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?

My son started here a year ago after several years at United self defense in Redondo Beach. This…read moreplace is great! Nono is fantastic with the kids and I have seen more progression in 6 months than 2 Years in previous places. The best part is that there is no nonsense. If you want your kid to participate you pay monthly if not you are not on the hook for anything. Our previous karate had 6 month contract which was a nightmare to get out of. Very reasonable rate for 2 classes per week and my kid is excited to go. I highly recommend!!

Nono is the real deal! he has trained the best in the business ! if you are looking for a local…read morelegit place look no further! walking distance from the beach =)

Sensei Nick is talented and engaging. He's able to instill confidence in his students and teach…read morethem karate mechanics and much more. Young children also learn Japanese language, math skills, and manners. He has a terrific sense of humor and my grandchildren look forward to each class. He is able to ensure both advanced and novice students get a great deal out of his classes. Sensei Nick and his studio are 5 STAR.

This is a very special family-oriented dojo with a highly talented Sensei Nick, who truly cares…read moreabout his students well-rounded growth. My children have attended for years since as early as age three. From counting in Japanese and memorizing the US states to developing a strong core with carefully crafted kicks, punches and blocks, they have grown exponentially. I often get compliments from teachers and friends for their good behavior. I credit part of this to karate and Sensei. I highly recommend all parents send their kids to this dojo. You will quickly realize invaluable lifelong lessons are instilled while kids develop a strong foundation of character, confidence, agility and discipline. I love the close community environment and feel very fortunate my kids attend, as well as myself.

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.

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.

I love the well-rounded MMA curriculum for kids at Elite! My children not only have a blast, but…read morethey're also learning valuable self-defense skills in a step-by-step approach. What sets Elite apart is the comprehensive MMA program, which goes beyond just Jiu Jitsu. Plus, the unlimited package is a great value - it's very affordable.

Amazing trainers and good atmosphere. Good place for everyone learning self defense or just get in…read moreshape

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.