One of the best decisions we made after moving from Europe to the U.S. was joining Vision Martial Arts. Master Martin has an incredible impact on my son - not only teaching him martial arts, but also mentoring him through important life lessons. His guidance has helped shape my son's confidence, discipline, and overall character. The environment is incredibly positive and respectful, and we've seen tremendous growth both physically and emotionally. We feel lucky to have found a place that builds not just strong athletes, but strong individuals. read more

Amazing instructors. My son has gone here since he was eligible to start with the Foundation class. He has now since graduated to the Sophomore class. Reflecting back on his journey, it help my son through his balance, improved his listening skills, self confidence, and advocate and speak up when he thinks something is wrong. I'm really proud of how VMA helped my son grow as a person. read more

We love this place. My son loves the teachers and the place is very accommodative with respect times, break, etc. Always have additional help on videos. Moreover, Master Shawn is aware of everyone's progress which makes it more personal growing up with peers. read more

My kids have been with Vision Martial Arts for the last 5-6 years and I'm blown away by how much they have leaned and grown from it! The instructors are amazing and truly embody the spirit and discipline of martial arts. Their foremost mission is to help the students develop both physical and mental strength and learn what it means to be successful. My only wish is they would do more leadership seminars, etc like they used to before the pandemic. read more

Both of our boys go here and we have nothing but wonderful things to say: As learning a new martial arts that is combined with fundamentals of life to teach our young ones is perfect. They learn a method to protect themselves and so much more like: Respect, Discipline, Patience, Confidence, Teamwork, and much more ... read more

This is my daughter's second year at Vision Martial arts. She is 7 years old and just successfully tested for her orange belt. We have loved the studio from the start and cannot say enough good things about the curriculum and teachers. The curriculum is well-structured and clearly builds from level to level. Students are given the attention they need to master the physical tasks correctly. The teachers demonstrate and carefully interact with all students to reinforce and correct. I have never seen a student "fall through the cracks." We also love the character development and mindfulness components of each lesson. The studio builds into the whole person of each student. The instructors are excellent and go the extra mile to connect with their students. We especially appreciate the black belt students who teach. Mr. Ayer and Miss Ozclock are two that have especially impressed us. They command respect from their students while having fun with them and encouraging them. They are fantastic role models. We love Vision Martial Arts and cannot rate it highly enough! read more

After we left the studio for one year. I finally decide to post my review written a year ago because my younger child was invited to another studio 6 months ago and has a very different experience. I realized how I should have switched my older child out of Vision Martial Art years earlier. The class requirement for test "regardless your learning ability" and the limited test dates per year guarantee you pay enough for the profit of the studio. They don't care about you as long as you pay in time. My older child looked at the young one's practice(for just 6 months) and commented: this is much more useful. (comparing the 5 years spent in Vision) I hesitated to post the review because I didn't want to post out of my frustration but the fact. Now I reread the review I wrote a year ago and still feel it holds true. The studio really doesn't care about my child. They didn't even try to talk to us when we decided to leave after the frustrating black belt event. Even though we supported the business for 5 years. Below is what I wrote a year ago. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Summary: How could you ask your student to take black belt test seriously if the student was taught by not so professional young instructors who sometimes give confused or even contradicted instructions to students? This certainly is a fun and safe place to send your kids to use up their energy and consume calories. Unless they change for better, don't make the same mistake as I did to stay for too long and expect too much. ***************************************************************************************************************** Our story:(6/2016) It was a much better studio when we first began 5 years ago(it was America's Best Karate back then). It helps my daughter to conquer the shyness and be able to speak out. The two head masters are experienced, wonderful and helpful. We signed a 3 years contract for Leadership program. It was for students who want to achieve black belt in 3 years. But then they added belt colors to make it impossible to reach black belt in 3 years. Over the years, the studio not only double the belt colors and classes requirement for promotion(so you HAVE to pass more tests and spend more money to get to black belt), but they also train the black belt students to be assistant teachers. Half of the time, the class was taught by black belt students. If you have young children, this might work for you. Certainly not for kids who really want to learn something. We spent $10K over 5 years in this place. We are disappointed at how the teaching quality has become comparing to years ago. Moreover, recently my daughter is not able to "make up life experiences" for essays required for black belt testing. I have always taught her to be honest to herself. She knows which life experiences connect to Karate and which not. She felt being pushed to "lie" in order to pass the black belt essays. Even though she is good at writing and more than qualified in her Karate skills, she cannot join the try-out because her essay failed to qualify. The studio slowly smother my daughter's love for karate. Not providing high quality teaching is the most important part. Holding her back in the same belt for one year is certainly last straw on the camel. Black belt doesn't mean anything to her anymore. (only represents the money we spent over years) What's the purpose to keep on paying $189/month to have black belt students teaching my daughter? just to let her get a black belt? (when half the black belt teachers are not so inspiring?) I also couldn't help but wonder: How could you ask your student to take black belt test seriously if the student was taught by not so professional young instructors who sometimes give confused or even contradicted instructions to students? This is certainly a fun and safe place to send your kids to use up their energy and consume calories. Just don't make the same mistake as I did to stay for too long or expect too much. read more

My son loves and looks forward to his class at vision martial arts every week! He has learned so much in such a short time and truly enjoys every minute of it! We have taken him to other studios, but he has never been as comfortable as he is here. I usually stay to watch the program and I see how much fun he and the other students are having. I'm so glad we found this place and that my son has found an after school activity that he loves. read more

My 2 kids( 5 and 6 ) have been coming to VMA for almost 9 months now and they absolutely love it. We all love VMA. All the instructors are amazingly helpful and knowledgeable, yet master Mustafic is my kids' role model and hero! The kids love him so much and follow his guidance. He is disciplinary, insightful, and fun ! I have seen my kids learn and understand moral values like courage, responsibility, respect, integrity more importantly practice those values in every day life. We love master Mustafic and vision martial arts. We are looking forward to achieve the one goal my kids have in mind " to be a black belt" !! read more

Vision Martial Arts is a great place. My two boys have found it to be a great place to learn martial arts. So far one have reached first degree black belt and the other working on getting his purple belt. read more

Business is the priority here. Do not be fooled into thinking that the studio is really committed to teaching at a high level. Student teachers are the norm, and while they mean well, are not skilled educators. Be very careful about the contract you sign - management is only interested in your continued payments no matter the value they actually exchange for the money. read more

My daughter and I have been attending Vision karate studio for the past 2 years and we love it! I am taking karate with my daughter because personally, it is very fulfilling and in addition, there are skills that we can both learn and develop together. Based on my experience, I definitely think that this is a great opportunity for parents to spend time with their kids. There is diversity in the staff and students, which really reflects the diverse mix of population in the Bay area. I am also encouraged that the staff has a good mix of female instructors who play great role models for both boys and girls alike. The staff is well trained and very good with students. They are very interactive and inject good questions during studio time to keep the kids interested. Master Mustafic is the lead instructor at the Almaden studio and he has done a fantastic job managing the studio from teaching, to coaching and mentoring, to managing behaviors on rare occasions. The studio offers a variety of events and activities to keep learning alive: karate camps, workshops, and even the movie nights that include karate exercises to keep kids healthy and strong. read more

My son has been going here for the last one year. I've seen a marked improvement in his focus and concentration. What I like most about this place is the fact that they teach life skills and human values through martial arts. Values like respect, self-confidence, humility, truthfulness etc is instilled in them though simple instructions, good enough to stick in their minds. I see the many kids who have been students here for years and now coach the younger kids. If my child grows up to me as respectful, responsible young adults like them, then it's worth all the time and effort! Keep up the good work, guys. read more

Per my son: "I recommend Vision Martial Arts if you are interested in getting your son or daughter (or even yourself) to do a fun interactive sport. Here are a couple reasons. The first reason is that the atmosphere in the studio is a fun, happy atmosphere but you still get things done. Another reason is that martial arts is a very good sport to stay in shape with. The third reason is that they teach you virtues and life lessons at Vision. The final reason is that you can protect yourself if you learn martial arts." I agree! -Burch Harper read more

I worked here for a few week, and all the instructors are super nice. The chief master instructor really cares greatly about the development of the students. And the place is also super well organized so it is really easy to navigate through the schedule and curriculum. Really sad to have had to stop working here, but for all the parents who wants to find a martial arts studio that cares about your kids' well being, this is the place. read more

My boys went here until our out of state move. It was a wonderful introduction to karate. Great instructors and great atmosphere!

My son (who is 8) has been attending Vision Martial Arts for about a month, and in that month there has been quite a change in him. All positive! My son has been in a chorus in his school for the past two years, and he was always very animated and too easily distracted, causing issues for the others. This last performance he was a completely different child! The chorus was much larger than previous ones, and he stood there, all focus. Parents and his chorus director came up to me and commented on the change they saw in him. And HE himself was more proud than ever before. I reminded him before the performance about demonstrating control over his body and to allow his mind to control his actions, and he was incredible! (Vision uses a patch system that focuses on certain values each week, and control is a patch the students can earn. My son LOVES the patches!) The teachers are incredible! Master Mustafic is a delight, and my son adores him. They are all very patient and take the time to work one-on-one with the kids who really need it to help them be successful. They are strict but never unkind. As a teacher myself I feel that all of the patience I have demonstrated over the past thirteen years is coming back to my son in the kindness and attention he receives at Vision. He is learning valuable life skills as well as developing greater self-esteem and stronger interpersonal relationships with his fellow students. He has become less awkward socially (though there is still much room for improvement here as this is a real challenge for him), and the respect that is shown by not only the teachers, but the students as well, is one of the things I credit for this change. I cannot say enough about how Vision is helping my little boy. I thank Master Kevin Waldschmidt and Master Mustafic for helping him begin to find himself. read more

Both my children attend Vision and they both love it. My son has made great progress in the year he's been attending. He's very focused on his karate and has developed a strong motivation to get past each belt level. My daughter recently started at the Pee Wee level and the class is helping her be more confident and outspoken. We enjoy the academy as well as the instructors. They continuously work hard in order to improve the program and level of service which is greatly appreciated. read more

We have had nothing but a positive experience at Vision. My 3 daughters attend Vision and they are loving it! One of my daughter's was very hesitant at first about going, but after her first visit, she is so glad she has enrolled. Master Mustafic and all the instructors are awesome with the students and the energy during the class is amazing! My girls have so much fun and are always looking forward to the next class. From my daughters' experience, I highly recommend Vision!! read more

We hosted our son's 4th birthday party at Vision MA. We had the best experience, they were the only karate studio who got back to our inquiries in a timely manner. Once we got the event planned they were quick to get us all the event details we needed to execute a successful party. On the day of Hajro was amazing! He taught a 45 minute class that was perfectly suited for a class full of 3-6 year olds (not an easy task). We can't wait to take advantage of the free two weeks of classes they provided to us and each kid who attended our son's bday! THANK YOU AGAIN!! read more

Master Mustafic and his staff are wonderful! Always helpful and my children love coming here. He has really helped my autistic son build confidence and body control. read more

My two boys aged 10 & 12 have been coming here for the past one year. I can absolutely tell the difference the classes have made to them. Master Mustafic and the team of instructors do an amazing job with the children. The classes are engaging and they pay close attention to the learner's. The testing process is quite transparent and it's been great so far. read more

I had two kids in this program and it was awful. After they had us signed to contracts they introduced a new "leadership program" which cost more money for one additional class in "leadership" a week. But the leadership kids were considered senior to the non-leadership kids, so white belts who's parents were paying more were senior to my kids who had been going for over a year. They do very little actual instruction. If you show up to enough classes, you get promoted. When I finally pulled my kids and put them in a real studio, they had months of catching up to do. They simply were not anywhere near the level they should have been. An example of Kevin Waldschmidt's level of maturity and pedagogical style: for one of my kids belt tests, they had to spar with two of the instructors at once. Not surprisingly, my 13-year-old, 4' tall, green belt daughter wasn't able to really hold her own against two 6' black belts. Waldschmidt then publicly criticized her for not even managing a simple task like that. Anybody giving this place a good review is an instructor. There is no way anybody who has actually paid for their lousy program would have anything good to say about it. Check out the reviews of his original location in Los Gatos: http://local.yahoo.com/info-21553922-america-s-best-karate-los-gatos for more reviews than are here read more

I got my black belt from here when I was younger. The instructors were professional, informed, and took their jobs very seriously but also knew how to have some fun. I learned great life lessons from this place that I'll have with me my whole life. They teach great martial arts, and give each student their full attention. I can't recommend this place enough. It's a great place for people of any age to get a great workout, gain confidence, and learn some really cool karate. read more

Our son has been attending Vision Martial Arts for four years. We love the studio and the instructors, especially Master Mustafic. All of the instructors are fantastic with kids. They're patient, encouraging, supportive, and help the students to realize their potential. There's a fantastic value system with a different value being focused on each week. We love how well they align with the same values we try to teach our son at home and in church. We've seen so much growth in our son in the four years he's been training at the studio. He's more confident, has learned how to set goals and work hard until he achieves them, and he's learned to persevere through challenges, which is especially important because he has a challenge none of the other current students have: type 1 diabetes. From day one, the instructors have been understanding, accommodating, and supportive of the extra needs he has because of his diabetes. At the same time, they push him just as hard as the other students so he doesn't feel too different from them. He was bummed when he did not qualify for Black Belt testing after his first try out. But he was given clear feedback on what he needed to work on. We worked with him on those things and channeled his disappointment into a determination to show the improvements necessary. The test, which includes a very strenuous conditioning portion, isn't easy. We had concerns about how to help our son get the most out of the test while also taking the necessary precautions for his diabetes. We met with Master Waldschmidt and Master Mustafic and came up with a plan that we were all satisfied with. After four more months of exercise, practice, and preparation, our son qualified, went through the exact same conditioning as everyone else, and went on to earn his Black Belt. The lessons this has taught our son about not letting type 1 diabetes keep him from reaching his goals are invaluable and should serve him well when future college and employment challenges arise. Now that he has his black belt, he's joined the instructor training program where he'll be able to learn even more valuable life skills and lessons. Vision Martial Arts offers an amazing program that can help your child/children in all aspects of their life. Choosing to enroll our son in this studio was the right choice for him and our family. He loves it and so do we. read more

I only take time to write reviews for places that go above and beyond my expectation, and VMA is very much worth my taking the time. I have a lot of respect for Master W. He is the "visionary" of the studio. By that I mean he makes sure that the studio keeps its high stranded. My son started with VMA in kindergarten with a friend. That friend stopped long ago, and my son were on the verge of quitting many times, but Master W. talked him to keep going. My son is very proud of his black belt, which he achieved when he was only 10yo. He loves to play roller hockey more so gave up karate for hockey. My personally favorite instructor is Master Mustafic. I love watching him interact with the kids. The only downside is Master Mustafic aren't teaching as much as he used to. But that's what happens to good people, they move up. Or I assume that's what he is doing. I don't really care for the "younger" instructors. They are kids themselves who have gotten black belts. Overall, my son benefitted greatly from his 5 yrs at Vision Martial Arts, formerly America's Best Karate. read more

My son has been attending VMA for a year now. The instructors do a very good job in teaching the techniques and instilling values like self-confidence, respect in the students. One of the pros is that they are very flexible with makeup classes. The tuition includes uniforms and gears. So far, there have not been any hidden costs. My son looks up to Master Mustafic and is excited to attend VMA every week. Very Happy ! read more

Rizwan and Khadija both have been attending for last 6 months. They have made exceptional progress in their coordination, physical conditioning and focus. I dropped them off in class today, and was amazed to see that they had a meditation session where they were asked to be quiet and self reflect. The entire class was silent and participating. The instructors are very good. Master Mustafic is particularly impressive. His ability to inspire, lead children while treating each individual with respect (and remembering their name) stands out. read more

Well I am one of their students at the moment acually, and I think that all of the instructors are very kind and are very good with the kids.I love especially love Mr.Diggens,Mr.Miller,Mr.Mitchel,Master Waldsmichdt,and The Grand Master Fontana. Whoever wrote that it's pricey well it's not my family is very satisfied with this karate school and I told my half uncle about this school ( he is a tae kwon do instructor i think 3 degree) and said I made the right choice on this school. PS THIS MESSAGE WAS BY MS. DINH. I MISS YOU GUYS VERY MUCH. read more

My grandson has benefited greatly from this program and I would like to share the letter that I wrote to Master Kevin. Master Kevin, I am Mark B's grandfather and would like to tell you that I am very impressed with the training of your instructors especially at the testing sessions. Their method of talking to each student with the praise, constructive, and praise is text book perfect and very impressive. I am a retired teacher and coach and this method was one of the best things I ever learned and it is very rewarding to watch it as my grandson is on the receiving end of it. I have already told Master Mustafic how impressed I was and want to share it with you also as you have trained you staff very well. read more

I spent about 8 years training under the instructors of this studio and I can tell you it was one of the best decisions of my life. I earned my blackbelt and was on my way to my second degree until school became difficult to balance with martial arts. At one point my entire family was enrolled in the program! The instructors are very well qualified not only in teaching martial arts but also in giving children and adults alike the self-confidence and discipline they need to be successful in life. Currently I am on my way to a tier 1 law school and I can honestly say without the mental discipline I learned studying at ABK I am not sure if I would be where I am at today. I too am not sure what San Jose L is talking about...I never had to buy any weapons equipment until I was half-way to black belt, and if he is referring to sparring equipment. That is a necessary part of training, any legitimate studio is going to require it. read more

My kids (now 7 and 10 yrs) have been going to Vision Martial Arts for little under 2 years and they love it. The instructors are all very nice - especially Master Mustafic. We celebrated my son's bday here and master Mustafic remembered the names of all 20 kids in under 5 mins. Everyone had a great time. Besides Martial arts, kids enjoy other activities like movie nights, leadership seminars as well as the games they play in the class. They look forward to their class and wish they could go more often :) read more

My daughter recently had her 5 year old birthday party at the Almaden location. Everyone had a blast and some kids left saying that it was the best birthday party ever. Master Mustafic was so great with the kids. He was able to keep 13, 5 year olds listening and engaged the whole time. The activities they played and martial arts moves they taught them were spot on. They had tableware ordered in advanced that matched the theme of the party. They helped with the party set up and clean up. They even went out to buy water for the party because I forgot about water. Thank you so much! read more

My daughter has been learning at this center for past 9 months. She's been learning martial arts for past 3 years and when we moved to Almaden we were worried about her transition. Master Mustafic not only honored her belt level (unlike other centers), he also worked with her to ensure a smooth transition. All the teachers - Master Mustafic, master Reid, master Lee are very dedicated and enthusiastic. They encouraged my daughter to catch up with the curriculum and helped her feel comfortable in the class. read more

My daughter has been going here for the last few months. She absolutely loves it. Staff is great and they are very helpful. Mustafic does hell of a job. Glad we have it in our neighborhood. read more

ABK's staff are like car salesmen. Always finding ways to make more money. The leadership program, seminars, and buying weapons. The leadership program was a way for students to progress through belts faster than the normal students for more money. Now the weapons are extremely overpriced. They want you to buy weapons and sparring gear from them, far more expensive then what you can find online. And after you buy them, you only end up using them for a few minutes at the end of class. Also, you switch out and have to buy new weapons every few weeks. So students that cannot afford weapons must sit out the activity. You might as well just buy your belts online than to go through this crap they offer. read more

Two of my kids have gone here for over a year- they love their lessons, it gives them great exercise and Master Mustafic is an excellent teacher! read more

My 11 year old has been at VMA for 18 months. When we started, I assumed martial arts would be short term sport for her to explore. Instead, she has become responsible for making her classes and learning her forms while managing school, piano and soccer. I love that the instructors focus so much on self control and leadership. We have seen our girl blossom in her leadership skills and overall confidence over the last year and a half. The more time we spend in the class, the more committed she is to achieving her black belt and beyond. It's super exciting to see. read more

This school is the biggest joke! Kids don't learn anything except a few moves that they keep repeating, it's called 22B, and that is mostly what they work on. It's also a big money pit. They charge you an arm and a leg and then hit you with "surprise" charges out of nowhere. My kid was enrolled into the leadership program and after paying thousands of dollars, when it was time to get the black belt, the owner wanted another $500 to be enrolled into the black belt program. He never mentioned it when we signed up, supposedly, it was all inclusive, but it wasn't. Also, the owner is very stingy. He does not donate to local causes or schools. The only way he will donate is if someone from the school signs up for his classes and then only gives a tiny percentage to the school. I once asked him to donate $100 for a fundraiser for the local middle school and he declined saying he will only donate if people sign up. Save your money, don't go to this academy, it's a joke! read more

this place is all $$$$$. that is it. they have all different color belts (they even have mix color too!!) they say these belts encourage your child. Encourage?? Well. you pay for each belt "test(??)". they made you pay for all types of accessories which cost a bundle (they must have some contract from company) and hardly use them. they entice you to sign up for a long contract,... list go on and on,.. my son did not learn from this place. i took my son to other places, and they asked me WHO taught my son!! even basic routine posture is wrong... avoid this place at all cost... they must be making good $$. branches spring up all over the place.... read more