My 5 year old girl has been growing a ton of confidence here. We started in jiujitsu and she was…read morehaving trouble leveraging her weight and figuring out the twisting of body parts with her partner. The competitive nature of that program and discipline didn't build her confidence much. Here, the practice is focused on the individual but also as a part of the collective team. No real sparring yet in the Little Samurai class, only some practice punches and kicks with chest protectors. Lots of punching bag practice for strength building and training. Lots of calisthenics as well with lunges, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, frog jumps, burpees, etc. Skills that they can use their whole lives and get stronger with. At the same time, there will be fun games like tag, dodgeball, red light green light to keep their interest and to work on reflexes. Excellent training in focus and active listening as well with focus claps, raising hands to speak, caring for others and awareness of everyone's space. These things I have not encountered in any other studio/dojo. I've seen many places that allow disruptive students or even parents. In contrast, here at 1st class, they don't teach blind discipline towards any instructor/owner but respect for one's self and each other. This alone is what keeps us coming back. This is what schools don't teach enough of. Not to mention the actual martial arts she is learning here. Channeling their chi into a strong Aiya, learning how to punch and kick correctly in self defense. Amazing program for little ones. Instructors are all black belts who are not only cordial, but also gentle yet firm. We fit in very well here and would highly recommend this program for little ones.

Took my little one here for a complimentary class. I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of…read morestudents and staff. The class was cute. It went by a little fast but I'm not sure if my little one could handle and hr long class though. Besides the distance for us, we would have committed. We may consider later.

We couldn't be happier with Sensei Austin and his dojo. From day one, it's been clear that he has a…read moretrue passion for teaching and for working with kids (including special needs). He is incredibly patient, encouraging, and genuinely invested in each student's growth; both in martial arts and in character.

If you're looking for an extra activity for your child with special needs, then this is the place…read moreto go. Jason is the only instructor I know that teaches Karate to kids with special needs with extreme patience. He asserts discipline encouraging them to do more. Homely atmosphere.

Amazing dojo and community. Very open to people from all walks of life and languages. Excellent and…read moreethical martial art Kyokushin is. Can't wait to go again. Se habla español

I regularly attend classes at this dojo and have been actively training here for a couple of years…read more Sensei Taku is one of the best instructors I've ever had and he has the patience to make each individual's goals a reality, be it to be a championship fighter or better fitness or stronger spirit. This dojo is also an affiliated dojo of the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan which is one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world. More info can be found at www.kyokushinla.com.

I started training at South Bay Shotokan right after the pandemic ended. I studied three different…read morestyles of martial arts before 2020. I've always wanted to be a part of a discipline that has a strong connection to its Eastern origins. After two years of training, I can say that this style of karate is the best that I've ever been a part of. I have never felt like I was being mistreated or in a manner that doesn't allow me to improve. I am allowed to ask questions. I do get corrected if I am doing something incorrect just so I can understand the application and how it can be applied. I should mention that this dojo includes members that have a direct connection with Tsutomu Ohshima, the founder of Shotokan Karate of America. All members of this dojo are great to train with. There is no ego. Nobody is there to show that they are better than everyone else. It's a great learning environment. Please know that this isn't a McDojo of any kind. If you're thinking of signing up to become a black belt in 6 months, then this may not be the right place for you. There is no color belt system, so there may be some frustration being a white belt for at least the first couple of years. But there are also special training moments that can help the student strengthen their physical and mental capabilities. Taking part in these trainings along with attending classes on the regular, advancement in rank can and will be achieved. I cannot recommend this dojo enough. If you're looking for a legitimate form of karate that will help you not only develop strong techniques in self defense, but it will help one improve on many other areas in life. You'll get back what you put in! As of March 2024, the dispensary that was next door has relocated. This has created a much healthier training space.

Great place to learn a great self defense martial art. It has change my life forever. Learn to face…read moreoneself with strict eyes.

Mr. Colwell is a fun, motivating and disciplined instructor. He teaches broader life, integrity and…read morecharacter lessons along with the karate. My son loves the classes, game nights, nerf wars and all the other stuff they put on. The close community of kids, parents and teachers really shines

Highly highly recommend! My 7/9 year old boys love the studio. Mr. Colwell is an amazing…read moreinstructor teaching karate, focus, discipline and fun. Not the cheapest class in town - you get what you pay for.

This dojo is amazing I love this dojo! The main teacher Kancho teaches with discipline and respect…read morehe is wonderful teacher! I totally recommend if your child or you want to learn martial arts!

RED FLAG If you…read morewant to break your child's confidence instead of building it here is the place to do so. The coaching at Tension Kai has crossed the line from discipline into humiliation and harassment. My child who is only 5 by the way, was singled out and verbally attacked to the point of a physical breakdown. When confronted, the instructor showed zero remorse, refused to clarify his intentions to the student, and offered a refund rather than an apology. He hides behind the claim of "tough style or Japanese Style " but it is simply a lack of professional manners and respect for children. Avoid this dojo.

Came across this karate school as I drove by. Went in and was greeted by Master Alex. We are so…read moreglad we walked in to get the information, my two youngest (12 and 5) have now been students for over 6 months and I just want to that Master Alex is extremely patient in his teaching and very encouraging, supportive and extremely positive with his students. I would HIGHLY recommend this school to anyone looking for extra curricular activities for their children or even for one self.

I recommend Steve Fisher Karate School. Sensei Delgado is great and Kinda to the kids.read more

My son and I absolutely adored the people here. They have a way of making you feel like you're…read moreapart of the family. My son learned so much in such a short amount of time and the praise he got for being consistent with his moves was truly uplifting. If I wasn't moving out of Los Angeles my son would definitely still be going and I'm sure we will find something similar but NOTHING will come close. I need more stars! 5 isn't enough!

Good place for kids and adults good traning and discipline. To see your child have fun learn focus…read moreand get better at defending themselves it's a good thing for sure. This is not soft training it's gradual tough but you can feel the love of the instructors.