I was looking for Martial Art Training school for my two kids in Scottsdale area. We tried couple of schools in the area for 4 to 5 months. But I could not see them getting training that can help them stand in the real world. Finally, we tried Rising Sun Karate. And our search was over..This is our final stop after search of almost 2 years and trying many different Dojos. This is not "make you feel good" karate. It's "Make you feel Tough" karate. This is THE Real Karate, No marketing gimmicks here. No fancy words here. Sensei Tim teaches kids exactly what I always dreamed about for my kids. He is very kind and funny to kids and at the same time very tough and demand high discipline from kids. This is our 5th Month here and now after seeing so much change in my kids, I decided to write this review. Also at this Dojo, Sensei himself teaches all the classes. You won't find this in many other Dojos. Also, I saw one review about price concern. I totally disagree with that. As I mentioned we have been searching for a while, and the Price structure here is the Most Make sense and affordable price. Many place its two times a week and three times a week price structure. What kids would learn two hours in a week? Learning Karate is not just something to remember in Brain, but Body should also remember it. When tough time comes, there is not enough time to think but Body reaction should be immediate. I believe this can be achieved only if kids go to school for multiple times multiple hours! Here at Rising Sun, Sometime my kids goes two hours a day or sometime even 3 hrs a day. Except Sunday, all days are open for kids. We highly recommend this place for anyone (not just kids!) looking for serious Karate. And the final words to Thank Sensei. We are honored to know you. In simple words from my Kids, Sensei Tim Rocks!! Thanks again for all your help in building my kids future. Regards Dilip M read more

this place is AMAZING. i went there for many years of my life, and its done a big impact on my mental state. i went there when i was around 8 or 9, and good golly did i learn well. the people there are very experienced and respectful, despite the competitiveness of the groups. it taught me discipline and self defense, and in a situation when i was against someone in a fight i knew how to react. its got a fantastic atmosphere and all my memories of that place are good ones, and sensei tim has taught me enough that i can hold myself in a fight against someone bigger, older, and probably stronger then me. it may have a strict feel when your first starting out, but trust me, its like family in there. Me and 2 other girls were competitive at tournaments, but despite that we loved hanging out with each other a lot. i even remember doing group forms with them, as control alt delete. these people are open to new people too, and they always found a way to make it playful and enjoyable, even if your fighting one another. it also empowered me, learning that power isnt just a thing for the boys to possess was something that made me bolder and more willing to just be myself, and it taught me self control as well. Tim taught me respect, family, and power, and i'll never forget that in a million years. read more

My children (8 and 12) have been students of Sensei Vandenover since 2008. I cannot say enough about my experience with him and his dojo. I researched martial arts dojos around the area before selecting Rising Sun. Sensei Vandenover is a highly accomplished instructor well known in the martial arts community. He is active on the local and national level and has legendary instructors visit from time to time. Sensei Vandenover instructs ALL the classes. Students advance the old fashioned way- they EARN it. Black belts are not given away. However Sensei Vandenover manages to keep the atmosphere friendly and nurturing, even for the youngest children. Both of my kids started at the age of 6 but there are children who begin even younger. Beyond Karate, Sensei Vandenover gives children advice about avoiding smoking, drinking, and drugs. My wife and I are both physicians in the community and we are thrilled Sensei Vandenover has served as a role model for our kids. If you are considering learning Karate, is no other dojo that comes close. read more

I have been a student here since 1996 (age 7). Within months of starting, my coordination improved dramatically, and though I was never a 'problem child', my parents say I started helping around the house more often and doing better on my schoolwork. Now that I'm an adult, I find that karate is not only keeping me in shape, but still helping my focus and self-discipline. Sensei VanDenover's teaching style emphasizes practicality and real-world situations, from dealing with playground bullies all the way up to bar fights. Thanks to the situation avoidance and diffusion techniques Sensei teaches, I have never had to use any of the martial arts I've learned, though I am confident that I could if I had to. Many students have, and the knowledge and practice saved their lives. You will be hard pressed to find a school with an instructor as dedicated to his students' learning and understanding as Sensei VanDenover. read more

Rising Sun Karate is an amazing dojo. Sensei Vandenover loves what he does and it shows. If you are looking for a "McDojo" who makes an eight year old a black belt as long a his/her parents can pay for it, this is not the place for you. This is real karate where students of all ages are encouraged to do their best in a supportive environment. Students learn respect, self-discipline, self-defense, and confidence through karate. A new belt is an advancement that is earned though hard work over a period of months and students are proud of their achievement. Our son has made huge strides in his confidence, coordination, and strength in his first year at Rising Sun. My nephews were in a bad family situation over ten years ago, Sensei took them into his dojo and made a huge positive impact on their lives that they still appreciate today. read more

My son has been a student at Rising Sun Karate in Scottsdale for 3 years and we have loved every minute of it. Not only has he learned values, morales and discipline he has loads of fun. The environment is kid friendly and children laugh all the time while they learn katas, self defense skills and games that are catered to martial arts. My son has moved through white belt to yellow and we look forward to continuing til a black belt is received. The children range from 4 to 14 ish, adults too. This establishment has been in business for 16 years and has a great commitment to the community. Rising Sun Karate is an extension of our home and we love it! read more

Both our children have been learning Karate for about 6 years and they love it. Tim has a very personal approach to what he teaches, which is more than self-defense. He teaches the values and virtues that we would all want our children to incorporate in who they are. These, coupled with the discipline and rigor of martial arts as taught by the highly skilled Sensei that Tim is, creates an unbeatable combination that the kids and we, as parents, appreciate. Tim has become a role model and mentor for both of our kids and we are truly delighted that we have continued to invest in this journey for our children. read more

Sensei Tim VanDenover is a great Karate teacher and a great person. My family has attended classes or activites at Rising Sun on and off for the last 12 years. Even if the kids are not taking classes due to other activites, Tim always invites them to his "Ultimate Warrior" Saturday game day and the movie nights and camps. Before my daughter moved to NYC he gave her self defense lessons which gave her the confidence to move to the big city all by herself. read more

It was by chance we came upon Rising Sun Karate after we moved into the area, My son was eager to join and it's turned out to be the best thing ever for him.He get's first class instruction and He is now a dedicated martial artist, Sensei Tim is an outstanding role model for my son, it's obvious Sensei Vandenover loves what he does and he is great with the kid's. an amazing Dojo! I cannot recommend Rising Sun Karate enough! read more

Sensei is a great guy, he is a humble 8th degree Black Belt and has been doing Karate for over 46 years. He is a very talented and a likeable person. I look up to him. His Karate classes are a lot of fun and very educational! Self Discipline is also taught as part of karate. He also really likes science fiction movies, costumes and goes to Star Trek and comicbook conventions. read more

Tim has devoted life to Karate and shows a deep level of knowledge. He is great with kids of all ages with an incredible amount of patience and understanding. He encourages self-discipline in the kids and helps to build their character. I would highly recommend his dojo for anyone intersted in learning Karate and instiling good character values in your children. read more

Sensei Tim VanDenover is a 7th degree black belt with years of experience practicing and teaching karate. This shows through in how much time he takes and how much effort he places into his work. I would highly recommend Tim to anyone thinking about starting a martial art, or who had kids who wanted to get involved. read more

Rising Sun Karate was an excellent choice for my siblings and me. Sensei Tim VanDenover helps in many ways including self discipline, responsibility, courtesy, respect, self defense, and of course karate itself. Definitely a must go- to shool. read more