it's a McDojo. A constant push of emails and high prices for long contracts. not worth the money for what you get out of it. Especially for adults. All the best Instructors left a reason. They claim they have linage but it's definitely not seen in the classes, which aren't even an hour long. Even as a business they aren't good. The karate is all taught by teens who dont teach correctly and barely know anything because belts are handed out like candy. They dont teach kids anything and mainly good off in class and if they do teach its all games or "good job" without pushing for excellence. That does not help the students, especially the childre. Dont recommend read more

This Kicks Karate location is amazing! They have some of the best karate instructors. I have 3 girls and realized they are all on the shy side. I wanted them to boost their self-esteem and confidence. The instructors have definitely helped my 10 years old and 5 years old transform in a few months. The sensei(s) are stern, but at the same time all have great sense of humor. Personally, I love watching the kids getting disciplined while exercising. Only if I could go back in time and learn karate when I was a child! read more

It is horrible!! After a free trial class, they kept calling us, sending many many emails and messages to us to push us to register. Then they gave us a very simple link to buy the classes. Then they keep sending emails to push people to do the belt test which cost 50 dollars and in two month this test comes again. And the 2000$ tuition per year does not include an uniform and you have to buy it from them with 50$ again. And the most dramatical part is, when we wanted to cancel the class saying we are moving, the manager kept asking where we are moving to, and said they can transfer us to the new place. We said our child is not interested in Karate any more. He said he can not cancel our class because we registered for one year. No any options!! Come on, the link they gave us to buy the class was only a few lines without any policy text saying it is not allowed to cancel it. In addition, the class is very very crowded. More than 20 students in one class. Anyway, this is a horrible karate class. Try to avoid it! read more

Our son has been attending Kicks in N. Potomac for a year now, and he loves it. He is super motivated by the quarterly belt tests, plus he just loves all of the instructors (shout out to Ms. Nina and Tammy and Mr. Daniel and Matt and Chris). They are stern but fun and teach karate while also teaching life lessons. I was a little nervous about signing the contract since my son was 5 and new to karate (took a few classes via a Groupon before we signed up), but I think it's really important to teach your kids that if they say they want to do something, they follow through. read more

They are smart as far as marketing. The stupid parents who hear the instructors tell our kids -- listen to your parents -- is a very good marketing ploy so parents feel like their money is worthy it. What is disturbing though is how their male instructors (senior instructor) flirt with the married women. I had to tell one of them to stop texting my wife and asking her out to go on a friendly trail walk. WTF. read more

We have been taking our son here since he was 3 and a half. He is now enrolled in the 7 year old classes. The instructors are great, full of energy and the classes not only teaches karate but also life lessons. Overall, the N Potomac is the best and I would recommend it to anyone seeking an activity for the little ones that can stay with them for a lifetime. read more

You better be very very sure your child wants to do karate when you sign up.... because you will have to sign a 9 month contract similar to the hard-to-break fitness club memberships. My son didn't like it after a few sessions and we ended up paying four months of membership before they would let us out of contract. Also, it is a continuous program so new participants just have to figure out what is going on because they are thrown right into class with other kids who have been in the program. read more

My son has been going to Kicks in Gaithersburg for 5 years. The staff is extremely friendly to the parents, and most importantly, the instructors are patient with the kids and always excited to be there and teach them. We have been extremely happy with the program and feel that they are our family too. Someone posted that you have to sign a 9 month contract with them. This is true, but academy gives you a free month to try them out. If your child doesn't like it after a month, you are not hooked into anything at all. read more

Kicks Karate is an amazing, amazing place be to learn not only the crafts of martial arts and self-defense but also to develop important life-lessons such as goal-setting, positive accomplishment, self-respect and respect for others in a positive, constructive and uplifting environment. How do I know? I have two daughters, ages 15 and 8, who love to be there. In fact, it's the only activity in which *they* want to be involved instead of us having to push and prod. The facilities are clean and well-maintained and environment is inspiring and supportive. What makes the place really exceptional, however, is the instructors. They are friendly yet professional, demanding but kind, dedicated to their craft and passionate about working with children (and adults - more about that later). Because such qualities are shared by all instructors, I think credit goes to their management team and founders, who must be working hard to instill such values in their team. I am happy to say, I have also been a student at Kicks Karate Darnestown for the last 6 months in their adults program. While keeping up with a group of 15-year old black-belts is always a challenge, I must say, the experience has been enormously satisfying, rewarding and fun. Needless to say, I highly recommend Kicks Karate. read more

Great facility for all ages! They encourage children just learning karate all the way through to their black belts in a very nurturing and yet exciting way. Kids love coming here! They also offer excellent kickboxing classes for adults. Super high energy and so fun. The instructors are the best! Highly recommend!! read more

HIGHLY recommend the Kick Boxing program!! If you're Looking for an hour of High Intensity Interval Training this is perfect. My family and friends also signed up after I suggested it and within a month we're already seeing results not only with physical gains but also with flexibility and balance. Daniel, Nina and Matt are great instructors!!! Make sure to attend one of their classes and see if you can keep up, even as a beginner you can take the class at your own pace. I see some previous reviews (which are from 4-5 years ago anyways) about people having issues with the contracts and stuff which seems like more of a communication issue on their end, the employees at this kicks location are very understanding and if you give them a notice ahead of time they will surely work with you. This is definitely worth the money to me because I push my self harder when i workout in a group, and also the trainers plan a great workout depending on which muscles you're hitting that day. ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR FITNESS GOALS! read more

Watch your contract and I should have--normally I do--but I was traveling for two weeks before I made time to call them--my fault I guess. I needed to cancel due to an extreme family situation. They don't care and will hold you to the contract. Additionally, people should know if they have auto renewal on their contracts as you have to give seven days notice before the renewal or they will hold you to the 90 days cancellation policy--as per contract. I now have to pay three months dues to meet the contract obligation even though my son will not be available to attend. It is a contract and I signed it -- just poor business on their part when some flexibility may be warranted/appreciated. read more

Mr Matt is great with kids, our three year old son was fully engaged and had a great time. He can't wait to go back and have more fun. Great teacher/student ratio read more

We started at 3 years old went for 2 years. This place taught the same thing over and over again all these years. Very poor teaching quality and no skill/form learning at all. Please take your money and time some other place. This is a very expensive price to pay for 30 min of chilled care. read more

I have been taking my son here for a year and I am glad I chosed this location. The teachers are awesome, they keep the kids interested and they take their time instructing the kids. read more

My 8 year old loves Kicks Karate! Well organized, clean studios, flexible class times, and professional and caring staff. Before he found Kicks, he didn't have one particular activity that he looked forward to and worked hard for. We couldn't be happier. read more

Thank you Mr Bradley Guerra for your Sparring Drills and insider tips. Also your Self -Defense with Step by Step and pairing with right person makes this Martial-Arts School very safe . Can 't wait to learn more. Esther Ramirez-de-Arellano read more

My son has never gotten into sports but he's been going to Kicks for 4 years and they still find ways to challenge him while keeping it fun. My wife also swears by the cardio kickboxing classes as a great way to tone up (and take out some frustrations). It's also refreshing to see instructors and young people that care about what they're doing. read more

The comments on here about watching the contract are dead on. I called in December to cancel. They didn't cancel me. They keep billing. They told me I have to show up to cancel. Just a ploy to make it difficult. My advice - DO NOT sign a contract. Only do pay per time or find another karate studio. read more

The program itself is OK. The teachers are nice, and they keep the kids moving for the whole class. The problem is there billing practices. They bill through a third party. My wife went in and signed the papers to quit, but they continued to bill us. It was partially my fault, because their billing company does not use the Kicks Karate name on the credit card bill, and it was billed to a very active credit card, so I didn't catch it for a few months. I called and they denied ever receiving a cancellation letter (even though it was hand delivered to one of the instructors). My wife went in again once we figured out we were still being billed, and was told that it would be taken care of. I since canceled that credit card. Two months later, I started getting phone calls from their billing agency saying my bill was 60 days past due. I talked yet again to management and they agreed to wave any existing fees, but are requiring us to come in yet again and sign another cancellation notice. As the previous reviewer stated, it's really like one of the adult fitness centers. They only offer a long term contract, knowing that half the kids will quit early. They also have very poor billing management, which gets them even more free money, as they simply deny the receipt of cancellation notice, and continue billing. I would say the actual instruction program is decent, but the billing and management is moving into SCAM territory. read more

My daughter attended lessons at Kicks Karate and enjoyed it. Most of the instructors were nice. The problem is when we were billed incorrectly that my issues started. The manager was arrogant and condescending. It took several calls to get the problem fixed. It should have taken just one. We quit due to the bad customer service we received. Never going back. read more

This is a great school, they work really well with beginners. They offer a free private class as well as a class with the other students before signing a contract to make sure your child will enjoy it. It's been the best thing I've done for my daughter, she loves it. And she really enjoys the instructors. read more

My youngest son (3 1/2) has been going to Kicks for about 9 months. We love the program (teaching about disciple, respect, concentration, "First time listening"). My older son (9) saw how fun it was and has now joined. I totally agree with Lee, the instructors are great. They keep the classes fun & really show the kids they care (always referring by first names). It is a little pricey, but we know the kids are not only learning karate - they are also learning skills that will stay with them later on in life. read more

Kicks is nothing short of awesome. My son started when he was four. Trust these guys to get life lessons through using martial arts as the "activity." Every single instructor is endearing to the kids in his/her own way. They are GREAT role models. We have been thrilled with our experience here. read more