My cousin has been coming here for over a year and I've observed several classes. Everyone is super…read morefriendly, welcoming, and are very happy to take the time to help beginners and cater to all skill and fitness levels. The atmosphere is one of respect, compassion, hard work, and friendly humor. They've really helped my cousin build her confidence, and her skills and strength have improved exponentially in a short period of time. They have you work on different techniques against several partners in each lesson, so there's never a shortage of variation and action. There is also no shortage of passionate and knowledgeable people with whom to connect, learn, and practice. Seeing my cousin's experience there, her deep love for it and her happiness with herself, I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in taking up Aikido or any traditional martial art.

Excellent instructors. Very kind and work well with all ages. Amazing to see the progress of my…read morestudent.

The Boys have been with Coach Darrin for 1.5 years and counting! They love it! Coaches are amazing…read moreand dedicated to all the students to give them the best experience! We are glad to be apart of Academy of Jiu-Jitsu Scottsdale!

I'm almost 2 months into training here on Gracie Combatives. I have no previous martial arts…read moreexperience and I'm 52 years old. There are 2 other Gracie gyms closer to me, but I chose this place due to the instructor's experience and I'm very happy I did. All the instructors are fantastic with teaching techniques and they all are very personable. The focus is on technique and safety. I walked in without knowing anyone and in a short time, I feel like I'm part of a family. My fellow students are great and everyone helps each other no matter what age or skill level. Nobody has an ego that I've experienced. I go as often as I can and when I travel for business or can't go, I really miss the place. I look forward to each class. Highly recommended -

great place ,listen well to the kids need and excellent training! highly recommended !read more

We're very proud to have a student of Master Karstadt's. Our son is younger but there are students…read moreof all ages in the classes & during Covid he has offered virtual attendance. Master Karstadt is a very positive person but he also preaches and expects respect, courtesy, effort and the students respond. TKD is a good skill to learn, a fun way to get exercise (even in the summer) and Master Karstadt is a legendary teacher to learn from (this is not conjecture -- he was recently nominated for a Lifetime Contribution award in the ITF Hall Of Fame). We found Karstadt Taekwa-Do through an introductory rate he offers and there are also camps from time-to-time on self defense, breaking boards, anti-bullying that are beneficial even if you're not a full-time student.

I had the honor of working with Sensei Tim for 8 years. I was impressed how much he cared about…read moreevery student and was always a positive influence. Whether for yourself or your children there is absolutely nobody better than Sensei Tim at Rising Sun Karate! Thank You!!!

By far, one of the most qualified gentlemen in the greater Scottsdale area. His knowledge and…read moreexperience show greatly in his teaching style and temperament. Rising sun/10 would rising sun again Look dad! No hands!

Our son has had the privilege of attending AKF for the last several years. Over that time he has…read moreloved the opportunity to learn, grow in confidence, and embrace the martial arts. Master Mullis is absolutely amazing and truly cares about each of his students. We can't speak highly enough about AKF.

I waited TWO years before writing this review. Our journey…read morewith AKF Blackbelt Academy began with something no parent ever wants to experience. My son transferred to Tavan Elementary School in the Scottsdale school district mid-year during the 4th grade. On his second day at school, he was attacked from behind with a full-on chokehold by very large student he did not know. He came home with broken skin from fingernail marks, bruising, and red handprints completely around his neck. And what did the school administration do about it? NOTHING! Their excuse? The attacker was "disadvantaged" and "has it rough at home." I was furious. I started searching for a martial arts school that could teach my son (a child who wasn't naturally athletic) self-defense skills. After a lot of research and a recommendation from a friend, we decided to try AKF Blackbelt Academy. The school is led by Grand Master Tim Mullis, who has over 40 years of experience teaching Kyuki-Do, a mixed martial art that blends techniques from Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Hapkido. This style is incredibly effective because it teaches students how to defend themselves both standing and on the ground. (BTW: ground fighting skills are important because 80% of street fights end up being fought on the ground.) Two years later, it's like someone waved a magic wand over my son. My once non-athletic child has become a strong, confident young man. He's physically fit, disciplined, respectful, focused in school, and bully-proof. His grades have improved, his posture and confidence have completely changed, and most importantly-- he loves going to karate class. If you live in the Arcadia, East Phoenix, or Old Town Scottsdale area and are looking for a place that not only teaches self-defense but also builds character, confidence, and resilience, this place gets my highest recommendation.

My kids have been practicing Ninjitsu with Master Maui for a few months now. They love coming here…read moreso much. Every week it's excitement to come in and see what he has planned for them. His exercises and activities keep the kids moving, motivated and learning. They get to participate here more than any other studio class we've taken anywhere else. My kids were able to take 3 classes (that's a whole week of classes) to try it out before we owed our first payment. Which, I also think is better than any other studio in the area that we have tried. Come see for yourself and sign your kids up for a trial class. No contracts, just month to month billing. Such a fun way to wear out your kids and watch them learn new skills.

Master Maui is great with the kids and he clearly works hard to make sure they learn. We haven't…read morebecome consistent students yet but we plan to.

Hands down one of the best Jiu-Jitsu gyms I've visited. I'm from the Bay Area and visit many…read moreJiu-Jitsu gyms whiling traveling for work. 10th planet Scottsdale was such a pleasure to train at. The owner and head coach Steeyle Levine was welcoming, attentive, and created a great place to learn and train. High level training partners and beautiful clean gym. I recommend anyone visiting this part of AZ to stop by and do a private with Steeyle if you have the time. If you live in the area and are considering training BJJ, join this gym!

This gym is one big family Steeyle & Mandy built something amazing and it's growing everyday…read more Family friendly, kids classes the whole 9. Come on down you won't be disappointed! Jiu jitsu saves lives.

I trained here for about two months and had mixed experiences. I genuinely enjoyed learning Muay…read moreThai, met some great people, and felt like I made progress. Many of the students were welcoming, and some of the other coaches were helpful and encouraging. Unfortunately, my interactions with Bob made the experience difficult to continue. I came in wanting to learn, improve, and get a good workout, but I often left feeling unwelcome and stressed. His communication style felt unnecessarily harsh, and I didn't feel like there was much room for honest mistakes or questions. The process of cancelling my membership ultimately reinforced my decision to leave. What should have been a straightforward process felt unnecessarily difficult, largely because it required communicating directly with the owner and there seemed to be very little flexibility in how cancellations were handled. Even after cancelling, I did not receive the full 30 days of access I expected to have remaining on my membership. It was a frustrating experience and left me disappointed with how things were managed. While that coaching style and environment may work for some people, it wasn't a good fit for me. I appreciate what I learned during my time there, but the experience here was ultimately disappointing, and it's not a place where I wanted to continue training.

I have been training in martial arts for almost 30 years and i have learned more about striking in…read morethe few months I've been here than in all my other years combined! Golden Era Muay Thai is one of the absolutely rare martial arts training centers that can work with absolute beginners with no experience all the way through professional fighters. The workouts are amazing and the instruction is top notch. The students here are extremely helpful and encouraging, i have gotten great tips from extremely talented and advanced students whose only intention is in helping me to improve. I have already recommended this location to several friends and family members, some of whom want to actually spar and some who just want to train in a great atmosphere with drills and pads and amazing instruction , but have no interest in sparring. Everyone i have recommended has thanked me.