I attended MKJA for over a year in the jiu jitsu Gracie Combatives program a couple nights a week…read more Through Master Toft's caring instruction I gained skill, strength, and renewed flexibility that I still enjoy to this day even though I am not training currently. The people there are family. I am excited for the opportunity when I can train with them again. Whether you have children that need direction and self esteem or you are an adult in need of a place that doesn't judge but encourages personal growth, I urge you to try out MKJA.

There are several closer, more convenient options for kids jiu-jitsu from our Golden Valley home,…read morebut we choose to attend MKJA for two reasons. First is the instructor David. He works incredibly hard to make MJKA a successful martial arts training center, communicates very well with and truly cares about the kids. We have also been impressed with Ben and Devante, his junior jiu jitsu instructors. Second, MKJA is one of only 3 Gracie Certified Training Centers in Minnesota where the Gracie Bullyproof program is taught, with the option of moving into the Gracie Combatives course as teenagers. Both the Bullyproof and Combatives courses have unique aspects to them, including prioritizing jiu jitsu as street self defense over jiu jitsu as a sport. We definitely recommend MKJA for anyone.

Awesome staff and I really appreciate how they take the time to teach me and others. The…read moreinstructors are great with everybody!

My son enjoys his karate lessons here...the instructors are very attentive and focused on details…read moreof the movements for the kids. Great activity for kids teaching them discipline, coordination, listening skills, patience, manners and participation. It's great for health and physical development. The instructors incorporate different activities each time while going through the each step of moves. Mr.Halonen is an awesome director/instructor and very patient with the kids. Definitely recommend this place as a stepping stone for kids to be involved in martial arts and they teach them to be careful and using the moves for protection.

My kid is going to this place for almost 3 years. Mr. Raeberg is a 5th degree black belt and very…read morepatient man. He is not only a karate instructor but also a great motivator. He gives his students little lessons on homework and discipline. I do like it. The facility is not real big, just the right size. Sometimes it is little crowded with all the students and parents. My kid loves his karate class. He loves to get rewarded for doing his chores at home ( they earn stripes). I think the recognition is the best motivator. Great idea. I think the only thing that is steep is the cost. But at the end keeping my kid focused and interested can't be measured by money. He likes it a lot and he likes his teacher. He is earning his black belt tomorrow and he is excited. So if you are looking for a great karate school, you should put this place on top of your list. They are sincere and great for kids. By the way, if you sign up 2 kids, mom and dad is in for free.

This is a great place for kids to learn respect, discipline get in shape and have a great time!…read moreHighly recommend!

Sensei Chuck is a very patient and knowledgeable teacher. My children have been involved in this…read moredojo for about seven years. One of my them obtained his black belt under Sensei's tutelage, and the other one is well on his way. At this dojo, children learn more than just the karate moves. They are taught important lessons regarding character and rewarded for community involvement. I highly recommend any beginner karate student to check this dojo out.

This is the place to bring your children so they will learn respect and self-confidence. This is…read morethe place to bring your family to study together and to live a peaceful and healthy lifestyle. There are three black belts in my family and another on the way. Our lives have been blessed from our involvement with this dojo and especially by our contact with Sensei Phillips who is a true master in body, mind and spirit of karate-do. This is the place to come to meet the most amazing people on the planet. They have become more life family than casual acquaintances. These are the people that I trust. We help each other through difficult times and we celebrate the victories and successes of life. This is a sacred place!! Bring yourself here and see for yourself if I am not right!!

Instruction is fine. The facility is clean, though a little small. The problem is that it is…read moreextremely expensive. After spending approximately $2500 for the first year, we were brought into a closed door meeting where we were told it would be $18,000 to continue. My daughter is obviously disappointed, but even she understands that is far too much money to spend. Once you agree to spend the $18,000, you are on the hook for the entire amount, whether your child goes every day for the rest of their life or they stop after a month. Only for the very wealthy. Also, there is high pressure to bring in other students for financial incentives.

Great place and love the instructors they are companionate you kids of all ability's and I couldn't…read moreask for a brewer place to learn.

Mr. Z and the staff is great. My daughter was so nervous going in with all of the other kids and…read morethey all made her feel like a super star.

From the owner: Dojo Karate Monticello teaches westernized Korean Tae Kwon Do, or American Karate. Located in…read moreMonticello MN, we make it convenient for families around the Twin Cities to practice Karate together. Our focus is on the success of each of our students, ranging from preschoolers to adults with classes uniquely designed to meet needs & abilities of each student, ensuring their success through exercise, self-discipline, mutual respect & positive reinforcement. Our passion lies in watching our students become lifelong martial arts participants and reaching their highest potential. Each student has the opportunity to advance through the various belt ranks to reach the ultimate goal - the Black Belt. Dojo Karate encourages student advancements through goal-setting, leadership development, character development and healthy competition. Each instructor strongly believes in creating "champions in life" along with champions in Karate. We have found that our programs encourage healthy lifestyles, fitness goals, builds self-confidence, motivation & focus. Our families know that it takes dedication & hard work to achieve a "Black Belt in Life." We instill the philosophy that Karate can be practiced for exercise & self-defense, but also assists those that may be experiencing bullying, attention disorders, fatigue syndromes or low self-esteem by teaching them how to handle each situation in a non-violent, concentrated manner...

My daughters started going to this School more than five years ago. The instructors are excellent,…read morepatient, and kind. Recently they both received their black belts. I cannot explain how powerful this experience has been for them - it has made them more confident, attentive, disciplined, and courageous. This is not a belt-mill, where the school basically just pushes kids through the system to charge as much as they can as quickly as they can. Every belt level, and every stripe on each belt is earned through hard work, dedication, and testing. Enrolling was inexpensive, and we were never pressured into any program. We chose a program after it was obvious my two daughters were really having fun and learning a ton. Eventually, the girls decided that they wanted to go for their black belts and I couldn't be prouder of them. The new studio is quickly taking shape, and the owners and staff are extremely dedicated. The head instructor, Stan Riser, is an amazing human being. While he demonstrates a great sense of humor - his instruction is serious and his teaching methods are beyond reproach. As the girls rose in belt levels everything got more intense, interesting, and more fun for them. UMA Centerville participates in many tournaments throughout the year (and encourages their students to compete) and some of my most amazing memories are of their performance in these competitions. We tried two different schools before we found this one, and we are lifers - the girls still love to go as much as their schedules allow. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about having their children, or themselves, study martial arts to come in a watch a class or two and see what you think. I believe you will be impressed.

From the owner: Ultimate Martial Arts Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a family friendly school offering karate…read moreclasses for ages 3 to Adult and Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7 to adult. The Superkid classes for ages 3 to 5 years old focuses on listening skills, coordination and basic self-defense. Karate classes focus on discipline, self-defense, weapons and sparring. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art for ground self-defense. Anyone can try a class for free! Give us a call or stop on in to get more information.