Me: I want to learn so badly, but I feel like I'm too old to start now. (sad face) Mr. Cantrelle The Owner: No way! I teach students of all ages and one is __ years old! (I forgot how old, but it was something at least 60+ and my mind started buzzing about how I can ACTUALLY attempt this karate thing. For real...) Me: Hmm, I'll think about it... (Nah, there isn't much to think about. Imma sign up tomorrow!) Fast forward several months. I'm extremely pleased with the experiences I've had at this location. I take adult classes on weeknights and it works out well with my busy schedule. The teaching staff is fantastic. Mr. and Mrs. Cantrelle along with Mr. and Mrs. Aubert are friendly, respectful, and highly experienced. I feel motivated to do my best, yet I don't feel chastised when I make mistakes. Day by day, I feel more and more prepared to defend myself in real-world situations. This is a true learning environment. Come try a free class. You'll be hooked! read more

This is our first year at this dojo and I am pleased with the results of both my 11 and 9 year old's training. Each day I pick up my kids from their practice, they are excited to tell me what they've learned and show me their cool new moves. I appreciate the discipline that is taught; it aligns with our kid's life goals. We recently had our 5 year old join. I was a little nervous for his young age and the fact that he has a speech impediment. Although I know both reasons might be more of a challenge for him, the way he is treated equally with respect, compassion, and discipline, shows he is in the right place as well. The exposer to another adult's instruction helps develop his speech. I learned that Cantrelle's Martial Arts has been around for about 20 years or so now and I can attest their business ethic proves what they offer is excellent. It would be amazing to have a bigger waiting space for parents with smaller children to help avoid the distraction of the students, but other than that Cantrelle's Martial Arts has my 5 star all the way! read more

The lady is not personable at all, especially with kids. They seem like nice people. Just not a good fit for a timid 5 year old.

This is the best dojo ever and i have been going for 3 years and have absolutely no regrets

We're been bringing our 11 year old daughter here 4 times a week! I highly recommended this place friendly atmosphere,convenient location! It is Family owned read more

Cantrelle's Martial Arts - Self-defense Classes Near Me - San Jose, California

This is the most caring Dojo out there. My kids love going here and we have been here for more than 2 years now. The instructors are gentle but know how to instill discipline. The schedules are very flexible as there are multiple schedules available from Monday to Saturday. This dojo is highly recommended! read more

My son started taking classes at Cantrelle's Martial Arts when he was just over 6 years old and his confidence, respect and focus have blossomed(he is now 11). We looked at several schools in our area and were disappointed and underwhlemed by the what struck us (me and my husband) as a very commercial group of money making ventures that would test a student whenever they wished to be tested regardless of whether they were ready or not. This dojo is operated by a husband and wife team that guides and oversees the training and progress of each student. This is not a cookie cutter McDojo school that offers birthday parties and promises a black belt in 2 years, this is a focused and straightforward school that will teach you how to defend yourself and "respect all, fear none". (the motto) Each student is taught with patience by the instructors to be respectful, work hard to achieve their goals, be humble, show good sportsmanship, help others below their own rank in the school to succeed, and to be safe and have fun. The young black belts of this school are amazing mentors to those younger students and those of ranks below black who strive to accomplish their own black belt goal. I am also a student and started on my 50th birthday. I was welcomed and not made to feel I was too old! :) The Cantrelle's team works with each person's ability, whether young athlete or ...well me! ha ha One of the things I really like about this school is that the students are given the opportunity to volunteer to help during classes as long as they assist students that are below their current rank. They do not TEACH(only black belts do in this school), they merely act as helpers who can assist students in improving what they have already learned or to ask questions about something they may have forgotten. When these volunteers help, not only do they strengthen their own knowledge and gain confidence, but they become mentors to those students coming up the ranks behind them and this cycle of mentoring is just one of the characteristics makes this school such a special place. I would like to address this comment to the mom who had a bad experience here: I wish I could have been in the lobby for those sessions your child attended so I could have been there to show you a friendly "karate mom" face and speak with you. (there are several of us who have been there for a while, but our kiddos are a bit older than your son and take classes later in the day) I truly hope your little one continues the martial arts journey he is on and that you find a place that fits your needs. I feel it really is one of the best things we can do for our children: humility, confidence, discipline and respect. read more

If you want your child to dislike and avoid karate, send them here! I'm surprised there are is not a single negative review but wish others had shared their experience to help us avoid this location. We did not have a good experience at this karate place and would not recommend it, especially for young kids starting out. First, we live nearby and wanted to give this place a honest shot since the commute is very easy. The first day which is a trial, is just confusing and hard to understand anything. Next they ask you to sign up for a first-time promotion and they work hard to sell the 3 month program (though its better to do the one month to get an idea if it's a good fit). They will not refund the other months in the promotion even if your child's school start and no longer feasible for the commute. Second, the classes are all mixed age and based on the belt- this makes no sense, so basically you can have an adult mixed in with a 5yo that doesn't know his L from his R. This is not developmentally appropriate. Third, the teaching and instruction is horrible - they randomly SCREAM and SHOUT at the kids out of nowhere. The female instructor is ok but the male one is next-level bipolar - one minute he's smiling and and the next minute he's shouting and screaming. They also have some "volunteer" kids teaching on the side, it seemed. During our son's first day of class, he was grabbed by his white belt and pulled to the front of the class because he didn't focus or do as he was told - it was his first day and he's 5 years old! I was so shocked to my core when I saw that, but I told myself and after talking to my husband that we'd stick through it bc maybe this is just how it is and we shouldn't quit on on day one! From my understanding, yelling, screaming and intimidation is not the best way to teach a child or anyone something new, but I thought maybe this is just the way karate is. Anyway, we continued to come for about 5 more classes, and it was just uncomfortable every single time. The office/waiting space is small, it's also very competitive, there were a few "karate moms" that are not friendly at all. There is also a younger "madame" in the office who works and seems to "own the place" who will just randomly SCREAM at the kids about focusing or something, it was so odd. Anyway, I know and understand competition as I'm a physician and have done difficult training with seniors who were very strict. However this place is even more competitive and weird than a medical residency training. I feel really bad that I brought my son here, and now I'm looking for a more kid-friendly and age appropriate place. I'm just hoping he's not discouraged from this location and he will bounce back (but I think I'm more scarred them him). But never again! read more

I have proudly been a "karate mom" at Cantrelle's Martial Arts since about 2013! My eldest daughter started at age 8 and my younger daughter at about age 5. Neither girl had any previous training in martial arts so, yeah, at first things were confusing and hard to understand but they were eager to learn and willing to listen. With the kind support and guidance of Professor and Mrs. Cantrelle and the other higher rank students who served as mentors and helped in their classes, both girls stuck with it and thrived! My eldest has just left for college as a second degree black belt at Cantrelle's Martial Arts and she will forever value all that she has learned there. My youngest has recently reached Jr. Black Belt and she is hoping to one day make her first degree. This dojo teaches their students the discipline, confidence and respect needed to succeed not only as a martial artist, but also as a successful student in school, and as an all around good human being! As a mom and a career educator of young children, I definitely recommend Cantrelle's Martial Arts. As a "Karate Mom" that hangs out in the lobby, welcome in! The lobby may be little but we are all family here! read more

This is a great dojo to send your child. My son started at age 5. He was very active and barely could sit still. He was very uncoordinated, to the point he had to do occupational therapy. I wanted him to learn discipline and respect, but it seemed he had a lot of challenges in the beginning. However, Professor Cantrelle said he is happy to work with any child who will persevere. Fast forward to one year later. My son has improved tremendously in every way thanks to Professor and Mrs Cantrelle's class. Karate is great for the mind, body, and spirit. read more

My son and daughter have been training at Flahertys for about 6 years. I was never into Karate as a young man myself, so I was a bit aprehensive about signing up my 4 yr. old son and 8 yr. old daughter, but my wife wanted to try it. I can't tell you how glad I am 6 yrs. later. Both my kids will be testing for their blackbelts this year, and the discipline and confidence they both have today is invaluable. Dave and Becky, aside from being very nice people, are 100% professional, and take great pride in ALL of their students. My kids actually get dissapointed if they have to skip a class! What's more, you don't have to be a star athlete to participate. It is the best mental/physical combination sport/way of life I have ever seen. Wer'e hooked!! read more

What can I say about this awesome place. I have 2 kids currently enrolled and we have been coming here for almost 2 years now. Professor Cantrelle is super sweet and patient with the kids. He makes learning fun for the little ones. The favorite part of the tiny tiger class is at the end of the class when they get to play a game. When kids are grumpy professor Cantrelle always tries to make the little kids smile which is nice and sweet. I recommend enrolling your kid/s to this place, they will make new friends and learn self-defense. They deserve more than 5 stars! read more

Mr. Cantrelle and Mrs. Cantrelle is a very patient with your kids. At this age is hard to get their attention when teaching them. They are both adorable and nice people. Have thought my son really well. Thank you mr. Cantrelle and team. read more

My daughter started taking Tiny Tiger (preschool/kinder age) classes with Mr. and Mrs. Cantrelle about 4 months ago. Not only has she gained confidence, she has also learned how to take direction from others and learned a great deal about respect. Mr. and Mrs. Cantrelle are wonderful with children and great teachers. My daughter loves karate and has really blossomed since she joined Flaherty's Kenpo Karate. read more

Before putting my daughter in martials arts 4yrs ago. we searched a lot of school and even had her enrolled in one for about 4months before swiching to Flaherty's Kenpo Karate. They ppl are friendly, and they truly have a knack for handling children. All the instructor approach as well as let of an aura of respect and confidence. My daughter started at age 4 and is now on her 4th yr with Flaherty's. This is def the place she will stay for what we believe to be the best place to continue growth. Thanks Flaherty's! Oh, and the quality of the classes, and they schedule here compared to price is very, very reasonable.. read more

Enrolled my son and he loves every minute of it. They do a great job teaching the kids. Price is reasonable and location is great. Decent size gym and they offer lots of classes which helps with busy schedules. read more

Good for children, also adults. Been here for 5+ years. The black belts are nice and helpful. I heard a famous site called it the best in the bay, I honestly think it's true. read more

I started training in martial arts in 1987 and have been taught multiple styles of karate all over the world. When I arrived in the U.S. in 2005 I wanted to continue my Kenpo background and found Master Flaherty's school, the FKKA. I started as a white belt and worked my way up the system, gaining knowledge, strength, and a martial arts system that is as rewarding as it is challenging. As a current black belt I continue to be rewarded with insights into teaching, increasingly difficult and interesting techniques, and the guidance of Mr. Cantrelle who is the San Jose school owner. Whether you are child or an adult, the options to train, learn, and succeed at kenpo karate are only limited by your own dedication to a martial art that many of us consider an integral part of our lives. read more

Our child has had a fantastic experience learning Kenpo here. The instructors model, as well as, teach discipline, respect & confidence, in addition to the Kenpo training. The owners have created a warm sense of community that I am proud our family is a part of. read more

I have two sons going there now and another this fall. They really know how to teach to kids.

My son is taking classes in that location for about 2 or 3 years (He has flat feet problems and wears AFO orthotics). The professor Cantrelle is very kind and patient. The discipline is good, the location and fees are good too. I really recommend that place!! read more

I have been enrolled in this school for almost a decade (i know! crazy, right?) and I love it here! Coming here since I was in first grade, I have learned so much, some things as simple as my left and rights to respect and discipline. The environment is EXTREMELY friendly! Being here as long as I have, I feel as if I'm part of a family. Professor Cantrelle is literally my second father, as he is the most caring teacher I have ever had. A great teacher, not to mention! Highly recommend to anyone considering to enroll! JOIN THE FAMILY!! read more