Finally over this place. This is an update review. It WAS a great place. I used to work at martial arts international but had to leave because they could not get over their shady business practices. All the reviews are true both positive and negative. The quality and content of what kids are learning is great, but it was used as a justification for uncalled for actions. The martial arts training was fun and exciting for both students and instructors that care for bringing martial arts to families. However, when the owner has a "I don't care what's being taught as long as my margins are good mentality" you run into the issues most people have and express here on yelp. All the instructors and assistant instructors left at the peak of good training, some to go on and train elsewhere. This should be a red flag in itself. Martial Arts international WAS a good dojo to train but it is not what it once was. It was ran into ground over the years because of the young entrepreneur mindset of cutting corners and bad deals. Then the answer to continue in the business was to figure out how to lie, find ways to cheat employees and clients to get better profit margins. Go to the trial class, hear the used car salesman pitches and vibes. Glance over the small print in the contracts. Look at the owners new Porsche but also couches the parents sit on that are falling apart. They are nice and great at first but when they get comfortable with you the true colors show. That's why everyone that knows them eventually leaves. read more

AVOID THIS CLUB. THEY ARE MASTERS IN CHEATING !!! My daughter attended for 4 years and I'm not very happy with how it went. Sensei Lo Bell is not a trustworthy person. Overcharging had been a routine task he did. I had to follow up endless times to get that corrected--many times I just gave up. He is just after your money. He doesn't care if your kids get the right training or not. This club was closed multiple times FOR MULTIPLE MONTHS and trainers leave very often. My child's growth was very much hampered. If you are serious about this club then exercise caution. read more

THIS REVIEW SPEAKS FOR SENSEI JAMIE. NOT THE DOJO. 5 Stars to Sensei Jamie. Enrolling my child under Sensei Jamie's guidance at the karate dojo was truly enlightening. Sensei Jamie's commitment to his students and the community is remarkable. He not only possesses extensive knowledge of karate but also demonstrates a genuine care for each child's well-being and growth. His individualized attention and support create a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and motivated. Sensei Jamie's reputation in the karate community reflects his expertise and dedication. If you're seeking a mentor who not only teaches karate but also instills values and fosters personal development, Sensei Jamie is an exceptional choice. It was sad to see him leave. Dojo was not the same after. Kiddo has since been dis enrolled. Other sensei cares about the business not the students. BEWARE! read more

MAI has been our family, our community, and our support network for the past four years. We spend several days a week at the dojo, so it's natural everyone there has become a big part of our lives. Along with martial arts, this organization is also training my kids to be well-adjusted, balanced, kind, loyal, respectful, responsible human beings. These are qualities that will last them a lifetime. My son started out as a hesitant 5 year old and quickly gained a sense of belonging, pride, determination, and respect for himself, the program, and the people in his life. Looking up to her brother, my oldest daughter then began the program two years later at age 4. (I will also be putting my other two daughters into the program when they are old enough.) We started out the program gradually on a month-to-month basis to make sure my son stuck with it. After a year, we knew we were definitely in it for the long term. Both of my kids entered the Black Belt Club, which is a program where students commit to seeing their training through to the black belt level. My kids also joined the tournament team, which is a blast! This gives them an additional day of training each week in preparation for regional tournaments. It has been thrilling to not only see my children progress, but also expose them to an extended martial arts community where they can observe the other dojos compete and further challenge themselves in their own training. The senseis at the dojo are amazing. They are firm and motivating, encouraging the kids at all times to do their very best. They foster an atmosphere of positivity and good sportsmanship. They recently started a monthly Dojo Champ program to honor exceptional students--both in and out of the dojo. Many of the older kids, as part of their advanced training, also help teach the classes. They are like big brothers and sisters to the kids--someone for them to look up to and aspire to. Covid times were rough for us, and we held back on group classes for a few months (I am at a greater risk, being pregnant), but Sensei LoBell worked with us to get the kids in for private lessons in lieu of group classes. Since the kids have been back at school five days a week, we resumed our regular schedule at the dojo. They literally have not been happier, and simply can't get enough! Even on non-karate days they are asking to go to the dojo. It is so wonderful for them to be with friends again in a safe environment. The program has been worth every penny we have invested in it; we have gotten so much more out of it than we had ever expected or imagined. While other sports we tried (soccer, baseball, etc.) quickly fell by the wayside, karate has remained a constant in my kids' lives. It's a lifestyle, and it is our community and family. I couldn't be more thrilled with the program, the dojo, and the people at MAI. read more

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We have been apart of the MAI Carlsbad family now for a year. This was the first sport/activity our 7 year old daughter Shelby stuck with and has greatly enjoyed. Our daughter was recently diagnosed with combine type ADHD and I believe these classes have greatly contributed to the improvement in her focus and overall wellbeing. Sensei Lobell as well as the other instructors are patient, fun (yet firm), and I can tell really enjoy what they do. Sensei Lobell in particular you can tell is incredibly passionate about karate and educating his students. I am very confused by the reviews that mention he has "retaliated" or is "money hungry" because we have had the complete opposite experience with this studio. When the studio was forced to shut down due to Covid-19, Sensei Lobell worked with us and helped form a plan that would both benefit us as well as the studio financially. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out during this challenging time. I suppose the best advice I can give anyone is DO NOT reach out to the billing company this studio uses, go to the Sensei direct because the billing company is a 3rd party that follows the contract to the letter. They won't be of much help. In addition, when our daughter finally could resume her lessons, she was discouraged, frustrated and told me she didn't like karate anymore which was not like her. She had trouble remembering the moves (as anyone would after a three month hiatus). I relayed this info to Sensei Lobell and he generously offered to meet with her one on one to get her excited about karate again. This to me is exceptional customer service and was so kind. We look forward to seeing how our daughter progresses with MAI in the future! read more

As a mother of 6, during Covid , I needed to get my kids out of the house. They needed exercise and brain stimulation. After watching every episode of Cobra Kai. the boys decided that they wanted to explore martial arts. So, we went to literally 11 different facilities over a 2 month period. MAI was the last place we visited, because we knew that we had found our new home. I have enjoyed working with Sensai Lobell and feel that with clear communication and understanding- anything is possible. MAI has been amazing for all 3 of our boys (one being a foster child). Each of the children have been able to work on their own area of growth. Which have included life skills as well as physical discipline. read more

Martial Arts International - Martial Arts Near Me - Carlsbad, California

We absolutely love MAI! My son has been a member for almost 2 years, and LOVES it! We tried several sports and this is the only one that stuck for him! Sensei Lobell is a great instructor and is very passionate about teaching the kids! They also have family classes which amazing! My son has learned so much here and we can't wait to see where this takes him! read more

DO NOT SIGN UP HERE. They are a bunch of scammers. We moved while the dojo was closed and even after providing the requested proof of move they still denied my refund request. I visited the dojo multiple times trying to get a refund and the receptionist kept telling me the manager wasn't there so she couldn't do anything. They eventually gave me the information for the billing company to cancel the membership but I still have not received a refund for August and September. read more

I think sensei Lobell needed our cash so he went against the integrity that I thought was instilled in this art form and his business. I signed my son up and I had tons of questions that night but he just assured me no worries no worries We'll take care of you no problem. Then they started having the issues with their location and they had to move and shut down for a few months and I said this is not OK with me I want to cancel. So I messaged him and told him. Then the Billings stopped for a few months and then started back up again and I've been trying to reach out to him I've texted him I've called him I've emailed him he's totally ignoring me. Them I disputed it on my credit card and now all I get back is a copy of the original agreement. I feel scammed and they expect me to keep paying for another 6 months. No way would I take my son to a business that operates this way! read more

I wasn't sure what to expect when I enrolled my daughter. The first thing I observed was not only the professionalism but the emphasis on respect! In this day and age there isn't much emphasis on this behavior. The classes are run by professionals who have a wonderful connection to the children. They are true teachers and are always positive while promoting excellence. They promMy daughter is always looking forward to the classes. I can't say enough about how I'm totally satisfied with this program and would recommend it to anyone looking for Karate for their children! read more

I absolutely love bringing my 7 year old daughter and my teenage son here :) The classes are perfect for all ages and they even have family options. Prices are unbelievably fair and the communication is great. The place is so so so clean, smells great, and looks even better! I have been bringing my kids here for over a year and I can't say enough amazing things about MAI. The community and culture they have built is truly one of a kind. Everyone that works here loves being there. The owner is so friendly and very hands on. He helps with any questions and is so knowledgeable in the art. If you are looking for fun and place where you feel welcomed from the first time you walk in.... MAI Is The Place :) Thank you MAI Team read more

Martial Arts International - I absolutely love bringing my 7 year old daughter and my teenage son here :) The classes are perfect for all ages and they even have family - Martial Arts Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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. Sensie is amazingly awesome instructor. Beautiful sense of humor every one welcomes me with open arms he also teaches me a lot I definitely recommend this school. read more

I would warn anyone considering MAI to read the negative reviews and see the pattern. The program itself is alright. But be prepared to spend a lot of money. Your child will get a free ghi and belt at first, but after that you need to pay for everything. And when you first sign up, they don't tell you that you have to pay for testing or about any of the other things you have to pay for. When your child is ready to test for the next belt, you have to pay. This really bothers me because every child who tests for their next belt passes. My kids didn't know quite a bit of the requirements and they still passed. I would much rather see them fail the test than pass just because. They have holiday events such as a Halloween party, but guess what - you have to pay for your child to attend. There is not one thing your child will participate in at MAI that doesn't cost money. Furthermore, after I discussed my unhappiness with MAI with a mom outside of class one day, it turned out she was a personal friend of Mr. Lobell and told him about our conversation. He was not happy, he said I should have talked to him rather than bad mouth the school outside of class. I thought it was just a conversation but it became way more. Then Mr. Lobell's treatment of my kids went downhill. He was very harsh with them. They didn't get called up to test for stripes anymore. They dreaded going to class when Mr. Lobell was there and often left class crying. In my opinion, MAI is all about money. I wish we had never gone to this place. If you choose to take your child here, be ready to spend a lot of money and watch your child progress through the program regardless of their skill level, unless you do something to make Mr. Lobell upset, then your kids won't progress no matter what. read more

Very solid karate school. Sensei Lobell is very professional and a genuine person who can help your kids grow in terms of both martial arts and as a person. Great character building program. Would recommend for any parents that want to introduce their kids into something that will teach them important life virtues, like respect. Also good for any parents looking to teach their kids how to defend themselves. Love MAI. read more

Sensei Lobell comes across nice but only cares about his contracts. I explained our custody situation with shared custody. He said yes to everything making it seamless to register and alleviating our concerns but to cancel was another. We had to move 5 months into the contract. I spoke with him to remind him of our conversation to only get "I talk to a lot of families." Okay, way to deflect, I bet all his families didn't have the same concerns for 30 minutes while he sat in his corner desk backed up to Crunch. I also left a note with the other Sensei who rides the Harley. He never passed the message along as well. Awesome communication here . Months after sending court forms and moving to Tustin etc I'm getting harassing emails of 500.00 balances still with no response from Lobell except for text 3 months later when I sent the forms to him initially. He's not about the kids but money and doesn't care who he screws over in the long run, run from this place and phony people like the ones here that pretend to care read more

I recommend this place. The teachers are very nice. Very good environment for the kids. My son love his karate class and his goal is to be a black belt. We have to go long journey to earn that black belt. But we love it. Thank you MAI ! I saw some people are complaining about the cost. Please, think about they need to pay the rent and they still need to make money for their living too. Everything is so expensive in San Diego. Please, Be understand! For me, my kid is the most valuable! I don't care about money as long as my kid is happy. That's all matter! read more

I would advise parents to avoid MAI and find an honest business instead. All they care about is for you to sign a contract with them. They will hold you to the contract while they themselves change everything according to their needs. My son never had a steady instructor while attending MAI, they kept changing and the the quality and consistency of the instruction simply wasn't there. The testing fees kept going up, and they told me my son couldn't advance without taking an additional 100 dollar seminar; all things they neglected to disclose in their contract. They are impossible to reach if you need to talk to them, and will keep billing your card while ignoring you. They teach about integrity and they have none. read more

My children went to MAI for about 6 months before our family moved out of state. We gave them more than 2 months notice that we would be moving. After trying to reach someone by phone or email for 2 months, we were told that we cannot give the studio notice. We need to let their collections company/contract administrative company (which we were never given the contact info. for) know to "properly" give notice. Then, when we FINALLY got the info. from the owner the contract company said even though my email stated we were moving out of state and were no longer going to have our children taking karate-we did not explicitly say to cancel our membership. In the end, they made us pay for 3 months we did not go to the studio even though they tell you when you sign up, if you are to move-they will void the contract. I loved a couple of the instructors there, but we are super disappointed with the way they are conducting their business. It seems as though the lessons they are teaching the children are not ones the owners implement in their own business practices. read more

My son really loves his instructor who is awesome, and it's a nice studio! i would recommend this to anyone wanting to get there child into martial arts! read more

My 12 year old daughter attends MAI studio and loves it! Highly recommended. read more

Sensei Lobel, Just wanted to thank you for all your hard work with Caleb. His concentration & focus across the board has come along way since he started with you in Dec. His high energy &poor listening can be a lot for some people but he's really still &focused with you. I honestly wouldn't have thought of karate had he not done it with you at school & been so excited about it. It's been great to see his joy & the respect he shows at the dojo. I've also been really impressed with how MAI has adapted & worked through the pandemic to still give kids something to look forward to each week. Thank you for all your efforts! read more

MAI is fantastic for the kids. It helps them learn discipline, respect and concentration. They have a great kids program. It's a great experience. read more

Make sure you read the negative ratings! They speak the truth of what type of business Lobell runs. He's charms you for your business/money but once you sign despite the promises of "well if it doesn't work out we'll work with you to stop". All lies. In fact I have in email me telling him we were not going to continue. Him acknowledging, then charging me for 4 months post!! Then gave me some crap after 10 different attempts to reach him and hearing NOTHING back (finally had to threaten to come down there in person) he made up some excuse that he didn't know I was still in contact and he had no system control to end it!!! He even then disputed the credit card dispute I put through even though my kids didn't attend for months with his acknowledgment of ending the contact!! Soooooo who do you want teaching your kids discipline and art?? A con artist??? Also he was never involved past the first hook you in visit. He then has the kids paying him to lean, teach all his classes! read more

Love this studio Sensei Lobell and Sensei Jaime are the best in karate in north county. I didn't believe it at first but my kids actually became more confident and did better in school after coming here. HIGHLY RECOMMEND read more

Great instruction for children. Builds confidence, self esteem and team work and discipline. My son thrives at MAI. I've seen his confidence rise quickly. He really enjoys it and we enjoy watching the instruction. All the instructors are great. They treat the children with respect and teach them how to work as a group and individuals. read more

I'm not sure why parents with negative reviews are so upset, because they signed a contract and they can't get out of it? That is called a contract. Please don't call a contract a scam. My son loved this studio, and thanks to this instructor he learned to love martial arts. We moved to Orange County where most studios run you $125-$150 a month with a contract! So, when I hear parents are upset because they have to pay $60 dollars monthly I get irritated, I wish I had that problem. Further, I felt like this instructor taught discipline. Yes, that means repeating the same move over and over. Also, I have yet to find a studio that does not charge kids when they test up. Parent's get upset because their kid(s) are passed, I bet these same parents would be upset if their kid(s) did not pass, but still had to pay for the testing (or do these parents think that the test will be free if the child does not pass?). This school taught my child discipline, respect for others, and gratitude. I'm still looking for a studio that does all three. read more

The business practices here are atrocious. They were super aggressive trying to get us to sign up. Text after text after text. And now that we want out, they don't respond to anything. The only way we could get them to stop charging our credit card is to cancel the card. Just spent the last two hours updating payment info all over the internet. Thanks, Sensei Lobel. read more

Parents who join MAI after your child goes through the course at their school, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! Of course my child wanted to go and "test" after is after school program. Then with the promise of a free uniform and moving into the next belt level...He was hooked. But only for a minute. He was into it for about three months, but then he did not want to go anymore. I was stuck in contract, and I have been paying $60/month (the discounted rate) for the last 7 months for a class my kid doesn't even attend. I still have 2 more months to go. Don't get me wrong this is a great place for the kids who want to do it, but if your child finds it's not their thing, there should be a way out. And, the fact that this all started at his school, makes me feel like I have been bamboozled! What a racket, it is easier to get out of a cell phone contract! read more

My daughter has been a student with MAI for almost 4 years now. Sensei Lobell, Sensei Ben, Sensei Christina are sincere, trustworthy and committed Senseis. They truly care about all of the children and have always responded to my (many) questions with efficiency and patience. Shirley is so helpful at the front desk and is patient with my (many) questions too. They have always been flexible whenever my daughter has had to take private lessons if she had to miss classes for musical theatre commitments. It is truly heartbreaking to read these lower rated reviews. My daughter has learned so much about respect, developed self-confidence, and made kind/sweet friends at MAI. MAI now has a monthly email newsletter and also update their Facebook page which helps the communication flow. I did sign a 3 year contract when my daughter was just 5.5 years old so was taking a risk as she may not have wanted to stay with it. However, she has really enjoyed learning karate from these loving Senseis. They also teach self-defense skills and weapons (she loves her new and lighter bo!). We are proud to be a part of the MAI family. We have enjoyed seeing her grow with each belt test and look forward to her testing for a black belt in a couple of years! read more

My son has trained here over a year and he loves it. I don't have to nag him to get his gi on and get ready for karate. He truly enjoys and looks forward to going. My son suffers from ADHD so this kind of behavior is not typical for him. I have taken my son to other karate schools and it was a drag to get him there. My husband and I even get a discount at Crunch since our son attends MAI. We enjoy watching him but have such full trust in the Sensei's that we often get a good workout in while our son trains. I highly recommend this school. read more

Nothing but the highest praise to Sensei LoBell & Sensei Christina! Incredible studio. Instructors are highly skilled/qualified! Program is dedicated to making sure each and every student has the opportunity to take their karate skills to the next level, all while learning a lot about self discipline & respect. I am so pleased with my child's growth at this studio! Prices are very affordable compared to other schools I've looked into. For those who are "scared" of the contract, they offer a month to month membership as well. Couldn't be happier! read more

I would not recommend MAI. Highly focused on one thing, money. Too many examples of the dollar before the kids for me to list. Huge disappointment. Beware. read more

BE WARNED & be conscientious before signing with MAI! It's a scam operation; I wish I read a YELP review to warn ME before doing business with them. I had a stressful & upsetting experience with this conning company. Our child signed up for karate, when offered as an 'afterschool' activity at school. They get you by offering a really low price for beginner classes on the school campus. 40 dollars for a weekly class from Sept - Dec. So, we signed up! At the end, they entice children to come to the studio for testing, and a free uniform & belt. My child did not want to do karate anymore after this; but, during testing 2 kids were singled out for doing VERY well. My child was one of those kids, along with another who also had not yet signed up for their 1-year program (4x more expensive per class). It was suspicious, but after my 7 yr old got so much praise for doing well, it's no wonder we signed up when my child asked to do it. I was given a class schedule, which worked with our calendar. But, given no other information about how the class works, & I was asked to sign up for automatic payment deductions for that year. I was not told about added fees, or that the class schedule would change frequently. It was a few months in when I received information that belt testing, free in December, would cost an added 50 dollars each time. After a few months of classes, we were also told that there would be a new class my child would need to attend, on days and times that conflicted with our schedule. My child also no longer enjoyed the course. For these reasons, we chose to cancel. At which time we were treated horribly. The staff threatened to send us to collections for services we had not utilized. They were rude, undermining, harassing, disrespectful. The owner was young, & arrogant. The worst customer service skills I've encountered in a consumer business. An investor in the company called me, and we spoke at length about our experience. I was told that he would look at our situation and call me back. He never called back, even when I tried contacting him. He said he would reimburse the belt fee, and never did. Instead the company tried to collect more from our bank (I had already cancelled further payments from our bank. I then got an email saying what I owed for classes we did not take, & we got a call from a 'supposed collection agency,' which, appeared to be the just the billing dept of MAI). The email also stated that I owed money for future classes that (even if we stayed with the course) I did not owe at that time. I've heard B.S. about "teaching" my child commitment/sticking with an activity -- a critique in another YELP review, when a reviewer bashed a YELPer who had a similar experience to my own, about why they should have kept their kid in class. But, I had no intention of having a scam artist company tell me values I should teach my kids. I will not tell my kids they should stick with a commitment to a company who's values/morals and bad business practice goes against everything honest that we stand for. 7 yr-olds explore different activities to discover their passions, & a young child SHOULD try something out, and learn what is/isn't right for them! It isn't until 3 months into the class when they've already convinced you to sign up, that they THEN meet with you, & tell you about how the classes and fees work. According to another parent (if I hadn't told them at this meeting that we were no longer interested in their program) they also use this meeting to get you to sign up for 3 more yrs of services, only 1/4 into the 1st year you sign up for. I then realized the extent to their shady operations. They try to suck you in, preying upon our beloved children. The fact that they use public schools & facilities, to do this, is nothing short of disgusting! After speaking with individuals associated with the law, I learned that their "contract" was also shady; it offered no terms/conditions. Dealing with the staff was headache inducing & time-consuming in an anxious & stressful way; no hardworking parent has time for this. If you KNOW that your child wants to do karate for 1-3 years, or more, than you likely won't have issue with this company. But, for many with young children discovering their interests, this place is your worst nightmare. If it can happen to me, and the other YELP reviewer who had the same experience, it CAN happen to you! You need to know what I didn't when we got caught up with this shameful business. We no longer attend, or paid a single dime for classes our child did not take. But, it was no easy feat getting to that point, and the disrespect was atrocious! This company needs to be called out; and, learn to run their business honestly! We contacted the school board of our district, and I was told the MAI staff were talked to; but, I do not know if they changed their practices. So please, be weary, and question everything, before signing with such a shady company. read more

Be careful before you sign anything with these people! This business was such a disappointment. They mainly focus on new clients, which is done by signing kids up for their school program. At first you believe it's a good activity, right up until you realize that every belt to advance costs around $70.00 and has nothing to do with skill. My child was so so and amazingly passed every time I wrote a check. The class sizes are huge, often times pairing lower ranking students with higher ranking--what's the point? My child has never asked to return, but of course I'm still paying until my contract runs out. I had really hoped they had the best interest of the craft and the children/community they serve, but it's apparent they only care about making a ton of money without any care to the quality of what they are providing, which is very little. Makes me so sad to think of all of these poor kids and their parents who put faith into this company. My husband asked to have the owner call him, not to our surprise, he has never called. read more

Great clean studio! My children love this place, friendly instructors, reasonably priced. Have been happy with this facility for the last couple years. Would recommend to other families! Thanks martial arts international! HIIIIYAH!!! read more

We love this place! Our 5-yr-old has been there for 6 months. Instructors are excellent; consistent, patient, skillful with a range of ages. Prices are the best in the county. It's fairly priced; you get 2-3 lessons per week and an incredibly flexible schedule that is perfect for working parents. Our son loves it and looks forward to going. read more

Avoid. Class sizes too big, very limited individual attention despite going 3x a week. This is not what karate is supposed to be - a personal connection between student and an instructor of greater integrity. It's a business. Be aware of costs like 75 dollars belts, mandatory training (at extra cost), etc. Ask yourself if you would send your kid to a private school which has 35 students per teacher. Avoid the contract. read more

MAI Carlsbad is awesome. I joined in December after observing my 7-yr old's classes for about a month. I find that the instructors genuinely care about your progression and well-being (I'm out of shape so Christina sensei is frequently asking if I'm alright.) My daughter and I love MAI so much so we are trying to talk my husband into joining. For me, it's a great place to de-stress and exercise. For my daughter, MAI offers opportunities to learn self-discipline, respect, and commitment, and to build confidence. read more

I've been attending the women's cardio kickboxing classes for almost two years now. The classes are a fantastic workout and a great way to get in bikini shape. Women of all ages are in this class and we all have fun while getting a thorough full body workout. read more

Great instructors, kid-friendly environment, and a wonderful place for my son to learn karate. The studio has always had a welcoming environment, and has been a great place for my son to learn about self-discipline, hard work, and tenacity. MAI has a great competition team with a TON of trophies to their credit. My son has never enjoyed traditional team sports, but with the guidance of his MAI instructors, has found a sport that he excels in, often bringing home some hardware of his own at each tournament MAI attends! Highly recommended! GO TEAM MAI!! read more