I attended MKJA for over a year in the jiu jitsu Gracie Combatives program a couple nights a week…read more Through Master Toft's caring instruction I gained skill, strength, and renewed flexibility that I still enjoy to this day even though I am not training currently. The people there are family. I am excited for the opportunity when I can train with them again. Whether you have children that need direction and self esteem or you are an adult in need of a place that doesn't judge but encourages personal growth, I urge you to try out MKJA.

There are several closer, more convenient options for kids jiu-jitsu from our Golden Valley home,…read morebut we choose to attend MKJA for two reasons. First is the instructor David. He works incredibly hard to make MJKA a successful martial arts training center, communicates very well with and truly cares about the kids. We have also been impressed with Ben and Devante, his junior jiu jitsu instructors. Second, MKJA is one of only 3 Gracie Certified Training Centers in Minnesota where the Gracie Bullyproof program is taught, with the option of moving into the Gracie Combatives course as teenagers. Both the Bullyproof and Combatives courses have unique aspects to them, including prioritizing jiu jitsu as street self defense over jiu jitsu as a sport. We definitely recommend MKJA for anyone.

Convenient location in south Minneapolis, very easy to find but depending on the time of day,…read moreparking can be scarce. Love the atmosphere though and the teachers are really invested and care about the progress and art of karate. I've enjoyed watching them as well as my kids grow over the last few months. I appreciate the variety, effort and enthusiasm they bring!

Wonderful instruction here for all levels of karate students. Ms. Lemon does a wonderful job of…read moreunderstanding the goals of each student as in individual and then helping them to reach those goals.

The last place one would expect to find such immense knowledge and practical application of the art…read morebecause it is in the outskirts of the Twin Cities. Most people think that martial arts are for kids but this is an all ages environment. Adult classes are about learning the art, how is can be used effectively and learning from one another. It's not 50x this move, 50x that repetition and dry activity. No two classes are the same and you always come away feeling that you learned something and gained a skill. If you are over 40 and wanting to regain mobility, flexibility and self confidence with people who "get it", this is your place. If you have kids or teenagers or just young at heart and want to start learning without having to buy a ton of gear or sign a contract, this is your place.

Experts in Okinawan martial arts that are open to sharing their knowledge with martial artists of…read moreall backgrounds. Always helpful to show most physically sound approach to application of kata.

I had twin boys, aged 9 that attended Dojo Karate Waconia/Minnetonka for about 2 1/2 years. They…read morewere very disappointed that they had to dis-enroll for Covid related reasons. I wanted to share what we liked about Dojo and why we'll miss it: 1. Any great experience starts with great people. Master Cote was a great leader for the kids and she genuinely cared about her students. 2. Master Cote has produced some amazing athletes. My kids were always impressed by the abilities of the older kids. I don't think they'll ever stop talking about the time one student did a backflip. 3. Both of my boys absolutely loved the head instructor. He had great patience with all the kids and seemed like one of the most trustworthy people I've ever met. 4. I thought the pricing was extremely fair and Master Cote very easy to work with in regards to tuition. 5. My kids really enjoyed the Dojo tournaments and I thought they were very well run. Something I didn't think about when we started is, because of the size of Dojo with their multiple locations, they are able to put on large events like that. 6. I always like the different community focused initiatives that Dojo participated in. Food drives and school supply drives were great ways to engage the kids; and Dojo always had a special event to show their appreciate for the kids. Those are just some of the reasons that quickly come to mind. We're disappointed that it had to end, but my boys still walk around the house doing their moves.

From the owner: Dojo Karate Minnetonka teaches westernized Korean Tae Kwon Do, or American Karate. Located in…read moreMinnetonka MN, we make it convenient for families around the Twin Cities to practice Karate together. Our focus is on the success of each of our students, ranging from preschoolers to adults with classes uniquely designed to meet needs & abilities of each student, ensuring their success through exercise, self-discipline, mutual respect & positive reinforcement. Our passion lies in watching our students become lifelong martial arts participants and reaching their highest potential. Each student has the opportunity to advance through the various belt ranks to reach the ultimate goal - the Black Belt. Dojo Karate encourages student advancements through goal-setting, leadership development, character development and healthy competition. Each instructor strongly believes in creating "champions in life" along with champions in Karate. We have found that our programs encourage healthy lifestyles, fitness goals, builds self-confidence, motivation & focus. Our families know that it takes dedication & hard work to achieve a "Black Belt in Life." We instill the philosophy that Karate can be practiced for exercise and self-defense, but also assists those that may be experiencing bullying, attention disorders, fatigue syndromes or low self-esteem by teaching them how to handle each situation in a non-violent, concentrated manner...

This is a great place for kids to learn respect, discipline get in shape and have a great time!…read moreHighly recommend!

My kid is going to this place for almost 3 years. Mr. Raeberg is a 5th degree black belt and very…read morepatient man. He is not only a karate instructor but also a great motivator. He gives his students little lessons on homework and discipline. I do like it. The facility is not real big, just the right size. Sometimes it is little crowded with all the students and parents. My kid loves his karate class. He loves to get rewarded for doing his chores at home ( they earn stripes). I think the recognition is the best motivator. Great idea. I think the only thing that is steep is the cost. But at the end keeping my kid focused and interested can't be measured by money. He likes it a lot and he likes his teacher. He is earning his black belt tomorrow and he is excited. So if you are looking for a great karate school, you should put this place on top of your list. They are sincere and great for kids. By the way, if you sign up 2 kids, mom and dad is in for free.

Ultimate Martial Arts in Medina is an exceptional school that balances a family-friendly…read moreenvironment with traditional, high-quality training. They do a great job providing structured, high-energy instruction for kids while maintaining a rigorous, technically precise program for adults. The instructors are knowledgeable and invested in student's growth. Its perfect for anyone looking for authentic Taekwondo training for themselves or their family.

Great with kids and very knowledgeable about the history of taekwondo. I have been training here…read moresince 2011, and the instructors are very flexible with the needs of students of all ages. Sparring is Kukiwon style, forms are Chang Hon and Kukiwon. The Hapkido curriculum covers standing grappling with some groundwork. And very competitive pricing!

Master Cote from the Waconia Dojo Karate location is an amazing martial artist and a seriously…read moretalented instructor. She has an eye for good form and has a knack for guiding people through personal growth. The classes at Dojo Karate focus on technique, but also on character, respect, and discipline. Students that train under her and her staff will improve their martial arts skills, but also receive lifetime benefits of confidence and self control. You are really able to get whatever you want out of it - improve self esteem and self confidence, learn how to protect yourself, improve your physical constitution and fight stress, or even if you are interested in competition (she has students with some SERIOUS wins under their belts!), Dojo will give you the curriculum, the guidance, and the support to do these things. All-in-all, if you want to work hard, have fun, get fit, and learn self defense, Dojo Karate in Waconia is the place for you.

I had twin boys, aged 9 that attended Dojo Karate Waconia/Minnetonka for about 2 1/2 years. They…read morewere very disappointed that they had to dis-enroll for Covid related reasons. I wanted to share what we liked about Dojo and why we'll miss it: 1. Any great experience starts with great people. Master Cote was a great leader for the kids and she genuinely cared about her students. 2. Master Cote has produced some amazing athletes. My kids were always impressed by the abilities of the older kids. I don't think they'll ever stop talking about the time one student did a backflip. 3. Both of my boys absolutely loved the head instructor. He had great patience with all the kids and seemed like one of the most trustworthy people I've ever met. 4. I thought the pricing was extremely fair and Master Cote very easy to work with in regards to tuition. 5. My kids really enjoyed the Dojo tournaments and I thought they were very well run. Something I didn't think about when we started is, because of the size of Dojo with their multiple locations, they are able to put on large events like that. 6. I always like the different community focused initiatives that Dojo participated in. Food drives and school supply drives were great ways to engage the kids; and Dojo always had a special event to show their appreciate for the kids. Those are just some of the reasons that quickly come to mind. We're disappointed that it had to end, but my boys still walk around the house doing their moves.

I did the one week trial period which was roughly $30 and you get a pair of boxing gloves. I…read morethoroughly enjoyed my experience, I did a few kickboxing classes, Muay Thai and tried MMA for the first time! They make the whole experience not intimidating for first timers like me and the gym itself was so spacious! The instructors were all very knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely consider coming back again but it was a long drive for me so that one reason why I stopped going. The only recommendation I have is make sure you arrive at least 5 minutes early to all your classes, especially if they are in the afternoon because the parking lot fills up quickly!

Recently, I completed the 6 week challenge, which gave me the motivation to come back and start…read moreattending classes again. For the challenge we were to attend kickboxing classes 3 times a week. Originally I was signed up for Muay Thai, as I found it to be an interesting art, but after the challenge, I found I enjoyed the kickboxing a lot and signed up for that instead. I was worried about finding time to attend, but they have so many classes on their schedule that I can always find a class that matches my schedule, no matter how much my schedule changes week to week. While I worked the fair, I was able to attend morning classes. When I went back to my normal work schedule they had a class almost every night of the week. The coaches are absolutely phenomenal. Being that there are so many classes, there are also a few coaches, and they all teach their classes differently, while still changing it up from class to class. Not only are you getting a satisfying workout, but you are getting a variety that promises you'll never get bored. As for the people, they are all very friendly. Although I attend classes alone, there is always somebody to practice with. Often we end up pairing up, and if you didn't bring a friend you'll have to make a new friend. I have not had one bad experience with all of the people I have worked with. As great as a place is, if the people aren't friendly, then it basically becomes a chore to attend. I actually find myself looking forward to attending classes and meeting new people. Overall, I would highly recommend taking a look at this gym. The classes are great and flexible; the coaches are knowledgeable and helpful; and the people are extremely friendly. UPDATE 9/11/19- 11 months later and I still find myself getting excited to attend classes everyday. In fact, sometimes I dread holidays or vacations due to the classes I'd have to miss. I've started many hobbies and quit after a month or two because I was bored or just didn't feel like I belonged. Here I feel like everyone is so inclusive and welcoming. I've expanded from kickboxing and Muay Thai into Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and am loving it just as much as the other two. Unfortunately, this does mean I do have to cut back on one of the other two in order to participate, but that's what I get for wanting to try everything. One important thing to note is that The Cellar is not just for the combatants looking to get into the or improve their fighting prowess. Yes, if that is what you're looking for, this place is amazing, but for an average Joe, Jill or whoever, this is a good place to meet new friends and get in a fun workout. P.S. The website is also super slick. I really like that they now have pictures showing which coaches teach which classes.

I started up at Kitsune Karate in their beginner adult Karate class 3 years ago and I have loved it…read moreever since. The instructors are extremely knowledgable and care about each individuals growth, no matter what the level. The perfect amount of fun and a good workout, Kitsune Karate hosts several events and seminars throughout the year featuring world-class instructors ensuring the students get the best possible learning experiences. Can't recommend it enough!