My daughters started going to this School more than five years ago. The instructors are excellent,…read morepatient, and kind. Recently they both received their black belts. I cannot explain how powerful this experience has been for them - it has made them more confident, attentive, disciplined, and courageous. This is not a belt-mill, where the school basically just pushes kids through the system to charge as much as they can as quickly as they can. Every belt level, and every stripe on each belt is earned through hard work, dedication, and testing. Enrolling was inexpensive, and we were never pressured into any program. We chose a program after it was obvious my two daughters were really having fun and learning a ton. Eventually, the girls decided that they wanted to go for their black belts and I couldn't be prouder of them. The new studio is quickly taking shape, and the owners and staff are extremely dedicated. The head instructor, Stan Riser, is an amazing human being. While he demonstrates a great sense of humor - his instruction is serious and his teaching methods are beyond reproach. As the girls rose in belt levels everything got more intense, interesting, and more fun for them. UMA Centerville participates in many tournaments throughout the year (and encourages their students to compete) and some of my most amazing memories are of their performance in these competitions. We tried two different schools before we found this one, and we are lifers - the girls still love to go as much as their schedules allow. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about having their children, or themselves, study martial arts to come in a watch a class or two and see what you think. I believe you will be impressed.

From the owner: Ultimate Martial Arts Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a family friendly school offering karate…read moreclasses for ages 3 to Adult and Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7 to adult. The Superkid classes for ages 3 to 5 years old focuses on listening skills, coordination and basic self-defense. Karate classes focus on discipline, self-defense, weapons and sparring. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art for ground self-defense. Anyone can try a class for free! Give us a call or stop on in to get more information.

Ultimate Martial Arts in Medina is an exceptional school that balances a family-friendly…read moreenvironment with traditional, high-quality training. They do a great job providing structured, high-energy instruction for kids while maintaining a rigorous, technically precise program for adults. The instructors are knowledgeable and invested in student's growth. Its perfect for anyone looking for authentic Taekwondo training for themselves or their family.

Great with kids and very knowledgeable about the history of taekwondo. I have been training here…read moresince 2011, and the instructors are very flexible with the needs of students of all ages. Sparring is Kukiwon style, forms are Chang Hon and Kukiwon. The Hapkido curriculum covers standing grappling with some groundwork. And very competitive pricing!

I was a member here a few years ago for the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Combatives classes as well as the…read moreGracie Jiu-Jitsu Master Cycle classes earning my blue belt. The experience was awesome and I really enjoyed the owners Mr Niska and Ms K. Mr Niska taught the Gracie classes and was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain each of the techniques along with details above and beyond the basics. The structure of the classes allows you to learn the basics of the technique, practice the techniques collaboratively with a partner, and then practice the techniques with resistance. I didn't really care about the belt/rank while I was there since I was mostly interested in learning and rolling, but if that matters to you going from a white belt to the blue belt test takes about a year and a half. Each of the Gracie Combatives classes need to be taken 3x each (26 classes, 1 ground technique/1 standing technique). In order to progress from white belt to blue belt you must show proficiency in each of the techniques by performing all techniques and then showing proper understanding of when to use each technique given indicators from your partner. They also allow students that have accrued enough experience and mastery of techniques to teach classes later on which enhances your own knowledge of the finer details of the techniques. Can't compliment this school enough. I would still be a member there today if not for other life priorities taking away from my time to attend the classes.

Poor communication and poor customer service. Owner called and yelled at me when I inquired about…read morepausing membership. He immediately cancelled the membership but charged me an additional month. We did NOT use their service during that month. Others have confirmed this business has done this to them. Owner displayed a threatening tone. I now wonder if my child was safe there.

Master Cote from the Waconia Dojo Karate location is an amazing martial artist and a seriously…read moretalented instructor. She has an eye for good form and has a knack for guiding people through personal growth. The classes at Dojo Karate focus on technique, but also on character, respect, and discipline. Students that train under her and her staff will improve their martial arts skills, but also receive lifetime benefits of confidence and self control. You are really able to get whatever you want out of it - improve self esteem and self confidence, learn how to protect yourself, improve your physical constitution and fight stress, or even if you are interested in competition (she has students with some SERIOUS wins under their belts!), Dojo will give you the curriculum, the guidance, and the support to do these things. All-in-all, if you want to work hard, have fun, get fit, and learn self defense, Dojo Karate in Waconia is the place for you.

I had twin boys, aged 9 that attended Dojo Karate Waconia/Minnetonka for about 2 1/2 years. They…read morewere very disappointed that they had to dis-enroll for Covid related reasons. I wanted to share what we liked about Dojo and why we'll miss it: 1. Any great experience starts with great people. Master Cote was a great leader for the kids and she genuinely cared about her students. 2. Master Cote has produced some amazing athletes. My kids were always impressed by the abilities of the older kids. I don't think they'll ever stop talking about the time one student did a backflip. 3. Both of my boys absolutely loved the head instructor. He had great patience with all the kids and seemed like one of the most trustworthy people I've ever met. 4. I thought the pricing was extremely fair and Master Cote very easy to work with in regards to tuition. 5. My kids really enjoyed the Dojo tournaments and I thought they were very well run. Something I didn't think about when we started is, because of the size of Dojo with their multiple locations, they are able to put on large events like that. 6. I always like the different community focused initiatives that Dojo participated in. Food drives and school supply drives were great ways to engage the kids; and Dojo always had a special event to show their appreciate for the kids. Those are just some of the reasons that quickly come to mind. We're disappointed that it had to end, but my boys still walk around the house doing their moves.

I had twin boys, aged 9 that attended Dojo Karate Waconia/Minnetonka for about 2 1/2 years. They…read morewere very disappointed that they had to dis-enroll for Covid related reasons. I wanted to share what we liked about Dojo and why we'll miss it: 1. Any great experience starts with great people. Master Cote was a great leader for the kids and she genuinely cared about her students. 2. Master Cote has produced some amazing athletes. My kids were always impressed by the abilities of the older kids. I don't think they'll ever stop talking about the time one student did a backflip. 3. Both of my boys absolutely loved the head instructor. He had great patience with all the kids and seemed like one of the most trustworthy people I've ever met. 4. I thought the pricing was extremely fair and Master Cote very easy to work with in regards to tuition. 5. My kids really enjoyed the Dojo tournaments and I thought they were very well run. Something I didn't think about when we started is, because of the size of Dojo with their multiple locations, they are able to put on large events like that. 6. I always like the different community focused initiatives that Dojo participated in. Food drives and school supply drives were great ways to engage the kids; and Dojo always had a special event to show their appreciate for the kids. Those are just some of the reasons that quickly come to mind. We're disappointed that it had to end, but my boys still walk around the house doing their moves.

From the owner: Dojo Karate Minnetonka teaches westernized Korean Tae Kwon Do, or American Karate. Located in…read moreMinnetonka MN, we make it convenient for families around the Twin Cities to practice Karate together. Our focus is on the success of each of our students, ranging from preschoolers to adults with classes uniquely designed to meet needs & abilities of each student, ensuring their success through exercise, self-discipline, mutual respect & positive reinforcement. Our passion lies in watching our students become lifelong martial arts participants and reaching their highest potential. Each student has the opportunity to advance through the various belt ranks to reach the ultimate goal - the Black Belt. Dojo Karate encourages student advancements through goal-setting, leadership development, character development and healthy competition. Each instructor strongly believes in creating "champions in life" along with champions in Karate. We have found that our programs encourage healthy lifestyles, fitness goals, builds self-confidence, motivation & focus. Our families know that it takes dedication & hard work to achieve a "Black Belt in Life." We instill the philosophy that Karate can be practiced for exercise and self-defense, but also assists those that may be experiencing bullying, attention disorders, fatigue syndromes or low self-esteem by teaching them how to handle each situation in a non-violent, concentrated manner...

I found LCTA as my son needed a good male role model, focus, discipline, and a way to express…read moreenergy. I could NOT have found a better place. Grand Master Lee is a perfect male role model and my son looks up to him and his sons immensely. Mrs. Lee is amazing too! My son is now in the black belt club and has the desire to help teach. It was the perfect investment for us! I highly, highly recommend it.

From the owner: BullyProof: At Lee's Champion Taekwondo Academy, we are committed to providing superior instruction…read morein Taekwondo, the ancient Korean art of self-defense. Our focus is on physical fitness, character development and self defense rather than fighting. Our overarching goal is to build to our students become a BullyProof and Champion of life. As soon as you become a martial arts student at Lee's Champion Taekwondo Academy, you join a community that works together toward improved physical strength and stamina, better focus and concentration, greater self-discipline, competency in self-defense and most importantly, increased self confidence. Visit us for our online special! www.LeesChampion.com

I have had my kids attending Dojo Karate in Maple Grove for over 6 months (and my youngest now for…read moreabout 1 month). Mr. Morse takes the time to interact with the kids that need help. My youngest son did not start Karate classes with his siblings until recently because he broke a leg shortly after they signed up. My kids love karate class. It is a time for them to interact with other children, to learn routines, to develop skills that they otherwise would struggle with, such as repetitive actions, memorization, and social skills, because they have to get along with the other kids in the class. Dojo Karate offers a Masters program (which if you can pay for it and your child is disciplined enough to go to as many classes as he or she wants to) is worth it. Kids get uniforms in other colors (besides white), can attend as many classes as they want) and can go as far as their own ambition can take them. For those who can afford private classes, Dojo Karate offers private classes in the mornings and early afternoons. The only downside is that classes are often crowded, but when you can give your kid the confidence to move forward in life via sports, you could do a lot worse than Karate.

We signed my 4 year old up with their holiday special. It has been a game changer for my son. He is…read morelearning more than just karate skills but has become more responsible and respectful. You can tell that they are out for educating the kids. The love my son has for karate shows every time he runs into the mat room. The staff are very supportive and responsive. We feel at home there and are excited for our other child to be old enough to also start.