Green lights, gold medals, and lots of fun!…read more I have two kids whose only real sport is karate--the karate purists--not that they haven't tried anything else but they simply prefer karate. Karate fits their aptitudes and attitudes. They came to Johnny Gyro Karate at advanced levels. My teen son had a first degree junior black belt for almost three years and my pre-teen daughter was a fresh red-black belt. They both wanted more in their karate journeys--more karate techniques, more karate culture and more of the karate nuance in between. By community reputation and publicly available online information, Johnny Gyro Karate is the only active Tang Soo Do school in Conejo Valley area that has genuinely structured advanced curriculum with current students progressing through black belt degree advancements. After keeping my kids here for over a year, I can verify that this studio consistently delivers top caliber teaching which yield high quality karate students, adults and children alike, at all levels. Who are the instructors? Mr. Johnny Gyro( TSD rank 9th degree) and his beloved wife Mrs. Noel Gyro( TSD rank 7th). Check out their unparalleled credentials on their website. People say the Gyros are "super nice", and we completely agree. They treat everybody with the same love and respect and give every student the same attention in class. What stands out even more is their humility -- despite their decades of experience and accomplishments, they do not seek to make themselves the center of attention. They are two lifelong black belt martial artists who live and breathe karate since they found it. They chose to make an honest living through operating a karate studio. They have always prioritized karate teaching over profit. Maximizing each student's martial arts potential is their goal. The Gyros's range, depth, and wisdom carry their students a long way. Mr. Gyro comes from a time when sparring without gear was a norm and when tournaments focused more on quality martial arts VS. performance&affiliation. Each trophy displayed in the studio tells a great story. My kids are incredibly honored and proud to learn martial arts from such a legend. Mrs. Gyro teaches some classes and takes care of the management. I remember reaching out to JGK on a Saturday afternoon and not expecting reply until Monday or Tuesday. But Mrs. Gyro replied me within two hours with every single question answered in details, and she even answered my doubts that I couldn't put in words. That's just the level of communication she has. I also love how she keeps everything in perfect order! So, how is the karate? In addition to teaching TSD traditional forms and etiquette diligently, Mr. Gyro incorporates several styles of martial arts into his curriculum and created many one-steps, three-steps, kicking defenses and self defense techniques. These are proven to be practical, effective and visually delightful. Mr. Gyro guides students to understand martial arts and not just practice it. The students here are dedicated , enthusiastic and make rank advancement at their own pace. Belt progression is never the end goal, but it is definitely a good measurement for growth. My daughter earned her first degree black belt in half a year, and my son earned his second degree black belt in a little over a year. It is important to mention JGK's black belt tests are highly rigorous. It takes exceptional skills, consistent dedicated training, and lots of courage to pass. My kids take about 4-6 classes each in a week and practice on their own at home. That beautiful certificate is hard earned! Same thing with karate tournaments. Mr. Gyro has advised his students " you are in competition with yourself all the time." My kids work hard to make improvements and have both got to the golds in multiple tournaments after being guided by Mr. Gyro. Johnny Gyro Karate is welcoming, safe, productive, positive and overall immensely rewarding. We recommend this karate studio to all who want to start or continue with their karate training.

​I've been a loyal member of Johnny Gyro Karate since 2009. I first started as a proud parent…read morewatching my son earn his Black Belt through hard work and discipline. I was so impressed that I eventually signed up myself, and I haven't looked back since! ​What makes this studio unique: ​Direct Instruction: Every class is taught by Hanshi John Gyro and Master Noel Gyro. They don't just run the business; they are on the mat connecting with every student, from Pee-Wees to seniors, regardless of skill level or limitations. ​World-Class Pedigree: Hanshi John is a 9th Degree Black Belt and IFKA Hall of Famer with over 44 years of experience. His background in Tang Soo Do, Boxing, and Hapkido ensures you get a truly well-rounded education in self-defense and situational awareness. ​Community: I've seen youth students build lifelong friendships here, with many returning to train even after college. It's a culture of respect, confidence, and excellence. ​If you want to get in great shape, learn to protect your family, and train under a legend of the martial arts world, there is no other place in the Conejo Valley I'd recommend.

We love that studio! What a gift this family owned business truly is. The Ichikawas and their…read moreamazing staff do such a fantastic job with all the students. It's a true joy to watch the teachers train the kids and adults. Our daughter started last year and what a delight to watch her thrive thanks to TO Westlake Karate!!

My 10 year old daughter has been a student at TO Westlake Karate for roughly 8 months now and has…read morelearned so much during her training. Great Grandmaster Ichikawa and Grandmaster Ichikawa are dedicated to teaching American Tang Soo Do. They and all the instructors here are talented, kind, compassionate and offer the positive instruction she needs to thrive. The classes taught here, which offer individual and focused attention, have also carried over to her home life. She is more self aware, confident and all around a happier child. I'm amazed at all she's learned and how strong she has become! Thank you to GGM, GM Ichikawa, and all the gifted instructors for your knowledge, patience and care! I 100% recommend TO Westlake Karate!

All Star Martial Arts deserves 10 stars. My kids (ages 5 and 7) have been students for about a…read moreyear now, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I've watched them not only grow in physical strength, balance, and athleticism, but also in confidence and respect for themselves and others. Every week my kids can't wait to go to martial arts class and see what new skills they will learn. Master Ryan is an amazing instructor who really cares about all his students. He brings knowledge, patience, and humor to his martial arts training, and the classes are equal parts fun and educational. Master Ryan fosters a safe and encouraging environment, which in turn enables the students to thrive and support each other. And he has an excellent group of black belts, including Mister Will and Miss Allison, who he has trained to be outstanding instructors as well. All Star Martial Arts has been a great asset not only to my kids, but to the entire Oak Park Community. We look forward to continuing our martial arts journey with Master Ryan, his staff, and all the wonderful members of the All Star family.

I can't believe I didn't write a review sooner. My 4 year old twin boys have been in the Little…read moreKickers class for the past few months, and it has been a game changer. The boys constantly talk about Master Ryan and the values he teaches. I love that they're learning martial arts, but more than anything, I appreciate the values and discipline they're learning. And, of course, they have fun! We go 3 days a week, and the boys insist that we schedule our plans around this class. They LOVE it.

My kids have been going to Pride for over one year and they love it here. Pride Martial Arts…read moreinstructors and students are like family. It is such a positive environment. My kids are age 6 and 9 and both kids have learned a level of respect for themselves and others that translates far beyond the studio. Master Wasserman and Master Bloom have the gift of knowing how to motivate kids, and genuinely caring for each and every one. Every child here feels seen. Can't speak highly enough about this environment and martial arts community.

Pride Martial Arts is a great place! My wife found it for our 15 year old son and he has been…read moreabsolutely loving it. The Grand Masters who teach here are wonderful with the students. Highly recommended!

I absolutely love Level 3 Martial Arts Performance! I was honestly really nervous to start, but…read moreeveryone there is so kind and welcoming that it immediately put me at ease. The environment is super supportive, and you never feel judged no matter your experience level. Sensei Eric is an amazing instructor, he's patient, encouraging, and truly cares about helping everyone improve. He makes classes fun while still pushing you to grow. I'm so glad I took the step to join!

We enrolled our 7 years old at September 2025 and we've been very happy with this decision. No…read morecommitment trial period. No pushy sale, which is great start. Flexible program depending on each individual or family's preference. In addition to above, sensei Eric has many years or experience which resulted in nurturing environment while kids learn martial art, discipline, respect, structure, and have fun at the same time.

Great vibe here. Henry and all his students made me feel…read morelike we were old friends as soon as I walked in the door. The program Henry runs here is incredibly effective and it shows in all his students, no matter their belt level. The rolls I had with every person was very technical, I was impressed with the traps, transitions and the insane leg dexterity all his students had. When I am in the area I will definitely be stopping in again.

My daughter (6 yo) has been going consistently for a few months. Her ability to handle herself on…read morethe play yard has improved. She has a little more confidence when the adults aren't around :) thank you coach Henry !

Me and my family love this place!!! This is truly a Martial…read moreArts Academy, many different styles mixed into one amazing school. Guru Rene (Owner/Instructor) is an amazing man, he is so knowledgeable he trained under the infamous "Dan Insosanto" (who was Bruce Lee's friend and training partner). He is so good with all of the children and adults that attend his academy, I think of him as a gentle giant. So kind/respectful but firm and everyone respects him. He takes the time to get to know every single student and they all love him like family!! His academy offers so much more then any other gym that I have been to... My daughter has learned so much and she loves every single day that she is there. They even have a wonderful after school program that is structured in such an amazing way!!! This place is a hidden gem

Very inclusive and highly affective. The perfect environment for anyone interested in real self…read moredefense. The small class sizes enable everyone to get a great understanding and hands-on learning.

The instructors are so great with my son! We absolutely love the discipline he is getting out of…read morethis program. He's been there for two years and can't say enough good things!

So happy that we ended up with this dojang after trying out many others. The Masters have mastered…read morethe fine balance between disciplinary leadership and heartfelt compassion towards kids. It's a huge bonus that it's always incredibly clean and airy inside. Best place in town for martial arts, in my opinion.