Exceptional Training at United Defense Tactical in Thousand Oaks!…read more I recently completed a series of self-defense courses at UDT TO, and I can't recommend this place enough! What truly sets this location apart is their incredible team of instructors. Every one of them brings decades of combined experience, ensuring that you're learning from true experts. They don't just teach marksmanship--they prepare you for the unpredictability of actual threats. They focus on deescalation techniques. We practiced the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) in dynamic simulations that mimicked being followed, home invasions, or street encounters, which built confidence. The curriculum is progressive and tailored for all levels, with reality-based drills that go beyond static range shooting to sharpen mental focus, tactical movement, and decision-making under pressure. If you're serious about personal safety and want training that is realistic and practical, United Defense Tactical in Thousand Oaks is the gold standard. Five stars all the way--I'll be back for more advanced classes!

UDT in TO has really helped me up my skills and taught me many things I didn't know I. Needed to…read moreknow! UDT T.O. Has an amazing and diverse staff who all have many years or even decades of experience. I highly encourage you to go for a free demo whether you are just starting out or want to brush up your defense skills. They have a great facility that's hard to beat.

Dana is an amazing coach, instructor, and trainer. I've taken her self defense course several times…read moreand every time I learn something new. She definitely does her research and passes her knowledge onto her students. I'm quite pleased with all her sessions!

From strength training to self defense to developing healthy habits, Dana is the guide who can…read moretransform your life. Dana's coaching style is easy to follow and effective. Her flexible options allow for customizing the level of engagement you want and need.

Hello!!! I've been coming to npmac for a while and even…read morethough I'm not very far yet I can say the environment is very friendly and encouraging. It's always super fun to come and I definitely recommend it to everyone else who's looking to learn self defense. :)

The team here is amazing. They support kids as they learn, while also pushing them to grow and…read morepersevere. They are inclusive of different types of learners, while still requiring competence of learned skills. They hold all students accountable to the Student Creed and ensure the dojo is a safe learning space. My daughter has grown so much with her skills and her confidence. She loves it!

I'm writing this review as a concerned parent whose experience at Master Yoo's TKD was deeply…read moredisappointing and, frankly, alarming. Despite my daughter attending for months, we never received periodic updates, behavior notes, or any communication about concerns -- which is standard practice for any program working with young children. The first time Master Yoo raised an issue, it was suddenly framed as "ongoing behavior," which immediately raised red flags. What was described as "concerning behavior" was simply a 6-year-old holding hands with a family member and giving an age-appropriate kiss to another 6-year-old. Instead of viewing this through a normal developmental lens, Master Yoo treated my daughter as the problem and claimed other children were "bothered" by her -- essentially validating bullying behavior and putting the responsibility on a six-year-old rather than addressing misconduct from the older students involved. Even more inappropriate, he brought student comments into parent conversations -- instead of managing behavior privately and professionally. It is not a child's job to police, report, or manage other children, especially when their "feedback" is unreliable or rooted in their own behavioral issues. Yet Master Yoo seemed to take these problematic students at their word, without question, and without requiring accountability or apologies when their statements were untrue or harmful. Most concerning of all, nothing in my interactions suggested that Master Yoo has any training, licensure, or specialized education in: * Early childhood development * Child psychology * Childcare supervision * Trauma-informed practices * Mandatory reporting or safety protocol This program may be suitable for older children or teens, but based on our experience, it is not an appropriate or safe environment for younger kids. There is a clear lack of structure, age-appropriate supervision, and professional standards when managing emotional or social challenges among children. If you have a young child -- especially under 8 -- I strongly recommend seeking a more qualified, communicative, and developmentally informed TKD studio. From what I've observed, the real pattern is that she thrives when adults are emotionally attuned and supervising well. When that piece is missing, the dynamics shift. So I'm focusing more on finding environments that support her temperament

My kids have been coming here for 3 years now, for both their After School Program and their summer…read moreday camp sessions. I have nothing but great things to say from my and my kid's experience. Master Yoo runs a tight ship with his studio and the kids are safe and well guided here. With the after school program, he and his crew drive to several different schools in the Conejo Valley and pick up the children to then be taken back to the very well equipped studio. There the kids have time to play in one of their many rooms (a library room, a computer room, a gaming room, and then a general toys area) and also get help with their homework. This last piece is a game changer when you are a full time working parent who then needs to hustle dinner before starting the bedtime routine. All the instructors are so kind but firm with the kids. Instructor Nick is a staple for me who I have called up when I need a little flexibility with pick up and Instructor Wylie, bless her heart, has the patience to talk bugs to my very precocious 5 year old. What I love about this studio isn't just the taekwondo or all the fun listed above, but that they teach the kids to be responsible people. As part of the black belt candidacy process, the candidates have to teach/assist in a weekday class, a weekend class, and also draft an essay. The younger kids see the older kids helping them and it becomes a very natural process of "this is what I'm supposed to do". It's the prime case of leading by example. They learn to respect and also what's right and wrong. As the kids develop friendships with each other, the also protect each other as well. During one summer, my youngest was 4 and had gone to day camp. Another child was a little aggressive with her because she is a bit small, and the big kids along with her siblings rallied around her to protect her. I have spent time at the studio and befriended some of the children and their parents and it's been great building friendships beyond the kid's home school. Master Yoo and team try their utmost best to work with every child and parent and usually it's a wonderful fit, but sometimes it just doesn't. I highly recommend this place for you to experience yourself. Plus, where else can you get such a deal of routine parent's night out for 3 hours on a Saturday where additional siblings are discounted! My favorite part about that is that if a kid pops a balloon, everyone has to drop and do 10 push ups. I purposely stay just to wait for a balloon to pop. My kids will continue to come and we will continue to support till they say no more, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

My kids have been going to Pride for over one year and they love it here. Pride Martial Arts…read moreinstructors and students are like family. It is such a positive environment. My kids are age 6 and 9 and both kids have learned a level of respect for themselves and others that translates far beyond the studio. Master Wasserman and Master Bloom have the gift of knowing how to motivate kids, and genuinely caring for each and every one. Every child here feels seen. Can't speak highly enough about this environment and martial arts community.

Pride Martial Arts is a great place! My wife found it for our 15 year old son and he has been…read moreabsolutely loving it. The Grand Masters who teach here are wonderful with the students. Highly recommended!

Phenomenal ATA center. Basic to expert level learning opportunities. My daughter lacked social…read moreskills and motivation for hobbies. She has really taken this opportunity to grow and become a better individual. Highly recommended for anyone seeking character building.

Every time my daughter and I come to class, we know we'll get a session full of great thought…read moreprovoking lessons, along with the highest standard training. Great life skills that always can be applied outside of class; from work or classrooms. I highly recommend popping in to check out this fantastic studio.

An interesting review. I have not personally trained at…read moreRespect Martial Arts, but I knew Master Ercolono we trained together a long time ago, and it's on this fact that I offer my review. In a world of egotistical instructors, Master Ercolono has always been humble, studious and open to other arts. He sees where his art has its short comings and takes it upon himself to educate himself, whilst never wandering from the authenticity of his art. His teachings come from a place of caring, and his calm and patient disposition offers a nurturing environment to any and all students wanting to learn. It offers a place for a student to surrender to their training without having to endure what many teachers call "character building" which I call bullying. I have the highest of respect for him, and can only imagine that after all these years, he has only grown more capable, and indeed is a Master.

We have two boys enrolled with Master Ercolono in the Pre-Karate and it has been great in giving…read morethem confidence, building their self control, enhancing their listening skills, and giving them the necessary tools of self defense that will live with them forever. The classes are fantastic in how they build upon each other and the patience that Master Ercolono and Mr. Blank have with the kids, provides an environment that breeds success. This is a fantastic studio every parent should consider.

When my eldest, now 24, was 5 years old I sought out self defense programs. My purpose, to learn…read moreself defense and not to just move up belts with goal of being a black belt by age 9! I found Shotokan Karate. Due to moves we had to discontinue. Meanwhile we tried several other programs and learned to Value Shotokan more. 11 years ago we moved to Thousand Oaks and found Sensei Mike. He shares a teaching philosophy and style that kids of all ages and development respond to- an effective mix and balance of humor, discipline and technique makes learning a positive and powerful experience. All activity, games and exercise has a purpose. As a health coach, non traditional piano coach and occupational therapist, I am beyond thrilled to be connected with this Program. All 4 of my sons have benefited from Sensei Mike and cannot recommend any other style.