A few weeks ago I began searching for local martial arts schools. I remembered a few years ago, my daughters school had a demonstration done by Manchester Karate Studio. She enjoyed the demonstration and came home with a broken board with her name on it, which I thought was pretty cool. I have had prior martial arts training when I was younger, which had a tremendous impact on me during my teenage years, and was something I looked forward to my daughter experiencing also. Our first 2 orientation/visits were scheduled with Mr. MacDonald. I went in there holding my breath and my fingers crossed, like I said, this was an experience that meant a lot to me and I wanted the same for my daughter-although if she wasn't interested, I would not force her! The visits couldn't have gone better! Mr. Mac was awesome! Friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to follow. I knew my daughter was a little nervous and probably intimidated, but he knew how to make her feel more comfortable and got her laughing a bit. When she started having fun and began to relax, I did too! When we got to that time-the time to talk money and commitment, I could still tell that she was still a little unsure, and I definitely did not want to sign up for something that she wasn't 100% sure of. Mr. Mac answered ALL of her questions..which had a lot to do with things that mean nothing to an adult, but everything to an 11 year old pre-teen girl. I appreciated him not undermining her questions, but going above and beyond to help to ease her mind. We ended up signing up for a year, her favorite part was being able to take home the training equipment! During her first class, she was personally greeted by every single instructor, she was encouraged, and high fived, which was nice to see. I was also greeted by a few of the instructors, which I appreciated. Although we are at the very beginning of our journey with MKS, I have very high expectations. I'm looking forward to her gaining a lot more confidence, self discipline, friends, and values. At this age, it is crucial to have and gain positive self esteem, to be around like minded kids, and have positive role model to look up to. With all the bullying problems that are so common today, I also believe it is extremely important to be able to defend yourself, not only physically, but mentally, and I hope she gains this by training at MKS. read more

I have been a student at MKS for almost 4 years now and I still say joining the school was one of the best decisions I've ever made! I am on the last leg of the final 1st Degree Black Belt test and cannot believe how far I've come both physically and mentally since my first class in 2011. I am excited for the next chapter in my MKS career as a Studio Black Belt (fingers crossed!!). The instructors are phenomenal, the school is welcoming and well-managed, and the other students in the program have been a joy to grow and develop with. Even if I have a tough day at work, coming to class in the evenings makes everything seem so much better. Plus, having an escape to just leave all my troubles behind once I step on the mat is priceless. Mr. McKenzie (our instructor) is a great leader and continuously gives positive reinforcement and encouragement into all of his students, young and old, white belt beginners to 4th Degree Black Belts. Up until 2011, I have never had any experience with Martial Arts or any form of Karate. I joined to try something different, something that might shake up my life a little bit. I was working 50-60 hours a week and attending night classes for my MBA; I needed something to break up my day and take my mind off work and studying. My original expectations were just to come in, throw some punches and learn a few cool self-defense techniques... nothing special. Boy was I completely surprised to find out that it was a great deal more than that. Not only do you learn all of these extraordinary self-defense techniques and physical skills, you also work to develop your self-discipline, mental focus, and self-control. Skills that I have applied to my personal life outside of MKS, leadership abilities at work and a personal motivation I never knew I had. Again, I honestly believe that MKS has changed my life! I am not one to usually leave feedback on these types of things, but I will make an exception for MKS. It truly has become my second home and I wouldn't trade the knowledge I have gained from here for the world. read more

We are relatively new to this studio, but my first impression is that this particular karate school will hopefully fulfill a number of extremely important lessons and experiences we have been looking for for our extremely gregarious but challenging son. I have thoroughly reviewed the written materials provided at the onset of the program and the goals and principles laid out could not fit more with my wishes and values that I would like to instill in my children. I have had the opportunity to not only see my child's class but the beginnings and endings of other classes and I am extremely impressed with the instructors. With the kid's classes there is always one main instructor, but there are numerous other instructors involved to wrangle the kids and move the class forward in an orderly fashion so your child is not sitting around waiting for his or her turn. I did read the 1 star review written by Peter regarding the overcrowding of the school, and I can understand the perception that it is crowded, but if you are paying attention you see that the ratio is as advertised and there are other kids on the edge of the mat waiting for their class to start, so it can seem busy, but again, there is a great deal of order and organization and I'm amazed at how well they handle large groups of young children with a ton of energy. If you are expecting one on one training with your child you will have to pay for it. I see a busy (but organized) studio as a good indication of success, as I think anyone would who has any clue regarding good business. And although this is a business, I have gotten the impression from each and every instructor that I have observed thus far that they are heartily committed to their art and their students. Everyone seems genuinely committed and caring. I will certainly update my review if my first impression proves false, but thus far my son is in love with karate and is already picking up on the important principles. I am looking forward to signing up and working with him in a few weeks. read more

After attending a party for another student, my middle daughter begged to join, so we signed her up. She absolutely loves coming! My youngest daughter wanted to join after watching her sister and we signed her up as well. She also fell in love with karate! While it can be costly, I don't find it any different from any other sports program where you have an initial start up fee and then the cost of all your equipment. The prices are reasonable once you break them down and they have one of the most flexible payment plans I have come across. They also offer family discounts that increase with family members! The staff is phenomenal! They are friendly, helpful, and they really care. Before any belt is earned they inquire about behavior and respect at home and at school. I find this to be important because it teaches my girls that hard work, respect, and behavior helps you achieve your goals and you are rewarded for doing your best. Both of the girls have gained more confidence and have learned to think first. One of the assistants, Mr. Fox, made my daughters week when he sent her a post card complementing her on her kicks! The frequent calls and emails from staff to "check in" on the girls at home shows they are just as committed to your children's success as you are. Thank you to all the staff at MKS, you rock! read more

I went to Manchester Gracie Jiu Jitsu which is part of Manchester Karate several years ago on the recommendation of a friend. I found the staff to be very friendly, helpful and willing to take the extra time to help me progress at my speed. As my work takes me out of State often I have come to realize what a special group of people they are. I have trained in several other schools when I am away for work and have been surprised at the difference between those schools and Manchester Karate or what I call "my school". The biggest difference is the personal attention given to us by the instructors, perfection of technique instead of here's what we need to do today. Mr White, Ross and the many guest instructors are always willing to answer or help me through any difficulty. I feel like part of a family not a client. And lastly but certainly not least I have to mention the cleanliness. At the other schools I have trained at the sweat smell and unwashed gi's were common even for the instructors, not so here! Not only do they offer top notch Martial Arts Training in several disiplines, but respect,patience, confidence are also shown and taught here. I would highly recommend Manchester Karate and hope to see you on the mat soon. read more

I signed my six year old daughter up for Karate lessons about four weeks ago. My goals were a combination of instilling a little more confidence and discipline in her; as well as improving her social skills. Manchester Karate Studio has proven to be an absolute success thus far. Everything is awesome. She is taking to it like a duck to water. She was practicing her student creed on the way to and from last night's lesson. She wants to be ready in case she has to lead class. "Daddy, I need to be louder so they know I am paying attention." She practices her karate at home and the in-class lessons keep coming up as well:"Daddy, I turned off the water when I was brushing my teeth like the karate man said." I smile for 45 minutes each night watching her in class. She absolutely beams with excitement and pride. The instructors are very patient with all the children in class and somehow keep all the young ones moving in the same direction with little to no distractions. I am excited that this is the beginning of a long term relationship and look forward to watching the positive change in her. read more

We are just getting started with Manchester Karate. Our first experience was through a party my daughter was invited to. As a public school teacher (20 years) and a former dance teacher, I was pleasantly surprised at the professionalism and the ability of Mr. Standen to manage a large group of 4/5 year olds at this party. I was also pleased that even at a birthday party, the emphasis was on discipline, respect, and using martial arts only as self defense (and only after trying to walk away or talk your way out of a bad situation). We decided to give it a try, because my 5 year old was very interested. She's had 2 private lessons with Mr. MacDonald and will be starting group classes this week. She is more focused in these lessons than I've ever seen her. And Mr. MacDonald has been emphasizing respect and listening with her, since we expressed that those are high on our list of priorities for her. I like that the instructors are friendly and approachable, while still maintaining an orderly environment and prioritizing respect for teachers and classmates. read more

I have found that Manchester Karate Studio has an exceptional staff. From day one the contact with the instructor was great. The follow up continues weekly with follow up calls made to find out if we have any concerns. Our son has ADHD and is not that easy to work with and its tuff at times getting him to want to go but once he is there well he gets right into it and its our hope that this will be productive for him to help with the issues of ADHD and so far it has been beneficial. We love parents night out three hours 6-9 every two months on a Saturday is great! Kids look forward to the time they have without parents around especially when your 9 and ADHD can you imagine no parents on my own for pizza a movie and fun with other children...He loved it and its nice he gets to see another side of the Karate School besides the classes. So far so good, I will say I never thought Karate was going to be so expensive but I have heard Karate classes in general are. All in all we love the school and the staff. The Farias Family read more

I love this place!! From the values they teach the kids to enforcing respect to us parents, to the training program and other programs the have to other, moms night out, classes we do with our kids to help earn them a patch/belt. Everything is earned and not given. I love this. The instructors, every one of them are great with the parents to the kids. Great discipline teaching to where the kids are learning and not feeling pressured or yelled at like some places I've seen and heard of. This place is family goaled and the kids are learning so many things they don't realize it because it's fun. When it's time for class it's work but fun. I would highly recommend. Also they are great with children with special needs to the average child or angry, they gear the lessons to each child yet still a group or private. It's amazing to watch a disrespectful kid turn on a dime as soon as they walk in here. And no one yelled or pressured them. They want to learn and want to be there. read more

Having attended a different martial arts program for over 2 years in the past, I have now attended this one going on 5 years with my children. MKS is a terrific place, much better than my prior experience. MKS does take the time to work with everyone individually. They have multiple classes at each level every week, including days and nights, on a rotating schedule so there is time to work with a busy family schedule. They are flexible and respect when students have scheduling conflicts. In the program they teach self-esteem and goal setting as well as functional martial arts. The lead instructors are outstanding, and the assistant instructors are truly helpful. Be aware the adult classes are a bit different than the children classes. I was able to attend my children's classes when they were small as well as adult classes for me without extra cost. This place has a genuine interest in training people in the martial arts and they know how to do it. read more

We are new to the studio and have enrolled our son who is 31/2 and we looked at other places and felt the others did not have a program and certainly not a curriculum as Manchester Karate did. Our desire was and is not for our son to become the next Jet Lee, we wanted to find a group of like minded people that understood his mind and we'll being were more important than his karate skills at his age. As for the other reviews complaining about class size and studio size, I have done martial arts since I was 6 and the class sizes do not seem big to me and the studio size is perfect for close quarters hand to hand combatives training. Not every studio is for every person but if you are looking for a karate studio with a long standing history of safely developing students and families I assure you Manchester Karate is the one. read more

When I brought my oldest son (6 years old) into Manchester Karate Studio, I was at my wits end. He was constantly bouncing off the walls and was beibg disrespectful and not listening in school or at home. Since he joined we have fallen in love with the program and have seen HUGE changes in his behavior, both in the studio and out. Now its not just my oldest son getting ready to test for his belt promotion, but also myself, my husband and our middle child (4 year old Little Dragon) and in just a few short years our youngest will be going through the program as well. MKS has worked with us to make the program affordable for our whole family and it is such a great bonding experience as a family to practice together and teaches the kids the value of being active and healthy. I could not recommend this studio more! read more

My child has been attending Manchester Karate Studio since the fall of 2013. The classes are great! There are so many choices for when she can attend that we choose what works for our schedule and preference in class size. I always feel there are a good ratio of instructor to students. The comment about all for money bothered me as if that were true my child would have received her next belt without trying, instead my child was asked to practice more and show effort and test again when ready, which I completely agreed with! The instructors are patient and kind! Anytime we have a question or concern it is answered quickly and professionally. Thank you Manchester Karate Studio for a great character building program teaching personal responsibility. All while having fun learning Martial Arts and getting a workout! read more

My daughter spent about 9 years at the Manchester Karate Studio and we have some wonderful memories from that time. When she started (in 2005), she was 4 years old and in the Little Dragons program. When we stopped 2 years ago - for scheduling reasons - she had her 1st Degree Black Belt. There were many things to love about being there -- the reinforcement of the importance of good manners, respect for authority, and learning how to better yourself and the person standing next to you. Going through the final ramp-up to achieving that Black Belt was one of the best things my daughter ever did for herself. I think she will always be proud of having made it... read more

My son and I started taking classes 12 weeks ago. We are both very impressed with not only what we have learned in this time but how the instructors are teaching it. Everybody we have met has been very polite and considerate of others. Great atmosphere for me and my 10 year old son. As far as a few of the reviews below. I'm sure they may offer private classes if that's what you are looking for. We think there is plenty of room. Everyone has there space to practice and if you have a question they answer you as soon as possible. I would recommend this facility to anyone looking to learn martial arts. Thank you Manchester Karate Studio. read more

I just came on here to write a review about Manchester Karate and I was completely shocked for the low reviews. My son has been going here for about 3 months now. We both love it. He is almost 4, the instructors are awesome and work very well with the little ones. I read someone saying that it is overcrowded. I was there tonight, (Friday night, I'm sure their busiest). There was 16 kids in the class, but 4 instructors! That's a great ratio of instructors to kids. Maybe there is so many people there because it's a great place! Everyone is very positive and very respectful. I cannot think of anything bad to say. We look forward to class every week!! read more

I'm 36 years old and was nervous about starting something new like karate and nervous about feeling awkward in class. That was not the case at all. After the first two one on one meetings with Mr MacDonald, I felt very comfortable going to my first class. This school is very professional and very respectful. Class may be large but there is lots of space and tons of energy. As far as price, I don't think 20 bucks a class is unreasonable. Yoga, Zumba, or Cross fit are equal or more. I love it and look forward to every single class. I can't put a price on feeling this excited about going to Manchester Karate Studio. They Rock!! read more

My son started lessons with them a couple of weeks ago. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They have walked me through every step of the process from signing up, the first classes, what we needed to start, how the classes work, etc...they have even called just to check in and make sure we have everything we need. They have great class options that work with our already crazy schedule and are extremely flexible. Their prices are very reasonable and the flexible payment options are easy on the budget . I have already recommended them several times to friends and family and will continue to do so. read more

My brother-in-law has been taking his son here for years and recommended it to my husband for our 9 year old son. Our first impression of the staff is overwhelmingly positive. They are extremely friendly and helpful, answering all our questions and concerns. What is even more impressive is that they emphasize the holistic development of the individual and not just some "cool moves" on the mat. The importance of self-discipline, respect, self-confidence was emphasized with the goal of becoming life skills to be ingrained in the student wherever they go. Very positive environment. read more