If I could give this dojo zero stars, I would…read more My son has been practicing at Knight's Isshin-Ryu Karate since April 2024. We've signed multiple six-month contracts, paid every bill on time, bought the required uniform and equipment, and paid extra fees for belt promotion ceremonies. My son has shown up, often three times a week, memorized Isshin-Ryu history, advanced through four belts, and fully participated in dojo culture and events. Because my family spends two months each summer on the East Coast, I requested flexibility with their contract, which had been granted. When I attempted to renew in August of this year, I was told I could not due to their six-month minimum requirement. Given it was August and I would not depart until June of the next year - I offered to sign a six- or even a nine-month contract. But the Knights never responded. Multiple calls and emails went unanswered. After more than two weeks of silence, I went to the dojo in person to try to get signed up. At that point, I was told directly -- with some defensiveness and hostility -- that I was no longer a client, that my contractual obligations had been met, and that they would not renew the contract given I could not commit to back-to-back six-month contracts or a one-year agreement. I again offer to sign a six or nine month contract. Shockingly, I was told my son would need to find a new karate dojo - despite all the time and effort he had already invested. It is important to note that I also observed that students seem to promote to the next belt about one week before their contracts expire. This happened to my son twice - as well as the majority of his class during the promotion ceremony last May. I don't think this is a coincidence. This pattern raises concerns that promotions are scheduled more for contractual convenience than for individual student progression. I even brought this up once, when I felt my son was being promoted before he was ready. This situation was especially disappointing as I believed in the Knight's values of respect, hard work, integrity, and determination - and expected them to practice what they preached. Given that the Knight's is run by a prior military member, I expected professionalism and integrity. Yet, when faced with a dedicated student and family asking for fairness, they abandoned him. My son, who invested over a year of effort, was simply dismissed from the karate dojo. He is now heartbroken given the time and effort he invested, only to be treated like a contract number. In my experience, Knight's Isshin-Ryu Karate prioritizes rigid contracts and revenue over student development and well-being. Families considering this dojo should weigh carefully whether those priorities match what they are seeking for their children, and recognize that their child may be cut off at any time at a whim. If you value your child's time and effort, think twice before trusting Knight's Isshin-Ryu Karate.

Sensei David is a Top Notch Instructor. Easy to learn from and start applying what you learn from…read moreday one! Great way to build your confidence and self defense skills. Highest Recommendation!!!

As a former student who studied under different Senesis I can say JIKC helped shaped me into the…read moreperson I am today. I still remember the dojo precepts To cultivate the sprit of effort To uphold the principles propriety and courtesy To perfect the mind of patience To live the way of truth and not to lose self control or act in a violent manner. I also still remember one of my first sensis Roy Woodward always reminding us to always say Please and thank you which I still do to this day. I also had another sensei Sensei Eric who told me if your basics are good every thing else will be good. At first I thought it was just karate basics but he also ment the basics of life like being sn honest and caring person and being someone who has compassion and is willing to help others something i did when I became a sempai. I still pratice the basics at home but forgot the katas. I would love to go back but I'm out of shape and older now body isn't what it used to be LOL.

This place helped my daughter's self esteem and ability to focus. They are affordable and were…read moreflexible with payments due us having a family emergency. They care about the wellbeing of the kids. My daughter says she now feels fierce

My daughter has been going to this dojo since 2016 and it's finally dawned on me It's Not About the…read moreBelts! Minus family, nobody has been more invested and dedicated in her personal growth than Sensei Manny. Kids absolutely love and respect him and they all have so much fun here. And the kids here... they are wonderful. They grow stronger together not just physically but in their hearts and minds and they are so supportive of one another. They are like little Avengers! I'm incredibly thankful for this program.

Like any parent, you have many doubts about a new place, instructors, whether your child will enjoy…read moreand learn anything, etc. I debated about sending my 5 year old here for 6 months but finally went to a class to check it out. The emails inquiring on information to visit with James, via Yelp messages, was responded back to instantaneous. I REALLY like that. It shows commitment that Smart Karate cares. As a picky parent, I have to admit this place is awesome so far and I enrolled him for a year (20% discount). Sensei Reiko and Sensei Gary have the positive energy, patience, and tone of voice that are perfect for children. There are a lot of helpers and no apparent discrimination of newbie vs. more skilled kids. I'm looking forward to Ethan learning to focus his mind and body, while having fun and learning some cool moves!

Shotokan Karate Do International Federation (SKIF) Hawaii is led by Les Nishikawa Sensei (7th Dan),…read moreand is affiliated with SKIF Japan, founded by Hirokazu Kanazawa. The school practices traditional karate kihon (basics), kata (forms), kumite (sparring), and weapon techniques. Instruction is individualized, student-centric, and affordable (~$50/mo with discounts for family groups). New students can join at any time, but should contact the Sensei first. The dojo (classroom) is located in the first floor of the Japanese Cultural Center, and is purpose-built with martial arts in mind. Classes are taught in English, with some Japanese for dojo rituals, technique names, and counting.

Great place to lean Shotokan karate. Balanced curriculum with tournament opportunities. Families…read moreoften train together but it's a great place for adults of ages to train as well. The senseis are great with kids and adults and reach discipline and control. Lots of opportunities for social fun as well.

Sensei Aaron & Senpai Joy are amazing! We've been with them for a few years now and they are very…read morekind, hard working, and knowledgable people. In the dojo, it's not all about perfection... it's about learning core values and doing your best. They spend more time teaching about character than anything else and that's what I want my children to learn. Is Good character & strong moral values. I don't care how well they can do karate or how fast they can move up in ranks - I want to see them learn to have integrity and grow to be a good human! Sensei Aaron and Senpai Joy care about the children!

I am impressed with Sensei Aaron's method of teaching karate, because he also explains the…read morereasoning why things are done in a certain way. Sensei Aaron is a very patient and kind teacher, he instills in his students to do their best in everything they do. He provides a very good foundation for learning the principles of karate, in a fun atmosphere.

We were lucky enough to find Sensei Maile during the height of the Covid pandemic lockdown. Our…read moreboys, twins age 6, began private lessons with her outside at our house. This fall, they have been able to attend classes and private lessons at the newly opened Kachi Karate dojo on S Beretania. The boys LOVE Sensei Maile. She is calm, patient, fun and a super skilled expert. She also happens to have a daughter their age, so she really "gets" kids and knows how to motivate them. My husband and I love that she emphasizes the mental discipline, including doing well in school and being respectful of your parents, in addition to the physical discipline. I cannot recommend Sensei Maile and Kachi Karate highly enough! We are so happy to have found this wonderful place for our kids to learn and grow.

First of all, I knew nothing about karate other than what I saw on the Karate Kid, and when I…read morepictured kids taking karate I pictured a hard ass teacher yelling at his students just like that mean teacher at the Cobra Kai dojo. So when my father-in-law suggested my daughter try a karate class near our house, I was a bit hesitant...she was only four, REALLY tiny, and not the most aggressive kid; but she was coordinated and definitely could use the discipline; so we decided to try a free class with Kachi Karate. When I met Sensei Robert him and heard how he spoke to my daughter as he took her aside to teach her some basic things before class, I could see he was a really nice guy who had a special way with kids...and my anxiety about this whole thing just went away. In the beginning, my daughter had a hard time following along as a lot of the class had been taking karate for at least a few more months. After the first couple of classes, she wanted to quit, but we convinced her to stick with it for just one month and told her she could quit if she didn't like it by then. Sensei Robert had always made it a point to make sure the higher belts in the class take care of and teach the younger ones. This helped her a lot, to feel like the older kids were supportive of her and not going to make fun of her. it was also a great lesson in responsibility for the older kids as well. At home, she kept practicing and practicing, and one day was able to get some of the moves from the kata she was learning. From achieving that, it ignited her confidence and commitment to the class as a whole. So much so that she has kept up with this for over year a year now! I also really like the fact that there are two female teachers - Sensei Maile and Sensei Shannon. They are both so good with the kids and I am grateful that my daughter gets to see at an early age that women can be both feminine and strong at the same time. And now, I see karate in a whole new light. It has kept my daughter physically and mentally fit, but also instilled in her important life values. She started kindergarten this year at Aina Haina school and I truly believe that Kachi Karate has helped her transition into this new chapter in her life more seamlessly. It is evident not only in her work ethic, discipline, and respect for others, but also in her ability to make new friends, try new things and be a more confident person overall. Sensei Robert has also expanded his dojos around town and even has a karate class for 3-5 year olds that my 3 year old son will be trying soon! I think it's great what he is doing for the communities around here and I would highly recommend his classes for any child, boy or girl - as they will be getting much more than self-defense skills - you'll be surprised at what they can accomplish and what kind of person they will become!