Sensei Justin has been absolutely incredible for our daughter. She is naturally very shy, and we…read morewanted to find something that would help her build confidence and come out of her shell. She had the option to choose from five different activities, and she chose karate. We were already so proud of her for making that brave decision, and finding Sensei Justin made it even more meaningful. From day one, you can tell he truly cares about each child individually. He takes the time to connect with them, encourage them, and tailor his lessons so every child feels included and capable. His positive and patient approach has made such a difference, and it has been amazing watching our daughter grow more confident with each class. We genuinely could not have found a better sensei. We are so grateful for the environment he creates and the impact he is having on these kids, not just teaching karate, but helping them believe in themselves.

Sensei Justin is doing a wonderful job with his kids and classes. He keeps the class fun but they…read moreare all learning and doing lots of activity too. If you're looking for a karate-based martial art school for your kiddo, I highly recommend.

When we moved to New Jersey, I was looking for a sport that would help build confidence and…read morediscipline in my son who's not the traditional athletic type. Definitely found it at Shido-Kan Karate. Sensei Mitch is tough in a way that makes kids feel proud and accomplished when they get things right--and determined to work harder when they get things wrong. Not going to lie, he's very tough! I was wondering if my sensitive, emotional son could handle the critiques. Not only can he handle it, but he's shown immense personal growth in learning to navigate challenges and raise expectations. He leaves every class feeling stronger. I also think it's helped him to deal with some bullying at school. I'm very happy he's sticking with karate at Shido-Kan.

I was at Shidokan of Mahwah from 2013 to 2016…read more I've watched numerous patents pull their children from this class due to Mitch's flagrant disregard for his students. His methods of "building character" were irresponsible at best. These methods often included stopping class to yell cutting, wildly personal insults to children as young as five and children with disabilities, disregarding injuries, and manipulating students into attending class regardless of their illness or other obligations. For over two years I brought the kid I used to watch home from Mitch's karate classes only to watch him be pinned against other students who are five ranks above him when sparring as a punishment. Naturally, when he was hurt from the fight, Mitch repeatedly called him a "girl" in front of other, incredible female students. This was wildly inappropriate, and what message does that send to the female students? Mitch's teaching became so poor that parents began videotaping the class. He, in fact, had legal action threatened by a parent who had removed their child from class after deplorable treatment from Mitch. Eventually, Mitch had treated the kid I watched so poorly during class that he was inconsolable, and was gearing up fight another much more experienced student as a punishment. I was so upset I couldn't even look at Mitch, and took the kid out to calm down in the car, and went back for his things so he would never have to go back inside. I learned upon going back that someone had said I may have taken him out to treat his asthma, after Mitch continued to delay claas in order to berate a seven year old. Mitch responded with something to the effect of,"Oh wah, the little baby needs his inhaler? If his asthma is so bad, he shouldn't be doing karate!" This was related to me by another parent and a student. After I told his mom I was not comfortable bringing him back, she mentioned that others had voiced concerns about Mitch's behavior in class. She spoke to Mitch via phone, who was caught in several lies and became incredibly defensive, calling her repeatedly over the next few days. None of us have gone back since, and I wouldn't take a child there if he payed me to.

We recommend this place 1000% perfect! The patients, the kindness, the care they showed our son…read moremade us smile made us tear up! We are beyond thankful for helping our son! If your child is sensitive, if your child needs an extra push this is the place for them! Thank you all so much again for taking the time. We appreciate you all!

Great learning environment! Kid and family friendly with a nice lobby. Instructors are…read moreknowledgeable, warm, focused and good with kids of all ages. Our daughter ended her first class full of pride and smiles!

I trained at Malandra's Martial Arts Center for about a decade in the 90s working my way to a 1st…read moredegree black belt there. Let me start off by saying that my experiences at this dojo have defined my life in so many ways and made me a better person. I cannot stress highly enough how valuable of an experience the martial arts is and how good the instruction is at this dojo. The dojo is run by a father and son pair (Shihan Don and Sensei Mike). Shihan learned the martial arts while serving in Korea and founded the dojo along with his son and Shihan Lester (a friend). I trained with one of the head instructors, Sensei Jason, for many years and he is a man of upstanding character (and outstanding martial arts ability). Some thoughts: 1. The instructors are friendly, understanding, tolerant, and will work with you as a child or as an adult. I had bad asthma as a kid and got bullied a lot. They worked with me and slowly over time, my flexibility improved, and I gained self-confidence. They foster an environment that is conducive to learning and improvement. What's really funny is, I ended up not being bullied because Sensei Mike taught me how to stand properly so that I wouldn't easily fall down when bullies pushed me. I never had to lift a finger or do anything. I just wasn't an easy target anymore and so they left me alone. The philosophy there is really about having self-confidence and treating others with respect rather than "learning how to fight". In my opinion, this is a really strong philosophical base upon which to train people. 2. They don't lock you in with long-term contracts (ie you don't enter a program where you get a black belt after X dollars have been shelled out). They really focus on helping you to become a better person and to make sure you're ready to move up. When I last trained there, the contracts were as short as 4 months at a time. 3. They are strongly involved with the community through the Suffern Board of Commerce and the Suffern Police Department as well as the local school system. These are good people who are not in it solely for the money. 4. They have classes for both adults and children and their style is called Mushin Do. It's basically a mixture of judo, jiu jutsu, tae kwon do, and karate. This means that you learn all-around self-defense, which nowadays amounts to Mixed Martial Arts. You'll learn how to grapple, throw, block, punch, and kick as well as how to do joint locks. The self-discipline and physical fitness I got from training here has shaped my life and I owe much of my success to these guys. I wouldn't think twice about sending my kids here or training at the dojo again if I ever move back to the area. I cannot emphasize enough how great a place this dojo is.

I started at Malandra's Martial Arts Center when I was about 4 years old. I continued on till I was…read moreabout 21 years old. I received my Black Belt at about the age of 19 Years. They are not given away at this school which I find to be for the best. I had to earn mine. I went through about 4 different tests until they felt I was ready to receive it. They teach you not only about how to defend yourself but about Mind, Body and Soul as well. All of the knowledge learned over my years became of GREAT use to me in the future. Discipline was my greatest assets and I would not be where i am today with out and where i learned it from. Mike and Jay are the greatest instructors i ever had the pleasure training under and then working with in my later martial arts career. To this day I can say that I have used every skill from Mental to Physical throughout my life and I cannot thank them more for this skill-set. I believe in this school and everyone that is a part of it and would strongly suggest sending anyone you know to at least try out this school to see what they are all about and I promise you will not be disappointed. I look forward to extending my Martial Arts career now and I will be joining back up to learn more.

Bill Stevens Karate is an excellent place for kids and adults to learn martial arts. My daughter…read moreand son have been coming here for quite some time. I also attend BJJ classes here. This family/community-oriented place teaches martial arts while reinforcing life lessons (ex., confidence, positive attitude, humility, etc.). There are many reasons why my wife and I chose this place. We chose this place primarily because Master Bill Stevens and his staff are great. They keep kids continuously engaged throughout each lesson. Another big plus is that his schedule is flexible, and he offers a wide variety of class times, which makes it easier for my wife and me to schedule lessons, given our busy schedules. Aside from this, I like the location, the app, and the place is clean. He periodically hosts Game Night on Friday, allowing my wife and me to grab dinner without the kids. Lastly, Bill is easy to work with and talk to if something unexpected arises. I recommend you check it out.

Bill the owner and Sensei is an amazing teacher and human being! He is very honest with his…read moreteaching and works with everyone on a personal level. If I could give more than 5 starts, I would. By far, the best Karate school in the area.

I love this karate school. My review may be a little bias since I've been going here since I was 5…read moreand I am now almost 31, but there is a reason I have stuck around all this time. The instructors are very patient and attentive with children of all ages as well as adults. If you are looking to train at a true traditional martial arts school, or just want to get in better shape while learning self-defense then the Isshin-Ryu Karate Academy is your best choice.

This place is the best training I've ever gotten...I have never been an athletic person...and I…read moreneeded quite a bit of help...the black belts worked very patiently with me one on one at times to help me perfect my moves. This dojo teaches the old-fashioned type karate training that builds confidence for life.

I can't say enough good things about Del Martial Arts and Master Del himself. My son, who is on the…read morespectrum, has been attending classes there for almost 4 years. He not only enjoys it, which is a victory in itself, but has made noticeable physical and developmental gains over the years. The studio is an excellent environment for special needs children. My only wish is that I would have signed him when he was younger.

My son has been attending Del Martial Arts for the past 6 years. Master Del's program is great as…read moreit blends physical training with discipline and respect. I trained in martial arts as a youth as the mental training is as important as the physical side. He is accredited with Moo Duk Hwan program and the art is Soo Bahk Do which comes from the original ancient martial arts from Korea. The program is really about training in the art as opposed to "dozens" of multi-colored belts and a constant barrage of tests to get more money from students. I've seen too many studios go down this path these days. A race to get black belt as "fast as you can".

Westchester County is incredibly lucky to have The World Seido Karate Organization right in our own…read morebackyard. Under the leadership of one of the truly few World Renowned Martial Arts Grandmasters, Kaicho Nakamura and his son, successor, and Chief Instructor, Nidaime Nakamura, Seido has become an integral part of not only my life but my entire family as well. A global organization with branches on almost every continent in the world, training is focused on "Karate-Do: The training of mind, body, and spirit to realize the fullness of human potential". As a true traditional Japanese martial art, training is comprised of a dedicated approach to mastering the fundamentals as building blocks to advanced and more complex techniques and requirements as one progresses at their own pace. You will sweat and push yourself, at times, further than you thought you can be pushed. Having trained at The Westchester branch for over 6 years this month, Seido has become an important part of my life where everyone focuses on the concept of Renma, "Keep Polishing" (Improving), regardless of physical ability, age, or rank. So much so, that my wife and I made the decision to introduce our elementary aged twin daughters to Seido earlier this year. The children's program is wonderful and puts exceptional credence to safety, development, and building confidence among the kids and teens. I've witnessed this firsthand as I help assist children's classes periodically. It's been a pleasure to refer Seido to many of our close friends, who also are either members themselves or enrolled their kids in the children's program and train with my girls. All of the instructors are wonderful people who I would trust with my daughters implicitly, without reservation. The organization as a whole attracts high caliber people from different walks of life, who bring a common denominator to the Seido community of being a genuinely good person. I couldn't recommend Seido enough to anyone and everyone. Having never trained in the martial arts before, yet always curious, as challenging and demanding as training is, the hardest part for me was getting the courage up to walk through the door on a particularly cold March evening in 2016. The rest has been exceptionally fulfilling, you won't regret it!

The kids enjoyed their 1st class. The dojo is very well kept and clean The instruction here is…read moreincredible. Great Dojo. Their children's program is very good. The school ensures fundamentals are learned before any real fighting contact is actually done.

PROS: I've been coming here for a few months now and this place is amazing. Great instructor that's…read moreexperienced, equipment is all good quality, loads of parking, affordable prices. CONS: The place is a bit messy and can use a cleaning OVERALL: Definitely love coming here and would recommend this to anyone looking to do the art

Tony does a great job with his students. My 10 year old is learning self-defense skills as well as…read moresituational awareness while boosting his self-esteem. Tony clearly cares about his students and wants them to be prepared to safely de-escalate conflict.

Master Kim is great with kids and my son really loves going here. Sometimes he is having some…read moredifficulty paying attention but it's getting better with learning Taekwondo.

Highly recommend this place! Master Kim is a highly skilled Tae Kwon Do teacher and a nice human…read morebeing ! My 8 year old loves learning Tae Kwon Do from Master Kim! I like the fact that He is focused on getting the technique right . He always has a smile on his face and makes the class a fun place to be in . My wife and I love watching the class ! Very glad that we found this gem of a place!!