I absolutely would recommend American Sport Karate. Mr. P is amazing with children--he inspires…read morethem to work hard, while instilling values like good attitude, discipline, focus, listening, leadership, and teamwork. The students are extremely motivated. After months of watching my 5-year-old son learn (and beg to go to class every day), I signed up to do it too! I love the emphasis on good behavior and character not only in class, but also at home, with lots of fun thrown in. When a Karate Tots class opened up for 2.5-4 year olds, our youngest couldn't wait to start. It's been a game changer in our home.

My kindergartener loves Mr. P's karate class. And I love that Mr. P is teaching him patience,…read morerespect, discipline and karate while making him laugh. And moms, I have to mention the homework sheets - you will never see your kid so excited to help with dishes, clean his or her room, or take out the trash in the hopes of earning a patch for his or her karate uniform. There are fun opportunities for parents to jump in -- including an occasional parent-kid class where you, too, will be challenged and laugh at the same time. And Mr. P offers parents nights out where your child will eat pizza, watch movies, and play dodgeball while you take some time off. Check it out, you won't regret it!

Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu is an academy that focuses on M.A. based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This place…read morewelcomes everyone, both children and adults, from those who have no experience to those who do, to an environment that is safe and is all-encouraging. I also love that they customize and tailor your lessons so it's you-centric! Looking at their schedule, I like that their hours cater and can work for those who have school/work. Reaching out to Mr. Emil to obtain more information, I loved that he was extremely responsive, very friendly, and was readily available for any assistance! I can see why this place receives such high and positive feedback from their happy clients! +ask for Mr. Emil! +jiu-jitsu! +friendly staff +safe environment

Took my 5- and 8-year-old to Six Blades Jiu Jitsu Nova for a free trial. The environment is…read moreno-nonsense and clearly built around serious training-- which as an Army veteran is something I personally respect and felt at home in, especially given the military-style banter. That said, I didn't find the tone ideal for younger kids. There was language and phrasing ("kick his ass!") that I didn't feel was appropriate for children, and I was disappointed by comments made toward boys being beaten by girls ("You'll walk home if you lose to a girl")--not exactly the message I want either of my kids internalizing. The instructors are absolutely skilled and committed, but they treat the kids like mini adults, which may work for some families, but not ours. We ended up going with another gym that's more youth-focused, closer to home, and offers more affordable memberships with military and family discounts. I think Six Blades would be great for adult students or older teens looking for high-level instruction, but it just wasn't the right fit for our young kids. Edited for further context: For further context, what the owner describes as "jovial" banter included quotes from coaches during the kids' training session: * "Kick his ass!" * "Whoop his ass!" * "You better not lose to a girl!" * "If you lose to a girl, you're walking home!" * "Pay attention, dammit!" "Banter" implies the kids could respond with witty comebacks--but what would they realistically say to grown men in a position of authority? They simply complied. That said, I truly appreciate the owner's openness to constructive feedback. It makes me feel more confident in my decision as a parent. For now, we'll stick with the more "budget" and kid-friendly option -- at least until my children are old enough to clap back at demeaning and misogynistic comments with confidence and humor that comes with maturity.

I've been a long time student of Master Folta since 2005. I started at Oak Marr Recenter, before…read moremoving up the ranks, and eventually teaching for his dojo. I'm very pleased to see that he finally was able to open his own independent dojo to celebrate traditional Okinawan Uechi Ryu Karate, as well as the rich cultures that Okinawa brings. The Cultural Center has many artifacts in a museum style in a side room. There's also many people from the community like the DC Okinawan Kai who utilizes the space. It is a safe and welcoming space for not just Okinawan people, but those interested in learning more about the culture and tradition. This spacious dojo has two kicking/punching bags ready for training, many talented instructors, and classes for children and adult alike! I am excited for what's to come for this OKCC! I hope new students can find their new karate home like it's been for me throughout the years!

I was studying Okinawan Uechi-Ryu karate for many years and had attained 6th Dan before joining…read moreMaster Folta's classes. During that time, he hosted some of the Okinawan masters at his dojo, which is how we met. Those were great classes, and when it was time for me to find a new dojo, I joined Master Folta at his new location. It's a fine space, and the training there is authentic and excellent. Master Folta is kind and genuine, while also encouraging everyone to reach for the highest standards. His careful eye has improved my karate in many ways, large and small. I was careful in my choice of schools, and picked the best one in the area. I've seen his students, both kids and adults, get better over time and stay with the program. If you're serious about learning karate that works, this is the place I recommend. There is a lot to learn, and this is the real deal.

I have a black belt from Potomac Kempo, and I have witnessed a rapid deterioration at this school…read moreover the past few years, with very troubling developments at this dojo. Here are some highlights of what has gone wrong. 1. Martial arts skills no longer seem to matter. The most shining example is the new instructor hired at this dojo last year. She is really, really bad at martial arts. At another karate school, she might be a yellow belt at best (the instructor of one such school said as much), but at Potomac Kempo, she was promoted to black belt and then full-time instructor. It's a slap in the face to every student who takes martial arts seriously. 2. Along with numerous other students, I have witnessed this woman crying monthly, weekly, and even daily over the years--about everything from her personal problems to her poor kempo skills. Deceptively, all the crying masks a whole lot of spite, and all the tears are a vehicle to bring forth endless lies and dumb drama. She once made a brazen attempt to ban a student in good standing from another Potomac Kempo dojo, and went about her scheme by doing what she does best: crying and lying. Said student had triggered her venom by unfriending her on Facebook (!!!!!). Instead of reprimanding her, Potomac Kempo offered her a job as a full-time instructor at this dojo shortly thereafter. Not surprisingly, the falsehoods and vitriol have continued to ensnare students and infest the school. 3. Potomac Kempo's shortcomings go beyond just a bad hire. One problem is the volunteer instructor program that runs across all dojos. At this school, you have to pay to become a volunteer instructor. Yes, YOU PAY Potomac Kempo to WORK FOR Potomac Kempo. It's a deal many fine martial artists simply won't accept. In turn, it has attracted more than a few "instructors" whose skills are mediocre at best. Every student can get better, and some who volunteer bring respect and humility, and make vast improvements through the experience. But for certain others, they puff themselves up with false pride and a sense of entitlement. The new hire at this dojo personifies the worst of both: As a volunteer instructor, she made a habit of disrespecting dojo rules and etiquette and other students, believing that she had the "status" to do so. It is quite a bad look for students to behave this way but it's much, much, more outrageous when so-called instructors do so. Sadly, this has occurred with regularity in the past few years. Instead of insisting that all behave professionally, Potomac Kempo coddles the offenders. Hiring the worst offender as a full-time instructor has sent the unmistakable message that this dojo, and the school in general, will elevate bad martial arts, and even worse character. 4. Martial arts is ultimately about becoming a better person. If all you want is fitness, you could get yourself a beefy trainer at a gym. At a dojo, time-honored values like honor, courage, and loyalty should matter. Potomac Kempo does not impart or emphasize these values. A while ago, I stuck my neck out to defend the school's reputation. I would've preferred never to have been involved, but the situation was serious and action was required. Though the chief instructor at another dojo has offered his appreciation for my intervention, the management for this dojo has enabled and empowered those who, lacking any common sense or business judgment, have sought retaliation. 5. I used to enjoy training at this dojo. I have attended class here many times, trained with its students and instructors, and participated in school-wide belt tests, seminars, and other events with many of them. A former instructor here was Sensei Dan, and I regularly came here and sought him out when I had trouble mastering new material. He was simply fantastic. How times have changed. 6. For a long time, my friends and I at this school paid our dues, went to class, stayed committed to our training, made sure to be welcoming to new students and helpful to lower ranks, and cared about our dojos. We didn't agree with everything the school did, but overall, we enjoyed being students here. Looking back on the past 2-3 years, it feels as if we blinked and the school went downhill and became barely recognizable.

I have been studying Shaolin Kempo at Potomac Kempo - Fairlington for about seven months now. I…read morelove it. I studied MMA at another gym but never felt like I mattered. People did not speak. No one knew my name. My questions often fell on deaf ears. At Potomac Kempo - Fairlington it is the exact opposite. Sensei Cassie is the best. She greets everyone by name. My dojo mates always greet each other and we make sure you know you were missed if you miss a few classes and have returned. If i have a question, anyone who knows the answer will help. Our black belts set the tone of helping, answering questions, helping one another learn, and just being good people. I have about 18 years of experience working with kids. I have seen some horrible teachers. But Sensei Cassie? Her patience is phenomenal. She is great at teaching them to control their bodies, listen to and follow directions, and at the end of classes, often discusses the finer points of character. Just the thing a parent needs to ADD to the parenting already being done. If I had any little kids in the family in the area, they would be at Potomac Kempo studying. This is more than a place to come work out. It is a place to come relieve stress, gain a sense of accomplishment as you earn higher belts and do exercises you have never done before, meet good people, and just have fun.

I'd like to thank the entire staff here. Truly some of the kindest, and best people with folks of…read moreall ages. Without a doubt Mr Jason is the classiest man you'll discover. He started martial arts as a young person, and now owns and runs this establishment. He remembers every name. If you see this could you teach me how? A gentleman in every way, and he was instrumental in helping my son's confidence. He is really a diamond in every sense of the word, and now although he's moved on to football, a lot of the vigor and enthusiasm he brings on the field started here. If you want your kids to be valued, along with finding an affordable place, this is a "win win." Rarely do I give a business or place five stars. Yet World Karate is that good. It starts with honesty, respect, kindness, and understanding we are all wired differently. Mr Jason and staff will have your son or daughter learn martial arts, but they will also find important lifelong lessons here too. My full recommendation, and thank you World Karate! You really are where it's at, and a positive experience, along with being a place for all to learn at their speed.

I can't say enough good things about this place! Both my…read morekids have spent time at world karate. My oldest did the after school program for a year and a half, my youngest has been doing once a week classes for 2 years or so. I recently joined class with my youngest for fun. Mr. Jason runs a great program. He has realistic expectations of the kids, its not one size fits all. He encourages each child to do the best they can do. For some (like my youngest) it may be to just pay attention in class or (for my oldest) to really perfect the skill they are working on. He keeps order in class but keeps it light, fun, and humorous. They are flexible and easy to work with. The black belt students they have assisting in class are great. They were flexible with me starting so i could join my kid in class. They have teacher work day camps, its just fantastic all around.

Attending classes at Kim has been a wonderful experience for my son. He has improved his physical…read moreand social skills while learning self-discipline and perseverance. Instructor Keith and the instructors he has trained emphasize that the habits learned in class don't end when students "step off the mat" but continue at home and school. Instructor Keith partners with parents to support kids in developing their weaker areas in a positive environment. Watching this weekend's Black Belt testing was evidence of how influential this is. The students were impressive in their skills, determination and mental stamina, developed through practice during class and at home. I highly recommend this program and these instructors.

I have called 3 separate times left messages and sent email inquiries with no response from anyone…read more We were interested in a place for our two children in our new neighborhood, but will have to consider other options. Do better

Cannot say enough good things about Master Mike and his school. My 8 year old has attended classes…read morefor about 1.5 years now and LOVES it. We tried another facility with good reviews prior and it just wasn't up to par. Master Mike knows how to control a class and have fun at the same time. He also coaches the children on real life scenarios and takes time to focus on building character - courtesy, honesty, respect for themselves and others, etc. Classes for adults as well!

Great Gym, Great people, and Great training. no matter what your goals are the family at Royal…read moreMartial Arts will take great care of you. Whether you want to promote skills and values in yourself or your children, train for self-defense, or just relieve stress this is the place to do it. No egos, No judgment just a great community of people trying to better themselves.

My son has been coming to Okinawan Karate Dojo for almost a full year. Sensei Stan and the rest of…read morehis team do a really wonderful job teaching the kids! This school is very family oriented and maintains an educational yet fun environment. The pricing here is very fair for the classes as well as their branded merchandise. The class schedule is also very easy to follow. The daily class schedule for each level of students is different for every day of the week. However, this schedule is the same every week. Once you input the dates into your calendar you can put them on repeat and you'll never miss a beat. The belt testing here is also done well in my opinion. The testing dates are announced well in advance and I've also seen them posted throughout the Dojo. As long as the students attend, participate and learn the different blocks, punches, etc then they should pass their tests each time. My son has moved up to the next belt each time he has a belt test. The new location is really cool too! They now have two floors which allows them to accommodate more classes as well. I really am glad that my son attends Okinawan Karate Dojo! I'm lookong forward to him earning his black belt here one day.

A young family member attended the summer camp program. This was his 3rd year. He looks forward to…read moreattending every year. Although the kids were not able to get to the pool this year, the camp was able to make up for the temporary change. The price was reasonable and manageable. The program included valuable karate lessons taught by certified instructors. This has always been a great service. The diversity of the program has always been reflective of the county. Overall, the Okinawa Dojo summer camp program met and exceeded expectations by providing my little family member with a fun, healthy and safe environment.