I recently enrolled my 6-year-old daughter in a 3-month trial for martial arts, and it has been such a positive experience! She was nervous at first, but to our surprise, she absolutely loved her initial sessions. Master Nagayama and his team of black belt instructors strike a perfect balance between being firm and constructive, making the classes both engaging and encouraging. My daughter never felt intimidated, which was a huge relief as a parent. The facility itself is spacious, with plenty of seating for parents to comfortably watch their kids. The overall ambiance is welcoming and supportive, creating a great environment for young learners. Highly recommend if you're considering martial arts for your child! Street parking can be tough off of Burbank but please note there is NO PARKING in the neighborhoods. Stay on Burbank Blvd or around the businesses on the side streets. read more

Ken Nagayama Martial Arts - Entrance from Burbank Blvd. - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Burbank, California

My son has been coming to this studio for nearly 4 years. This isn't just a karate studio, it also teaches strength in the mind and spirit. We really enjoy the life lessons that this studio has brought in to my son's life. We also enjoy that this studio doesn't give belts away but makes the students truly earn them. This reinforced our family values that not everything comes easy and you shouldn't always expect a participation trophy in life. Worthy accomplishments are often earned through hard work and practice. read more

Ken Nagayama Martial Arts - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Burbank, California

I really love this dojo. Ive been taking my kids there for almost two years and i have nothing but good things to say about it. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, the classes always start and end on time, the studio is always clean, and the pricing is super fair, especially for families who want to enroll more than one kid. This is a real & legit dojo where kids have to earn their belts by actually learning karate. I cant begin to explain the amount of discipline my kids have gained from these classes. They are more focused in school, at home, and they are physically fit and healthy. If youre looking to learn the awesome art of karate - this is the place to start. read more

Ken Nagayama Martial Arts - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Burbank, California

I wish there were more stars to give this place. Mr Ken and all the instructors are wonderful. They are very patient with the children and do not give up on them. My son went in shy and barely able to follow instructions; he is almost a month or so in and he is starting to get comfortable and really adjusting thanks to them!!! Can't thank them enough read more

Pretty fun to watch the little kids and adults practising... My daughter enjoys learning here...

Used to frequent training here as a child and now my children train here on occasion! Time flies! Grade A training with knowledgeable and experienced instructors, everyone here is very professional and well mannered. read more

My 5 year old son started classes in August and is obsessed. I started in September and am in classes every day that I don't work and my wife started in February and goes to every class she is able to. My son wants to go to every class possible and has a blast every time. We all do. The instructors are beyond incredible. They care and give amazing feedback and guidance to every student. Master Nagayama leads with a knowledge and skill that effortlessly flows from him. He inspires everyone to not only try their best, but to help and encourage their fellow students. Master Nagayama refers to all of the students and teachers as a family and it is easy to see why. I couldn't recommend KNMA any more. We will be students for as long as he will teach us. read more

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I took years of training with Ken Nagayama and give my highest recommendation for his dojo. This is the real deal martial arts with a wonderful community of folks of all ages working hard to improve their lives. read more

My husband and I enrolled our daughter in KNMA in October 2022 and it's been such a rewarding experience ever since. We wanted her to participate in an activity that would instill confidence in her while simultaneously teaching discipline and respect. Given how many students they have, it's amazing to see how much care and individualized attention Master Nagayama and all the instructors show to each student. They truly have such a great grasp on where each student's skill level is at and what they can do to progress so I always feel that my daughter is in good hands and given the right feedback. I couldn't recommend this place enough. read more

Great staff, offered a Saturday class for our 4 year old. I called other locations and no one answered or returned messages. They answered my first call and offered that same Saturday to come on. My son loved it and we signed up for more classes read more

I just can't say enough about this place. We started kinderkarate in February & my 4 y/o daughter loves it. We missed maybe 2 Saturdays total, karate has been a staple of our wknds. Covid protocols are always in place, no excuses. Classes are always fun never dull or repetitive. Highly recommend if this is something your looking for. Would suggest making sure child is able to pay attention & not disrupt class. Usually around 4 is perfect. read more

My daughter started taking martial arts here about 4 or 5 years ago. This is serious training and takes dedication but at the same time it has been tremendously empowering for her both physically and mentally. Master Nagayama teaches with great care for detail. He accepts nothing but excellence and helps all students achieve mastery at their level. Experiencing success in this way builds confidence and self discipline. Mr. Vargas has been an important element in my daughter's success. He has a wonderful way with the students. He uses humor to encourage their performance and truly cares about them. He has gone above and beyond to help my daughter excell and be the best she can be. He has helped her instill confidence in herself and has worked with her to improve in particular areas. We are very grateful for the the exceptional training that our daughter has received from Master Nagayama and Mr. Vargas as well as the other excellent teachers. This has been an amazing experience and I look forward to eventually seeing my daughter earn her black belt. read more

Master Nagayama teachings are excellent. My son Alexander is always present in his classes

I started in January this year and although I don't know much about Martial Arts, I'm already addicted to it. Master Nagayama is an amazing teacher, I really like his mentality. He has a complete way of explaining things, regrouping the art form with the thinking and mindset behind (the ABC as he calls it ;) ). He teaches with other black belts that have trained and learned from him and are incredible teachers as well. The students are a great mix of people, different backgrounds, different reasons for starting their journey, the ambiance is great. The studio is very nice, spacious, clean... I can't say enough about this place! read more

This is the place you should send your child to learn about martial arts spirit. I strongly agree with Mr. Nagayama's principal. That is to let the young kids understand respect, focus and hardworking. Each class has 3 coaches and sometimes there are 2 blue or red belt students to assist. Every student gets attention. I do like some coaches are strict when my kids is naughty. read more

I did not grow up doing martial arts. At first, I was intimidated to do it because people who do martial arts have a reputation of doing it since they were five years old. Was it too late for me to start? By chance, I met a new family at my church and after expressing interest in martial arts, they promptly told me about this place. The first few times I came I was so nervous. I had no idea how strenuous the hour long class would be, if I would be kicked out for sucking so bad (do they do that?!), or if I was going to end up as a black belt's punching bag? Real talk. I've been attending since October and it's been the best decision I've made. I tested in December and I am currently a yellow belt. It's a good feeling because you EARN it here. Nothing is given without hard work. Master Nagayama deeply cares about his students. Young and old. He's got a good heart and can keep the black belts in line. :P It's been a great journey and it's only the beginning. :) read more

Visit Ken Nagayama Martial Arts dojo and trigger Karate Kid law for a free class with Ramadan Steve!!! Farm to nug pizza ball delivery encouraged but not required. Woulda given them 6 stars but they didn't have ranch :( #LetsTalkScientology read more

I've been taking my 5 year old son to karate lessons at Ken Nagayama's studio for a whole 2 months. In this short amount of time, we have decided that our son will be a student of the Nagayama studio for years to come. Master Nagayama and his staff of excellent instructors teach the students with great attention to detail. They are ensuring that proper form and technique is taught to the students. Not to mention that our son is already learning disipline and that ever so useful skill of being able to stand in line and wait his turn without wiggling about in line. Those of you with active boys know what I'm talking about! Here's another thing I LOVE about their teaching technique. Red belt students help in the classes. Their main job seems to be to warm up, lead the streching and model the instructed karate moves for the class. For my son, these red belts have been friendly faces that he looks up to and admires. He's already dreaming for the day that he can be a red belt and help with classes. We signed up for their 3 month introductory unlimited training special & I can see that it was such a good deal. My son can train up to 5 times a week & he LOVES it! read more

In addition to my son still going to classes, I started going to Cardio Kickboxing when it first started. I don't go as often as I'd like, but the classes are great. I think it is a real honor to follow someone as talented as Master Nagayama. Cardio Kickboxing is really for everyone, except maybe children. The classes are fun. Master Nagayama really gets you moving and working up a sweat. I have found it difficult to keep up at times, but I am always having fun. I totally recommend trying out for a class, even Zumba. I have never gone to this class myself, however, I can imagine it is just as fun as Cardio Kickboxing. read more

Highly recommend school of martial arts! I want to thank Master Nagayama for lessons and trainings that my son has been participate. We moved to Bay area and looking for martial arts school here but unfortunately all schools that we found are way weaker than the Master Nagayama's school. read more

I toured many martial arts studios before signing my son up for lessons. I live in Atwater village and many of the studios around here are not so kid friendly. Others were a little too kid friendly and seem to hand out belts without any accomplishment. I am so glad I found Ken Nagayama studio. It was very important to me that my son actually learn the discipline and earn each and every belt. The prices are reasonable in relation to all the attention and training available to each and every student and they learn well beyond the movements, they learn discipline, pride in themselves and respect for others. read more

Best school in Burbank. Master Nagayama's Tae Kwon Do is a true blend of some of the finest marital arts and fundamentals.

I've been training here for 7 years now and, especially when compared to other martial arts studios, the quality is top notch. I came in as a mumbling, unathletic, uncoordinated 13 year old and I know that I owe my current confidence and overall physical ability to the instructors here. The training is deep and traditional without falling into the tropes of being uselessly rigid or "too deadly" to actually practice. The instructors are knowledgeable and can competently provide a realistic challenge for every student. Promotions are earned through merit rather than given over time (or, as I've seen with some other studios, with contract renewal). Bottom line: if you're looking for martial arts training for yourself or for your kids, Ken Nagayama Martial Arts is the standard to which other schools should be held. read more

Classes are available everyday so I can always squeeze one into my busy schedule. Master Nagayama is amazing and I have learned so much from him. If you wanna be a ninja...this is the way to go. read more

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My 4 yo was enrolled here for around 9 months; we left only because we moved to San Diego. This was a great, family-oriented place to learn not only karate, but working on listening skills and respect for self and others. She really enjoyed her time here--we're sad to leave! read more

Awesome training ground to learn Martial Arts. Traditionally based where kids and adults can develop a solid foundation! Totally worth every penny. read more

I've waited way too long to write this review. Master Nagayama and his stuff are amazing. He is truly a master of his art and a gentleman. He and his staff and the right amount guidance without being to tough on the kids. He teaches real fundamentals without all the BS. This is not belt factory like other academy's , you will not get a belt unless you deserve it. The icing on the cake was this past weekend when he threw all the kids a pizza party. This is something he does not have to do , but it shows how much he cares. He also had a party at his house for the adults that I regretfully was unable to attend. Thank you Master Nagayama for being such kind and giving person. read more

Ken Nagayama Martial Arts - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Burbank, California

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I usually do not write reviews, but had to because this Dojo is a 10! My son previously attended martial arts classes at another Dojo across town. Although it was great for moral and self respect it lacked the technical training I wanted my son to learn. I researched for months to find the right Dojo for my son. Our first meeting with Master Nagayama he explained the different martial art techniques that he has mastered throughout the years and how he brought them under one roof to teach his students the best way for them to not only grow within the martial arts arena, but most importantly the world arena. I can see the changes on a weekly basis in my sons techniques and focus. I wouldn't want him anywhere else but learning from Master and his amazing staff! I'm a very proud father knowing I chose the right Dojo for my son. read more

My 4 year old has been going here for over a month. I love it for so many reasons. The instructor has the patience of a saint! He not only teaches the kids about self defense, but more importantly for me about respect and discipline like listening (which most 4 year olds lack). Highly recommend! read more

My daughter loves taking martial arts in the Kinder Karate class. Our whole family had incorporated the skills into our daily lives. My daughter is able to stand her ground and also be gentle. No longer does she get pushed down. She goes into Jimmy Stance instead of fleeing from another kid who is chasing her or getting ready to push her. The grounding and calming effect transfers to the other kid. And she can protect herself if someone is out of control. read more

Ask for Ramadan Steve's Karate Kid special for a free lesson. Highly recommend.

Amazing teaching and knowledge of the sport! The Master and his superb teaching staff are the best around! Very affordable and convenient! The two locations are also very convenient and allow flexibility. Everyone should consider bringing their children and themselves here to learn the sport. read more

Master Nagayama and his staff are awesome. My son has been taking classes for over 4 years now. Best place to take your kids. Now, they do teach kids to sparr, and they do sparr against each other, in full gear of course , you son or daughter will get hit, if you are not comfortable with this, you may want to think twice about signing up. They do teach control, but remember kids will be kids. I have seen parents whine and complain to the Master about their son getting hit hard, or some kids hitting harder than others, saw this happen just this week, this IS a Karate studio not a dance studio. Having said that, the boys are very respectful and mindful when sparring against the girls. read more

I have looked into other martial arts studios, but the best one I could find is Ken Nagayama Martial Arts. They really know what they are doing. I would not take my kids anywhere else. read more

My son has been training for 8 years at KNMA. He started when he was 6 years old. I have been extremely happy with the instruction he has received. The price is very reasonable. I would recommend anyone considering Martial Arts training for themselves or their children go to KNMA. Master Nagayama and all the instructors are firm but fair with the students and mix hard work with a bit of fun to keep things fresh and moving. Everyone works at their own pace. They have testing every 2 months so students can advice when they are ready. They have the main studio in Burbank and a satellite studio in San Fernando. The schedule is very accommodating, at the advanced kids level (where my son is at) there is a class everyday of the week if you go to both studios. They have classes for all ages and stages of training. I highly recommend KNMA for the whole family. read more

I just signed my son up for classes and immediately i felt comfort with the teachers and this facility. I took my son to another place in Burbank and it was so disorganized and the teachers didnt really help the new kids. They managed to help my son get down the first few moves while still instructing the others. Master Nagayama is stern, but not a jerk, and still makes the kids laugh and have fun! read more

Excellent instructors and training methodology. The tuition is affordable and you can train as many times a week as you want. They offer many classes throughout the week. Master Nagayama's program incorporates Okinawan Karate (Motobu-Ryu), Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido and blends them into a comprehensive system, which gives you a well rounded martial arts education. You are taught a strong foundation of blocking, punching, kicking, stance and footwork, forms( kata), sparring, joint/wrist locking and throwing techniques, ground fighting and other self defense techniques. I have been a student for over a year, after a nine year lapse in training since I moved & left my former dojo in NY. I was severely out of shape. Within this year, Master Nagayama's training has helped me become strong and fit both physically and mentally. The school also offers a women's fitness class that has a great cardio workout that incorporates practical self defense techniques. This is a super fun class for anyone interested in a workout and wanting to learn some self defense. read more

Coming here has helped me tremendously and Master Nagayama and the rest of the black belts are very helpful and supportive! It is a very warm, welcoming place and everyone here is like family! A phenomenal place and wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

Great quality of instruction is seen throughout the entire class schedule. Master Nagayama is the real deal when it comes to martial arts instructors! Good value for your money and a really fun place for both kids and adults to learn martial arts. read more

Not only is KNMA very affordable, the quality of training is outstanding. If you expect your 7 year old to get a black belt, you will have to go to another school... Master Nagayama provides real, life-long and quality training, not run-of-the-mill movie star stuff! read more