What a wonderful resource that is part of the a Thousand Oaks community! Four teenage girls and I attended the 2 hour Self-defense class for women. Johnny was a wealth of information and very patient and kind while empowering women to protect themselves in many different circumstances. I highly recommend this complimentary class as well as any services that are offered at this location. read more

My grandson goes to z ultimate and sensi Joe is the nicest and outstanding. He thought thing to protect him self in the future I really wish Moorpark was still with him today read more

Unfortunately I have to edit my previous 5 star review. My son and I were students at the Thousand Oaks Z-Ultimate since May of 2012. We were happy and loved our instructors! End of last December we were shocked that our main instructor and others left the dojo. We ended up cancelling our membership and followed our instructor to his new dojo. I asked Z-Ultimate accounting not to charge my credit card anymore. In contrast, they even charged my card 10 days in advance thinking that I will cancel my card. I was paying them $325.50 per month. So I paid them over $22k through these years for their services , and they had the nerve to tell me you should have given us 30 days advance notice. IT IS BAD BUSINESS TO TREAT YOUR FORMER CUSTOMER/STUDENT THIS WAY! If I wasn't ripped off I would let my previous 5 star review stand! Like read more

My daughter has been coming here for a year and 1/2 and absolutely loves it. I wish I would have enrolled her earlier but everything works out the way it's supposed to. The Sensei's at this school are truly awesome. My daughter doesn't just learn how to defend herself, she learns respect, discipline, honor, control and ultimately has fun. Did I mention it's great exercise too? She is so proud coming here and nothing we have ever exposed her to keeps her interest and drive like Z Ultimate. Thank you to all the Sensei's! You guys rock!! 6 stars if I could! read more

Z Ultimate physically tortures their instructors. Ask them about putting matts or some other type of covering over their windows after closing time so no one can see them as they beat their instructors up. Ask them how many times they hit an instructor when it's their birthday. Ask them if they've ever sprayed Lysol in any of their instructor faces. Yeah, definitely do not recommend read more

Well... let me start with the most important thing. If you're thinking about trying this - Stop! DO IT! My biggest and only regret is I waited so long to get out there. It is so amazing AND refreshing. Time flys! I was amazed from my first day I was there - each Sensei came up and introduced him/herself to me. From that day on every time they saw me they would say hi remembering my name... It's the feeling and vibe you want - I think there are many options for Martial Arts in Thousand Oaks. In my opinion - there is only one. If I could give them an extra star I would... I really mean it. There's a reason there are so many other reviews with 5 stars - this is the place! Try it. You'll be so glad you did ~ I sure am!!! read more

I started training at this studio 7 years ago and it is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was never interested in martial arts, especially at 48 years old, but I was interested in staying active and learning self defense so I gave it a try. My only regret is that I didn't start this earlier. The instructors and students are great and I love being there. It feels more like a family than a studio! read more

The entire staff is excellent! Both my son and I received excellent instruction and really enjoyed the community that was built at the dojo. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in martial arts to stop by and speak with any of the instructors. You won't be sorry. read more

Amazing experience and life long opportunity for BOTH my son and myself; to stay fit, learn how to protect yourself, gain confidence, help with fatigue and my son learned to respect others, himself,importance of being on time, how to control his emotions (ADHD), and when and why to use his skills. Thank you Sensei Brandon and Z-Ultimate! read more

I"m really impressed with the focus and discipline these kids learn in these classes. They learn to master themselves and improve on techniques. They have to remember routine on count and positions. They work to earn these stripes on their belts and not just through the class but through their school and home behaviors it all impacts them and the kids love earning those stripes. We found them at a Thousand Oaks street parade and signed up for 1-month introductory class. Pricing average is 200-295 monthly depending on what or how long of a contract you sign up for but it does include weekly classes and private lessons. Sensai Chris did the private lessons with my daughter and she loved and enjoyed her classes. They schedule the private lessons that best fit your time schedule. You can watch from the TV screens in the front room, they like to keep the parents out of the main rooms so the kids have no distraction. I wish they offered a deal if you sign one up the other sibling would get a discount per month as it can get pricey if you have more than one kid to sign up. read more

Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios - Thousand Oaks - Self-defense Classes Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

We love the Thousand Oaks Z-Ultimate dojo.  My daughter, son, wife, and myself all have taken classes there.  Their 3-6 year old and 7-9 year old kid classes are great.  We tried out several places in the area before settling on Z-Ultimate.  We choose them specifically for the level of control they have over the kids in class mixed with the amount of fun the kids have.  They offer the best balance by far of discipline, respect, and fun out of all the places we tried out.  Plus all of the instructors are great with the kids. The little kids and children's programs work multiple areas of development for the kids, not just martial arts and self-defense.    From an adult perspective I was at first a little apprehensive.  They at first seemed more of a place for kids, but after taking my first adult class that perspective changed quickly.  They have a comprehensive program that focuses not only on the classical moves of Kenpo, but in every class you modify the classical moves for modern application for self-defense.  All group classes also start out with a 10-20 min cardio workout that changes almost every class so not to get boring or repetitive.  The private lessons they have are a great time to hone your skills so you can work optimally to get to the next level. I highly recommend anyone looking for a classical martial art with a street defense focus to look here. read more

I had 2 sons attend, one with special needs. The special needs child fell behind due to learning disability, so it was frustrating for him to watch his brother progress with upscaled belts while he himself remained status quo. When the disabled child quit the program out of frustration, then the studio increased my other son's tuition (!), because we lost the "multi-child" discount. I'm a single working mom, so I couldn't afford that, and they were not sensitive to my situation. I then tried to suspend my remaining son's program until I could catch up on past due balance owed, but then the studio's owner kept adding on MORE monthly tuition fees even though my sons were no longer attending!!! Now my balance is over $600 and escalating, and we don't even attend anymore. The owner keeps blaming the "billing company" policies to keep automatically re-billing my account for new monthly dues, and claiming they need a 30-day written letter from me to cancel the program (even though I told them over a month ago that I needed to suspend the account), yet the owner refuses to give me the billing company's contact info, nor will they provide ANY written statements. I've now learned that you should be wary of any business that doesn't give you written monthly statements. If you join, then you need to ask yourself if you're willing to pay blindly without being given monthly statements. Additionally, the owner's policy is that you cannot take a temporary hiatus from the program, so if you go on vacation for a while, or just want a month break in the summer, or sustain an injury, they will keep billing you !!! If you decide to take a hiatus, then they drop you from the program and your initial membership fees paid to join are gone!!!! I'm so disappointed, because my sons LOVED the instructors, and the curriculum, and the values taught there. I was hoping to return after a short hiatus, but now apparently we can't. I'm writing this review not because I want to give a bad name to the studio, because they DO have a great program and my full-abled son LOVED it, but just be aware that once they have you enrolled, it takes an act of God to get them to suspend your billings. Also, as someone else mentioned below, know that many of the belt testings do happen at a different studio where your child is not familiar with those instructors, so if your child thrives on consistency (like many special needs kids do), that they will send you to another Z-Ultimatte studio for testing with NO familiar faces there to ease your child's transition to the new location or testing process. It would have helped if even ONE of our studio's instructors were there at the testing location to give familiar comfort, but they're all too busy at our studio giving lessons on testing days. We did feel sort of isolated and "dumped" off when it came to testing. Also, they ARE higher priced than other local karate studios, but if you're looking for a more upscale program and have the equity to get involved in their special offerings, weapons classes and excursions, then this is the place for you, but if you're on a budget, you may feel a little left out of the activities. Additionally, when we first joined and swallowed the large membership fees and high monthly dues, we were promised a weekly "private" lesson for half hour. As they got busier, my son's privates turned into semi-privates where he had to share class time with another student, BUT there was NO tuition reduction for that...ie, same money paid for less individualized services. Just be aware of the "switch and bait" over time. Anyway, that's why I gave my rating 3 stars, because of my conflicted feelings. I LOVE the program and instructors (5-stars for them, especially Sense Alex and Sense Chris!), love that they teach skills like balance and coordination with aerobic conditioning, as well as teach moral values (5-stars), but I'm leery about their business practices and fiscal ethics (1-star for the business practices). read more

My son has autism, which causes great difficulties with motor planning and focus. Sensei Brandon has done more for our son in just a few months than any occupational therapist or physical therapist. Less than a month ago, my son was unable to jump with both feet, balance, do push ups or sit ups, and many other activities that most 8 year olds can do. He requires adaptive physical education at school because of his special needs. For the first time ever, we have seen him not only jump with both feet but preform many other tasks we were not sure he would ever be able to do. Most importantly, I see pride in my son's eyes in his own accomplishments instead of sadness because he can't do activities like his peers. When my son seems to be struggling or having a difficult time, Sensei Brandon is quick to find an alternative to help my son learn. We are even able to use the skills at home that he has been taught. Everyone working at the studio is so very kind and understanding that our situation is not typical, and they make us feel welcomed. My son has so much potential in him, and I love how Sensei Brandon is able to bring it out. I can't recommend them enough. read more

Sensei Brandon changed my life. I went in a toddler an emerged a warrior. Knowing you can kick the crap out of anyone coming at you does wonders for one's confidence. People attempting to intimidate lose all their power. Life gets put into perspective. Martial Arts aren't merely good for the body and mind, they're good for the soul. Sensei Brandon dedicated nearly 5 years of his life to my training. He's like the brother I always wanted. He teaches correct form and is diligent in making sure you advance through your journey only once you've achieved your potential--every step of the way. Many martial arts schools push students through the ranks to make money on testing, belts, and training videos; not so here. Not this school. At this school, you learn It right, you do it well, and you do so often. The training program is head and shoulders above all their competitors. Their commitment to students is unparalleled. Their level of professionalism is hard to find anywhere. If you're considering training in martial arts, mma, footwork/ movement, forms, technique, grappling, or any other art-- this school has it all. Go here or don't bother, because nothing else compares. Thanks Sensei Brandon, for being my trainer, my counsel, my hero, and my friend. You are one of a kind. read more

Z-Ultimate is the best!!! Sensei Brandon rocks!! He was my Instructor a few years ago and I absolutely loved him! He was always super motivating and helped me gain more self confidence. He has built the company from the bottom up, devoting lots of his time to the dojo and students. Sensei Brandon has a passion for teaching and loves what he does!! He's experienced and a trusted advisor!! Highly recommend Z-Ultimate!!! read more

Great teachers! They really care about their students. Highly recommend this studio to people of all ages

When I started my teenage son there, I was clear that he has special needs, though he is a very hard worker, and very physically fit. He just needs to have all skills modeled for him. He was doing 1:1 classes with Brandon, but then Brandon started coming late or not showing up to his sessions. But no one ever said the program wasn't a fit for him. They kept telling me he was doing great. I started taking classes too. Then they sign us up for yellow belt test, and no one who was familiar with my son was there, they just expected him to jump into a group adult class (he had NEVER been in the group classes there) and do a workout, then do the yellow belt test. They totally screwed us. Of course that wouldn't have worked. And I'm sure they knew it. We had to leave. Of course I cancelled our membership. It was way overpriced anyway: $50 for every half hour session, but no group class for kids. My son was so disappointed. Now whenever we pass there in the Janss Mall, my son will purposely look away when he walks by. Sad. All they had to do, is tell us, the program wasn't a fit. Brandon, if you read this, you really dropped the ball. There are plenty of other karate studios that could have worked with my son. So for $200 PER PERSON, per month, I say... go elsewhere. read more

Today my daughter finished a month free trial that they offered us and I really have to say that what ZUltimate offers in the way of quality and instructors is really really amazing. Sensei Anna was absolutely incredible with our 3 year old daughter and the one on one lessons taught her so much thanks to the instruction and patience of the instructor. The group classes were a lot of fun for her as well. Unfortunately, the pricing is 4x what we have seen from several other martial arts studios in the immediate area. I really wish that zultimate had offered a smaller package with just group or just one on one classes - even at 2x the price of competitive studios we probably would have paid it for the quality instruction we were getting. If you can afford what zultimate offers, there's no doubt in my mind that their price is worth it, but unfortunately it didn't work out for us for the cost alone. I would still suggest zultimate and Anna to anyone who asks. read more

I am writing this review partially in response to Jennifer M and in support of my DOJO. I have been an active member of this Dojo for over 7 years under Sensi Brandon and Team Thousand Oaks, never once have I experienced anything close to what Jennifer is claiming to have experienced. I came up through the ranks and earned my Black Belt under Sensi Brandon, never once experiencing anything other than the utmost professionalism, respect and an undying enthusiasm for the arts and all of his students. I have personally experienced on numerous occasions, Sensi Brandon's unwavering patience with children with attention difficulties or requiring special consideration due to physical limitations. I have assisted in many classes of all ages and ranks with kids of differing abilities and I have never experienced a child being left unattended or outcasted by Team Thousand Oaks. In fact I have seen or been asked to help in classes and with students that Sensi Brandon felt needed extra attention. Martial Arts is not a hobby, it is a life style and a personal journey that can benefit anyone from the very young to the elderly. Z-Ultimate does not discriminate against Men, Woman, Boys, Girls or a person with a physical or mental disability. Everyone can benefit but has to be willing to put in the time, effort and hard work, the results speak for themselves. read more

Everyone at Z-Ultimate is knowledgeable, attentive, caring, and frankly amazing! I contacted several self-defense studios, looking for something for my son. Z-Ultimate was the most responsive, informative and welcoming. And, that attitude didn't stop after we signed up. It's not only a great new skill learning experience, it's also an incredible workout. They have created a very welcoming atmosphere and community. I highly recommend anyone who is interested in martial arts to call and set up an introductory appointment. read more

Our daughter has been attending classes for several years and the staff has always been courteous and professional.

Our journey with Z-Ultimate started years ago when we first meet Sensei Perlman. Today all my four children are in martial arts with this dojo. When we first walked into the dojo and met with Sensei Perlman, my oldest son who has now received his black belt said he does not want to go to any other dojo but this one. I think it's all because of how Sensei Perlman represented himself. Sensei Perlman is an amazing instructor and he has the best team of instructors with him. Before I decided to walk into this dojo, I checked out so many other karate studios but this Z-Ultimate is class one! Walking in and meeting Sensei Perlman years ago was the best thing I did for my children. My children have and is learning so much from Sensei Perlman and his team, from self respect, discipline , self control, self confidence and more. We have been with this dojo for so long that, in a way they have become our family. Also, as a mother of a young 11 year old girl, it was so very important that she learned martial arts and she started at the age of 5. Now she has the attitude of " don't mess with me" My oldest son went with the Z-Ultimate team to China last year and said that was the best experience he had ever had. They have such amazing opportunities for this children. So happy we took this journey and with Sensei Perlman. Thank you Sensei Perlman and your team for being such an inspiration to our children. All the best and you guys will always be our #1 fan read more

This studio is professional and so supportive with children of all ages and abilities. They offer one on one sessions and group sessions. Wonderful experience. read more

Staff is great with kids. Our 7 year old son has been going for a year and has learned a lot. Karate classes help with balance, respect, discipline, focus, as well as strength and technique. We recommend. Sensei Alex is especially great. read more

I've found a place to call home! Ever felt like something was missing in you life? I was in search of something like this, just didn't know that it happen to be Karate. I've been coming to this dojo since March. I show up religiously 4 times a week. It's not hard when you truly enjoy the experience you're having, as I do with this team! I wanted something that would work out my body and mind but heal the soul as well. What I mean by that is, I knew an environment where I could make new friends and become part of the community was important to me. Been on cloud nine ever since! The Z-family has been there for me in more ways than they know. I know when I leave after class that no matter what kinda day I'm having its left behind in sweat at the dojo lol.. I get so much out of it, that I account it for my well being. It's no secret that I LOVE THURSDAY's because of Sensi Brandon!! He's energy for teaching and my eagerness to learn has made these nine months fly by fast ! I love everyone there, they are great people I tell you! read more