I began training with Master Valentin @ Valentin Karate in 1993. There was only one school back then and was in a little room on Pratt Street. I was terrified my first few days there, but Master Valentin, Mrs. Master (who was still a Third Dan way back then), Me. Madelyn Valentin, and their youngest sisters the triplets all made me feel welcome and like it will be a good place to learn martial arts. They did a great job of it as well, considering I stayed and trained under Master Valentin and his family up to rank of Sam Dan ( Third Degree Black Belt), three more locations after Pratt Street before finding the current Colony Street building, as well as two more branch locations in Plantsville & Berlin, and so many more progressions and changes over the years. One thing has never changed however, in the twenty-four years I've known the Valentins and that's their sense of family and community. He may have 300 students now instead of 30 like back in the 90's, but it's a family business and once you're part of the school Master Valentin considers you family and treats you accordingly. He's got a deep love for his Art, his School, and every Student and so does all if the staff. This is hands down the BEST Martial Arts Academy in definitely CT, probably New England, perhaps even the country. If you want your child (or you yourself) to learn self defense from Champions, and become a better person in there's process Valentin Karate is the only place for it. My name is Dominic Rollo and if I was allowed to give more than 5 stars I wound. read more

Valentin Karate is an OUTSTANDING Martial Arts, Tang Soo Do, School. We are longtime customers who have had the joy and privilege to participate in such a dynamic family program for 7 or 8 years now. Valentin Karate provides a well organized and structured yet FUN atmosphere for children (and adult students) to learn concentration, goal setting, physical fitness, self-defense, and strong positive character. My children are tremendously blessed by the outstanding role models and mentors they have found in their instructors as well as the wonderful friendships they've developed with the other students. These days my oldest two boys who are now black belts are even being molded into leaders themselves. I expect the same will happen for our two daughters as they move up in the program as well. We have made it a family activity. After many years of sitting on the sidelines watching, my husband and I decided to get out there and give the classes a try ourselves. The experience has been nothing but positive. The atmosphere is so encouraging and family like that even my clumsy self can get up the courage to give it all a try. Now I'm addicted. I really can't recommend Valentin enough. read more

I have been a member of Valentin Karate for over 6 years. I transferred to this school as a black belt and was welcomed with open arms. Now I help with teaching and work very hard to instill the proper respect, discipline, integrity, confidence, honesty, perseverance and the importance of family as some of Valentin Karate's principals. These principals are taught through demonstration, talks, games and by the way each instructor treats his/her students and their parents. We welcome every student into our dojang, our family. It is a safe place where there are no worries about competition, sitting on the bench or bullying. Yes, the student must put in some hard work to succeed, but each can work at their own pace. Everyone can become a black belt - a black belt is a white belt that never quit!! read more

Are you looking to start karate or even restart on a previous adventure look no further valentin karate is leagues above any other studio! The instructors are not only incredibly skilled and professional, but they genuinely care about every single student.its a fantastic sport for building character, friendships, and lifelong skills. They are extremly family oriented, and do allot for the community around them. When you start at valenton you arnt joing just another karate scool. You are joining a family, a community, a place where there are amazing people and you will build lifelong friendships read more

Valentin Karate in Meriden, CT, is a well-established martial arts school offering traditional Tang Soo Do training for students of all ages. Founded in 1989, the academy is led by Master Efrain Valentin and his family, providing a welcoming environment that emphasizes discipline, respect, and personal growth. The school offers a variety of programs, including classes for children, teens, and adults, as well as after-school care, summer camps, and birthday parties. With a focus on building confidence and life skills, Valentin Karate has become a trusted institution in the Meriden community. read more

I have been training here for almost 10 years. Has a caring staff and devoted to making your children the best they can be. Teaches like skills such as self discipline, self respect, honesty, friendship, and many other skills. The staff is truly there for your kids one and all. They also accept adults teens and anyone in between who is interested. Its also not just a martial arts school. They have fitness classes and Brazilian Ju Jitsu, and anything you can think. Have a birthday party coming up for your child? They also do birthday parties. Come on down and Join us at Valentin Karate!! read more

We began bringing my son to Valentin in September of 2015 and it was one of the best decisions we could have ever made. He is blossoming into a wonderful and stand up boy thanks to Valentin Karate. The school values personal growth all around. They hold children accountable, they communicate expectations, they encourage friendships and support, they commend triumphs, they care deeply for the community, and they do it all while managing to throw in some fun. We are so happy to be a part of this school and cannot sing their praises enough! read more

My son loves going to Valentin Karate and looks forward to each class. It's amazing to see how far he has come in developing his karate skills. In addition to that, he has developed life skills, has improved his self-confidence and always comes home with a positive attitude. The instructors are great and work closely with the students. They also strike a great balance between having fun and teaching students. I would highly recommend Valentin Karate to anybody interested. read more

It's a great school for our son to learn how to protect and discipline himself. The staff is awesome! He is learning valuable skills while having fun and he's getting a great work out all at the same time. We've only been here for 5 months and we already feel like family. Best decision we've made! read more

Love this karate school because my son loves it so much he loves all his teachers his students it's not just a place to learn but a place to have fun learning my sons behavior has improved so much since he started which is just such and added bonus read more

My son is super shy but he loves Valentin Karate! He opens right up to all of the instructors, and really enjoys himself in class. Everyone in the school provides the best answers they can and communication is open and honest. Our family loves VK!!! read more

It is very stupid and the people are retarded and don't know what they are doing in this world and if you go there you are wasting your money and time are this place. It is a RIP off of money and your kids or you will be better off without it. read more

Incredible instructors with a family environment. They will get you in shape and most important prepare you for life's challenges ahead. My family has trained there for 10 years and would highly recommend Valentin Karate for all ages. read more

Valentin Karate has changed my life for the better in so many ways. From getting better in shape to the comraderie to becoming skillful in martial arts. I highly recommend this school for anyone of any age. read more

Phenomenal school for Tang Soo Do Karate and Cage Fitness. The school is definitely a family affair and multiple locations create opportunities for many people to take part in all that this school offers. read more

Fabulous family run school... My daughter has been going to VK for 9 years and aside from being in great physical shape she is taught self-discipline, self-respect, and the value of perseverance. read more

Great community and great atmosphere for kids. I had no idea that the instructors would teach wholesome values like honesty in addition to self defense stuff. Highly recommend. read more

My son loves this place. Best investment ever. Instructors and staff are awesome people always doing one raiser or another for good causes. my son has learned so much read more