This place is so awesome to learn martial arts! My daughter (8) and I (45) train here twice a week and are amazed at the family friendly vibes. Thank you for teaching us hapkido in such a fun way, Master Austin! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Máster Austin rules! - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I did the 6 week Kut challenge and I feel so much better than I did 6 weeks ago. They give you all the tools you need to succeed. I was able to go to so many classes and I feel much stronger for it. The nutrition guide was a bit difficult for me because I am a pescatarian and it is very meat heavy, but they had seafood options, it was just repetitive, and I'm not much of a cook (even though they give you a foolproof guide). Therefore, I had a little trouble and veered a few times, and I am sure if I didn't I would have had even better progress. You get what you put into the challenge. All the instructors are super nice and helpful. They will come up to you during class to correct technique and make it a point to have contact with you at every class you attend. They are also great about reaching out and asking if you need any help with nutrition or classes. I was suppose to receive weekly emails, but the program head had some personal matters arise and a few things fell through on that end, but the classes were always available and it was a lot of self accountability. If you can commit to 6 weeks of trying to better yourself, this is the place you want to go to! read more

This review is for the six week KUT challenge I just did. I'm gonna be honest, it was challenging and, at times, tedious. The nutrition guide is well thought out and easy-ish to follow. If you are not apt for cooking like I am, then you might struggle with some of the recipes. That being said, I was still able to meal prep and always had three meals a day waiting for me in the fridge. I really enjoyed both the Kickboxing and Power fit workouts. About every two weeks I had noticeable improvements in my strength and endurance. Master Mel provided lots of information and tough love when needed. Coach Kelsee was always encouraging and also made herself available to answer questions. The only reason KUT doesn't get a perfect score from me is because there are no longer 12 noon classes and the recipe measurements were in grams. read more

By far the best Martial Arts Dojo in town! The only reason I gave them 5 stars is because 6 stars is not an option!! From the moment you walk in, you feel welcome and at home. The owners Mel and her son Austen are great and inspire you to do your best. The kickboxing with bags class is 45 minutes of fun and the time passes before you know it! The members are all ages, abilities, body shapes and levels of experience. There is no judgement and you choose how hard to work out. This is the only exercise program I have stuck with year after year and it is transformational. Give the Martial Arts Dojo a try... you won't regret it! read more

No matter where I go to live, I always come back to Santa Barbara Dojo for the best workouts and instructors I have experienced. Everyone is always so helpful and supportive. The routines they have choreographed work and is time tested. I absolutely love that the workout class is only 45 minutes (and works better that 1 hour long classes). Thank you Santa Barbara Dojo Team for the years of support! read more

We love Santa Barbara Dojo! The instructors are incredibly patient and attentive to the needs of each student, regardless of ability or experience. It is truly impressive how they can deliver helpful feedback while simultaneously keeping a room full of children focused and engaged. Each class maintains a healthy balance of fun and respect, support and discipline. While our 6-year-old son is most excited about breaking boards and practicing takedowns, we appreciate the life skills he is developing that extend outside the dojo. We have observed improvements in his self-confidence and focus, and routinely reinforce dojo values such as integrity, courtesy, and self-control in our dinner table conversation. Thank you to Master Austin, Sensei Isabelle, and the team for providing such great examples of the values in action! read more

First impressions: The place looks small from the outside but as soon as you walk in you are welcomed with an inspirational interior design, makes you want to be a part of their community. Then you have the owner who is a Master that trains adults and her son who is a Master that trains all elementary ages, and other Masters who train other ages. THEY HAVE A CLASS FOR EVERY AGE! They even have private lessons and a room for that. Talking about room, the back of the location is HUGE, mostly covered with a thick impact absorbant mat! EVERYONE IS WELCOMING EVEN THE STUDENTS!! I am taking the 6-week challenge and first impressions, they have an amazing scale that weights beyond just your weight ! And the owner is an expert in clean eating, she even wrote a book about it! read more

I'm so grateful for SB Dojo's knowledgeable trainers who go above and beyond to help people like me achieve fitness and nutritional goals! The SB Dojo community is welcoming and supportive and the workouts are fun and effective. I just completed the 6 week challenge and I lost 5% body fat which equated to 11.5 pounds of actual fat. Sheesh, that definitely exceeded my expectations for a short 6 week timeframe! That said - even though I saw results quickly - I'm not looking for a 'quick fix' and the SB Dojo trainers have helped me to orient results around making long term, sustainable lifestyle changes. In addition to losing body fat, I've also noticed my lower back pain (which had been persistent since the birth of my 2nd child 3 years ago) is gone. My core is stronger than it's been since I had my first child 6 years ago, which has helped me maintain better posture and get more restful sleep. My body feels stronger and with increased mobility and energy, I'm better equipped to be a busy, active and fun Mom. Thank you SB Dojo! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Front entrance of Santa Barbara Dojo - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Very welcoming place to learn to kickbox. Highly recommend. Instructor Mel guides you through - encouraging you to challenge yourself.

I can't say enough good things about Santa Barbara Dojo. My daughter has been coming here for over 3 years now. In that time I've seen my daughter grow as a martial artist, but more importantly I've seen her grow in her confidence and discipline and perseverance. The instructors are amazing! It honestly does feel like a family here. The instructors genuinely care about my daughter and invest her in life. I am so incredibly grateful for the impact the Santa Barbara Dojo community has had on our family's life. read more

If I could give 10 stars I would. My son has been going to Santa Barbara Dojo for a few months now and I am continually amazed by Master Austin and the rest of the staff. They are so incredibly patient and are teaching the children. wonderful core values. Not only do they go and learn how to be a little ninjas and karate but they're also learning valuable life skills about being respectful, having integrity, and setting healthy boundaries. This is a the best karate gym in town, and if you have little children, I highly recommend. So impressed and so grateful that my son is able to be around such a great role models. Thank you Master Austin and everyone at Santa Barbara Dojo. read more

I've been a member here forever a while, so I am probably biased, but I am impressed with this dojo's creativity in offering classes during the shutdown on Zoom, and then outdoors. Now there are class offerings inside (limited number of participants), outside and on Zoom. Sometimes all 3 are going at once. It's a super-supportive group and I have made some wonderful friends there. We do coffee after the 6 am class on weekdays (7:15 on Saturdays). I have done kickboxing and bands class (strength training), and would like to add the martial arts at some point. That class doesn't fit my schedule right now, but the latter is changing. One day... The dojo also does some outreach to the community and has been voted "best of" in the Independent for many years running (formerly known as Martial Arts Family Fitness). read more

I joined the dojo 4 weeks ago and I am so glad I did! The kickboxing classes have reminded me how much I used to love the sport, and I don't even realize that I'm exercising because I'm having too much fun. The biggest plus here though is the community. I already feel close to my 6am classmates and Sensei Kicke is incredibly warm and supportive. I know I've joined a real community who will hold me accountable, keep me laughing, and inspire me to work hard. So glad I joined! read more

I join this gym to do their 6 week challenge to kick start my fit girl journey. The staff is very friendly and responsive. For the 6 week challenge- I wished that each weight in was more than me jumping on a scale. I would have like to be able to go though my progress and maybe get pointers. If this is something they offer... it's possible that I missed that opportunity because of the times I was going to the gym. I would have loved to stay but I felt that their monthly fee was more than their local competitors and what I would like to pay. Additionally,the lack of showers and having to work in sweat wouldn't be idea for a long term commitment. Either way, everyone is awesome and welcoming and facility is clean. read more

we're tourists here in town for a few weeks and we looked around for a dojo. This place turned out to be nicer than others. We signed up and we're having a lot of fun, the teachers are so kind and we have a lot of fun while learning the moves. This is the place for karate! We wish we could just live here and go to this dojo forever. Great place for kids. read more

I love this place! It is family run and even the instructors that aren't family care so much about what they are doing they might as well be family. Very Positive environment! Fun and fast paced classes with great music! I cannot say enough good things! If you are tired of your fitness routine you have got to come take a class! You will be hooked from day one! read more

This place is amazing! We started taking our son there for karate (he is 7) and he LOVES it! They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace! Then I noticed they have adult classes. I signed up for their program. First of all, you aren't joining a gym - you are becoming part of the family. The other people who work out there are SO friendly - there is no intimidation or attitude here! Sometimes the start of class includes quick introductions to folks you haven't met before! Second, kickboxing is FUN! I do NOT think of myself as a kickboxer but I go slowly to try to learn the right way and the teachers are supportive and patient with my lack of coordination - ha! Finally I also love the resistance bands class (usually sore the day after so I know it is working!) They have a good schedule that should work for most and again great staff and environment - highly recommended if you want a fun, supportive and challenging fitness routine! read more

I love this place so much. I do the 6 am kickboxing and I do it because it's a community that is welcoming and invested in you. It's an amazing workout that sets your day up to be amazing. I am grateful to have this special place. read more

MAFF is a fun and empowering place to work out, learn new techniques, and improve your overall fitness level. Each class is slightly different but they all give you an intense, total-body workout, and can be adapted for any age or fitness capability. The staff here are super friendly and encouraging, a make you feel very much a part of the MAFF family from Day 1. I highly recommend them and will be coming here for as long as I'm able to pack a punch :) read more

Staff is friendly, supportive, encouraging and helpful. Kickboxing classes are awesome! Each instructor has their own spin & speed for calorie burning. Power Fit helps with strength training. Overall Very Effective!! read more

Seriously one of my favorite places to come for an awesome, fun workout! I love the family/community feel. The staff are so friendly. Randee, Karina & Amanda have been there forever and fill the room with positive uplifting energy! Master Mel and Master Dave are wonderful instructors; they kick your butt and encourage you through the entire class! This is kind of like my home away from home and I always feel loved and welcomed when I stop in! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - KUT - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I usually hate going to gyms. But MAFF is different! First of all, you really feel like family. They truly care about their members and their health. Secondly, the classes are great, packing maximum fitness into 45 minutes. Karina, Enrique and Christian, the three instructors I see most, are encouraging and incredibly knowledgeable. Also, unlike many other gyms and classes, there's not much of a barrier to entry. Never done kickboxing before? No worries. Start kicking and hitting the bag following your neighbors, and everyone will help you improve. You may not get as good as some of the blackbelts, but they are incredibly inspiring! And even the blackbelts get a good workout--you make the class what you want to get what you want out of it. I even get out of bed at 5:30 am 3x a week for these classes. I feel fit and healthy thanks to MAFF! read more

I recently joined this gym to start to get myself back into shape. So far, so good! The kickboxing and resistance training classes are really fun. Upbeat and still a good workout. The staff members are really friendly and it's very much a non-threatening, non-meat market type of place. I highly recommend. read more

Overall, MAFF is a great fitness (and lifestyle) community to be a part of. I've only done their kickboxing and powerfit program, but I've had friends and family in their Hapkido program who were big fans. -- As a part of the fitness and nutrition challenge, I've felt highly supported. When I got hurt, the coaches helped me go slow and fix my technique. When I had questions about the clean-eating challenge, they provided relevant, contextualized, and thoughtful responses. When checking in on me for the challenge, they considered a holistic view of my wellbeing (sleeping, stress, allergies) instead of just focusing on my diet and workouts. The challenge was also well structured and simple to folllow (getting used to new eating habits was tricky at first, but soon became second nature). The instructors are all very welcoming, friendly, respectful and eager to help! Each brings their own highly unique and engaging style to the mat. They are open-to and actively ask for feedback, and are always looking to improve (and encourage others to do so too!) Over my past month at MAFF, I've found a fun and engaging hobby, a welcoming community, newfound confidence and strength, and healthy habits that I'm proud of! I highly recommend going in to try a class or talk to a coach if you're on the fence about checking it out :) there's absolutely nothing to loose from trying! read more

I found MAFF when a red belt friend was helping me look for a TKD place in Santa Barbara. After moving up from LA, finding a gym or yoga studio I actually enjoy spending time in has been a struggle. Not so at MAFF. When I called with questions, and then came in with questions, and then called with more questions... the staff was friendly, responsive, and informative. The information provided has been reliable, and the vibe in the studio is generally welcoming and positive. I started the 6 week kickboxing challenge bc I was just coming off of about 3 years of severely sedentary office life and so why not? I'm always a little skeptical of "fitness challenges" but this one was really focused on reestablishing sustainable habits. Not a ton of pressure to "achieve rapid results" or blah blah trendy fitspo nonsense. Enough accountability to keep a person consistent, but no so much that you want to avoid the gym to avoid dealing with perky accountability reminders. The classes are comprehensively and consistently structured and the teachers regularly check in with students both new and old to explain technique. Which is not to say they were not intense, there is so much energy in the room on a typical day that it is impossible not to break a sweat. By the end I had reestablished the habit of regularly working out, and eating mindfully at least 80% of the time. I lost about 4.5% body fat and regained a significant amount of strength in key muscle groups. And I made a lovely set of gym buddies for the days I need a gym buddy to get me to the mat... so yes, highly recommend. read more

My husband spent a lot of time researching martial arts programs for kids in preparation for enrolling our older son (age 4). The overwhelming conclusion was that the specific discipline didn't necessarily matter for kids, what was important was the teacher and teaching style. We did a trial class at MAFF, and were incredibly impressed with Master Austin and the other Senseis. They speak to the children on a level they can understand, while always treating them with respect and patience. Initially we weren't thrilled about driving to class from the opposite end of Goleta, but now we don't mind it at all - MAFF is so worth it! We recently enrolled our 2.5 year old as well, and he is absolutely thriving alongside kids twice his age, such a great experience for him! My boys love to punch and kick as much as the next kid, but what keeps us coming back is the emphasis on speaking to other people, treating peers with respect, being respectful at home and at school, and the list goes on. We as parents put a ton of energy into raising respectful children, but they also need outside examples of good behavior, and this more than fits the bill. I also love the emphasis on social and community consciousness: MAFF supplied Thanksgiving dinner baskets to over 150 local families and we were able to get involved as a family, and they are currently doing anti-bully outreach at schools and with other groups of kids. We are proud and grateful to be part of the MAFF family! read more

I'd like to start off by thanking the coaches, masters and attendees. They are stellar and make you feel welcome at MAFF. Honestly I was hesitant walking in, with no definitive mindset to sign up for anything. I just wanted to check it out and see if it was for me. That's when I met Austin. He talked to me about my overall goals for myself. I decided to take the 6 week KUT classes, and making up my mind to join was definitely the right decision. I feel healthier, more productive & I'm actually learning how to prepare "real" meals for the first time. Although I tend to stress easily, I've found that I'm calm after each workout. So overall it's been a positive change in my life. I hope it will be in yours as well. read more

MAFF is my favorite place to workout! I just completed my first 6 week challenge and feel great! I went from not working out at all to going to 5 workouts a week and actually looking forward to them! The challenge was a great kickstart to a new lifestyle and I couldn't be happier! The staff and coaches are amazing and always willing to help. read more

I've been coming to the DoJo for 7 months. I have never stuck with an exercise program for so long . The friendly staff, great workouts , and other members make you want to come back for more . They have programs to help you reach your strength and weight loss goals . Highly recommend this friendly, safe, and fun atmosphere . It's great for the whole family ! read more

I've been practicing martial arts at various schools for nearly 20 years. Of all the schools I've trained with, this is definitely among the top. The school is very well structured, allowing for participation at all levels. Advancement is never guaranteed, but it is scaled for kids and adults alike. The atmosphere is full of respect, tho it doesn't follow the heavy handed discipline of some more extreme schools. There are kids programs, and often community oriented charity participation events. The dojo is both a school and a family. The school tries to ensure that the curriculum is ever evolving as well to ensure student engagement, whether it be weapons, or tricks, or additional styles doing seminars. Also I can't forget to mention KUT and the kickboxing/fitness programs. They're brutal and amazing. The only bad thing I could possibly say is that they're no longer a well kept secret, so classes will fill up because it's amazing! read more

I couldn't be happier kickboxing at MAFF. I tried a class on a Monday evening and was immediately hooked thanks to a great instructor and an amazing beat. The KUT program helped me to get my eating in control and I had fun going to class everyday. The team is great and there is never a dull class. Try it out and welcome to our family! read more

I greatly appreciate how you have impacted my life. From doing your classes, I not only feel better about myself, but I feel more energetic. From you, I have learned discipline, strength, and technique. From the moment I walked into the dojo, I felt a sense of community and friendship. Everyone there wants to help me, and that means a lot to me. I have never been so happy with what I am doing. When it is time to go to class, I am excited and throw on my gi and am excited to go. It is all thanks to you and the community.     Probably one of my favorite parts of class (Besides the community and workout) is that we are taught the tenants and student creed. I love how we learn never to use our skills unless we need to, how we are taught respect, and to not say sorry. I definitely needed this in my life, and I am glad to be part of the MAFF community. read more

I started with the six week challenge and am still going. The six week challenge was great to reset physically and nutritionally. The coaches are all so great and supportive. I am thankful for my new fitness routine. read more

My 7 year old daughter has been a student here for about a year. She is learning a lot of discipline and self defense. I also notice that they do a lot of meditation and yoga looking poses in the kid's training, as well as life lessons about honesty, and their 5 values : honesty, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. And my kid has lots of fun. I recommend it! read more

I have loved everything about my experience at MAFF! The instructors make you feel so welcome in every class. I walk away having learned something new, each and every time. Whether it's technique or something new about myself or what my body can do. After every class, I feel more confident, more empowered and in a better mood than when I came in. What I have loved most is the people that attend the classes. From my very first class, so many people recognized that I was new and came to me to introduce themselves. I felt so safe learning something new and completely stepping out of my comfort zone from both the staff and the attendees from the very beginning. MAFF is a special place with a special vibe. If you're looking for an environment to get your sweat on, step out of your comfort zone, learn something new, and have so much fun- look no further! read more

Amazing place. This is 45 minutes of fun - some call it exercise - that tones both your body and mind in an encouraging and motivating environment. Come in whatever clothes you have, there's no judgement there. Come in whatever mood you're in...you'll leave improved. I've been on days when I was full of energy and also gone after a long day at work, tired and wilted from the day and still felt amazing afterwards - even tho it took me a couple songs to loosen up. ;-) You chose how hard to work out, and day to day that might be totally different. Again no one is judging. There are amazing martial artists and also grandmothers and students. It's a mixed bag (no pun intended, I promise!). The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and will know your name before too long. If you need nutrition advice, they're totally up-to-speed. The place is just all around friendly. The "Family" part of their name isn't necessarily so your whole family can go - although that's true too - but for me, it's because everyone feels like family there. Seriously. (Someone should pay me for this review, right?). I'm a tough customer to please...but MAFF is doing things right. I've been there seven years (maybe 8) and plan to be there another 7 (or 8). read more

I have had such a positive experience here! I'm partway through the six week fitness challenge and it has been transformative. First, the level of care shown by all staff is wonderful! I have a few physical challenges and they have gone out of their way to accommodate those challenges as well as teach proper form. (The long time members do as well; it feels very much like a family!) Next, the nutritional aspect has eliminated my gastrointestinal issues, so even if I wasn't losing body fat and gaining muscle - which I am, so yay - it would be worth it just to live without that particular pain. Thank you MAFF! read more

Very excited to be attending MAFF and participating in the 9-week KUT program - I've lots 14 inches and 10 lbs - my son is starting Hapkido and we are both loving the community vibe, the staff are so friendly, talented and committed to the programs themselves! I am thrilled with the experience and look forward to a long and happy ongoing relationship at MAFF! read more

Santa Barbara Dojo - Tonight is Parents Night Out and so its a Nerf War themed evening for kids at MAFF from 6-9pm. Cool! - Kickboxing Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I have been taking my sons here for martial arts classes for the last 7 years and I thought it was about time that I tried a class myself! I am halfway through doing their 6-week challenge and have been taking kickboxing classes three times a week, following their meal plan (it's like "Whole30") and WOW, my results are amazing so far. I feel great and am having so much fun in the classes. It's great energy, lots of positivity and support, and the classes are held in an outdoor setting right now. Just what I needed to get out of my pandemic slump! read more

I joined the 6 week challenge and lost a bunch of weight and my fitness level is up. The entire staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. I mostly took Jens class and she is awesome!! Highly recommend Santa Barbara Dojo read more