10/10 best self defense studio! The instructors are great and amazing with children. Facility is great, plenty of parking

I can't say enough about Master Babayan and his team. The instructors at this school are professional, hardworking and incredibly knowledgeable. You would be hard-pressed to find a better group than theirs. They offer classes for people of all ages, and also offer specialty training, from self defense to fitness to special needs. I would recommend them to anyone interested in learning about and training in martial arts, or anyone just looking to work on themselves, whether that be physically or something more life changing. Check them out! read more

Z-Ultimate has been such a fantastic experience. The classes are well structured, positive, and really engaging, and the Sensei Steven and the other instructors are outstanding. They are knowledgeable, patient, and great at motivating students of all levels. The environment is supportive and respectful, and you can tell there's a real focus on both skill development and character. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a high-quality karate program in the area. read more

We love z ultimate upland! My son is the youngest and smallest they've ever trained but we are soo ecstatic that he's doing well and loves it. Sensei Steven is soo great with him and gets his attention when he needs a little extra help. We love that they offer private lessons and that his lessons are fun and appropriate for his age. For example, they will use a balloon and pool noodles and hit the balloon around the room. All the staff here is amazing and treat my son like family we love it here! read more

We love Z-Ultimate! Both of my kids are taking lessons here and they really enjoy it. The instructors and staff are wonderful and really care about all the students. Sensei Christie is amazing. I was instantly so comfortable our first visit, she is so welcoming and personable. She makes you feel like you're family. I'm looking forward to watching my babies grow more confident in the skills they are learning here. I 100% recommend Z-Ultimate. read more

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Martial Arts Near Me - Upland, California

My kids have taken private lessons here for the last 6 months and look forward to their lesson with Sensei Leann every week. The owners Alan and Christie are awesome people and make you feel very welcome. These skills are so important to know and learn, I highly recommend the classes and lessons. read more

I have been taking the adult/junior kickboxing classes for a month and they are so much fun and a great challenge. We get a balanced workout and the group is all very welcoming and friendly. The studio is very clean and well run. read more

This dojo is a family and we are so grateful for how much they have done for my son in the last 8 years (he is now 13). Our 4-year old daughter also started a few months ago and she loves it so much she asks every day if today is a karate day. Thankfully in addition to her private classes she is able to attend many group classes so typically goes 4 times/week. We are appreciative of the mentorship, discipline and skills our kids have benefited from by being part of Z-Ultimate! read more

An Exceptional Family Experience at Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studio in Upland! ​As a doctor and mother of two young daughters, finding a self-defense studio that prioritized safety, confidence, and fitness for my whole family was crucial. For the past two years, Z-Ultimate has exceeded every expectation. The instructors are incredibly dedicated, consistently finding innovative ways to teach practical self-defense techniques, significantly boosting my daughters' (and my own) confidence and fitness levels. Crucially, the studio is exceptionally flexible with our busy family of four's schedule, always willing to adjust timing and classes to meet our needs. Beyond self-defense skills, the studio has fostered a remarkable transformation in my husband; he has been fully engaged in learning karate and has lost nearly 100 pounds, dramatically improving his health. This studio is truly outstanding for families seeking holistic growth in a supportive, expert environment. ​I would highly recommend this team who is very inclusive of any need your family may have. We are lucky to have found them and grateful for their service! read more

Being a part of this dojo has been an absolutely wonderful experience! I have been taking advantage of both the adult women's kickboxing class and the adult's martial arts class; both of which have been such a delight to participate in. I get an amazing work out, with encouraging instructors and learning a new form of self defense has made me gain a new sense of self confidence and strength. Everyone in the dojo is amazing and we have come to build a beautiful community within the students, instructors, parents/guardians, etc. Master Allen, Senpai Christie, Sensei Leanne and Sensei Steven are amazing instructors and I look forward to learning more from them!! I highly recommend stopping by to check it out and become a part of the community here at Z-Ultimate!! read more

Our daughters have been students at Z Ultimate Upland for several years. They have learned valuable self defense lessons but, even more importantly, they have learned discipline, respect and incredible life lessons. The leadership at the dojo is amazing! read more

All the staff (i.e., senseis) have been amazing with my daughter. She has been training there since 2022, and I have been thoroughly impressed with the teachings and mentorship of all the children and adults who train here. The senseis have become like family to us, and I couldn't be happier with the choice to come here. Please, do not hesitate to sign up with the whole family! read more

I highly recommend Z Ultimate Upland - my experience has been fantastic through great instructors and lots of options for both group and individualized learning. My only regret is that I didn't join sooner! read more

The Staff are very respectful, the senses are great with the kids. They all work great with the kids and adults. We have always had great communication with all the staff. The studio is nice and clean.If your child isn't sure about a class, they will talk them through whatever the matter is. They are so reassuring. You get treated like family. read more

Zultimate has become a key point in my life. Thanks to Master Allen, Sempai Christy, and the Senseis. My private lessons and group classes I look forward to. With students in adult classes 15 - 75 years old. The kid classes are full of all ages having fun while learning. Zultimate benefits all. read more

My daughter started her training at this dojo at 4 1/2 years old. She is now 16 and I cannot recommend the Z Ultimate family enough! My initial reasoning was for her to be strong and be able to defend herself (in Kindergarten, I know!). She has learned so much more. The Z Ultimate senseis have also taught her respect, discipline, resiliency and the value of hard work. She is now a second degree brown belt and I am proud to say she wants to continue to earn her black belt -- a decision she made by herself. You are treated like family here. All of her senseis, Donovan, Jason and now Steve, have been great adult role models that have taught her that the lessons of martial arts will apply to help her achieve her goals in life. Master Alan and Christie foster in the senseis a sense of responsibility in teaching young children. They treat all kids and families with genuine affection and care. They will earn your trust like any youth sports organization should. I have also taken women's kickboxing and from the first class, felt a sense of acceptance and camaraderie from all the ladies. No one looks down on you if you are not fit. It is a sense of, we're all in this together. The staff just want to give you the confidence to continue to work out and be healthy. Again, my family truly thanks Z Ultimate of Upland for being a positive influence on my child through the years and I highly recommend them! read more

Where do I start. After 7 yrs we are still here. Why you may ask well, because we really love our Z Ultimate Family. Our son has grown so much in strength, discipline, confidence, listening skills, body control,gross motor skills and became a very social kid. I thank all the Sensei's and Senpai's who has worked with him and guide him to the young 10yr old boy he is now. I wouldn't have it any other way. Now he is working extremely hard to earn his next rank which is the brown belt. If you're looking for an amazing dojo family this is the dojo for you. I gotta say kids work hard to earn their ranks. It's not an easy hand out. You work hard and be dedicated in learning all your skills. Before I forget their tournaments are so much fun.!! Every student who signs up gets to show what they have been learning (skills,sparring). Make this dojo your dojo family!! Highly recommend it!! Thank you Z Ultimate Upland!! read more

I have been meaning to review Z-ultimate for awhile now. A year ago I was finally able to sign my kids up for an extracurricular activity of their choice. My girls chose gymnastics and my son chose karate... because he wants to be a power ranger... ANYWAY, I signed him up for a local program and took him to his first class. It was chaotic at best. Several students, ages 5-9, no real instruction, no mention of discipline or that this is training for self defense, not fighting... and worst of all, they had them all sparring on his first day, all at the same time. I did sign my son up because I wanted to teach him to fight. I signed him up so he would learn self defense, as well as the importance of discipline, respect and humility. Needless to say, we never went back, despite having paid for the month. Next to my daughters gymnastics studio is Z-Ultimate. I had never noticed it before, because honestly I never had any interest in martial arts myself. I looked up the website and it sounded perfect. I sent a message to the studio and Christie replied, letting me know a little bit about them, and offered a free session so my son could see if he liked it, and I could get all the info. On the day of his first session, while speaking with Christie, I decided to sign my girls up, as well. My oldest had wanted to do karate at one point, but went with gymnastics, but I figured it would be good for them to at least learn some basic self defense, and then they could decide if they wanted to quit or continue. They were both excited, and Christie told me about their family options, and said I could train as well. I had never considered it, but honestly, I could use the workout, and they offer women's kickboxing. You pay for the one on one training, and you can go to as many classes as you choose throughout the week. We were able to schedule the kids one on one sessions at the same time as the adult group class, so it has been extremely convenient. I honestly don't know that I would be able to work it out if they weren't so flexible. A couple things... first, when she first mentioned one on one training, I immediately had reservations. I am protective of my kids and don't allow them to be alone with an adult I don't know. My reservations were gone as soon as she explained and I saw the studio. It is an open studio, with different areas, so I have full view of my kids, while they get focused training and I get to workout in the adult class. We have been there a year now, and I have gotten to know and trust the Sensei's and Sempai's, but as a new client, the way the sessions are set up made me very comfortable. Second, this studio is very family oriented. They are friendly, caring, and they get to know the students and families. They ask the kids about school and grades, and genuinely care about their wellbeing. They also have family events, like park days, a haunted house at Halloween, etc. I cannot say enough about how much we love this place! It's been a year and my kids and I still love attending our one on one and group classes. Even now, during this crazy pandemic, obviously group classes are not happening, but they aren't leaving their students stuck home without an outlet. They offer training over a FaceTime app, and have also put together training videos to use at home. Christie is on top of things and always works to accommodate schedules and checks in to make sure everything is going well. Master Sensei Alen is very genuine and cares about his students, and is an excellent teacher. Sensei Jason pushes me to do things way outside of my comfort zone, which is not easy to do. He is an excellent trainer, and my kids love his group classes. Due to schedule changes, my kids have had a couple trainers for one on one classes. Sensei Donovan was awesome and they miss him, but they are beyond excited to be working with Sempai LeaAnn. Honestly, we love them all and are so grateful that we found such an amazing dojo. I love watching my kids train, I love the change it has brought in my own life, and I love being able to come home and practice with my kids. Anything that gives us more time together doing something we all enjoy, that also adds to our health and wellbeing, is something that I gladly make a priority in our life. read more

There's no better place to workout and learn new skills than among the awesome instructors and friendly students at Z-Ultimate. I walked in older than most, heavier than most, and less fit than most, yet each one of the Senseis who worked with me, starting with Master Alen, spoke encouragement and strength into me. Now, almost 3 years into my training, I keep finding each class physically and mentally challenging as ever. Each instructor brings in their own brand of fun and their own special defensive techniques and nuggets of awesomeness to share with us. Definitely recommend you try it out! read more

This is the top of the top martial Arts schools in SoCal. The instructors know what they are doing and are the friendliest and family friendly environment around. The knowledge and friendship that you will receive from this dojo will stay with you forever. I am honored and lucky to be a student here and I recommend anyone else that wants to learn true Martial Arts. read more

My daughter started at Z- Ultimate to help her build confidence and overcome anxiety she experiences in social situations. After a year, she established (what I believe will be) lifelong friendships, confidence to advocate for herself, and has the ability to try new things. She has competed in tournaments with others from Z Ultimate, has transferred that self-assurance to start a club at her high school, start attending ROTC where she was named Element Leader! I, as a mom, have valued the patient, caring teachers. As a school teacher, I have observed the kinds of training nd strategies used to help build skills the kids will remember and use. They aren't just taught the motions of a kata or skill. They are taught why and when those skills might be used to protect themselves. The instructors build the students up with praise and encouragement. They are given opportunities to shine! Thank you, especially Sensei Ron, for helping my child to come out of the cage of fear and worry to be a self confident young person. We love you and are glad you have become part of our family! read more

I have been going to this studio for 11 years and the master (5th degree black belt) Alen Babayan is one of the best men i have ever had the horror to train an learn the art with. hands down you will learn so much. with his great team of trainers ready to teach you also accommodate as you need. everything is well explained. read more

My whole family has been going to Z for over 10 years and it has been a life changing journey for our whole family. The only reason why I started karate 7 years ago was because everyone in my family joined and I was the last one who didn't. I went dragging and kicking at first and after a few lessons I was hooked. Z-Ultimate has not only taught me to defend myself but taught me about rethinking how I look at myself and the world. Karate is what YOU do with the material you learn. You get out exactly what you put in. They start you out with private lessons with your own personal Sensai. Not only you have your own teacher to help you learn your material but you can also participate in group classes that helps you practice what you learned. You could go to karate almost every day of the week if you desire. Anyone can purchase a black belt online for about $10 but it doesn't mean anything unless you put in the time and the work. read more

My son has improved 100% in school from the self discipline he's learned at Z-Ultimate. The sensai are amazing. And Miss Christy runs a great office! Thanks Z!!! read more

My son has been attending Z-Ultimate for over 2 years. Each Sensei at the dojo truly cares about their students and it's has been amazing my to see my son's growth and development. I'm so proud that we're a part of the Z-Ultimate family. read more

This place is great! My son loves coming here! We both like the combination of the private and group sessions. All of the Senseis are very personable and great at what they do. The place has a family feel to it! I would definitely recommend this place. They also have a kickboxing class for women that I'm hoping to try soon! read more

We love Z-Ultimate. We enrolled our kindergartener here last year and he is incredibly happy here. He has gained so many skills, and the instructors care deeply about the students. They teach self-respect and respect for others, and they expect students to be disciplined while also having a lot of fun. I know the lessons here are bit more pricey than elsewhere, but this has everything to do with the private one-on-one lesson they have weekly, as well as the two group lessons. It pays off. My son has become incredibly skillful in just one year. What's more, the dojo is very much a family environment, and there is a great sense of belonging that is extended to everyone. Highly recommended. read more

Superb instructors!! Master Alen Babayan is very professional and caring. My whole family took lessons. My sons are more confident and disciplined. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent instructors, awesome place to train a great family sport to enjoy together.

My two daughters have been attending Z-ultimate for about 7 months now and I am thrilled to have seen their progress. My 6 year old daughter has come out of her shell and I can see an increased boost in her confidence level. As for my 4 year old who is already an outgoing child, I can see how much she enjoys learning martial arts and I have noticed her focus and motor skills have improved. The staff is very personable and they make you feel at home. The women's kickboxing classes are a great way to stay fit and blow out steam at the end of a stressful day. It is also nice to know that you can workout while your kids workout and make martial arts a family activity. read more

Great Class tonight with Sensei Donovan. So much to learn in martial arts beyond the basic moves and personal growth that are the basic foundation of the Arts. Learning and achieving rank lets your Sensei and the Masters know that you are in control enough to learn faster, more effective and much more powerful techniques and styles. Martial Arts is a life long pursuit, so approach it with the respect and honor that the venerable study deserves. Enjoy! read more

My daughter started at 5 and became a junior black belt by13. Not only has it made her more confident, secure, and disciplined, but it gave her a place where she has always felt comfortable and cared for. I personally would vouch for all the senseis there as professionals and as good people, and know that Master Babayon accepts and expects nothing less than the best for his students. About 5 years ago, a Grand Master of another studio promised me he could make my then 9 year-old a National Champion within two years, and a world champion in 3-4 years. I told Alen Babayon and asked him what he could do in three years. He answered, " Well, we hope we can maker her an even better person. "You win, " I replied. I am a proud mother of a Z-Ultimate gym rat, and can think of no better place for her to grow as a Karate expert and person. read more

Z-Ultimate in Upland has the best instructors! They are enthusiastic and very helpful. Everyone is very professional and they make learning martial arts fun! read more