Pure Self Defense Academy is incredible for kids and adults. My 6 year old son has been going for over a year and he is thriving. Shockingly, I went tonight to a women's self defense class and I am in awe of the coaches and how much they care. I have always thought "I should take a self defense class one day", and I just never came around to it. LADIES... WE ARE NOT PREPARED TO BE ATTACKED. Plain and simple. Every female should take as many self defense classes as you can. Even if it's just one. Make it your goal for 2023. After the very first class, you will be glad you did it. read more

I've recommended this program to quite a few people. Self defense is more than a blow to a tender area. The owner, Brandon knows his subject very well and teaches both an effective first response and how to proceed from there, depending on the dynamic situation. The course is highly practical and each move taught is potentially useful if you should ever need it. Brandon offers a lot of support in class and often provides additional coaches in class to offer even more personal support. Brandon and his team of coaches clearly care about the students and demonstrate a high level of integrity. Again, it's been an excellent experience, and if you are interested in learning self-defense, this is a great place to go! read more

Pure Self Defense Academy is an absolute gem for the community and has helped build my 6-year old's assertiveness, responsibility, and listening skills hugely in the last year!! He feels pride and excitement as he goes to earn his next stripe or belt and looks forward to each class. I've been contemplating the adult classes but have been a chicken. There are only Pros for this place, some of which are: 1. A strong roster of instructors providing continuous uninterrupted training infusing character building lessons and rigorous training with a sense of fun and joy. 2. A clear philosophy about the value that studying martial arts can bring to multiple aspects of your life. 3. Family friendly environment, gorgeous well-laid out studio that is kept immaculately clean. Keep up the amazing work, Brandon! You and your team are wonderful teachers . read more

This Dojo is amazing, By far the best way to learn how to defend yourself. I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. Great instructors who teach practical and tactical lessons. This is the most fun workout you'll ever get a chance to try. read more

The instructors here are very knowledgeable and are Amazing with kids. I love that it's not just Karate, but a combination of arts for self defense and discipline. My son is 6 and loves it. He's been training with Sensei Chris for about a year now and it has done wonders for his behavior/discipline at school and at home. read more

Level 3 is great! They are aways welcoming and treat everyone like family. I just got my yellow belt and I look forward to continuing my journey to black belt with them. I would recommend Level 3 to anyone looking to better themselves with the training to visit and try them out. read more

I can't say it enough- Sansei Chris is such an amazing instructor- charismatic, patient, talented & so hilarious!! We've been with pure self defense academy for a year and I've seen so much growth in my 3 year old and 5 year old! My kids love the drills, the karate and self defense moves, the opportunities to let loose and play dodge ball, but most importantly the community of friends they have built here at this place! Highly recommend for any child trying to explore different interests and to build their listening skills !!! Love this DOJO! Thanks Chris & Brandon for all the love and support for my kiddos !!! read more

I love this Martial arts school. It's perfect and definitely the best Martial arts school ever. Sensei Brandon always listens to us, and answers all of our questions. Sensei Alex and Chris are very knowledgeable in Martial arts. I enjoy going to those classes every time I attend. I look forward to receiving my new degree belt! I highly recommend this place if you want to learn karate and self defense. read more

My daughter and I have been going to Pure Self Defense for about 3 weeks and we love it! Chris and Brandon are wonderful instructors and are literally teaching us self defense. They have a fitness class on Saturdays with Anya, and in that we learn boxing moves and get in a great workout to start our weekend off right. It's super fun! I would highly recommend Pure Self Defense to anyone looking to learn exactly that, pure self defense! read more

Great self defense program for men and women at various ages. My daughter and I joined the program before she went off to college. Each class you learn something new to defend yourself against realistic attacks in various situations. The instructors are knowledgeable, friendly and patient. read more

This studio is legit. The teachers are knowledgeable and professional. The establishment is clean and well-organized. I've seen some negative reviews here for this studio and determined they are from disgruntled competitors. Don't believe the negative reviews. Come and see the studio for yourself. read more

Brandon and his team are truly incredible. Not only are they knowledgeable and kind but also very patient and work well with young kiddos. I was impressed by how clean the studio was too! I have been to other studios in our area and this place takes the cake!!! My son loves his classes and looks forward every week! Thank you!!!!! read more

Our son has benefited in more ways than I could have imagined since he began training with Sensei Brandon, Alex, Chris and the team over at Level 3 in TO. They have incredible patience and their humor, love for kids and the art itself is apparent after just one lesson. They teach correct form (no noodle arms for our son anymore!), respect (simply things as looking someone in the eye when speaking with them) in a positive, fun and non-intimidating atmosphere. This school truly cares about their students, not the money they get from the parents. I know this personally as our son fell and had to wear a cast for a couple weeks. It took a quick call to Brandon and he happily put our account on hold for one month. No hidden fees, didn't ask for a doctors note, just wished our son a quick recovery. The facility is spotless, clean with a private room in the back perfect for kids that want to focus on the skills and not worry about a crowd watching them. The training program is leaps above competitors and the heart they pour into each kid and each class is hard to find. Our son is not interested in sports, but after each practice he tells me with pure joy that he is going to earn his black belt one day. I recommend Sensei Brandon and staff without any reservations. The review below re: dirty mats has to be fake - they don't even use mats! So sad to attack a new and thriving local business. read more

If you are looking for an amazing martial arts studio to train at, then this is it! All the instructors are amazing and teach you what really works and not just what looks pretty. Thank you Sensei Brandon, Alex, Ania and Chris!! You make martial arts not only fun but a heart pounding work out! read more

This place is great for our socially inept teenager boy. Both Brandon and Alex (and others) are very patient, kind but firm. They are not only teaching karate skills, but also are great male role models to look up to for our boy for disciplines, self-esteem and self-confidence. It has been barely a little over a month, but we are already seeing changes in his behavior! read more

I began as an adult beginner about 6 months ago: I enjoy the challenge and support of Level 3 when it comes to not only improving my fitness level and knowledge of Kenpo Karate but also helping me to learn practical self-defense skills. I'm grateful to each sensei for both individual and group instruction that inspires me to work hard and strive for the next level. For kids and adults of all ages, this studio is welcoming and clean, with energetic instructors and a spirit of genuine camaraderie. read more

Best instructors that are kind, friendly and Humble. My son and I have been their students for 9 years and couldn't be happier. Excellent programs for all ages and body types that nurture your mind, body and spirit. Needless to say whoever messes with you will be sorry. Highly recommend! read more

My daughter started with Sensei Ania 4 years ago at another dojo and has moved to this studio to work with her. She loves coming and seeing her friends and "second family". Sensei Ania, Sensei Chris, Sensei Alex, and Master Sensei Brandon have been incredible helping my daughter achieve a higher level of confidence, structure, focus and discipline over the years, not to mention keeping her active. I can't thank them enough for their support. My daughter will be continuing here for the foreseeable future. read more

My 5 year old daughter joined here about 2 months ago and while I was nervous about her fitting in as she's feisty and tends to test limits and bounderies more than most, we have felt nothing but warm welcome from staff and members since day one. She has gained confidence and goes out of her way to please because her Sensei has taught her not only about balance, coordination and martial arts moves, but also respect, boundaries and teamwork. Yesterday she rushed ahead of me to open my door and told me she learned that it's nice to do from Karate class. I highly recommend this dojo to children, families and adults. read more

Nothing but professionals. The entire team at Level 3 Martial Arts Performance is absolutely amazing. I have nothing but great things to say about the training I have received and the level of knowledge I have gained from my experience here. read more

Great place! My son wasn't sure at first but now everyday asks if he's gong to karate. He loves it and I'm thankful to Sensei Eric and everyone else for making him feel comfortable and increasing his self-confidence. read more

My two kids and I have been training with Master Perlman and Sensei Brandon for the past 9 years. They have provided a safe, secure, and family-like atmosphere for us to learn martial arts. Our journey through the martial arts has been challenging but the instructors have guided us by applying fundamentals of self-defense to real life situations. Above everything, the people at Level 3 from the instructors to our fellow students make a comfortable environment to learn and grow as martial artists. read more

We have seen such a change in our son (5 years) this past year. He is more confident, respectful, and mature. His character has grown and he has emerged as a leader in his classroom. Sensei Chris is so gifted when it comes to working with kids, motivating them, and growing them into the best version of themselves. He is charismatic, positive, and passionate. We are so thankful for his influence in our son's life! Sensei Brandon, Alex, and Anya are AMAZING too! The studio seems pricy at first but it doesn't take long to realize that this experience is invaluable. The private lessons are geared towards your child's needs, not just physically but addressing problem areas at home and school as well. read more

I've been a student here for a couple of months now and this place is awesome! Sensei Brandon and the other instructors are all very knowledgeable and kind. All the other students I have met are friendly and I'm having a lot of fun. if you are thinking about getting into martial arts I highly recommend you stop by and check this place out! read more

We have been training with Sensei Brandon and his team for several years now. My daughter, son, wife, and myself all have taken classes at the Thousand Oaks location. Their kid classes are amazing and helped our kids with all sorts of skills. Things like stranger awareness, what to do if someone is trying to take you, being safe by not running into the street, many fitness related drills, and balance and coordination skills to name just a few. We tried out several places in the area before settling on this place. We choose them specifically for the level of control they have over the kids in class mixed with the amount of fun the kids have. They offer the best balance by far of discipline, respect, and fun out of all the places we tried out. Plus all of the instructors are great with the kids. The little kids and children's programs work multiple areas of development for the kids, not just martial arts and self-defense. From an adult perspective I was at first a little apprehensive. They at first seemed more of a place for kids, but after taking my first adult class that perspective changed quickly. They have a comprehensive program that focuses not only on the classical moves of Kenpo, but in every class you modify the classical moves for modern application for self-defense. All group classes also start out with a 10-20 min cardio workout that changes almost every class so not to get boring or repetitive. The private lessons they have are a great time to hone your skills so you can work optimally to get to the next level. I highly recommend anyone looking for a classical martial art with a street defense focus to look here. read more

This dojo kills it. Lead by an amazing man and highly trained Sensei, you won't regret coming to this place. Perfect for all ages and my favorite thing is that the regimen focuses on the practicality of self defense training while respecting the great classical traditions that have got us all here. No sense in training self defense if you can't actually defend yourself. Don't waste your time looking for another dojo to learn, do yourself a favor and rock it asap over here. Both Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence would have trained here together if they had the chance back in 1984, no doubt. read more

I originally came to Level 3 for my son - self defense and exercise. Sensei Brandon talked me into taking classes as well. My son was thrilled we could do it together. I started out doing it mainly for him and something that we could do together. I didn't realize what a great workout and fun it would be for me as well. Best workout I've ever had. Great people both teaching and the students. read more

My son has been coming here for about a year and has learned so much. He really enjoys his class and is motivated to get his stripes and higher belt. The class has strengthened his body especially his core muscles. I love this place! read more

Level 3 and the Senseis who teach here have changed my life and put me on a path of a deeper understanding of myself and my journey. The vibe at the studio is amazing and this program is helping me to have greater confidence in myself. Although my body is now changing, they have taught me how I can modify my martial arts and self-defense to fit my newly recent and rapid debilitating condition. I have also witnessed my father (who turned 70 in March [sorry Dad]) gain a more youthful movement, which was apparent during an event held Saturday when our Sensei told my Dad he moved in sparring like he was 45. At the beginning of my Dad's journey, he was unable to stand on 1 foot. His transformation is accredited to Level 3, the Senseis who work there, and of course my Dad's persistence and dedication. Since I can't post any photos, please look at my profile pic taken in a place that feels like home. If you don't believe me, give the program a try. It's changed my life and I've seen it help countless others. read more

We have been with Level 3 since they opened at the beginning of this year and couldn't be happier. The main reason we moved over from a previous dojo was the senseis. Brandon, Alex, Anna and Chris are dedicated and attentive senseis and it shows in the work they put the kids through. Each lesson is different and not just a "rinse and repeat" approach. You can tell they're not just there to teach the lessons and move on to the next one. They genuinely care about their students and how to keep them. The new facility is bright and open with plenty of room to move around. Honestly though, they could be instructing in a run-down warehouse and we'd still be taking our son to Level 3. The lessons he's learning are beyond just karate lessons. He's learning about respect, discipline and also how to defend himself. Thank you Level 3. read more

I just finished taking a 12-week women's self defense class instructed by Brandon Sensei. Each 30-minute class focused on different techniques and situations- we learned different punches and blocks and how to get out of various positions - both standing and on the ground - that a potential attacker could put you in. We also practiced how to handle situations where the attacker has a knife or a gun. I got much more out of the class than I anticipated. My husband was even impressed with some of the techniques I learned and used on him (gently lol). A great class I think any woman or young girl should take. read more

We are going to sign my son up at this studio. We took a tour, met the owner (Brandon) and, LOVED it. The overall atmosphere was very energetic, clean and extremely kid friendly. It's in a great shopping center as well. read more

Level 3 Martial Arts is an amazing facility!! The staff is incredible and the facility is always clean and welcoming! I would recommend Brandon and the staff there to all my friends! The talent and passion that Level 3 Martial Arts staff encompasses is beyond words!!! read more