I have great respect for Soke Thomas and the master teachers at the dojo. My children, particularly…read moremy son, have grown tremendously in the year they've been studying there. Not only does he have a chance to focus his energy physically, but he is learning self discipline and respect, and as a parent, I have gained an additional support system.

I've enjoyed this karate school ever since we joined. My kids started in May 2025. I sat through…read moreevery practice I could and saw the love and consideration they had for their students. I also witnessed how they stay true to the tradition of Okinawain Karate. My kids were taught every skill needed for every task. Every practice they contained so much knowledge. I was blown away. I had surgery on my ankle in July 2025 and at the end of August 2025 they welcomed me into class and it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I've learned so much and just continue to learn over and over again. The focus they've given me and the understanding they've given me of Okinawain Karate is mind blowing. This school has brought so much to my family and they have all became part of our family. Words can't even describe the gratitude I have for them. They are so compassionate, meet you where your at, and bring you up from there. I would highly recommend this school. It would be one of the best decisions you could ever make. Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day and may God bless you and your families!

We were here for about a year and nine months or so…read more Everything seemed fine. We signed a year contract to start. They told us it could be month-to-month after that initial year. That was not true, but they said they sent us a contract that we signed for the second year. We never did. They never sent it to us. Because of this contract that doesn't exist, they refuse to stop charging my credit card every month. I've had to file multiple claims with my credit card company and now I will have to replace my credit card because they keep charging. Before dealing with the credit card company I called dozens of times left messages sent emails stopped by in person multiple times. They don't return any communication I'm assuming because they want to keep collecting my money in the fraudulent manner that they do. I have a younger kid that I was gonna start in this gym in a year from now and I have recommended it to people in the past. I have since let everyone know that I do not think that they should go here. It's a trap and fraudulent.

Amber is an amazing instructor and the kickboxing classes are fun! I loved the music Amber played…read morein classes - I found that I was always fueled with energy to get through the workouts with her tunes! I wasn't able to stay due to its location, but that won't stop me from recommending to others. This is a great place to learn and one of the few places I've seen so many programs for children! This is definitely a place for all ages. Love the sense of community here.

Great little dragons program for little ones!…read more Definitely a class that happens to also incorporate karate and self defense. Respect, active listening, taking direction, participating, and discipline are taught in a fun and exciting environment with peers.

AKEA is exactly what I've been looking for. They use a combination of individual and group…read moreinstruction, and are affordable as well. I like that they have you do an introductory course first. You pay a small fee and that gives you 2 lessons and a test. It gives you a feel for what their instruction is like and the test gives them an idea of whether you will be a good student (i.e. are you going to practice, etc). Mr. Jordan was a great teacher throughout the introductory sessions, and I enjoyed myself so much that I signed up. I am now signed up for the school and am excited to begin working towards my first belt. The school has a student manual which has some great information in it. I am still reading through it. I love that it makes it clear which skills you need to perform well in order to progress. While COVID has posed some challenges, AKEA has adopted their group classes to meet the state requirements. I am looking forward to going to my first group lesson next week.

2 kids, completely different personalities. Our oldest loves to try new sports, the youngest not so…read moremuch. Our oldest is a purple belt and has competed in a tournament in Tacoma and got first place in his form in his age. He continues to excel and learn. We set up 2 intro classes for our youngest, one on one with her and Sensei. She was excited after them, then we got to the group classes and she was scared and didn't want to do it. We kept at it and every time Sensei would ask her for help getting things to keep her active. FINALLY he got her to play a game and she fell in line right after with the rest of the kids!! She didn't even realize she was now doing things with the class but she did it!! I can't tel you how proud of herself she was when she got home and so were we (Mom, Dad, and big brother) but the way Sensei works with these kids is just mind blowing! I suggest Aspire Karate for anyone looking for another option to sports for their kids, or themselves. OSS

Sensei Trace is very skilled, has top notch pedagogy, and a great attitude towards all his students…read moreboth young and old. I recently got back into training since stopping 15 years ago and chose to join Aspire, and I look forward to learning more. Great Shotokan school.

I've known Keith Sensei off and on since 2006 or so and refer anybody looking for real karate to…read morehis dojo. He's a super nice guy, and cares about his student's growth. I used to be an instructor & fighter myself but had to stop due to military injuries and wish more instructors were as friendly as Keith is; the problem is a lot of karate instructors have huge egos and encourage their students to worship them. The other problem is most karate in the USA is "kroddy" that won't work in a real fight. Now that Keith is associated with Tom Callahan and a great network of other dojo around the world I can't wait to see how his Dojo & students grow! Osu!

Best place in Seattle to learn traditional Kyokushin Karate! Everyone works very hard, Sensei has…read morebeen teaching many years and is excellent with all age ranges. Don't miss sparring class on Saturday!

USMAC is a great activity for kids! My son loves the tumwater location. He has a blast and I love…read morethat they are teaching respect and to listen to adults!

At this exceptional taekwondo academy, my kids discover new skills, build confidence, and have a…read moreblast, making it an integral part of their weekly routine.

After the two initial semi-private trial classes my 7 year old was extremely excited to start…read morekarate. Unfortunately the actual group classes where nothing like the trial. He was not given the attention or direction he needed. He was ignored, told to practice some move alone, or told to be quiet and just watch and follow along while he felt lost. I repeatedly told the owner that my kid was overwhelmed, confused, left alone, and bored. Each time I brought it up, the only response was "well he can quit but you still have to pay because you signed a 6 month contract." The experience of my child was of no importance to them, only the money which they'd get either way. They never addressed or acknowledged any of our concerns. We carried on for a couple months but it only got worse with my kid getting so anxious and crying/begging not to have to go to karate and asking everyday after school if this was a day he had to go. We wanted him to learn discipline and self confidence but this experience was the opposite. I still think he would thrive at another dojo but now he is too traumatized to try again, and we're stuck paying these folks. Stay away from Steve Curran.

Our now 8 year old, a VERY energetic and sometimes focus-challenged young guy, has been attending…read moreclasses here for a few years- from their Little Dragons children's program into their youth program, training with the older kids and adults. I started off fairly skeptical, but this place has 100% won me over. I have watched the growth in our son, the other students, and the younger instructors- the typically high school aged black belts are usually the instructors for the youngest students. It has been amazing to watch all the students there grow into their responsibilities, to begin taking their training seriously, to gain a strong understanding of respect, and to engage in difficult activities and use failure as a learning tool and not a defeat. You earn each stripe on your belt, and the owners and instructors have high expectations of all who walk through the doors. But those expectations are backed up by support, solid instruction, and recognition of achievement. Couldn't be happier with the program.