There is something really, reallllly special about Lightspeed Martial Arts... My 6 year old son has been training Taekwondo there for coming up on 2 years now, and I started about six months ago. In that time, we have become so much more than part of an excellent martial arts training program (which it most certainly is!!) we have become part of a community, a LMA family. And our lives are so much the richer for it!!!! We are more fit, more flexible, stronger, more confident AND we have a BLAST doing it! This is truly an amazing place. The approach to learning Taekwondo is so positive and enriched. The students learn martial arts skills... kicks, blocks, balance, stances, sparring, all of the technical aspects of the sport. Alongside, and integrated with that, they are taught life lessons about things like discipline, perseverance, respect, honesty, integrity and much more. Students are taught these things as part of their daily classes, and even more importantly, they are taught by the example of their instructors. Master Salisbury is like a superhero to these kids... he teaches them to be strong and skilled... and compassionate and patient, to be someone who gives and deserves respect, to push your own limits and become the best that YOU can be. He is an absolutely amazing mentor to everyone who trains at LMA, and his teaching style and influence is carried out by each and every one of the other instructors. As well, the more advanced students are taught to be respectful, kind, and encouraging to the newer students.The kindness and willingness to help I see among the students is heartwarming. The world needs more Lightspeed kids, it will certainly be a better place for it!!! The community aspect of this studio is wonderful. In these days where we shuttle our kids around from school to activities and childcare and homework... it's really easy to feel a bit crazy and over extended, it's so hard to get to everything, so easy to feel disconnected. The way that the classes are arranged, as well as the range of types of classes for adults and kids, makes it possible to train with your children, your spouse, your parents, and of course new friends. The scheduling is flexible, with many options of days & times that kids & adults can train. The family classes on Saturday are a favorite of ours! And in addition to the regular roster of classes, there seems to always be something fun coming up where everyone can get together and have fun as a community. There are often events where family and friends who are not current students are encouraged to come, and so the community circle grows both bigger, and stronger. I have met so many amazing people in our time there, from meeting other parent while we watch the kids, to the wonderful ladies in our morning women's Taekwondo classes, evening classes, kickboxing, special events and more. I would give LMA a 10 star rating if I could! It has become a delightful, essential part of our lives, our family, our community. The lessons my son has learned, the lessons we both continue to learn, as we travel this journey along with our fellow students and instructors, are invaluable, and I feel so very, very lucky to be part of it all :) read more

We have three boys who train at LMA. Our oldest son (now age 11) began 5 1/2 years ago at the age of six. He is now training for his Black Belt and hopes to earn it this summer! Our middle son (now 9) started soon after, in the Little Dragon's program at the age of 4. He recently earned his Red Belt - one stripe and is just beginning his year plus journey to Black Belt. Our youngest son has basically grown up in the studio, taking part in Little Dragon's and now training with the "big kids". He just turned 7 and has earned his Orange Belt. Our children have found that this sport has something for each of them and their individual personalities and abilities. They have all developed a high level of focus, determination, and confidence that is regularly commented on by their school teachers. Of course they are still goofy boys, but they know how to "pull it together" when they need to. The instructors at LMS are excellent. They all serve as wonderful role models. They are not only highly skilled in TKD, but they regularly emphasize the importance of education, health/nutrition, and manners. This is not to say that they are always serious. LMA is a really fun place to train. The students are regularly rewarded for training hard, with rounds of dodge ball, sharks and minnows etc... The owners/instructors have created a very family friendly environment at the studio. Their class schedule is extremely flexible and they are understanding of breaks in training for seasonal sports and occasional vacations. LMA also offers something really special for students who want to develop their leadership abilities and learn the skills necessary to teach Tae Kwon Do. The Junior Leader Program has been wonderful for my two oldest boys. They have gained confidence and pride in their abilities to pass on what they have learned to newer students. They really take pride in their leadership role. Both hope to gain the skills necessary to someday teach (while attending school, like many of the current instructors) at the studio that trained them. The Leadership program also teaches students to serve their community through a variety of means. read more

Our journey with LightSpeed Martial Arts began almost nine years ago when my oldest son was just six and researching a sport that would fit his personality. After visiting a lot of martial arts studios in the area, HE chose LightSpeed (then Scotts Valley Tae Kwon Do). His reason for this was clear, the instruction felt safe and the classes looked like fun. My reason for signing him up was the same but I also saw that the instructors showed maturity, were clearly well trained, were great with kids, and I loved the inviting family atmosphere. Nine years later we all feel the same way about our beloved studio. With the incredible instruction and encouragement of the highly talented instructors at Lightspeed, we now have three Black Belts, one Second Degree Black Belt, and one in training in our family of five. I can't say enough about the many years of irreplaceable positive experiences we have had through our relationship with the people and training at LightSpeed Martial Arts. We would all be very different people today without it. If you've ever wondered what a martial arts class would be like (at any age), LightSpeed Martial Arts is the place you want to take your first step! read more

This place has so much to offer! My 5 year old son has been going here for the past 6 months and loves it! He takes awhile to get warmed up in new places, but right away he felt comfortable and excited to participate. The skills they teach are developmentally appropriate yet challenging. Master Salisbury is great at building a respectful but fun rapport with the students. He leads the class well and the kids are always giggling and enjoying themselves. Since starting at Light Speed my child has gained more self-control, diligence and commitment even when it's tough to keep going, more physical stamina and a respectful attitude. Students become like their teachers and I would say all the teachers here are great role models. They have lots of classes for all ages and even an after school program. They have once a month parent-night-out on Friday evenings. It's nice to have peace that your child(ren) are in safe and capable hands and they are having a blast with their friends. I am so happy to have a great place like this for my son! read more

I found Lightspeed last year and have quickly become a devoted member. The staff are all highly trained and well versed in the art of working with children. This place isn't just a Tae Kwon Do studio it is much more than that with fun activities, Summer Camps, and after school programs also offered. Parent classes are available and include Kickboxing, Wing Chun and Tae Kwon Do. The best part of this place for me is certainly the people...the instructors are great and my son loves attending his classes. I have noticed a sense of confidence and pride in my son as he moves up in belt color and knowledge of this art...we are very happy we found Light Speed! read more

I have been an instructor at Lightspeed Martial Arts Academy for several years now, and have trained with the Master instructor for a great deal of my life. I won't write about the teaching, as it would be a bit biased :), but instead I will talk about the people that train at the studio. They are fantastic! Everyday I teach or train in a class it is a pleasure to be there. The environment is very friendly and family oriented(my mom, my dad, and both my sisters train here as well). I have been to other gyms, and they just don't have the same feel. When you come into the studio you become part of the family. read more

LightSpeed Martial Arts Academy is such an amazing place! All the instructors take great pride in what they teach and really work to make sure their students grasp each part of each class. It's like a big family. I am always so comfortable when I'm at the studio. Everyone here is so nice and helpful, instructors and students alike! Best place for Martial Arts in Northern California. :) read more

An excellent summer camp program , my daughter has such a great time and they take great care of the kids. Much more emphasis on the mental then the physical side of the martial arts and it has helped her a lot , would highly recommend. read more

The instructors are very skilled working with kids. The kids are learning, having fun and are absorbing wonderful life lessons about respect and decency. Bravo. read more