We enrolled our tween-age kids at Karatedo Shinyokai in October 2019 for two reasons: they needed…read moreexercise, and this was the closest dojo. It turns out that we are fortunate to have found one of the best teachers I've encountered, in any subject. Mark Sensei teaches traditional Okinawan karate in a way that is still fun and engaging for typical California kids. He expects a lot from his students, yet is dynamic, understanding and fair. This dojo transitioned seamlessly into virtual classes on Zoom as soon as the shutdown began, and these virtual lessons have been going as well as anything possibly can at this time. The opportunity to engage daily with a group of peers, even virtually, has been priceless. The kids have learned so much beyond punching and kicking: discipline, culture, the value of working hard towards incremental goals... The more senior students help the junior ones with instruction and feedback, and their self-confidence and engagement is something unusual in the average young person. Our kids spent eight weeks in Summer Camp and got to try their hand at so many other fun activities: shodo calligraphy with brushes and ink; various traditional weapons like nunchuks and sticks; even making their own sushi and somen to eat "with" their karate friends! I myself joined the Adult classes in March, and they have helped me in so many ways that I've made this training a priority in my life. Not only have I lost 12 pounds so far :), but there are so many other benefits I was not expecting: better stamina, better mood, a new community of friends, and the mental exercise of learning complex kata. The expression "it's never too late to try something new" has never seemed more meaningful. Karatedo Shinyokai: cannot recommend highly enough!

My 6 year old son takes classes from Sensei Mark and loves it. He looks forward to every class and…read morethe atmosphere is great for boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Mark is fun, patient and informative and offers his students more than just self defense, but a positive way for the kids to carry themselves in all aspects of their lives. The older or more experienced kids help out the younger, newer students in a very postive caring manner that is very impressive ; and fosters a environment that stresses students supporting each other and improving ones technique by also being a good teacher to one another. My son has shown an increase in discipline, self control and confidence. My wife and I are very pleased and highly recommend Karatedo Shiyokai.

I cant say enough about the quality and dedication of the teachers at Berkeley West Wind…read more Adults, children and families learn together in the same beautiful room, each with their individual instructor. The positive atmosphere is palpable.!

I began taking lessons with my two children 15 years ago this month, and am looking forward to…read moretesting for my 5th degree Black Belt this year. The instructors are truly dedicated to the students as well as the arts, and you won't find a more positive, supportive and knowledgeable group of people. Testing for my black belt has been one of my greatest achievements, and to continue through the degree program honing and mastering my skills has been the best...and keep in mind that I have had the same teacher for my entire journey. Not only do I know that I can and will take on anyone who threatens me or my loved ones, I have developed self confidence, awareness, strength and grace that benefits every aspect of my life. I can not recommend West Wind enough!

Our now 5-year old has been attending ECMA for after school program during his TK year. We…read moreoriginally were splitting time between martial arts and an on-site school after program, but after a week, he couldn't stop talking about martial arts and we just signed him up for the full week. Extra bonus - they pick up the kids from school every day. I've really grown to respect the approach that Cody and his staff take with the kids. They never force the kids to take the classes, but for those that do, they are incredibly patient, thoughtful, and kind to them. Beyond core martial arts, they teach discipline, accountability, and other strong lessons. Obviously, martial arts may not be right for any kid. But if your kid loves ninja turtles, likes a bit of exercise, and likes also playing with other kids of other ages, then definitely consider this place.

Cody and ECMA have been a big part of my family's life for several years now. My son has taken…read moreclasses and been in the after school care program, and I have taken jiujitsu lessons as well. The instructors emphasize safety and respect first and foremost, followed by fun. This is important to note because it's easy for this sport to go in a bad direction if the right example isn't set. This is critical for kids to learn, but as a middle-aged adult it's also important for me! I want to learn self defense, exercise, make friends....but I absolutely do not want to get injured! Overall Cody enables a great environment that challenges kids and adults, and which, again, is built on respect and safety.

Our two kids have been a part of AKK for seven years. They've grown with Sensei Dara. And a…read morenumber of kids have grown up with Dara, too. When our kids started, Dara ran classes three days a week and at times two classes per each of those days. There was an hour beginner class followed by an advanced class. Unfortunately, now she just has the two classes on Saturday. This is the reason for our 4 out of 5 rating. The beginner classes teach the kids the basics, and the advanced kids practice their skills during that time. The advanced classes hone skills and give the kids more complex routines. All classes are well structured with calisthenics leading to drills. Kids get warmed up with jumping jacks, push ups, and laps around the "dojo". That is followed by the lines of kids practicing a wide variety of kicks and punches and "katas". All in preparation for her tournaments and belt tests. Dara has a well structured routine, and since she was the lone instructor for a number of years, there was little time to coddle the kids. That rubbed some of the parents the wrong way, but most of the parents and their kids "got it". Dara is kind, but no-nonsense. Kids have to be on time, or they miss-out on the warm-ups. The warm-ups are important, so if kids are late, they are expected to do the jumping jacks on the side, at a minimum. And because Dara has the kids ordered by their belt level, if kids are late, she has to quickly rearrange the students to insert the late kids where they rank. And when the room is packed, that can be a challenge. Dara teaches the kids karate / tae kwon do, and she teaches them maturity. She has them chant, "You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to; practice makes it easier; a goal of success leads to success."Hopefully, that extends beyond her class. She teaches the kids how to deal with / self-defense against bullies and predators. She expects the kids to be friendly to each other and mentors as well. She also has them participate in an annual, "kicking marathon", charitable event with a different cause to learn about each year.

We had a very negative experience with Dara and her program. I think it's fair to start by noting…read morethat the three 5-star reviews from january 2013 were prompted by Dara offering a free patch for students whose families posted a review. A lot of businesses do this sort of thing, but I think it's fair that it be disclosed. To be fair, some people really like Dara and her class. My guess is they are parents of kids who are already pretty athletic and self-confident. If, however, you are looking for a place to take your kid so that they gain more coordination, confidence, and focus, this is not a good choice. For starters, Dara is very cold. My daughter went to her classes for over a year, and I swear I never saw her smile once. She's also hard to talk to, she has very little time before or after the class. She will email though. She's very rigid, sort of drill-instructor-like. She has one way of doing things, and if that doesn't work, then that's just too bad. One example of many: she has the kids do push-ups during the warm-up. My 7-year old daughter cannot yet do a push-up all the way to the ground. So what does Dara do? Does she suggest starting with knees on the ground and working them back as you develop strength and coordination? No, she barks at my child: "All the way down! All the way down!" When my child participated in the tournament, she ended up getting a 3rd place trophy because there were only 3 kids in her group. This was really exciting for my kid for whom it is a big challenge to stand up and perform in front of a group. It was great - until the next class - when Dara felt it necessary to tell my child "If there had been any other kids in the tournament, you wouldn't have gotten a trophy." That was the final straw. Beware.

I only went for a couple classes while I was in class, but my experience was positive all around! I…read morewould definitely go back!

Great workouts and knowledgeable coaches. I've been going to…read morethe boxing boot camp and it's a great balance of workout and techniques. Highly recommend!

This karate dojo is headed by Sensei George Nakahara who has been teaching for a long time. His…read morecommitment to helping his students is exceptional. The dojo is friendly and family oriented with parents often taking classes with their kids. Adult classes are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, meeting in a side room at Live Oak Recreation Center.Saturday's class, which is larger, meets in the gym. Classes are low-cost but the instruction is excellent. Senior black belts also assist in classes.