I've been eyeing Machida Karate Academy since I was pregnant with my firstborn. I had always…read moredreamed of enrolling him here because of the incredible reviews and the connection to someone my husband has admired for decades Lyoto Machida. When we first started dating, he told me about Lyoto, and it felt like destiny that our son would one day train at a place tied to someone we both respected. Back then, the youngest age accepted was 4, so I had to wait patiently. When my son was 3.5, I reached out to the dojo to plan ahead, and that's when I met Sensei Caroline the sweetest, most professional guide you could hope for. I also had the honor of meeting Chinzo Machida. He is incredibly humble and professional, even with a 4-year-old student, which immediately put me at ease. My son absolutely loved his time there. He would talk about it constantly, excited for every lesson, every practice. Unfortunately, after about two months, I realized he wasn't quite ready for the level of discipline and structure required yet, and I didn't want him or the class to struggle. I spoke with Sensei Caroline honestly, and she was completely supportive, encouraging us to return when the time felt right. This academy deserves every ounce of respect and recognition. The environment, the instructors, and the care they put into their students are truly exceptional. I can't wait for the day we come back and fully experience all that Machida Academy has to offer.

My daughter recently started at Machida Karate Academy in Lomita, and I couldn't be happier with…read morethe experience so far. From the very first class, the instructors made her feel comfortable, supported, and excited to learn. They strike a perfect balance between discipline and encouragement, firm when they need to be, but always positive and patient. What really stands out is how intentional they are about teaching both skill and character. My daughter is already showing more confidence, focus, and respect at home, and she looks forward to every class (which says a lot!). The lessons are well-structured, engaging, and age-appropriate, and the instructors truly take the time to help each student improve at their own pace. The academy itself is clean, organized, and clearly run with a lot of pride. Parents get a great view of the classes, and it's easy to see how much care and attention goes into each session.

Learning karate is one thing but to KNOW that there is a dojo full of super cool senseis watching…read moreout for you and caring for you when you need to FEEL empowered and supported after whatever big challenges life hits you as a 5-year-old boy... this place is everything. There are people great at their jobs. And, there are people who are great at their jobs AND LOVE their jobs. This is the place to feel what a group of people believing in their work, loving what they do, can deliver as martial art instructors of not just karate but as educators and community builders.

This place has been amazing for my son. He is on the spectrum and the staff is extremely patient in…read moreworking with him. Staff is accommodating and friendly. It seems to be very family oriented.

This place is such a gem!! I started working in the South Bay Area, so I have been on the search…read morefor a dojo to attend when in the area. As a tenured martial artist of 20 years, let me tell you that this place is the real deal! This family-owned dojo specializes in teaching traditional karate along with practical applications. The dojo is very clean (hard to find in most martial arts gyms nowadays) and has the latest training equipment. The instructors provide such a welcoming and friendly environment, and they teach all ages so the whole family can join! As someone with a brother with autism, the team really takes the time and consideration with everyone in their classes. If you are looking for a place that will teach you self-defense while maintaining the art's integrity and has a welcoming environment, this is the place to be!

Kombat Karate has been such a positive experience for our family. Sensei Ryan and Nancy both have a…read moregreat way with kids. They set high expectations, but always lead with kindness and encouragement. The classes are structured, fun, and full of energy. What really stands out is the strong sense of community. The studio feels like more than just a place to learn karate, it's a place where kids build confidence, friendships, and respect. We're so happy to be part of it!

Amazing dojo and community. Very open to people from all walks of life and languages. Excellent and…read moreethical martial art Kyokushin is. Can't wait to go again. Se habla español

I regularly attend classes at this dojo and have been actively training here for a couple of years…read more Sensei Taku is one of the best instructors I've ever had and he has the patience to make each individual's goals a reality, be it to be a championship fighter or better fitness or stronger spirit. This dojo is also an affiliated dojo of the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan which is one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world. More info can be found at www.kyokushinla.com.

My son loves it here. Sensei Russell is amazing with the kids my son has learned a lot in a few…read moremonths that he's been in this dojo

Amazing dojo. I attend adult classes (I am 43) and my 5 year old daughter attends kids sessions…read more Sensei Russell is great. Great values and hard work for kids, good blend with fun and fitness

My daughter started jiujitsu with Coach Paul when she was 5, and she's flourished so much since…read morethen. She had tried other martial arts classes in the past but couldn't get past the trial class because she was terrified of the instructor and the environment. Coach Paul is not only an incredible instructor but also very welcoming. My child had so much fun in her very first class, and now, almost two years later, she's still going strong and has even participated in two competitions. She's developing strong jiujitsu skills while having fun, which is a win-win for us as parents. Her training friends are also respectful and friendly. It really feels like one big family here.

Took my 5 year old bonus twins for a trial class at Lansang Brazilian Jiu Jitsu-Carson last night…read moreand they absolutely loved it! From the minute we walked through the door, Professor Paul Lansang, made it a point to make us feel welcomed and even spent extra time connecting with the twins. The location is great and the environment felt like community. We will be back!

One of the instructors of the CSULB Shotokan Karate Club led a free sparring class today for about…read more20 participants from Shotokan Karate of America dojos across Southern California. Trung has practiced seriously for decades and is generous with his knowledge, highly skilled, and positive and encouraging. It was great to practice with him and look forward to more. Try a class out at CSULB. No joke...it could change your life in a positive way.

Chris (Sir) is an amazing instructor. Extremely knowledgeable and patient with our son. Our son was…read morevery hesitant about karate... Now he can not wait to attend his classes! I will recommend Ancient Ways Karate to any and everyone!

Mr. Colwell is a fun, motivating and disciplined instructor. He teaches broader life, integrity and…read morecharacter lessons along with the karate. My son loves the classes, game nights, nerf wars and all the other stuff they put on. The close community of kids, parents and teachers really shines

Shihan Taku is one of the best instructors I've ever had the pleasure to train under. He has…read morelocations in Torrance, DTLA, North Valley, and Fountain Valley. These are the things I've been seeing as a student at their Fountain Valley location. Kids classes are very well structured for an excellent and fun learning environment for kids, but Shihan Taku also teaches self discipline. Adults with no previous experience can have a great work out at the Fountain Valley location. For the ones who are looking to get into competitions, I recommend also attending the Fighters classes. This is truly a one of a kind dojo that have produced excellent martial artists and competition fighters.

I tried this place out in July and August if 2023. I stopped attending because it is a not a very…read moregood dojo. First, there is too much attitude. Some of the guys think they are tough guys and come off with bad attitudes. One student repeatedly on a weekly basis tried to start problems with me. I have over 30 years of martial arts experience, 10 years of fighting experience and I am a Marine Corp veteran. The disrespect I received from some of the students was very surprising for a dojo. Second, the head instructor told me to watch youtube videos in order to learn kata. So why him $110 a month to watch youtube videos to learn? The overall deciding factor in leaving this place was the negative attitude of some of the students, it was too toxic. especially the student attempting to start a fight with me, which I could have easily handled, but chose not to. Also, when I brought this to the attention of the head instructor he basically ignored it. He said and did nothing. Almost as if he allows this type of behavior. The only reason I attended this place was because I miss karate and wanted to train again after having Covid. Covid made me really re-think things. Apparently this place is not the place to grow. I don't recommend it to anyone.

Great place, I ve had my son Roman in this dojo for 5 years and Martial arts gives kids confidence…read moreand discipline it also builds character.. 5 years later and he will be testing for his jr black, very proud of the time and effort he has put into karate and he will be happy to be a little skunk.. :)

Great hands on training place. I have been want it to go back for a long time. I definitely…read morerecommend this location.