Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios in Laguna Niguel has been fantastic for my son. The instructors are skilled, patient, and truly care about each student's growth. The training builds confidence, discipline, and strength in a supportive environment. Highly recommend! read more

This is a AWESOME DOJO. Sensei Anthony really cares about the students and puts 100% in all he does. Master Ryan is also a wonderful presence in the dojo. My son has been a student since he was 5. He took a couple years sabbatical but returned. He enjoys class and it's great environment to learn community, discipline, respect, and of course self defense. I love their black uniforms too! - It's so cool. I highly recommend this dojo for anyone whether it be a parent who wants to start their child in martial arts or any adult who would like to learn self defense and stay in shape at the same time. This is an excellent location and an Uber fun environment for kids and adults. I love how Sensei Anthony always keeps parents posted on your child's progress. Don't think twice - you've found your dojo! read more

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I've been at this Z-Ultimate location for two-and-a-half years now and the transformation that has occurred between when I started and now is enormous! I came to learn self-defense and stayed for the individualized instruction, the supportive community and teammates, and the growth I've seen in myself. When I started I was afraid to get hit, but over these two years I've participated in two tournaments that included sparring and have learned how to not freak-out when in a fight and how to take a hit and keep on going. The instructors here really make sure that you can defend yourself from different situations involving weapons and hand-to-hand combat and they take great care to personalize it to where you are at physically and mentally - some days I just want to hit things and sensei will oblige. The instruction is a mix of cardio and conditioning, and for someone who has never been athletically inclined this is the most fit and in-shape I have ever been! It also helps that I feel like a ninja every time I put on my uniform and recognize that I am a martial artist. read more

I had no idea where to start when looking for a place. I tried a few different places at first but as soon as I came to Z-ultimate everything just felt right. This place has become like a family to me. They push me to go further than I ever thought I could go. They are also very mindful about safety first and setting precautions to avoid injuries. Learning martial arts has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It has enhanced my spirituality, brought balance to my soul and has calmed my anger. Testing for my yellow belt was seriously difficult and pushed my body and mind to its limit. But I didn't quit. At the end of it all I cried, my body was crying and I'm pretty sure my soul left my body. I wasn't perfect but I didn't stop. I absolutely love this family I have joined at @zultimatelagunaniguel and I can't wait to see where else this journey takes me. No matter what though, I don't quit, I don't give up. read more

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Martial Arts Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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Amazing school. I put my 4 year old in the classes a month ago and he loves it. The sensei's are amazimg with kids and know how to get them to have fun while learning discipline respect and self esteem. Im a black belt from another school so I have been around alot of martial arts and I highly recommend this school. In addition the private lesson once a week that is included are so powerful and inexpensive in comparison to when I was studying. When I get some more time in my schedule I plan to train here as well. P.s. for any parents who have their kids on medications for ADD or ADHD or whatever put them in karate and a month later they will be off the meds. read more

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Nashs first lesson - Martial Arts Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

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With so many styles of martial arts, what exactly is Karate? Well at Z-Ultimate they show you what Karate is and what it's all about. I've been coming here now for about a month, and I can highly recommend this anyone at any age. The staff here both Rob and Rheanna are fun, energetic, and just good people. I think what I like best about coming to the studio besides the workout, is that they do a good job of teaching you how to deal with real life situations. In the real world unfortunately, bad things do happen, so having the ability to defend yourself and others around you is something everyone should know. read more

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Martial Arts Near Me - Laguna Niguel, California

My children have been coming to this studio for the past 10 years and we absolutely love it! The instructors are amazing and passionate about what they do. My children have developed self confidence, feel confident being able to defend themselves, and learned discipline in a fun filled environment. We highly recommend Z-Ultimate to anyone looking for personalized and fun martial arts training! read more

My kids have been students at Zultimate for over 10 years now. I love what this dojo represents. The Instructors are wonderful talented leaders. Sensei Anthony is our instructor and has been for over a year now. My daughters are so blessed and lucky to have the opportunity to learn under him. He's very professional and very talented in his trade. Anthony has taught my daughters to have self control and to be a leader in the dojo by giving them opportunities to teach the younger kids classes. This has helped them gain confidence while learning the importance of giving back to their community and so much more. I'm a huge fan! read more

I enrolled my 16 year-old niece and I in September. It's been a little over a month. While my niece really wanted to do martial arts, I've really enjoyed the class and doing it with her. She's become more confident and is gaining fitness. She never wanted to work out before and now she's excited about kenpo. Sensei Joe is funny and super engaging. So far it's exceeded my expectations. Every class is unique and we learn different movements and techniques, which keeps it interesting. It's a big investment of money and time but totally worth it for youth and adults. I would highly recommend this dojo. read more

Every Z-Ultimate studio is a family and I love coming to work out with my family every week. I get a great workout here and a sense of confidence. The instructors are friendly as are all the other students. Sparring is done under the watchful eyes of multiple instructors and safety is always the first priority. You can opt out of any part of a lesson at any time if you don't feel comfortable. There is no pressure to do something you physically can't or feel uncomfortable doing. If there is ever an issue instructors are there to resolve the problem to benefit all parties involved. I love this studio and z-ultimate and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good time, a good workout, and a useful skill. read more

Amazing experience I learned a lot in first lecture. I do highly recommend that place get more strong and in good shape

My 15 year old son has been going there since he was 5. He recently cleared "Black Belt Jr." (meaning he knows what a black belt knows, but he's still too small for "Black Belt"). I think it's helped his self confidence, and he is getting some leadership skills practice now too. read more

My friend from Zumba class kindly invited me to join her Saturday for Sensei Joe and Sensei Bill's Women's self defense class. We were already tired from a dance class, but pushed through and learned a great deal. Snippets of the two hour training have been running through my mind and I believe I could truly use the details about the basics of self defense to possibly deter someone from hurting me or those near me. We were give the mind set of someone who would perpetrate an attack and the realities of what might occur, plus an understanding of how limited we are without tools for defense. It was fun and exhilarating! We are exhausted and sore but felt as if we understood better things to do and what a complete training might do for us in terms of total defense, and of course, good physical fitness. Thanks for the class, guys, truly! read more

So thankful and grateful for the guidance and leadership Sensei Matt provides everyday!

I study at this place, the teachers are very great and they actually tech you step by step, forms, kata and more, I love this place

This place is by far the worst place to teach self defense that I had ever been to and I have been to a lot of places that teach this. Their service is so terrible and by far the worst. I would not recommend this place at all to anyone. One of the things that they did was that they when I tried to cancel my son's sessions, they did not cancel the session and kept them going for the next 3 month. When I tried to get a refund, they blamed it on charges when it really wasn't. Also they did not give me the refund and ended up charging me about 600 dollars for sessions that I did not go to and supposedly canceled. If I can give them zero stars, I would read more

My daughter has been enrolled in the Tiny Tigers program for about 4 months now. She started out being very shy but had blossomed so much with the encouragement of the Sensei's. We actually found out about this dojo because we were eating at the restaurant next door. My daughter heard a group of kids yelling commands while practicing. She was very intrigued by this and said "I want to try!". While watching the class in progress we were greeted be Sensei Mike at the door. He invited us in to watch what the students were doing. He then offered us a free 1 month trial. Our daughter was excited at first and then apprehensive about it but we encouraged her to at least try it twice. After the third week of private classes (1 class per week) she was hooked and we signed up. She then started the group classes the next week and her focus in both private and group class increased dramatically. This is now a twice weekly family activity to take our daughter to Karate and watch her progression. Thank you ZUltimate for a wonderful experience and helping our daughter with her discipline, focus and most importantly while having fun. read more

My daughter and son have just started instructors friendly and instill discipline. I recommend z-ultimate because my kids have responded well to the training and they are excited to earn their next level. Talar and Garen are quite happy here! We are happy because they are in a positive and controlled environment. read more

To be blunt; shady. All business, little professional discipline and less heart. They tolerate sloppy uniforms, bullies, and negligence if you're a paying customer. If you want a foundation to build character upon look to another dojo. Soulless technique or exercise is what you'll experience as the uninitiated here. Huge difference between this type of mc-dojo vs a school of martial arts. The instructors: disappointment. They did not live up to their own hype. Less fluff, less hype and more professionalism could have made the difference. It's simple. If a kid beats up on the other kids despite repeated warnings for being over aggressive with PARTNERS, they are kicked out! My kids or their class mates should not have to tolerate that kid and risk injury because their parents pay a monthly fee. Just one of the reasons I won't subject my kids to this place any longer but one of the more poignant ones. Having respect for your sparring partners is basic. They are not an opportunity for you to try and hurt someone and sparring should not be an alternative source of entertainment for the instructors. A match on the other hand, different. Not sure if these instructors feel the same way or are aware of the difference. read more

This is a great place for kids to learn Karate, discipline and respect. Sensei Joe is amazing with the kids and they truly enjoy participating in the many various activities he presents. Never a dull moment! Z Ultimate is highly recommended especially if you want your child(ren) to gain confidence, strength and respect!! read more

Such a huge disappointment. These employees care much more about money than martial arts. The upsell is disgusting and the quality became worse and worse. Would highly suggest you look elsewhere when seeking a respected establishment. They lack the honor, respect and family core that they hook you with in the beginning. They even cut our dojo time in more than half and charged the same amount. Extremely unprofessional, inconsistent behavior of instructors. Beware!!!! read more

This dojo defines the ideal karate studio and should even be considered to become a Platonic Form of a studio. The teachings taught by Sensei Mike and Sensei Matt, are well-defined, bestow confidence upon students to realize that they fathom how to safeguard themselves from opprobrious attackers, practical for multitudinous self-defense situations, enhance both the body physically and mentally, and easily become engraved within the mind after copious practice sessions with your fellow classmates --both auspicious and convivial-- of all ages and sizes. read more

My family and I have been students of this art for about 15 years. I and my children (all now adults) earned our black belts after many years of study (just the way it should be, unlike some martial arts which encourage quick promotion without regard to maturity or ability) We were at another dojo for the past 14 years that recently closed. We transferred to Sensei Mike's dojo about a year ago. The instructors are engaging, friendly, skilled in the arts, helpful and encouraging. After having so many different instructors over the many years of practice, I am happy that I am finally going in the right direction again with the consistent and supportive teaching of Sensei Mike and Sensei Matt. I no longer have "children" but watching the kids' class I find that the instruction is disciplined yet fun. Martial arts has been really good for my family and in fact my oldest daughter had to use it to throw a guy out of her dorm room her first year away at college. (She thanked me for sending her to martial arts all those years.) My kids (now adults) are highly confident and my girls recently returned from traveling alone through Europe. My husband and I felt secure knowing that they could take care of themselves. For myself, I have some physical limitations (I'm 59) that I've acquired over the years in my martial arts practice (I practice 4x a week, so some normal wear and tear is bound to occur, especially in your 50's!). As a student, you explain your physical limitation to the instructors and they take note of it. While you are encouraged to push yourself (I and my friends love to leave sweating!), you never feel like you have to do something that will hurt you or make an injury worse. I and my other dojo friends frequently go into our dojo when it is not class or private lesson time just to practice. We are always welcome. I would highly recommend this dojo to anyone, singles or families. read more

This dojo is a great place for students of all ages. I am a 37 year old mom of 2 and love how I have been trained to protect myself and find the confidence I lacked after surviving an abusive marriage. My daughter who will soon be on high school also trains here. Sensei Mike & Sensei Matt have taught her the skills she needs to protect herself and hold her head high. She has also been trained to compete at such a high level of competence that she has won trophies at every tournament she has been in this year (even in divisions that were above her rank). All of these are amazing attributes for a dojo and instructors. What really warms my heart and makes me proud to be a student and mom of a student is how my son is taught. My son just turned 4 and has Down Syndrome. Sensei Matt has the patience and heart of an angel. He is so amazing with my son it just warms my heart to watch them work together. The fact that the instructors have the diversity to teach the three of us who are all so different in age, shape & ability should let you know whoever you are you will benefit from being their student! read more