An interesting review. I have not personally trained at Respect 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. read more

We have two boys enrolled with Master Ercolono in the Pre-Karate and it has been great in giving them 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. read more

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One of the things I like most about Master Ercolono and Respect Martial Arts (aside that they live up to its name), is that sometimes, even I, as an LMFT and parent of 4, will feel uncomfortable. Yes, you get the inspiration and pride that comes from witnessing their belt testing. But even in the day to day classes and interactions we are encouraged to be better parents and function better as a family in an approachable and challenging way. This place is fair. More than that, it's just the best place. The kids are appropriately and developmentally challenged. And encouraged. Wisdom imparted. Wisdom demonstrated. I don't have a background in karate. I'm lucky to have come upon this learning experience for my kids and family. Highly recommend for those who are curious to explore and expand as martial arts students and gain translatable skills to almost every aspect of life. read more

We put my son into martial arts to help with his focus. He has ADHD and has, since joining, been diagnosed as being on the spectrum. We chose Respect because a knowledgeable friend recommended that, of all the studios in the area, Master Ercolono would have the greatest patience and thoughtfulness to educate my son. I wholeheartedly agree. The classes are structured, but the instructors are flexible, recognizing the needs of their students and providing an environment available to all who want to learn. There are certainly students there who are learning a really high level of skilled martial art techniques. There are others, like my son, who are learning what it means to be a student of martial arts and learning 'how to learn.' The name of the studio really represents the teaching philosophy. Respect. read more

Respect Martial Arts has been and is a great experience for us as a family. I have watched my son develop discipline, focus and control while having fun and making friends. He is enormously proud of what he has learned at karate and I am enormously proud of the progress he has made! read more

I take fitness kickboxing and my daughter is in karate. We've had a great experience here!

Both of my daughters have been attending Respect Martial Arts for the past 5 years. Master Ercolono and his instructors are amazing! My girls have learned so much from the studio that they utilize in everyday life. Patience, self control, respect and perseverance. I highly recommend Respect Martial Arts! read more

My son has been going to Respect Martial Arts (formerly Agoura Karate) since he was 4 years old. He has learned a great deal from Master Ercolono, one of the truly outstanding teachers that we have met over the years. It is a rare karate program that infuses discipline, respect, self-control, and personal growth into an outstanding martial arts curriculum. While our eldest son has spent years growing to be a black belt, it is perhaps his younger brother who has gotten the most unexpected benefit: His brother's outstanding discipline and self-restraint have prevented numerous violent retributions for an otherwise never-ending series of sibling provocations over the years. If you are looking for a studio to help your child grow into an outstanding young adult, as well as an outstanding martial artist, look no further than Respect Martial Arts in Agoura Hills, CA. read more

Staying in shape in your 50s isn't always easy, but classes with Master Ercolono and his team of instructors make staying fit fun and educational. My thinking when I joined was why just go to the gym when I can get in shape and learn better focus and a very useful skill. Taking one of his classes after a long work day makes me put down my phone and email and tune out everything else. Unlike the gym, I get to interact with other students and develop new friends and workout partners. The studio atmosphere is very much like a second family. read more

It's a great place to learn self defense, the head instructor is super nice and I definitely recommend it.

I have been training for years and I love it!! The environment is caring and empowering. If you want good training highly recommend!

I am deeply grateful to this studio and all of its amazing instructors. Master Ercolono sets an amazing tone - he strikes a wonderful balance of kind, focused, playful and firm. We've been to other studios where I've disliked the harsh, critical tone the instructors use with the kids. The instructors here all have the kid's attention but without ever being cruel. My child struggles at school in PE and feels inept. Respect Martial Arts has given her tremendous confidence and boosted her self image. The staff encourage her to try new things even when she's nervous. I think a distinguishing factor at this studio is the focus on character. There is a lot of conversation about how we have self respect and respect for others. Lots of life lessons! read more

My husband and I have trained at multiple martial arts studios, and Master Ercolono and the other Agoura Karate instructors offer a great balance of art, exercise, sport, and self defense. Master Ercolono has an eye for breaking down the movements and explaining how your body works within the movements (and how the opponents body works). We enrolled my daughter when she was almost 3 and she loves doing karate at Agoura Karate. I'm so glad we found such a wonderful martial arts family for our family to join. read more

When I moved to Malibu I had to leave my old studio and practice behind. After searching just about every studio close to me I finally came across Agoura Karate. Master Ercolano is not only an experienced fighter but also a very smart fighter. He is a great teacher and explains the dynamics and practicality behind the moves instead just showing you how to do them. Agoura Karate has a good balance of discipline, education, and fun. I absolutely love martial arts and I'm very picky about it. I can honestly say could not have stumbled upon a better place to practice. read more

I look forward to every class I take at agoura karate ! I've been taking classes with my great nephew for years and we are growing together! We came to Master Ercolono in need of self - control and discipline. The progress made by Master Ercolono and Mister Weirman is amazing. My now seven year old has been at it for three years and I finally was allowed to join him last year in the classes! Now we work at it together. By the time he's ten we hope to be a black belt family!! I couldn't be prouder of my 'not so little anymore ' guy and am grateful to agoura karate. What a way to stay in shape!! read more

My wife and I trained with Master Ercolono from beginner through earning our black belts. Master Ercolono is very knowledgeable about martial arts. Not only is he a master of Modern Tang Soo Do, he has cross trained in a variety of disciplines which helps him to better instruct regarding sparring and self defense techniques. read more

Best karate place EVER! Not only do they learn karate,but they also learn great life skills. I have even learned some also from just being there & watching. Give this place a try and you will see what I am talking about :) read more

My daughter has been here for four years. We've loved all the instructors she's had, and Master Ercolono is an exceptional teacher and role model. I chose the studio initially because it was serious and the young kids were learning proper techniques. It wasn't gimmicky or undisciplined like some of the other places we tried. We've stayed because of the amazing staff and the classes are the perfect balance of mental and physical fitness for my daughter. read more

After visiting several dojos and studios in the area, I knew that I had found the right place for my family to learn martial arts. Agoura Karate should take great pride in having such an amazing group of instructors for students of all ages to learn, grow and find out about themselves. Master Ercolono is an extraordinary individual who inspires, motivates and can reach children of all abilities in a unique, professional manner. His love of his art, his knowledge, his passion for teaching and sharing comes across in all that he does. At Agoura Karate, children and adults alike are challenged physically and mentally to become something that they only envisioned they could be...more focused, motivated, determined, confident, strong individuals who feel their own power, their own self control and their own ability to succeed! read more

My youngest daughter who is now 6 years old has been going to AGOURA KARATE for almost a year. It is great for her. She has so much energy and now she has learned to focus that energy into martial arts. She continues to learn so much through karate, things like: Friendship, Perseverance, Self-Control, Confidence, Courtesy, Respect, Self-Esteem and Dedication. She is a polite young lady in and out of the studio. She attends the Friday afternoon class. Her Instructor is Daniel. I couldn't be more impressed with him. Daniel is great with kids and he creates a fun yet disciplined karate lesson every week. The kids learn about stranger danger, when to use karate and when not to, learn to memorize their own address and phone numbers and much more. The owner is Master Ercolono and is just that a "Master" of the Martial Arts. He is congenial with the parents and their children. Additionally, the studio has "Movie Nights", an absolute hit with her and it also provides hubby and I a chance to have a date night. read more

My Boys, Ages 5 And 7, Really Like Agoura Karate. All Of The Instructors Are Excellent At Teaching And Even Make The Instruction Fun. They Have Learned So Much About Discipline, Listening And Hard Work. We Could Not Be Happier We Chose This Studio and we Would Highly Recommend Agoura Karate! read more

Agoura Karate is a marvelous environment for both kids and adults to learn martial arts, to get fit, and push beyond their own limits. Master Ercolono and the other Black Belts that teach classes are highly competent and caring, and not just willing to but enthusiastic about working with students with unusual challenges. When my then-tween daughter (recently adopted from abroad, severely vision impaired, knowing little English and interested in martial arts) walked into the studio, not only did Master Ercolono agree to teach her, but he was enthralled by the challenges. Within weeks, he enticed me into joining classes as well, unwilling to accept my self-perceived barriers (uncoordinated, not athletic, bad knees, seriously overweight, way too old). "Can't" is not part of the acceptable vocabulary at Agoura Karata. Thanks to Agoura Karate and Master Ercolono, my daughter and I will both make it to Black Belt before too much longer. read more