This is a hidden gem of martial arts studios that genuinely cares about tradition. I took a long…read moretime to sign on to a studio and was happy to find Sensei Hunter. (I definitely wanted to avoid taking my kids to a studio that use splashy stock photos or advertises kid's birthday parties or parents night off events.) I loved the smaller class sizes of Samurai Training Academy which allowed for Sensei Hunter to break down complex moves into their fundamental components. I loved that the studio had adult classes and was not just a dojo daycare. I loved that they did not pass all students for their belt testing. All good signs of a studio with integrity, which sadly, is more difficult to find these days. Sensei Hunter won over the kids with his irreverent sense of humor, his kindness, and his deep love for sharing his practice with his students. My son looks forward to every single class (even going embarrassingly early to classes just so that he could absorb as much as he could from his instructor).

From the owner: Karate, Jujutsu, Sword, Kendo, Kids Karate, Women's Self Defense, Police Self Defense and control…read moretactics

My kids started with Kaizen in kindergarten as an after school club. That's how they started…read more They've had 3 years of Kaizen summer camp now at the Tifereth IsraeI facility. My oldest daughter is a purple belt. She's in weekend and Monday night classes during the school year. The instructors are excellent - that's the distinction. They know the students. It's a cooperative and disciplined environment. When I observe a class, the students all seem like leaders irrespective of their belt colors. They look purposeful to me. With Kaizen, it's a never-ending season. And no one sits on the bench. I could go on about how this helps my parenting role, but every kid is unique. I've seen kids engage; I've seen them mature.

I have tried to register my 4 kids with Kaizen Karate since 2012 fall. I have heard such good thing…read moreabout them and the instructors. Whenever I tried to go to their website I felt I am signing up for a high level security job. The online registration system is far most the difficult for after school sign ups. I like to do my things online. It is much easier for me to pull my records. I had my kids in one week Kaizen camp. I was told they don't take checks by a gentlemen. I paid by phone with their office staff. I received a flyer and PTA ask me to write a check. I believe they are still old school with online registration. If they would consider upgrading I would return and refer other families.

Lloyd Irvin Martial Arts is by far the best martial arts academy around…read more I've been training for over 20 years now and I have never seen a more well structured, organized, disciplined and success performing school. They have a unique way to help people develop in self defense martial arts training while at the same time helping their student gain more confidence and achieve their goals! It is an awesome environment for kids, families, recreational enthusiast and competitors wanting to go pro. I Highly recommend to training here you will definitely learn a lot and grow as a martial artist and a person. :D

I trained here but caught pneumonia and had to drop. Good training and will do again but will cool…read moredown before going directly outside after training. My mistake...

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.

With so many martial arts schools available in the Northern Virginia area that cover a wide…read morespectrum of styles and disciplines, Master Folta's Traditional Uechi-Ryu Karate stands out among them. Seriously, this is the real deal - this school is probably the closest opportunity outside Okinawa you'll get to learning authentic traditional karate from a master practitioner as it was originally conceived by Kanbun Uechi back at the beginning of the 20th century. This style of karate is practical for both self defense and physical fitness, and promotes self-discipline and a healthy life style. Progressing through the various ranks is well structured and meaningful, and you absolutely get a sense of accomplishment as you do so. The staff at Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center make learning karate easy and fun, for all ages and abilities, with hands on classes at the Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center and at various Parktakes rec centers throughout Fairfax County. My whole family signed up for karate classes during the pandemic on a whim, but it only took just a few short classes to realize what a gem of an opportunity we have right here in northern Virginia. I cannot recommend it highly enough! Give it a try and join a great karate community!

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'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.

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!

Mike and Meipo Sensei are very dedicated to their students and everyone interested in getting…read morestarted on this wonderful Martial art. They take the time to demonstrate concepts and are very patient regardless of rank and experience. If you are a complete beginner do give them a call and try a few classes, you won't regret it.

This dojo is a community. The people who practice aikido here appreciate, and genuinely care for…read moreone another. In that atmosphere, learning the art of aikido becomes a joy.