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!

We've been very happy with the instruction our daughter has been receiving. She is in the tiny tots…read moreclass 2 days a week, 3 when we can make it. What I've really loved is the appropriate level of discipline and self control they are asserting on the kids. I love the 'yes sir, no sir', and they know my kid well enough now to know when she's faking a potty break and when it's really an issue. They never let the kiddos accept anything other than their best shot. They do especially well with new kids and usually assign one teacher to a new kid -- there can be a lot of tears as for some little guys, this is their first activity out of the safety of their home. It does seem pricey to me at $130/month (the pricing can be lower if you lock into a time commitment -- we go month to month) but you can attend as many classes as you would like at this price. So you can really make it worth your money. And if karate is something your child wants to commit to, it's a total bargain.

My daughter has been at No Limits since she was 4 yrs old and competing since she was 5. She's…read moreabout to turn 8 and the knowledge and skills she has learned is priceless. The instructors are fantastic and highly respected by their students. Great family atmosphere, with parents that support each other. Looking for a great dojo? You just found it!

My son really likes the classes and they are helping in building a strong foundation for my him. So…read morerecommend for your kids too.

Paradise Valley School of Karate is the best in the Valley!…read moreAlong with teaching karate basics the instructors emphasize discipline, structure and manors through games and training! Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, both boys and girls are encouraged to excel and earn higher skill levels. The instructors are top notch! I highly recommend PV School of Karate!

I am absolutely in love with this place. It has a family feel, you feel like people who are…read moreappreciated, remembered, missed and welcome each time. I have 2 kids on spectrum who I'm always nervous can't stay on task like the typical kids, or who may look different. Everyone is appreciated for their hard work. There is no criticism, there is always praise, recognition and corrections are done in a discrete private way so kids don't even feel like they're doing things "wrong". Karate dave is a kid whisperer! Heck he's a people whisperer, the kids and parents can't help but hang on every word and direction he gives. He's stern but fun and he "sees" each kid, and the kids recognize that. He makes connections with them that come so natural to him. You can tell that he is all about the kids. I love listening to my kids being taught integrity, responsibility and self control. I currently have 3 kids enrolled and we are going on 2 months loving it! There are tables for parents to sit at, or chairs around whole mat. They welcome parents to help kids or hold up sparring mits for kids. There's an area with a fish tank, books and little chairs for siblings who may need to be kept busy and I believe they have a playground out their back door too :)

Karate Dave is super fun while teaching the kids respect and obedience without the child even…read morerealizing they are actually learning some great skills. My son loves his style, and so do we! My son says, "he helps us do cool stuff, and break boards", and "he has really cool parties at his dojo", and "he tells cool stories sometimes". ;)

My kid signed up for a six month contract of classes at Goshin. The classes were pretty good but…read moreshe couldn't continue them for medical reasons. We told the owner we were quitting early because of the back condition. After the contract was completed he continued to charge us a monthly fee. When I asked, he said, "Read your contract -- it says I will continue to charge you." I feel like his business practices are fraudulent. we would not recommend this school to anyone.

Came here last Thurs. for a trail class as my friend's son is also taking karate here…read more The owner of the academy greeted my son warmly and spoke to him with kindness and treated him with respect. He and my son had quite the conversation going over what was expected from my son during class, what my son can expect to learn while taking karate. My son really enjoyed talking to Bob (I believe that was his name). Class started right on time and my son had a great time. After class, he came up to me and told me how much fun he had. Which is important to any parent! There were 3 instructors on the floor the day we went with around 12 students. With 3 instructors, I am sure the class could accomodate more students~ it was nice that the day we were there, it was not too crowded. I'm not sure who Shantel spoke to but Bob was not pushy at all. He simply handed me the class schedule and asked me to contact him if I was interested in having my son take karate. Overall, a very good experience!

This place is the best. Clean, professional and the nicest staff ever! Sense Ray is kind, caring,…read morehumorous and very patient while working with his students! We tried other martial studios for our boy but this is by far the best (and also the one that's been around the longest). It's the perfect atmosphere for learning karate. You should have zero hesitation sending your children here (or joining yourself)!

We absolutely love SMAC. We started with them with one of our sons before COVID, then tried our…read morebest to stay with them virtually for the first few months of lockdown. Now we're back and it's better than ever. Our other son, who is a year younger, is there too and they both love it. The best part is the confidence building--especially for my older son who works through his ADHD. I just love how Sensei Ray and his other teachers keep things light, but adhere to traditions and the idea of respect for others. There's no place I'd rather take my kids.

Why is there only one review?…read more Best martial school in AZ. I only stopped going coz I moved to Chandler. Waiting for them to open a dojo in Chandler or Gilbert some day...

From the owner: Best Martial in peoria azread more

Our son has had the privilege of attending AKF for the last several years. Over that time he has…read moreloved the opportunity to learn, grow in confidence, and embrace the martial arts. Master Mullis is absolutely amazing and truly cares about each of his students. We can't speak highly enough about AKF.

I waited TWO years before writing this review. Our journey…read morewith AKF Blackbelt Academy began with something no parent ever wants to experience. My son transferred to Tavan Elementary School in the Scottsdale school district mid-year during the 4th grade. On his second day at school, he was attacked from behind with a full-on chokehold by very large student he did not know. He came home with broken skin from fingernail marks, bruising, and red handprints completely around his neck. And what did the school administration do about it? NOTHING! Their excuse? The attacker was "disadvantaged" and "has it rough at home." I was furious. I started searching for a martial arts school that could teach my son (a child who wasn't naturally athletic) self-defense skills. After a lot of research and a recommendation from a friend, we decided to try AKF Blackbelt Academy. The school is led by Grand Master Tim Mullis, who has over 40 years of experience teaching Kyuki-Do, a mixed martial art that blends techniques from Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Hapkido. This style is incredibly effective because it teaches students how to defend themselves both standing and on the ground. (BTW: ground fighting skills are important because 80% of street fights end up being fought on the ground.) Two years later, it's like someone waved a magic wand over my son. My once non-athletic child has become a strong, confident young man. He's physically fit, disciplined, respectful, focused in school, and bully-proof. His grades have improved, his posture and confidence have completely changed, and most importantly-- he loves going to karate class. If you live in the Arcadia, East Phoenix, or Old Town Scottsdale area and are looking for a place that not only teaches self-defense but also builds character, confidence, and resilience, this place gets my highest recommendation.