I trained in this style over 20 years ago and Sensei Kobayashi is the best around. Too bad the dojo on chatsworth closed ! read more

I studied under Sensei Kobayashi 40 years ago. I was a little kid who grew up in a gang infested neighborhood. Although Sensei Kobayashi moved his dojo to another city and I was unable to continue studying under him, his life lessons stayed with me. He instilled discipline, self-confidence, respect and hard work. These life skills have lasted throughout my adult life and I am forever grateful for his teachings. read more

in all my years of studying, practicing, and performing martial arts for personal and professional use, I have not found an instructor I have loved more. Sensei Kobayashi is so caring---so much so that he will be tough so that his students can be their best under pressure when it comes to scary threatening situations...and he is caring and intuitive enough to know when to let a student breathe a bit to take in the lessons he teaches. On film sets, his techniques work wonders as they have also done for me on stage... I have won medals with his katas, worked as on actor for various projects with his martial arts background in my arsenal, and have kept him in my thoughts for many, many years with a heart to return to my first and most favored sensei! He is such a quiet soul outside of his forte in martial arts, but don't mistake that with a lack of ferocity because he WILL work you out... in a majorly intense, but so worthwhile way! Sensei is about street-smart self-defense, but his style is so well-adaptable to performance situations that it can be quite "pretty" as well... pretty darn fierce, that is! I look forward to returning to see him for a summer or two... :) In fact, I just bought a new pair of boxing gloves and wraps to get psyched up for my return! :) read more

I've known senses for about 8 years now, he has taught my kids, myself and my sister. He was a wonderful role model and teacher! Due to some personal events , we had to stop going but I recommend if you want a teacher who is stern yet fun, compassionate and caring. Sensei Kobyashi is the one. read more

As a student of Sensei Kobayashi back in the early 80's when he had a studio across the street from Mikes Pizza, I never forgot his name. I was a tall geeky blond chick riddled with insecurities. He taught me mental toughness, confidence and how to bring out my inner strength. Every day I use his teachings to deal with life's challenges and remind myself that no one can hurt me unless I allow it. At 56, I still remember him. Thank you Sensei Ann Lewis read more

Sensei Kobayashi is a terrific instructor. We began with him thru a beginner class at Petit Park in 2005 or 2006 and have followed him and his classes ever since! I will only ramble on for a bit! Sensei gives his time, energy, individual help, and guidance to every student. He will be tough but gentle and this is part of the experience of his karate classes. His goal is to make you a better person by building confidence, strength, and stamina. Good for any skill level and age. . my son is a different, better, more confident person because of this class. Sensei has a great deal of pride in his teachings and it shows in every student. Go and get the experience you want and deserve from the best teacher ever! read more

I started training with Sensei Kobayashi around 1984 and kept going until I got my Black Belt. I live out of state now but if I were close I'd love to send my kids to Chosen-Ryu! Sensei will teach you more than martial arts, he'll teach you about leadership, perseverance and discipline. I highly recommend Chosen-Ryu...it truly is a challenge school! read more

I can never say enough good things about Sensei Kobayashi. He has developed a challenging, practical system which is not only highly effective, but fun. We learn techniques from a variety of styles, and no class is ever the same. The best thing about Sensei, however, is that he has been able to create a unique system from a variety of sources and yet maintain a high degree of honor and tradition that you will not find in many other schools. This class is challenging, demanding, and more often than not you will leave exhausted. But that only means you are learning and improving yourself. Sensei takes time with every student and has instilled a very team-oriented focus on all of us. We all help each other and work together. This is not simply a place to "come learn some moves". We are a team, and welcome new members with open arms. I highly recommend that everyone give our class a try! read more

My son just started taking classes here, he started off at Granda Hills recreational park and has now been going to this studio 4x a week. I am really impressed by this class because of how happy the kids look, my son is only 5 and is very shy, so making him feel comfortable and looking forward to going and being a part of the group is a great thing. So far, thumbs up!! read more

I have trained with Sensei Kobayahsi since 1995. I recieved my Black Belt with him and learned more in a short amount of time than could possibly be learned. He is the ultimate Martial Arts instructor. I supplemented my training by learning at other studios as well. I trained at other Kickboxing studios and at the world famous Rickson Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu studio in West L.A. I trained directly from Rickson Gracie himself. He is the most incredible fighter and martial artists I have ever seen. BUT!!! Sensei Kobayashi is without a doubt and hands down the best Martial arts instructor I have ever seen. Its a no nonsense system of Martial Arts that makes sense. Believe me, I have trained in it all. Most of these instructors are more in love with being "the instructor" and making money. With Sensei Kobayashi, you get an instructor who just cares about you being able to defend yourself and be in the best shape. I have trained with guys who are in MMA and ultimate fighting today, guys you would recognize. The style of Chosen Ryu is true and battle tested, believe me. I always said, if any of these MMA guys learned and trained under Lynn Kobayashi, they would never lose a fight. The beauty of Chosen Ryu is that it welcomes techniques from all styles, if it makes sense. People, believe me, if you want to try, its good for any age, any skill level. Give it a shot, you wont be sorry. read more

I should have written this a long time ago and given Sensei Kobayashi credit for making me the man I am today. Not to take away from my father or any other positive role models I have been blessed to have in my life. I first studied with Sensei in 1984 when he was in Panorama City, just a few blocks away from the gang infested street I used to live on. His lessons gave me the courage to stand up for my self and as a 12 year old boy living in the hood, I was often tested. no, I didn't win every fight, but I was confident enough to not be a victim. Chosen Ryu means "Challenge School" and with the guidance of Sensei I over came lots of challenges, starting with my shyness, hardheadedness and above all anger problems. Chosen Ryu is a family and for a kid who wasn't allowed to hang out with the neighborhood kids it was all I had and needed. As a Police Officer I have used the skills I learned from Sensei countless amount of times and not just the self defense, but mostly the confidence and command presence that is first challenged. It is no surprise that many of the kids I grew up with studding Chosen Ryu have gone on to becoming law enforcement officers. Today i'm in my 40s and still remember and hold dear all the lessons learned from Sensei Kobayashi. My Son has been studding Chosen Ryu for over 7 years now and its refreshing to see that Sensei still has the energy and discipline he had when I was his student so many years ago.....I HIGHLY recommend Chosen Ryu to anyone who is looking for a martial arts school that is street proven and a sensei who has the formula to make his students better people. read more

If you're going to take a martial art, Chosen-Ryu is the way to go! Sensei Kobayashi is a GREAT instructor! Everyone has had instructors that will teach you things just because that's the way it's always been done. Not this Sensei! He will not only teach you unique and effective techniques but will teach you WHY. He allows you to discover what flows, encourages you to try new things. The more you understand, the easier the concepts are to grasp and use in every day situations. This class mixes hard work and experience with humor and laughter. It's for all ages and skill levels. I'm not going to lie... It's hard at first and it takes a strong person to keep coming back. This class will push and motivate you in ways you could only imagine. But it's WORTH it! This class literally saved my life! It's interactive, innovative and professional. You work at your own pace, utilizing the knowledge of the Sensei, and the experience of your peers to put what you learned into practice. You will get stronger and faster as well as increase your stamina and focus. You leave class feeling accomplished, more confident and with a greater sense of pride! read more