense. Learn at your own pace by age and ability. Safety first,…read moregotta glove up to punch.

My 9 year-old son has this to say about Sensei Ford and Kaizen Dojo: "I love it! Sensei is great!…read moreHe's fun and nice, but he's also still a badass! I like his jokes! He's a good Sensei and I like going there very much!" I couldn't agree more! Very thrilled we found Sensei Ford and his impressive dojo. He's a natural teacher, leader, and clearly enjoys sharing the art, sport, and spirit of karate with all the kids. He keeps both the kids and parents engaged with the occasional joke or well-placed movie quote. And yes, he *is* a badass! I hope my son stays with karate at Kaizen Dojo!

This place needs to fire some of the instructors there. We had a terrible experience with one of…read moretheir lead instructors he was fixated on the fact my son belonged to another karate club it was as if the instructor was intimidated by my 10 yr old boy. The owner is a decent guy but some of the outside hire help needs to go.

My son loves it, great for discipline & it's reasonable pricing wise. Highly recommend.read more

My son and I absolutely adored the people here. They have a way of making you feel like you're…read moreapart of the family. My son learned so much in such a short amount of time and the praise he got for being consistent with his moves was truly uplifting. If I wasn't moving out of Los Angeles my son would definitely still be going and I'm sure we will find something similar but NOTHING will come close. I need more stars! 5 isn't enough!

Good place for kids and adults good traning and discipline. To see your child have fun learn focus…read moreand get better at defending themselves it's a good thing for sure. This is not soft training it's gradual tough but you can feel the love of the instructors.