We signed our daughter up for a trial lesson and she loved it! Was worried the class might be a little too fast paced for her as she appeared to be the youngest in the group (3.5) but she kept up well enough to not be discouraged and the instructors were attentive to give her additional support whenever she appeared lost or confused. We're excited to bring her back for regular lessons. Great location, and classes take place in a very clean and open facility. read more

i am officially a member of Church's Martial Arts...my son started the trend, then my husband joined...and after you are paying for 2 people...the rest of the household can train for no additional fees!! SWEET! so my daughter has had a rough time deciding what she wants to do...soccer, baseball, ballet, gymnastics...so...why not get her started in Tae Kwon do??? She agreed to do it on the condition that I do it with her....well, if you know me, i am anything but athletic. To me exercising is going dancing with my friends in Hillcrest, where i probably take in more calories than i burn. But part of being a good Mom is encouraging my children and being a good example, so I agreed to join with my baby girl. Although I feel like a bit of a fool out there...all the 5 years olds are doing better than me...I am so happy (don't tell anyone) that I am working out with Master Church. Master Church and his wife Trish are so incredibly sweet and nurturing. Not only are they like that with all the children, they are treating me...the clumsy adult with the same attention. Thank you guys...it means alot to me =) i really hope my kiddos stick with this forever...and hopefully I get the hang of it soon. oh ya ladies...and it is a really good workout!!! read more

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Church's Martial Arts is awesome! Mr. Solwazi, Mrs. Church, Senior Master Church, and Mr. Savran are awesome instructors. The instructors and fellow students all work hard and treat you like family. The adult class, women's class, and krav class will definitely make you sweat and give you a great workout! read more

We have been with Church's Martial Arts for a month and are blown away with the growth and improvement we have seen in our six year old. Prior to attending class, we heard amazing feedback about the program and how taekwondo not only provided a great physical workout but (perhaps more importantly) helped students become more confident while having fun. As someone who had never been in the martial arts community before, I honestly didn't know what the classes would be like or what to expect. Well, I'm now singing the praises of Master Church and all of the incredible instructors. While we have a long way to go to master the actual moves, the confidence our son has gained over these short weeks is astounding. We have always had a hard time getting him to try something new. Now he does something new every class and tries his best. What else could you ask for? Our son looks forward to every single class. The instructors have a true gift working with children. There is a beautiful balance of laughter, play, respect, and focus. To say we are thankful is truly an understatement. read more

It's hard to fail when your a student at Church's Martial arts . The owners Master and Mrs Church are the best at what they do in molding a well rounded student in martial arts and as a person as well instilling goal driven life skills , control , teamwork , hard working and discipline in all their students. Which helps them off the mat and in life .I have met many of their black belts from young to Middle Aged and they are all committed to cont their journey with the church's . For my children 7,6& 4 all at different levels but my oldest appeared on abc Katie Couric show along with owner Trish church when she was 4 . As one of the nations wonder kids. Church's is our home and absolutely wonderful with children . I definitely recommend this studio .. http://youtu.be/5QJbaKjabIA read more

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This is a great school with lots of diversity. They are great for kids looking to just learn martial arts, but excel at making world champions. read more

This is only based on the trial. I did appreciate the teacher (young man) and how he spoke with the children. However, The classes are so large that I don't feel my children are going to get the attention to actually learn. They have more like 3 classes on the floor as once that led to a cluster! I was annoyed that they wouldn't disclose the cost over the phone. $299 sign up fee and $175 a month on top of the cost of belts, weapons, badges = ridiculous. read more

My family has been coming to Church's Martial arts for 5 years. It started out as an activity for our 2 kids but eventually my husband and I joined too. It has been such a great experience to have this activity as a family. There are not many things you can do nowadays as a family unit. The instructors are awesome! We have learned so much from them with martial arts but also in self defense. I consider these lessons invaluable for the kids as they prepare to go to college in a few years. Not only is the entire staff amazing but the families that attend these classes are first class too. Many of the kids compete but they are still very friendly and encouraging to all those around them. Such quality families make this a place you enjoy spending your time at. I recommend this school to all my friends. read more

Our journey at Church's Martial Arts started with my kindergartener taking TKD as an after school program. After a few years, I brought him to the studio since he grew out of the after school program. I also decided to be on the mat sweating instead of seating outside waiting for my son. Later on, I enrolled my younger son and my husband finally joined us. My kindergartener is now a 14 years old freshman, 3rd degree black belt and has won state, district and word title with ATA ( point sparring style) and is a member of Team USA ( Olympic sparring style). All the credits go to Master Church, Mrs Church and their staffs. There are many more stories like mine at the studio. Today, we still enjoy every class ( Forms, Sparring, Self Defense) because we can spend time with our kids and pushing ourselves ( older, slower and clumsier parents) to be better every day. Thank you Master Church, Mrs Church and all their wonderful staffs for teaching my kids the will to succeed AND the will to work hard to succeed. I am confident that our kids will grow up to become not only the best martial artists, but most importantly, successful and accomplished adults in their personal and professional life. read more

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My son is three years old and he had been asking to do martial arts for six months. When I asked my husband if it was the right time to put him in, he was initially against it. He was a second degree black belt himself during his younger years. He started when he was about 8, so he thought that our son wouldn't be able to get it at all. I called the front desk to get some more information about their Tigers program. The sweet person who picked up the phone happened to be Mrs. Church, the owners wife. She has three sons and she told me that they all started at around my son's age. That made me feel a little better so I agreed to let him try it out. It only took that one day to convince our family how great this was going to be for my son. Their Tigers program is simply amazing. I love all of the instructors, especially Mr. Solwazi. He is so funny and charismatic, but all of the instructors are just equally as awesome and are so good with young kids. They make the kids sit around in a circle and then state their first name as well as recite some positive sayings and encouragement. I love it because my son recites it all the time at home. The instructors don't always teach on the same days. Sometimes, there's two instructors and sometimes I've seen Master Ken Church teaching, but I absolutely love how they all know the kids names. I am a working mom and my mom is usually the one who takes my son to practices. I wanted to see my son, so when I took him one day, we were about 5-10 minutes late. I was a little flustered. Mr. Solwazi saw us coming in and he was patiently helping my son take off his socks and shoes, and then put down his water bottle, weapon, and his backpack. I really appreciated the personal attention that he gave to my son. I can also see how each child feels special and encouraged because of the positive environment and everyone's genuineness around here. My son is still learning to talk, but just today in the car, he told me, "Mommy, the more you sleep, the more you feel good in the morning." I asked him where he learned that from and he said from his teachers at karate! I am so pleased how much of a positive impact Church's Martial Arts has made to my son already. It's only been a month for him. We feel so fortunate to have found something that he loves already, and we look forward to seeing him grow here over the years! read more

My family and I have really enjoyed our time so far at Church's Martial Arts. All 5 of us are taking a class together and it's been a wonderful experience. We've only been going for a few months, but in that time we've made a huge amount of progress thanks to the talented instruction of Master Church, Mr. Swazi (Likely misspelled - sorry sir), and Mr. Savran. The environment at the school is safe and supportive. The instructors are friendly and helpful. The instruction is top notch, whatever level you're at they will push you to the next level in a friendly but firm way. It's very difficult to establish a friendly culture that always pushes you to do better, while still making the experience fun for kids AND adults, but somehow the staff at Master Church's ATA has got it down to a science. I highly recommend this establishment, it is very much worth the money above the budget martial arts experience. read more

As an adult who got the martial arts bug a bit late, I can't praise Church's Martial Arts enough. The instructors are knowledgeable, fun, and loving, but they're tough when you need it. Even then, it's fun! You can tell the teachers really love what they do and want the best for each student. While I'm the only adult in classes who's not also a parent, I feel like I belong. Also, watching the kids learn discipline, acceptance, and how to help and encourage others is just the most heart-warming thing ever. It feels like a big family. If you have kids (or not), I highly suggest giving Church's a chance! read more

My child (12yrs old) attended classes in the Carmel Valley studio for one year. The place is a money factory. 40-50+ kids/adults in every class. Every eight weeks there is "belt testing" which = $60 additional fee above the monthly fee (which they neglect to tell you when you sign up). Everyone gets moved up no matter what. In one year my daughter was a blue belt with kids her age in higher belts who couldn't even do a proper kick. If you're willing to pay 2x more per month, your child can attend "special" classes that require special sparring equipment (your dollar $200), special weaponry (your dollar $___) and more. Unless you're willing to shovel out the big dough for all the extras, including signing up/paying for tournaments - which are rarely ever held in San Diego - and private lessons, your child will be part of the herd. I will say that the instructors are very good and personable and learn the kids names very well, considering they have so many there all at once. We've moved to a very small Jui Jitsu studio in Solana Beach. Much more in depth learning going on due to class size (10 at most). read more

This review is for the management, not for karate coaches. We bought a Groupon voucher and tried to use here. The Groupon said "Must activate by the expiration date on your Groupon, classes expire 3 months from activation date". But what they do is, the terminated our class after the expiration date, don't honor the 3 months classes at all. Very disappointed about that. Even my son had great time during his class, we cannot continue his class at this place. We will choose another class for him. read more

I started Taekwondo with Master Church when I was 5 years old. I achieved 1st degree blackbelt at around 10 or 11. I'm 22 now and although I haven't practiced in a long time, I still remember my forms! Him and the rest of the instructors (especially Mrs. Church!) are very good teachers-- the perfect combination of discipline and patience. They're also very nice people outside of class. In my opinion this is the best school in San Diego county. It's the first place I recommend when someone asks about Taekwondo. read more

I've attended different schools and styles in the past and recently enrolled in Church's Martial Arts with my children. The supportive atmosphere for the children is most impressive. After several months, I can see there's an artful balance of individually focusing on each child's strengths while setting high standards for all, not just in physical technique but in bearing and values. I've commented to others that the weekly emphasis on integrity, service, and excellence feels like secular Sunday school. It's hard to imagine my children getting this combination of physical activity and values anywhere else. As for the black belt factory comment made elsewhere, I don't see this. Yes, the focus on strengths probably creates an inclusiveness instead of a hard core culling seen at other schools (and I've been in those schools) - there is an emphasis on creating martial artists for life among children. I haven't seen any high pressure sales tactics that might be associated with schools who are just trying to churn through students. In the end, drop by, try it and see for yourself. read more

My family's involvement with Church's Martial Arts has turned out to be the biggest blessing on so many levels. We initially started seeking out martial arts after it was suggested to me as a prescription for my daughter's concentration issues in school. It has proven to be great for both of my girls in there concentration, athletics, discipline and self esteem. The amazing staff at the studio are always engaged. Master and Mrs. Church hire staff that work so hard at being excellent teachers. Team members like Mr. Aguilar go beyond to make sure that each kid gets the attention that will make them succeed. I'm convinced this school teaches the life skills that will create successful adults and each child involved is known by name and treated like a favorite. Through the encouragement of the staff my husband and I have started taking class. I have now begun taking class regularly. For me ATA has become a way for a very busy mom to spend time with her kids while getting a great work out. Here we set goals together and accomplish those goals while learning to kick butt! What a blessing. It has made the girls in my family safer and more aware. The team at Church's Martial Arts have successfully made Taekwondo our family hobby. Priceless! read more

My 5th grade daughter has been attending Church's Martial Arts since August....of 2005. The rest of us (her brother, her dad & I) joined in 2006. We visited nearly a dozen martial art schools before determining that Church's Martial Arts was the best fit for our children to build upon the values and ethic we were teaching them at home. I was thrilled when the studio would tell me that she had demonstrated the knowledge to move to the next belt, but needed to know from us whether or not she was demonstrating the life skills to be promoted! My daughter trains, at both the Encinitas and Carmel Valley studio, between 6-7 days a week, and she EARNED her first degree black belt in 2008. She has been a 2nd degree black belt for nearly a year. So far, three of our family of four are black belts - my husband should have his by the summer. Are there black belts there who don't "look like black belts"? Sure. There are the older of us whose knees aren't so supportive of our lifestyle; we have black belts who are physically and/or cognitively challenged. And though a black belt may not be that fluid with their forms, maybe they are amazing when they spar; maybe they prefer to break boards; maybe defense it their best technique. You can not compare all black belts to the World and State Champions. Though Church's Martial Arts does produce a significant number of these champions - they are the elite of the martial arts. And this, I believe simply goes to show that this martial arts studio will take their students as far as the student wants to go. We have a "family package" which entitles us all of us to go, and though we started martial arts so that we could have time together, each of us has our own class that we do our best not to miss: for my son it's the sparring class; for my daughter it's her competition training classes; for my husband is the combat defense classes; and for me it's the women's class. Church's Martial Arts seems to look at taekwondo as a JOURNEY for life, not a black belt destination. I highly recommend that you don't take the word of a reviewer - go in, pick up a class schedule and see the variety of classes offered, ask to take a few classes, spend the time and the effort getting to see what Church's Martial Arts is all about. You'll never regret having gone in. You may regret not checking it out. read more

I have trained with Master Church and Trish Church for 10 years. My daughters now train there and I highly recommend this school to everyone. You will find few schools in the nation that have as many high rank black belts and world and national champions of all ages---from kids to adults. read more

The best martial art studio around!! Our 5 1/2 year old son has been going here for over a year and he loves it (and so do his father and I!!). The instructors are amazing! Fabulous with the kids! And not only do they teach taekwondo but they teach respect (for parents, teachers, elders), they also teach 'stranger danger', and a new life skill each testing period. Life skills such as self confidence, integrity, goal setting, motivation etc. We plan on starting our 2 1/2 year old when he is ready and then my husband and I will also be able to take lessons! This studio is ranked number 1 in the nation with the ata schools and I can see why...it is an incredible school!! Teaching so much more than just taekwondo (I love when they ask the kids 'how many times should Mom have to ask us to do something?? ' All the kids yell 'only once!!!' ). I love it! This school is fabulous! read more

My sister introduced Tae Kwon Do to me at Church's Martial Arts. I watched her from the back of the class for 2 years before I also decided that I wanted to try. Then my sister and I brought my dad in. Now we go to class, learn, and train in Tae Kwon Do and self defense together as a family in the best spot in San Diego. read more

If you want a really friendly place that is a "belt factory" for your kids ... this is the place. You can drop off and expect a 45 minute "play time" for your kids and get charged an hour for that! read more

My daughter started Taekwondo at Churchs ATA Martial Arts in 2011. She was a ballerina before that. After taking lessons at the studio, she felt in love with Martial Arts and now she is two times world champion in forms. At the studio, all the staffs not only teach students forms, weapon and sparring, more importantly they teach them the real meaning of discipline, respect, self esteem, honesty, belief and communication. As a parent, I am so grateful for Churchs' dedication and fairness to their students. My daughter learned from young age that failure is not your enemy, it only makes you working harder and stronger; quitting is not an option. Inspired by her accomplishments, I started taking lessons with her and competing at tournaments. I felt so blessed to found Churchs' Martial Arts school. It is our second home! read more

Church's Martial Arts has been an exceptional provider to our children. We wanted our kids to get some exercise and balance, as well as learn a little self defense. It has far exceeded our expectations. In addition to Martial Arts skills, our children have applied their teachings to school and life. The instructors are great and the enviornment is positive and supportive. My wife and I now take classes and it has been great for our entire family. read more

If you are looking for a Tae Kwon Do studio or a place to learn self-defense, you do not have to look too hard. You can just go to Church's Martial Art (CMA). My daughter started at CMA after going to a birthday party, when she was 4 1/2. Today, she is a freshman in high school. Along the way, my son and I have also joined CMA. My daughter is a 3rd degree black belt, my son is a 1st degree black belt, and I am a 2nd degree black belt. We are not unique. There are many black belt families at CMA. At CMA, it is not just a TKD school, you also learn various types of self-defense. You also get a good workout. There are classes for all ages. For young kids, it is focus and discipline. Sr Master Church and staff are all unbelievable instructors and motivators. They are helpful, patient, attention to details, motivators, and great with kids. These are the reasons why Church's Martial Arts has been the #1 ATA TKD school in the nation continuously for 11 years dating back to 2004. Their formula works. read more

My son started in 2004 as a Tiny Tiger and found his niche. I had looked at other Martial Arts schools and found Church's to be the most kid. friendly. What we've gotten out of this program is more than a kid friendly environment to say the least. We got an extended family--a part of our "village". I signed up shortly after, and my son and I became black belts together. My husband and youngest son have also joined and are on their way to becoming black belts as well. My two very active boys have learned confidence, self discipline, respect, humility and most importantly leadership and social skills. These are traits that we value and strive to instill at home. As a result my former Tiny Tiger is a 3 time ATA World Champion. I recommend stopping by the school and checking it out for yourself. I also recommend staying and watching or better yet, participating in a class rather than "dropping off". You'll see why Church's Martial Arts has been ranked the #1 ATA school in the nation. read more

I feel extremely fortunate to have found Church's Martial Arts. This family oriented ATA Taekwondo school is one of the very top schools in the country and the instruction just doesn't get any better. Senior Master Church and all the full time staff not only train top world class champion martial artists but everyone from 5 year old beginners to senior citizens like myself. I have been in martial arts for over 35 years and have trained with many instructors over the years. It was my lucky day when I went over to Church's just to observe their classes. I knew immediately this was a special school. I joined that day and 3 years later I still get excited and can hardly wait to go to the next class. The level of instruction is so high, and even though there are many students in each class with a variety of ages and skill levels, I still feel I am getting one on one training. At Church's Martial Arts they not only teach you a fun and exciting martial art form, BUT also, self confidence, respect, family values, and how to be the very best and strongest person you can be. If you are looking to learn a new skill, self defense, physical activity and want to stay fit, you get it all. The classes are phsically challenging but extremely mentally stimulating as well. Equally important, they practice a safe family oriented martial arts while still developing very skilled students. I am 68 now and would not want to train at just any school. I need to know that I can still practice the martial arts at a high level and stay mentally and physically active and yet be safe. Parents and their children are often in the same class, everyone is having a great time safely and at the same time learning very important life long skills. Recently they have added classes in Krav Maga and it is a very fun and exciting way to learn very effective self defense tools. The instructors at Church's are not just part time like many other schools, but this is their life, full time and they are extremely dedicated to each and every student on a personal level. In addition to the group classes you can also get private lessons from these world champion instructors. I can't say enough about how lucky I feel to live in an area that has Church's Martial Arts. I strongly recommend if you have any interest in the Martial Arts for what ever reason, whether you are brand new or have been training for years as I have, come by, observe, and you will see what I am talking about for yourself. It is obvious. Gerry S read more