great place ,listen well to the kids need and excellent training! highly recommended !read more

We're very proud to have a student of Master Karstadt's. Our son is younger but there are students…read moreof all ages in the classes & during Covid he has offered virtual attendance. Master Karstadt is a very positive person but he also preaches and expects respect, courtesy, effort and the students respond. TKD is a good skill to learn, a fun way to get exercise (even in the summer) and Master Karstadt is a legendary teacher to learn from (this is not conjecture -- he was recently nominated for a Lifetime Contribution award in the ITF Hall Of Fame). We found Karstadt Taekwa-Do through an introductory rate he offers and there are also camps from time-to-time on self defense, breaking boards, anti-bullying that are beneficial even if you're not a full-time student.

This bjj school has been around for a long time and rightfully so. They've got such a welcoming…read moreatmosphere that it makes it easy to keep coming in. If you're interested in the jiu jitsu, definitely come by.

Best jiu-jitsu dojo in the valley. Been training with these guys for years and it's always a…read morepositive experience. The people at the gym are cool, amazing instructors and plenty of mat space to have fun. Highly recommended!

I love the change I've seen in my son since he's been going here a year. He is more confident and…read moreself assure. Currently working on a blue belt at the moment.

One of the best kept secrets in the Valley of the Sun! It's a new karate school (dojo), and the…read morehead instructor (Sensei) Shawn Sample, is a former World Class Shotokan Karate Competitor. He trains under the legendary Mr. Koyama (a Japan Karate Association Master), for over 40 years. The training is old school traditional Japanese Shotokan Karate. If someone wants to learn practical self defense, lose weight or tone up, or to gain greater self confidence, the training at the JKA of Phoenix will certainly help one reach their goals. The atmosphere of the school is friendly and very professional, and new students are made to feel very welcome. I love training with the other students at the JKA of Phoenix!

The BEST boxing gym around. Coach Ricky is a LEGEND. Kids and Adults will both benefit from his…read morecoaching!

Central and Hatcher north west corner. The owner might be old but he speaks words in a way that is…read morevery impactful and motivating. In the short time I've known him, I promise I won't forget him. He is one amazing motivator with a bit of tough love. This place also offers good community and older champs to look up to. Lord knows we are living in a world deficient of Role models. This place is a diamond in the rough of Knowledge and Community. He has had some health issues that caused him to be away. His heart continues to beat strong within the walls even in his absence. Don't be so quick to judge the faces in between these wall. Everyone who circulates regularly gains more than the skill of boxing. We all have a reason for walking through those doors and for some, they found someone who really cares about showing you your power, your possibilities, your purpose. Read between the lines. The lessons are there if you listen and work through the frustrations and the burn. Opportunities are found in the rarest of places.

Started my martial arts journey here back in 2014 and I couldn't of picked a better place. Everyone…read morehere is so welcoming and they really make you feel like part of the family (something a lot of other places fail to do). Aikido isn't easy but the instructors and other students are patient and give you constant feedback, the things I learned here I still put to use in my current training since I've moved on to other arts. They do a great job of explaining why and how you are doing a certain move and the history of Aikido. Pricing is very affordable and they allow people interested to sit in on a class to watch or you could even try out a class before committing. I really recommend this place for anyone looking to learn the Japanese martial art Aikido or anyone wanting to learn self defense in these crazy times. "domo arigatou" (thank you) for all the training, knowledge and friends I made here.

Been training here since 1971! (They must be doing something right.)…read moreA family-oriented group. Met my wife here and we've trained together for over 40 years. No contracts, many classes all week long. Family rates apply. Where else could you find instructors who also pay dues? It's a 501c3 corporation. All instructors are registered/certified by the Japan Karate Association.

This is a terrific dojo! You just show up, benefit from the workout for both your brain and your…read morebody, and then one day, you have a black belt. Looking back, it all was a fine experience. The senseis and the students here are kind and respectful. Also friendly. There are after training and holiday get togethers that offer a chance to build new friendships. Starting when I was in my 30s, at 78 I still train twice a week. It is my happy place, where I can go to drop whatever problems or issues are pressing on me. And the benefits of those years of training are amazing. I've been able to maintain my weight, have excellent balance, and of course, feel a bit more confident about getting myself safely out of a bad situation. But, as I also learned from training, it's even better not to get into those bad situations in the first place. I'm so glad I did my 30 something year old self the grand favor of checking out this dojo, liking what I saw, and engaging.

Take the trial! You'll be hooked!…read more I have not had such personal attention from other 'sport' studios that my children have been involved in as I have had at Arizona Karate Academy. My 13 yr old son wanted to start a martial arts. After some research he wanted to try the 'trial' at Arizona Karate Academy. He was hooked after he first class. The first time the owner met us, he knew us by name, after having​ only spoken to us once by phone. Very impressed. The owner makes it a priority to know each student individually. The other senseis are also good, kind and personable, yet they teach us discipline and respect. They correct with encouragement and take the time to walk around and give individual pointers. Emily at the desk is very friendly, very helpful and patient with my family with our many questions. Plus AKA teaches life skills. Skills about confidence, respect hard work and perseverance. Things we all need, but I especially want my kids to learn. Now my 8 yr old son wants to join the same Karate studio and I'm considering it for myself.

AIKA is amazing! Not only have I learned how to defend myself, but I've learned how to be more…read moreconfident in myself. All of the Senseis are amazing and they teach me and inspire me every time I go to class. AIKA is like my second home and whenever I enter the dojo, all of my worries from the outside world go away. I highly recommend doing karate at Arizona Isshinryu Karate Academy!

Our family loves Wheeler Tae Kwon Do! This school offers so much more than the traditional…read morecurriculum, emphasizing practical self-defense skills and strategies, including avoiding unsafe situations. Mr. Wheeler has a great connection with kids, and as an example of practical self-defense skills, he teaches kids how to escape a stranger's grasp and coaches kids in how to deal with bullies and deescalate a physical altercation. No uniforms are required, and the school offers female-only and male-only classes. Mr. Wheeler also teaches adults, including a mom's class, weapons defense, and private lessons. This school is also very affordable!

We are big fans of Mr. Wheeler's self defense classes! He is a retired police officer who is…read morededicated to teaching people how to not be a victim. He offers self defense classes for both kids and adults and attendees learn skills to use in realistic situations. I'm a regular member of his mom's self defense class and can't recommend it enough. You can even bring your littles and let them hang out while you do the class. Mr. Wheeler is an amazing teacher who truly cares about his students.