We absolutely love SMAC. We started with them with one of our sons before COVID, then tried our best 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. read more

Scottsdale Martial Arts Center - Just another day at SMAC with Sensei Ray. - Martial Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

This place is the best. Clean, professional and the nicest staff ever! Sense Ray is kind, caring, humorous 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)! read more

We have been attending Scottsdale Martial Arts Center for several months and our entire family loves it. We really appreciate Sensei Christian and his ability to engage children while keeping them working towards their goals. Furthermore, the administrative team is wonderful (the entire team is friendly). The facility is clean, inviting and comfortable for spectators. We are getting a lot of value out of SMAC and wouldn't hesitate recommending it to anyone. read more

I love love love this place and I'm grateful to Yelp reviews for sending me in their direction. It's only fitting that I add to the reviews. My 4 year old daughter attends the Pee Wee Karate two days a week and she loves it. The two teachers, Ray and Tyler are incredibly funny, entertaining, and know how to relate to kids phenomenally. Truly, I enjoy watching the entire class just to see the teachings and interactions between the sensei and students. The price is reasonable for classes, especially if you partake in the twice weekly option. They're flexible about makeups, too. My daughter is learning karate but also gaining confidence in a beautiful way. It's hard to describe but her experience is so much more than just karate. She's learning to speak in front of a group, getting exercise, having manners instilled more, and having fun at the same time. From what I gather talking with other parents, there are a lot of satisfied families who have been customers for many many years. I look forward to doing the same. Oh... and they had a Halloween party (2014) and I was blown away at the event they put on. It just goes to show how much they truly love these kids. It had so much (tons of food, light show, music, contests, awesome prizes, laser tag in the parking lot, and more). read more

Scottsdale Martial Arts Center - Peewee karate. I'm so happy with sensei Ray and sensei Tyler. Amazing with kiddos. - Martial Arts Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

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Great place for my two boys to train. They love coming here and have been steadily developing their skills with caring instructors who all have great senses of humor. Really well run with a relaxed atmosphere. Their years of experience shows in how they train, and in everything they do. I'm really glad I found them and my sons are too. read more

I signed up for a 2 week class. My friend referred me over to Dani. She gave me uniforms day 1 never gave me a copy of contract and I said I wanted to think about it. But she asked for my card info and said if I agreed to sign up she would charge it after we started. Started class Feb 28. My card was charged 1018 on 3/1 and charged another 309 on March 21st. Then again April 21 for 309. I inquired about their pricing earlier because I found out I was being charged 400 a month while another family was being charge only 200. I told her my husband cannot come all the time. So she said 300 she would get approval for? Still didn't make sense why for the 100 dollar difference ? I decided to cancel after seeing what I was being charged. I was advised I got a special deal. So after attending only 5 times where 2 of read more

My 6 year old son has been going to Scottsdale Martial Arts Center for 9 months now. He, and our family, LOVE it! The instruction is caring, firm, helpful and age appropriate. I've seen my child blossom with self confidence and self control, and it's a great balance of focus and fun. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in learning about Karate! read more

I have been in the martial arts since the early 80's and have trained at various schools. Scottsdale Martial Arts Center is by far the best school in Scottsdale. There program is very comprehensive and you will find a program that addresses every age level. If you are interested in self defense, traditional karate, physical fitness, sport karate or simply for the love of the art this is the place for you. Hats of to a great school with awesome instructors. read more

I enrolled our boys at SMAC in July 2022. This was their first time learning Karate moves. At first, my little one was hesitant to try but after 30 days of taking regular classes, he's been asking to go there daily! They are both enjoying the learning experience at SMAC due to the professionalism and friendliness of SMAC staff and the incredible sense of humor of Sensei Ray and Sensei Christian. Kids learn forms and discipline while having fun! They even memorize Sensei Ray jokes in class and use them at home while practicing their forms. Both earned their yellow belt in only 30 days (6th grader earned yellow and black belt; 1rst grader earned solid yellow belt) and can't wait to earn the orange to become stronger and more knowledgeable. What I love the most is SMAC leadership. Kids are influenced and triggered to learn from their Senseis or other trainers. I am seeing my kids do their best to exceed expectations and this is very impressive. I also love the customized training offered to our kids according to their level of expertise which makes training fair for everyone. For example , when the class is full of white, yellow, orange and blue belts, they split in different classes to train each group according to their level. There is no doubt why SMAC earned The Best Martial Arts Studio in Scottsdale for 2022 (An overall quality score exceeding 95% was achieved, making them the top-ranked in Scottsdale). We are proud to be part of the SMAC family! read more

I used to train in this dojo as a teenager a couple of years ago. Ray Hughes Sensei has got to be one of the best role models in the Martial Arts community. Both Hughes Sensei and Tyler Sensei are incredible with kids, they keep their attention, make the classes fun, but most importantly they properly teach their students how and when to defend themselves. The programs are not only for children, but for all ages, including adults. In fact there are several intense seminars dedicated to adult training, focusing on developing both the mind and body to properly defend itself. Basic class setup: Starts of with stretching, cardio, basically a quick warmup. Next a quick meditation (the dojo is a stress free environment, meditation is to help calm your mind). Then you go through basic form drills (to ensure you have correct footing, hand placement, and momentum). Towards the end, there might be sparing drills (safety first, all students are required to wear padding for arms, legs, and a mouth guard). Class is finished off with another meditation to unwind the body. The main focus of the dojo is teaching Wado, but there are other floors dedicated for Jujitsu and other Martial Arts Programs. Great, clean facility. Near the Ice Den, so plenty of parking. Located in a safe area. Quality wooden floors in the smaller rooms, and padding on the main floor to ensure maximum safety. Clean, cold water fountain. Air conditioned, fans to circulate air. Well lit. Spacious locker rooms, clean bathrooms. Well stocked inventory with padding and gis (uniforms) for all sizes. No contracts, just a monthly payment, if you dedicate yourself to the classes and really want to learn, then it is well worth the money! read more

My daughter trains here. Excellent instructors. They keep it exciting for the kids and the parents.

My kids have been studying here for about 4 years. Martial arts was my hobby for several decades so I know what makes a good instructor and a good program . The program at SMAC is great for the little ones. My twins are now greenbelts and have matured nicely. If you have youngsters and are thinking about starting them in martial arts, check out their website www.SMACUS.com and sit in on a class or 2. Highly recommended! read more

I was one of Ray Hughes' students for six years during the mid-late 1990's. I'm now 28 years old and it's been 16 years since last setting foot in his dojo. To say Sensei Ray changed my life would be an understatement. What I learned under him and his philosophy went deeper than punches, kicks, and blocks - it touched on deep and important matters of character development. I was honestly probably too young to fully grasp the importance of these teachings at such a young age (I trained from ages 6-12), but what strikes me as fascinating is how I still remember these lessons to this day when confronted with difficult life decisions. I run into reminders of these lessons on a regular basis, too, such as recently when I read a book called "The Way of the Seal." The author of that book talks about how he achieved similar character development during his martial arts practice, which eventually led him to seek a life of greater purpose as a Navy Seal. Learning opportunities like this are unfortunately too rare in today's environment. Many kids don't get this type of direction from their teachers at school or friends, and some don't get it at home either. Yet developing strong character is vital to success in life, and to personal fulfillment. My recommendation for learning martial arts with Ray Hughes could not possibly be any higher. Whether you are an adult or have a child interested in learning the arts, what I know with certainty is that you stand to receive a unique and excellent combination of physical, mental, and emotional training. read more

Can't say enough great things about this place. My 14 year old son has taken jujitsu here for the last 2 years. The instructors are amazing and the staff is very professional. read more

I'd like to commend Sensei Ray and Sensei Tyler and all of the others who give their time to make SMACUS work. I started my daughter 3 years ago because she wanted to quit soccer and as a bookworm I felt she needed a physical outlet. She never expressed any interest in karate and I thought she'd quit several times, but she never has and I never have any trouble getting her motivated to go to their classes. It's not just karate, which they teach well in a mix of enthusiastic encouragement and rigorous expectations. But it's also the life lessons they impart in why to respect appreciate those who help you, including your parents and teachers. You can get as much out of Scottsdale Martial Arts as you want to put in. Their tourney teams are very successful. My daughter doesn't do tourneys, but she appreciates her twice weekly classes and her gradual improvement in her skills. read more

SMAC was a wonderful dojo for our family. My son was there through his purple belt, my daughter through blue. We spent many, many hours there and I cannot sing their praises enough. I appreciate all of the teachers especially Sensei Tyler and Sensei Ray. They are patient yet firm. Their traditional dojo is the real deal. After years of practicing there, when my son decided to leave the dojo to try something else he went to Sensei Ray to talk to him about it, Ray was gracious and encouraging to my 10 year old son. It made all the difference in the world. That is the type of outstanding character Sensei Ray has. My son still remembers what they talked about and knows the door is open for him to come back anytime. read more

Outstanding Dojo with patient sensai. My son's have been going here for three months now and love it. They are an easy business to work with and are great with kids. Highly recommended read more