I paid for karate for my niece and nephew for years. Brought them to practice etc…read more.. Tony (owner) then signed a declaration under penalty of perjury stating that he'd never met me. We asked him in writing to right this wrong. My SIL removes them from karate because they were mean to her ! Not only does he not teach the basics that he professes about telling the truth, showing up he then lies about it. Please make sure you know what training and resources are available if you send your kids to their camps or after school activities. They are not a licensed daycare provider but advertise as such. (I have picture proof that i can share upon request) I'm sure tony will try to have this removed and get his "cult" to respond. I have many parents, grandparents etc that upon calling Tony out have been attacked by his cult following. Feel free to message me for details or with questions about his unethical practices and his refusal to fix his wrongs. I picked this place, paid for the services and he doesn't deserve anyone else to have the same fate that we did. If Tony rights his wrongs I'll update this as truth is important!

I waited about 6 months after first looking into this place before signing my 5 year old some up…read morefor his first class. I was hesitant because he's pretty adhd and have had a struggle in school. I've been looking into activities to help him focus and things that could build his confidenc. I called and talked to two people that understood my concer of having a student that has a hard time with direction, and what I was looking for for him. They assured me they work a lot on discipline and focus, and even have seen 180 with kids like him. Well we were asked to leave in the first 20 minutes of his first class. They had helpers and did try to get him to redirect into class and not run around. But they chose to send him out before he was done and told me he might benefit from private lessons. I feel they could have recommended that over the phone when I was going to through my concerns and probably would have liked to try that first if they encouraged it for kids in his situation, that I was very upfront about. It was embarrassing and devastated my kid. I'll find some one that won't give up on him, but not this place and not today I guess.

I have great respect for Soke Thomas and the master teachers at the dojo. My children, particularly…read moremy son, have grown tremendously in the year they've been studying there. Not only does he have a chance to focus his energy physically, but he is learning self discipline and respect, and as a parent, I have gained an additional support system.

I've enjoyed this karate school ever since we joined. My kids started in May 2025. I sat through…read moreevery practice I could and saw the love and consideration they had for their students. I also witnessed how they stay true to the tradition of Okinawain Karate. My kids were taught every skill needed for every task. Every practice they contained so much knowledge. I was blown away. I had surgery on my ankle in July 2025 and at the end of August 2025 they welcomed me into class and it was one of the greatest decisions I've ever made. I've learned so much and just continue to learn over and over again. The focus they've given me and the understanding they've given me of Okinawain Karate is mind blowing. This school has brought so much to my family and they have all became part of our family. Words can't even describe the gratitude I have for them. They are so compassionate, meet you where your at, and bring you up from there. I would highly recommend this school. It would be one of the best decisions you could ever make. Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day and may God bless you and your families!

After the two initial semi-private trial classes my 7 year old was extremely excited to start…read morekarate. Unfortunately the actual group classes where nothing like the trial. He was not given the attention or direction he needed. He was ignored, told to practice some move alone, or told to be quiet and just watch and follow along while he felt lost. I repeatedly told the owner that my kid was overwhelmed, confused, left alone, and bored. Each time I brought it up, the only response was "well he can quit but you still have to pay because you signed a 6 month contract." The experience of my child was of no importance to them, only the money which they'd get either way. They never addressed or acknowledged any of our concerns. We carried on for a couple months but it only got worse with my kid getting so anxious and crying/begging not to have to go to karate and asking everyday after school if this was a day he had to go. We wanted him to learn discipline and self confidence but this experience was the opposite. I still think he would thrive at another dojo but now he is too traumatized to try again, and we're stuck paying these folks. Stay away from Steve Curran.

Our now 8 year old, a VERY energetic and sometimes focus-challenged young guy, has been attending…read moreclasses here for a few years- from their Little Dragons children's program into their youth program, training with the older kids and adults. I started off fairly skeptical, but this place has 100% won me over. I have watched the growth in our son, the other students, and the younger instructors- the typically high school aged black belts are usually the instructors for the youngest students. It has been amazing to watch all the students there grow into their responsibilities, to begin taking their training seriously, to gain a strong understanding of respect, and to engage in difficult activities and use failure as a learning tool and not a defeat. You earn each stripe on your belt, and the owners and instructors have high expectations of all who walk through the doors. But those expectations are backed up by support, solid instruction, and recognition of achievement. Couldn't be happier with the program.

I've trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with everyone in the area and am happy this place opened up. It's…read morethe only place I go to now. I go Mon. Wed. Fri. At 10am because that fits my schedule. This dojo has BJJ, wrestling, and no-gi classes that are great to be a well rounded grappler. If your into boxing, kickboxing/Muy Thai, I can tell you that they know what they are doing here! And thats saying a lot! I see men, women and children training here. Some people want to be pro cage fighters and some people just want to get a quality work out. Anyway you look at it you can't go wrong with this place!

From the owner: Group Classes and Private Instruction In- - Karate…read more- Muay Thai - Kickboxing - Cardio and Fitness

2 kids, completely different personalities. Our oldest loves to try new sports, the youngest not so…read moremuch. Our oldest is a purple belt and has competed in a tournament in Tacoma and got first place in his form in his age. He continues to excel and learn. We set up 2 intro classes for our youngest, one on one with her and Sensei. She was excited after them, then we got to the group classes and she was scared and didn't want to do it. We kept at it and every time Sensei would ask her for help getting things to keep her active. FINALLY he got her to play a game and she fell in line right after with the rest of the kids!! She didn't even realize she was now doing things with the class but she did it!! I can't tel you how proud of herself she was when she got home and so were we (Mom, Dad, and big brother) but the way Sensei works with these kids is just mind blowing! I suggest Aspire Karate for anyone looking for another option to sports for their kids, or themselves. OSS

Sensei Trace is very skilled, has top notch pedagogy, and a great attitude towards all his students…read moreboth young and old. I recently got back into training since stopping 15 years ago and chose to join Aspire, and I look forward to learning more. Great Shotokan school.

We've had such a great experience at Barner's Blue Dragons! My son is in the Little Ninjas class,…read moreand it has been amazing to watch his growth over the past few months. He's learned so much--not just in karate skills, but also in confidence and discipline. What really stands out is how family-oriented the environment is. From day one, they made us feel welcome and part of their community. The instructors are supportive, encouraging, and truly care about the kids. I highly recommend Barner's Blue Dragons to any family looking for a positive and welcoming place for their child to learn and grow!

From the owner: We are blended system open to teaching kids and adults. Ages from 3 years to adultsread more

USMAC is a great activity for kids! My son loves the tumwater location. He has a blast and I love…read morethat they are teaching respect and to listen to adults!

Update: We have now been part of this community for 2.5 years!…read moreReviews written by my kids who attend USMAC: 7th grader: USMAC is such an amazing community to learn discipline, self defense, respect, and self- confidence. It's a great place to find community and all the instructors are helpful and kind. I especially love the Tumwater dojang because of the size and you feel like you are cared for. 6th grader: USMAC is a great place and TKD teaches you skills that are important and will help you become more self confident. The instructors are great teachers and they will teach you discipline. 2nd grader: USMAC is very good and teaches me self- confidence and how to defend myself. _____ Our family is so proud to be a part of USMAC. My husband and three children (ages 11,10,6) all train together. It's incredible that it is so family oriented that each class caters to every age. Doing TKD together has brought our family closer together. Since coming to USMAC, over a year and half ago, I have seen an increase in my children's confidence, skills, and flexibility. In addition, this school not only teaches the physical aspects of taekwondo but the culture and values. They instill values by having "Home Rules" of respect and encourage them to become leaders. This is evident by the leadership of every instructor and master. They are absolutely incredible! You can sense their care, great skills, and training. When you enter the dojang, you will be greeted with a positive atmosphere and be part of a family! Highly, highly recommend!

I've known Keith Sensei off and on since 2006 or so and refer anybody looking for real karate to…read morehis dojo. He's a super nice guy, and cares about his student's growth. I used to be an instructor & fighter myself but had to stop due to military injuries and wish more instructors were as friendly as Keith is; the problem is a lot of karate instructors have huge egos and encourage their students to worship them. The other problem is most karate in the USA is "kroddy" that won't work in a real fight. Now that Keith is associated with Tom Callahan and a great network of other dojo around the world I can't wait to see how his Dojo & students grow! Osu!

Best place in Seattle to learn traditional Kyokushin Karate! Everyone works very hard, Sensei has…read morebeen teaching many years and is excellent with all age ranges. Don't miss sparring class on Saturday!