I first became a student at Sanford's Martial Arts in 1999. I was 10 years old and my father had…read moreunexpectedly passed away. In the same year we had moved to Soquel with my twin and I starting at a new school. In a year with many unknowns, Sanford's Martial Arts quickly became the community we so desperately needed. I credit this dojo for helping me gain the confidence to navigate difficult life changes and the self discipline to persevere, even in the face of adversity. I continued with my training for many years and even became an instructor. Now my 5 year old has been training for 2 years and I cannot give enough praise for Sanford's Martial Arts youth program. Your child will learn about respect, courage, self discipline, morality and YES, they will learn self defense! As a family owned and operated business established in the 80s, the dojo culture is one built on a foundation of respect, community, and inclusivity. This place feels like home to my family and me.

My son has been practicing karate here for 1.5 years. Truly, I cannot say enough good things about…read morethis program. First, the instructors are amazing. They know where every kid is at skill-wise and are so reassuring and supportive when the students are learning new techniques. Second, mat chats! In every class an instructor takes 5-10 minutes to talk about different subjects like bullying, strangers, trusting your gut, respect, or self discipline. The students get adult role models, aside from their parents, to teach important life skills. Lastly, the dojo feels like an incredibly supportive and safe place to be. Amazing staff, movie nights, karate with mom or dad days, so many fun activities! I'm very thankful for Sanford's and watching my son build confidence here.

Spent many years going to this dojo and have nothing but good things to say about it! The entire…read morecommunity at Aikido of Santa Cruz is lovely and very welcoming. If you're looking for something different to try, I highly recommend!

One of the best places to do Aikido in northern California. Authentic Aikido taught by very…read moreexperienced instructors. Disclaimer: I haven't actually trained with them since about 1991. But I am sure they are still a great group. And why should my opinion count? I have been teaching martial arts (primarily traditional Japanese Karate) since 1984 and am considered by many to be among the best there is at teaching it. When I get back to Aikido, this is definitely where I will be doing it. I highly recommend this group.

Thank you Sensei Sithan Pat, for your remarkable healing ability and returning to me a quality of…read morelife I thought was no long possible. Because of your patience, knowledge and ability, I now have hope, that I can manage my back pain without medication and get back on the path of being physically fit.

Outstanding instruction. Sensai Pat is as genuine as a Sensai should be - a true spiritual…read moremind-body-arts healer who teaches you to move with intention and flow with your breathing in self defense. Learning from a Master does not get better than this. Great for adults and kids. My son and I both participate and it is exhilarating. A very traditional Do-Jo in a small group environment that feels more in tune with your body and awareness of self.

We were looking for an extracurricular activity for our two boys (ages 9 and 6) but were having…read moretrouble finding something that they really took to. They don't do well with someone yelling in their face and they're not big on sports. After asking around, we were recommended Mr. Sells Martial Arts. It's so nice that he offers a free, no commitment, one week trial to really see if the kid(s) enjoy the classes. After a week, our boys were hooked and look forward to attending every afternoon. Mr. Sells is so patient and knows his stuff. All the kids respect him and you can tell they all WANT to be there, they're not forced to be there. Mr. Sells will teach your child all things karate, but also sprinkles in some valuable life lessons with each class. None of that toxic masculinity stuff! Pricing is reasonable especially for how flexible the time/classes are. There's always going to be a class that fits your schedule and he doesn't make you feel bad if you miss one. I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone, but even more so if you have a timid/introverted kiddo. Try to get there a little early if you have questions, or call and leave a message, because classes start timely and he is busy with the kids once 3pm hits.

We've known Curtis since High School. He is a very dedicated, knowledgeable, well-qualified…read moreinstructor. Our 3 year old son feels very comfortable with Curtis in his class. For all the parents reading this, I highly recommend Curtis Sells Martial Arts for your kids, He is very gentle and nurturing, and your kids will surely love him. Also, Curtis Sells Martial Arts teaches LOVE, RESPECT, UNDERSTANDING, FOCUS, PEACE, and more to his students.

A great place for your kids to get their energy out while learning important skills like…read moreself-control and improved fitness. My son really benefitted from the summer camp activities (https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=718624776931153&set=a.495141399279493) that kept him engaged and motivated.

My two sons and I have been studying at Laird's for a few months now and I have to say this place…read moreis amazing. Master Laird is incredible with young students as well as adults. He will make sure you do the best you can and then push you to get better. I spent several years looking at schools and instructors and am delighted to have found Laird's. Highly recommended.

This place is just amazing! The curriculum, the instructors, the way the classes are structured and…read morethe flexibility they provide in terms of class schedule - amazing! Our daughter tried somewhere else first and hated it. We thought she would never go back to MA until she experience Innovative Martial Arts through a friend's B-Day party. She asked us to sign her up right away which shocked us give her previous experience in another SVL place. She is now green belt and still lovin' it! Bottom line: this is THE place for martial arts in Scotts Valley/Santa Cruz. Nobody gets remotely close to it! This is IT!

I love the way they teach. patient, encouraging with emphasis on the concept at first, then into…read morethe details later. I've never seen martial arts taught so well to kids. they keep it fun and a majority stay with it as. they advance. growing up in martial arts and having taught, I've never seen such success. I highly recommend Innovative Martial Arts to anyone looking for an effective mix of Martial Arts whether gung ho or intimidated. Great Sensies keep it a balance of intense learning and fun.

I cannot say enough about this karate dojo! My daughter has been going since she was 4 years old…read moreand is 11. She is advancing through her belts the way a real proper dojo should. They have to go through test, show an understanding of honor, respect and fortitude. The school does not promise to advance your child to blackbelt in a few short years if you sign up for their membership. It's impressive to see the longevity of students who have stayed with this amazing school. I cannot say enough about the sensai/teachers. They are the absolute best I have seen in training, support, kindness, respect and all without humiliating or screaming at your child. They hold the students accountable for their actions with wisdom and explanations. I actually have put off the thought of moving from the area just to keep my daughter in this facility. I have also taken the kickboxing classes myself to get in physical shape for my job and I dropped 30lbs in 2 months! I've grown to love the staff and the familiar faces that I've watched grow up here. They take the classes seriously, but have this incredible way of adding humor and fun and adjusting the levels of seriousness to the proper age groups. The little kids love the staff, and learn about respecting them and each other as well as their parents. I highly recommend coming and at least trying one class, whether it's for your child or even yourself in one of the adult classes. Best decision I've made for my young child to show her what it is to stick with a good program through her life and earn rewards, (advancing a belt), and to continue even when tired, (like after volleyball practice). I would give them a 100 stars if I could for what they've done so far.

AWESOME! The instructors, the space, the kids are all great. The program promotes self…read more improvement, integrity and fun. Kicking boxing for adults is also great!

Sensei Preston offers an authentic expression of Okinawan karate, having studied under Grand Master…read moreShoshin Nagamine himself. As a student, I not only learned the physical, but much more importantly, the cultural and mental aspects of karate. Classes are intense, focused, and after a year or two, I was in such good shape, I could run for an hour and not even be winded. I was a student for several years before I got sidetracked by work obligations... I miss it very much, and intend to return to classes the first chance I get. If you want an authentic, and complete, karate experience, not just stripped down physical martial arts training, then there's no better place to get it than the Santa Cruz Matsubayashi Karate Dojo. Sensei also offers classes for children. My kids were students for a while (they also got side tracked) and enjoyed it very much. I'm hoping to return them to classes soon.

I have been in this studio for over 5 years and I am soon going to test for my balckbelt! The…read moreinstructors in the Studio have alot of patience and have many events to make us happy ! They have many ways how to teach us in a disciplined but fun way always! I highly recommend this studio all kids here are amazing !

I have been going here for 6 years now and got my black belt.this is a fun and great way to…read morediscipline your child or you every age group is invited to this awesome martial arts school.i personal have a good and positive view of this school,everyone is treated like family.

All three of our children started their journey with Full Circle at 5 years of age. We could not be…read morehappier with the quality of instruction, discipline, and coaching they've received by KJN and her black belt student instructors. She is incredibly patient with a diverse group of children. KJN has a wonderful ability to teach. She makes the learning environment fun and enjoyable, while maintaining a consistent structure and discipline. If you're looking for a martial arts discipline for your child, our family HIGHLY recommends Full Circle.

Absolutely the best experience ever! We have been going since 2021. The quality of hands-on…read moreexpertise each student receives in 2nd to none. FCMA has truly been a blessing for our son. In addition to Learning Taekwondo, you also learn Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Eskrima, Jujitsu, and Self Defense. It is a family like atmosphere; all parents and kids are very encouraging of each other. Stop by and check it out!