I was a student in the 70s. Edie and Jean were the best. Very encouraging and intuitive to student…read moreprogress. So many great memories!

This place is amazing for karate. They know what they're talking about and give belts out when…read moreneeded. I believe that when people receive belts here they really are earned. I really love this place and it's great to support local business!

I studied at LCMA from white belt until I retired at age 62 as a third degree black belt. I always…read morefelt that I was learning the best available martial arts. Additionally, even before the black belt level, there were seminars presented by experts in different skills and styles. That is because the instructor owners are passionate about their own learning and they never stop reaching higher. There is an emphasis on creative self defense. I held a dangerous job for many years and I was able to successfully defend myself several times using skills I developed at LCMA.

From the owner: Excel Martial Arts has been teaching self defense to Mansfield, Norwood, and the surrounding towns…read morefor over 30 years. We specialize in karate for children and a variety of self defense for adults including Tai Chi, Womens' Self Defense, Pressure Point Fighting, and Special Needs Karate.

My son has been training here for over a year. This is not just a dojo, but also a community. The…read moresenseis really care about their students. From day one they call every student by their name. They work with every student on an individual level - challenging some, building confidence in others - knowing just what the student needs at that particular time. This dojo has taught my son so many things in just one year: coordination, confidence, self control, pride in accomplishments, how to accept criticism, how to win and lose, how to follow directions, how to stand up for oneself or others, patience, persistence, and flexibility, balance, and strength. They develop the whole person. He has had so much FUN learning those things. Martial arts has really become a part of our son's identity and a great source of pride for him. This is not a dojo out to take your money and do the minimum. They do not have contracts. You just pay as you go and it is worth every penney. This dojo has already had such a positive influence on our son's life! Just check it out! Update: My son has now been there over two years. We are still very happy with the personal care he gets. He has had so much fun training and competing in tournaments (and winning some, not others), learning martial arts forms, weapons, and discipline. He also loves playing dodgeball (with soft foam balls) and other games the senseis use to train the younger children. We love the drop off movie nights where the senseis watch the kids, have a movie night and have a pizza party while the parents go on a date! The kids love seeing their karate friends and senseis in street clothes! There are so many nice families here. I also love the convenience of running into Dave's for a few things while my son is training! Very convenient!

The best thing I've ever done for my son is to send him to consider kenshu ryu. There's a community…read moreof teachers there that support and love and courage their students. While also providing a quality martial arts curriculum. Also by comparison their prices are some of the best I've ever seen.

I couldn't be happier with this place! My 5 year old has been going for a few weeks and it has been…read moresuch a positive experience, entirely due to "Mr. Wally" (the instructor). His program for kids' karate is fantastic in simplicity, accessibility, functionality and martial arts education. The first thing Mr. Wally did was have my son come in for a free class. It was a joy to watch the kids, all happy and focused and really responsive to Mr. Wally's firm but kind instruction. He played games with them, designed to help them learn the strikes, blocks, kicks and focus they need to more further. Even the seemingly "spirited" kids responded SO well to Mr.Wally...it was really amazing. Next, he signed us up for a very inexpensive 2 week trial which included unlimited classes and a FREE uniform! He assured us that by the end of that period we would collectively know if this was going to be an activity our son would enjoy. So far, he absolutely loves it and he's become a calmer, happier, more focused child. He adores Mr. Wally and has made great friends there at the dojo. I couldn't recommend this more to people interested in martial arts. We're signing our teenage son at the end of the month, also.

Best martial arts school in town. Classes for all levels. My son has been there for almost three…read moreyears. My daughter for two. As well as myself and wife also take classes. Mr wally is the best instructor in the world. Come on down. Its a great workout and great people.

I LOVE Personal Best Karate! I joined kickboxing with a few friends of mine in Feb. 2012 as part of…read morea fitness challenge. I never thought I would love it as much as I do. Not only did I lose 25 lbs and 8% body fat .....but I also have adopted a healthier lifestyle. The instructors are so positive and they want everyone to succeed. The people that go there are like family and they are so welcoming to everyone! You don't have to be in your 20's to go either.....everyone ranges in age from teens to 60's....it is a blast and an amazing workout and stress reliever. I would recommend anyone looking for a way to get in shape, relieve stress and create a happier and healthier "you" to come and try kickboxing...you won't be disappointed! Personal Best in Norton is top notch!

From the owner: No other program available will have you feel the sense of empowerment and personal attention than…read morePersonal Best Karate provides. The Personal Best Karate curriculum stresses personalized instruction and the development of the whole person, both inside and out. Teachers in our organization are vested in your success. They are patient, enthusiastic and lead by example. Each teacher will take the time to get to know you, your learning style and custom fit an approach and pace that works best for you. You will see and feel yourself improving at each and every class. We are truly the best at seeing the potential that lies within you and bringing it to the surface so you are able to fully enjoy being at your physical mental and emotional best.

My two sons love going to classes. Their progress over the years has been great. I Highly recommend…read morejoining. You will NOT be disappointed!!

Took this Academy as a child and stuck with it. I can say as an adult now it, it gave me a great…read moreability to defend myself. Also can say this class was great for kids very kid friendly and fun all for a purpose.

Thinking of having your kids (of any age) join karate? Well this is the place to go!!…read moreThis is a perfectly run program. Personal Best does a great job on teaching the kids self defense and life lessons. Along with a very good offense & defensive tactical program they teach the kids about honesty, integrity, giving back to others, how to handle bullying, etc. Personal Best also holds events like charity 5k runs, giving out Thanksgiving meals and so on. It really is a very impressive program and if your an adult looking to get into karate or just get in shape, this place is great for that too. In addition, Personal Best has started a Jiu Jitsu program! I feel this is a great skill for women to learn!! It will teach you how to defend yourself with a strong person on the ground on top of you. Check this place out and their other locations!

My boys have been coming to PBK for over 5 years and the benefits get more obvious every day…read more They've learned confidence, self control, discipline and the value of hard work. They even notice how it helps them in other sports, like baseball and football. In addition to the general health and fitness benefits, the instructors make it even better. They make it a point to not only know the kids, but to know ABOUT the kids. I cannot recommend PBK enough!

Great dojo, highly skilled instructors. Very diverse type of Karateka attend (Age, nationality,…read moremale/female). Good beginner program for kids.

This is a great, traditional dojo offering multiple classes daily. There are evening classes…read morethroughout the week and morning classes on Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking to challenge yourself in a physical and respectful way, this is a great school to reach your goal.

A Truly Exceptional Karate School…read more This school is the real deal. The teachers are incredibly patient and genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals. They take the time to explain techniques, answer questions, and remind you that everyone has their own journey -- there's no pressure to be perfect, just encouragement to keep growing. Shihan keeps the class moving with great energy and focus. He has a way of holding your attention while teaching practical, real‑world self‑protection skills you can rely on if you ever need them. The atmosphere is supportive, motivating, and respectful, making it a place where you can build confidence as much as strength. If you're looking for a school that values discipline, personal progress, and true martial arts spirit, this is the one. --- Kim G

If you're looking for your children to learn self defense and not just "get Belts" this is the…read moreplace to enroll. The students are immersed in a culture of hard work , responsibility and discipline that extends far beyond the dojo. The impact that USA karate has had on my children is Substantial in all areas of their lives. If you want your children to "do karate " then there are many martial arts centers in the area. If you want your children ( and you ! ) to be a part of a life long journey of respect, discipline , structure, self confidence and physical fitness , then sign them up ( and yourselves ) at USA Karate and see the difference immediately.

Had never been here before, but just held my son's birthday party here for about 15 kids- it was a…read moreblast!!! They covered EVERYTHING- we just brought the cake. The kids had so much fun, the staff was great with them and super nice. Parents and kids all left impressed!

From the owner: ATA is dedicated to keeping it's instructors up on the latest training and skills to teach the…read morecurriculum in fun, fast pace to keep the classes exciting.