Best Karate Club Ann Arbor Near Me

Zainab Tello: started judo few months ago here, great teachers and great place, they have spring floors to prevent large injuries which is cool, they have lots of senseis that are very good at teaching and helping you learn. if your unsure you can watch a class and do a intro lesson for free. i definitely reccemond. the only thing youd have to consider is the price being a little high but if you can pay that its worth it so much.

Adam MacLean: 5/5 would train here again. Everyone was helpful, nice and encouraging.

Laura McGinn: Quite literally the best place you could go to for Japanese martial arts in all of Michigan. All of the instructors are knowledgeable, humble, world class and just great at teaching all around. The dojo is always very clean and enjoyable to train in. I’m always having a good time while training there and feel that I have found another family.

Josh Kitchens: I cannot speak highly enough about every single aspect of this dojo. The sensei's are some of the most talented individuals I've ever seen. The focus on personal growth and positive attitude is felt through every interaction with every individual there. They're some of the most friendly, welcoming, determined, and just all around amazing people I've ever met.The dojo itself is fantastic. The building is very well designed; Plenty of open space, a wall of mirrors to help analyze technique, and spring loaded mats all along the floor make falling and taking throws a (relatively) painless experience.Price-wise it may not be the cheapest dojo in the area but you are absolutely getting your moneys worth and then some. Besides, when talking about your health, I'd say that's something worth investing a little extra in, wouldn't you?Overall, JMAC is phenomenal and you should absolutely stop in and check the place out if you're interested in martial arts. You won't be disappointed.

Robert Hinderer: This place is fantastic. My son is enrolled in the kids Judo and I haven’t seen a smile that big on him in a while. The staff are all very knowledgeable and my son’s sensei are some of the best teachers I have ever seen. They stress safety and work with all the different levels of students consistently while making the class extremely fun. If you are interested as an adult or for your child I HIGHLY suggest you give them a call and come watch a class.

Cobarah: The people who work here are nothing but kind. I do karate here and I recommend this place to all my friends but, most of they are very skillful and great practitioners of martial arts.

Beth Wiggert: I have been in and around martial arts for many years...decades.JMAC is the best dojo one can imagine.The senseis are quite literally the best in the world.Training is challenging, yet safe and fun. The program is systematic, yet engaging and innovative.JMAC is working to preserve the rich legacy of the traditional Japanese arts .The dedication, commitment, and skill of all the senseis is evident in every class.I’ve been a member for about 2 1/2 years and love it more each month.Thank you JMAC.I can not recommend JMAC highly enough.UPDATEI've never done a lot of Calesthenics, but started during the JMAC 18 while Off work due to COVID.It has been great! It's fun yet challenging, and every day is different.We're encouraged to "do what we can with what we've got". And everyone can work at their own pace or modify as needed. But knowing others are there too (on zoom), helps to keep me going!And it's only 18 minutes, early in the day, so I have the rest of the day ahead.Since doing the JMAC 18, I have better endurance, better upper body strength, and less knee pain.I've even been known to do old workouts on off days!Short version: I'm hooked!

Alfredo Sosa: Excellent martial arts education! Very happy that our son is enjoying his training and development in Karate at JMAC. The instructors are wonderful and the environment is conducive to learning! Great job JMAC!

Andrew Hauptman: My 8y/o son and I have trained there. I started training there because of the resumes of the instructors... they are world class instructors with training/education/experience that is (as far as I could find in their respective arts) unmatched anywhere in the Midwest (if not outside Japan!) we really feel like we’re part of an extended family at JMAC. My 8y/o trained there and LOVED the teachers and class structure. Best kids martial arts program in the area, hands-down.

Ayse Muniz: As a beginner with little athletic experience, I was hesitant to throw myself into the world of martial arts. After my first interaction with Suino-Sensei, I knew JMAC would be the best place to learn properly, safely, and challenge myself in a demanding but supportive environment. This place is defined by its world-class instructors and friendly students. If you are even remotely interested in learning a martial art, you should consider joining the JMAC community. You'll never look back!

Stacia Proefrock: JMAC was a wonderful place for my kids to do Judo and has the best Iaido program in all of Michigan. You can make a lifetime of study here because the instructors have already amassed a lifetime of knowledge to share with you. A great place for personal development and deep learning.

Y Xiao: My son had been trained in 3 other martial arts centers, before we finally found JMAC. It's been over 2.5 years now with JMAC, and we feel very lucky to have all these amazing Senseis. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn martial arts!

Amber Cathey: JMAC changed my life! The instructors are incredible - both as teachers and as people. Other students are supportive and fun. I couldn't ask for a better training atmosphere.

Tara McKnight: Our 12 year old son is thriving at JMAC. He is more confident, calm, and stronger. The instructors are shining examples of discipline and hard work. Thank you for creating a safe, learning environment for Everyone!

Gina Dahlem: Our son has a visual disability and it has been wonderful to see him grow in his judo skills and confidence. We are grateful for the instructors who truly care, willing to make accommodations, and are experts in their field. We have been here for almost a year and have been very pleased with our experiences.

jason otten: Absolutely wonderful instructors. The staff is so patient, friendly and talented. JMAC is such a warm and welcoming place to learn. I have two children in the judo program and they love it. They are learning so much and having an amazing time. I wish I would have signed them up sooner.

Michael Bellas: Incredibly supportive team, knowledgable and professional instructors, and clean facilities.

Robert Wolfe: My dojo had the distinct honor of hosting Suino Sensei, Holland Sensei, and several members of JMAC for a weekend seminar. What an experience! Some of the most gifted instructors, talented martial artists, and engaging / delightful individuals one could ever meet. If you're near Ann Arbor, I can't imagine training anywhere else.

Brett Peterson: World class instructors and amazing group to train with. I still miss JMAC everyday.

Ma Pa: My son wanted to learn Iaido this year. We did not know anything about it. His grandpa was a paratrooper and a green beret and encouraged him to learn martial arts and particularly jujutsu. JMAC is a true Japanese dojo. We did not know what good exercise one gets with Iaido. It' fantastic. Most students are serious adults and the environment is really not bad at all for our teenager. We're looking forward to many years of Iaido and hope our son will decide to also add another martial art. Here is what he thinks about JMAC:"JMAC is, in my experience, a very open place. Although I am introverted in new areas, the people that actually speak to me and to others around me are very nice, and make conversation very fluid.JMAC is a fantastic place to learn martial arts. It's a very nice environment with clean mats and it looks like what you'd expect a modern dojo to look like. I take Iaido, which is work with a japanese sword, and it's an art that requires diligence. Thankfully, Sensei Suinu is a very helpful person and helps me through the difficulties in technique that I have with Iaido.The work done at JMAC is largely based on mental focus and respect of your upper-class-men. Every movement should be carefully thought out and done slowly in your mind before executing it in reality.JMAC is a very great learning environment as well, starting you off with great warm ups, and a great work-out as you learn the most basic of basic forms and eventually (after like, 10 years - it's very arduous and the forms are difficult]) you can learn the most difficult of forms and execute the "easy" forms with the most minute attention to detail, to flow your forms seamlessly from one to the other and to make the entire form look like a single movement."

Dora Reader: I highly recommend Keith Hafner's Karate for training in martial arts and development of life skills. Come and see for yourself where you can learn in a welcoming environment.As an adult martial artist training at Keith Hafner's Karate, I especially like gaining skills in self defense and weapons, in addition to focused forms, technique, and fitness. The instructors lead and motivate us to work toward excellence in all aspects of our lives. The benefits that I receive at the school spill over into the lives of people around me.Training at Keith Hafner's Karate is part of the "fountain of youth" that empowers me to keep reaching toward new goals in life.

Matt Martzolff: KHK is an amazing family of a school and a great place for all ages to learn something about themselves through fitness and self defense. The instructors do a great job at tending to each of the students individually and provide an educational, fun, and challenging group class experience.

John G: I have been going to Keith Hafner’s Karate for over 30 years now, I have grown up with them and they are like family. They care about their students and want to see them succeed, and they are passionate about what they do and you can see it from the moment you walk down the stairs into the studio.Yes, you will learn self defence and how to protect yourself, but there is so much more to it than that. Karate is a way of life, not just for the body, but also for the spirit and mind as well. You will learn life skills and how to become the best person that you can be in many areas of life. I have become a better person thanks to all I have learned from this school.Young, old and anywhere in between have much to benefit from going here. One of my good friends I met here whom I’ve known for a long time calls it “The fountain of youth” and keeps her feeling young.My name is John Guthrie, and I am a 4th dan master’s candidate at Keith Hafner’s Karate. You have my full recommendation to come here if you want to self improve yourself in any way. Come down and take a look for yourself, maybe try a couple of trial introductory lessons, and maybe you’ll see me in action too. 🥋

Tonya Guthrie: Very friendly people

Victor Pernicano: For over 20 years I have been part of the Keith Hafner's Karate family. My parents enrolled me in classes at the age of 4 and I have been a student there since then. Grand Master Hafner and the rest of the team excel at creating a welcoming environment that is inclusive to all. Through my katate training I have gained strength and discipline that continue to help me through my adult life. Karate has been a life long passion of mine, if there is anywhere I can recommend that you or your family train, is with all of us at Keith Hafner's Karate.

Hollyrock90: The overall environment combined with the professionalism of the entire staff really proves what was said in the commercial is true and that is Keith Hafner's Karate is Great

Matt Sandstrom: We enrolled our son Andrew in Keith Hafner’s Karate in 2018. We were walking by the entrance on Main Street on dropped in on a whim. So glad we did. Three years later, we sometimes joke that Keith and his team are a ‘third parent’ as much as karate teachers. The karate instruction is great, and we really love the daily positive attitude coaching and confidence boosts. Our son is learning life lessons at 9 years old that I wish I learned in my teens. Thanks for the leg up, KHK!

dan powers: KHK is a great place for kids, the instructors are wonderful teaching not only martial arts but life skills as well.

S Sriram: I have been training at KHK with my daughter for 5 years. We love the experience. Not only is it great for fitness and for karate, but teaches you life lessons. I would recommend Keith Hafner’s Karate for everyone.

Michael Burns: Keith Hafner's karate has made a huge impact on my daughter's self confidence and provided her with the power to defend herself as well as an advanced understanding of the martial arts. We have witnessed her transformation from a young white belt to a junior black belt approaching second degree They have an excellent school with caring instructors who provide life lessons and morals as well as techniques in self defense.

Patricia Ressler-Billion: Character development, physical strength and personal discipline all taught and modeled here. An environment for every child to find a place that fits.

Rick Witten: KHK is not about Karate. It's about building great people.My experience is as the father of a girl who tried karate because her bestie was taking it. Karate is one of the last activities I expected her to get hooked on, but she loved it from the start. The atmosphere is positive, supportive and fun. This is not the macho karate of my youth. There's no yelling at the students, no military disciplinarians. The sensei's are encouraging and friendly as they impart strong values and positive messages about self confidence and discipline. In the past few years there have been multiple instances where my daughter applied what she learned to make contribution in her school setting or to help deal with a life challenge.Oh yeah. She's also getting quite good at karate and on her way to black belt.

Ian Forsyth: If you have endured some challenging circumstances in your life and haven't quite figured out how to deal with them, training at Keith Hafner's Karate provides all the tools you need to fill your own cup. You will find the strength and courage you need to overcome any obstacle in life with grace and poise!

Yeong Kwok: My kids have been going here for over 7 years. They learn self defense, confidence, and good character development in a friendly, fun, and supportive setting. The teachers (masters) are great with kids. This is one activity that I rarely have to urge my kids to go to. The kids always leave with more energy and with a better attitude.

Lisa Kohn: You certainly learn martial arts here, but that's the tip of the iceberg! It's masterful watching teachers discuss the lesson of the week to wide age ranges at once while holding each student's attention and interest. Here you'll find personalized and positive instruction that also features plenty of fun. After eleven years of study, our son finds it as fresh as the first day of class. It's a special place all right.

Greg Peters: I have been training at KHK for almost 20 years and now my two daughters train along side me. I can honestly say that I would not be as successful in either my personal or professional life without my training at this school. The instructors love the students first and the curriculum second. What they teach are life lessons using Karate as the tool. If you want to be transformed, come to Keith Hafner's Karate!

Kathy Mosher: My son was having a hard time in school because he had to switch schools because of my divorce and he was being bullied in school and I didn't know how to help him, so I asked a co-worker where I could find a good Karate school and he recommended Keith Hafner's Karate. I went meet the owner, his sons and the other men that worked there and I was very impressed! Keith and his sons and co-workers turn my son's and my life around! My son is now a US Marine and he never forgot the lesson that the school taught him. His school year got a lot better and he was his old self again. They taught him self confidence, self esteem and got through to him in ways I was powerless to do. I would recommend Keith Hafner's Karate school to anyone whether they are having trouble with their children or not, it is a great experience for them and you as a parent.

Terence G: The teachers are very good and the students get life lessons in addition to their karate training.

Valerie Matteson: Grandmaster Keith Hafner and his amazing staff enforce a strict regimen of fun, learning and good sportsmanship! My family attended the school for 8 years with my two youngest and me earning our 2nd degree black belts in Tae Kwan Do - Chung Do Kwan.Whether learning forms, doing calisthetics or gaining insight on karate from one of the terrific teaching staff, we always knew that we PERSONALLY mattered to GrandMaster Hafner and his staff.We enjoyed also being a part of the S.W.A.T. ! Just ask someone who knows what it stands for. So many important life lessons for the young and for the more mature.As part of an entrepreneurial company, I particularly gained many useful action items to help improve our business and gain and keep customers.Most of all, I can say I am very proud and happy to have been a part of Keith Hafner's Karate!

Melanie Love: KFK has been a Godsend to our family. From the fun, engaging lessons that keep our son moving forward on his quest toward black belt to the meaningful character development that's embedded within each class, I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything!

Josh Jiang: Great coaches and welcoming environment. Has a good mix of beginners and upper level belts. Everyone at the gym is super friendly and fun to roll with. Was at the gym for about 8 months while I was in Ann Arbor for school and wished I had joined sooner! This place is the best!!!

baperrizo: Great program, both gi and no gi sessions, friendly to out of town drop ins, nice facility with friendly staff.

Sarah Wroblewski: Great place to train! Especially impressed with the atmosphere for women; lots of ladies training jiu jitsu and very positive attitudes. Students aren’t overly aggressive and upper belts are generally helpful. Professor is extremely knowledgeable and follows a regular curriculum which makes it easy to learn new techniques and refine old ones into an actual system. Facility is clean and staff is excellent. Only three reasons it’s not 5 stars: 1) is it is pricey- you don’t get that many classes for such a high price tag (although I also understand Ann Arbor rent...), 2) they don’t allow people to come to open mat from other gyms in the immediate area, and 3) you can only wear IBJFF approved gi colors (blue, black, white). Still, would definitely recommend it!

Colette Rackleff: Clean spacious facility. Welcoming front staff. Head coach is humble and approachable. Excellent high-level technique taught in an way that is organized & easy-to-grasp. Training partners are supportive, receptive, & conscientious. Female friendly. Lots of higher belts to train with. My only disappointment is that this gym is not in my home town!

Marissa Barsotti: Positive:QualityI'm new to kickboxing and I couldn't have picked a better place! The instructors are knowledgeable and cater the classes to all skill levels. It's a very friendly environment and I always leave class feeling great. The prices are solid for how many classes you can take a week. I will definitely continue to take classes here.

Keely Zuri: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueLove this place! Challenges me and keeps me on my toes, I never get bored with the classes, they are well organized and a lot of fun!

Josh Rojas: My boys and I are proud members of this unique and special tribe. The thoughtful and detailed programs they’ve developed help anyone enjoy the challenging and rewarding sport of BJJ. All of the coaches are top shelf, do not hesitate to sign up and enjoy everything BJJ has to offer! They make you feel like Norm from cheers except the beer is a lot of focus and sweat. It’s your neighborhood BJJ bar.

Jessica Rhiannon: I love Ursa! I’ve been attending the kickboxing class here for about 6 months and I’m still really enjoying it. A friend recommended it to me years ago, but I was too intimidated to try it, so when another friend recommend it to me this spring, I decided to give it a go. I worried that the classes would be too difficult or become boring (contradictory, I know), but Jay does a great job of adding different skills and layers so there’s always something new to learn. I love the instruction style – Jay is attentive and has a calm and methodical way of running class. I got in a bad car accident about a year ago so occasionally I need modifications for certain drills and Jay is always flexible. Also, folks are really friendly! Great workouts, great people.

Ben Ratner: Dropped in at Ursa a few months back and had a really great experience. Great facility and instructors and students of all skill levels. Would highly recommend this gym to anyone who’s looking to train or learn BJJ in Ann Arbor.

Kevin Daher: Friendly staff, professional coach and excellent atmosphere.I start my training more then four month ago, my health improved, I developed good discipline.we lucky to have a very good coach with a lot of experience.I am sure I will continue my training at URSA

Stacy Fowler: My “box gym” closed down at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. Like many, I had to switch up my routines. With a background in Karate, I found URSA Fittness Kickboxing (FKB) in February of this year and haven’t turned back.I have and continue to be impressed by the small class sizes that allow space when social distancing is necessary as well as individuation for all levels; the ever changing routines that still challenge me after nine months; and most importantly the friendly, encouraging, guidance from coach Jay and the URSA family.

Maricela Avalos: Positive:Communication,Professionalism

Andrew Lamoreaux: Very nice gym and staff

Gabrie Italia: I visit Ann Arbor from time to time and I called hoping to drop-in for a jiu-jitsu class for when I do visit. I live about an hour away and I called asking about the drop-in fee. However, the academy believed that an hour away distance is “too close” and would not let me drop-in for a class. I would have to become a member if I were interested. It’s frustrating that the gym seems exclusive and considers an hour distance to be too close.

Josh Barrett: A very experienced, knowledgeable, and professional staff. If you've been on the fence about getting into this, rest assured that this isn't a bully-academy or a meathead parade of people trying to prove how "tough" they are to more inexperienced players. I continue to learn and couldn't be more grateful.

DOMINIC MAGLIOCCO: Finally took the plunge and started BJJ. As an older student I didn’t expect what came next. The coaches made sure each and every student was involved and pushed you not only physically but mentally. I have to say I felt welcomed and part of a family right after the first class. Two months in and covid hit. All the training on the mats stopped BUT all the coaches have stayed interactive to help with virtual learning along with video and audio lectures with great teachings. This by far has been a fantastic experience and know I will be here for many years to come. I would recommend this academy to anyone who asks.

Dustin Vegas: Dropped in for a couple weeks. Very friendly team and excellent instruction. I'll be back whenever I'm in town.

Ron Hay: Great instructors and a really positive environment!

Brittany Hamilton-Reed: URSA Fitness Kickboxing program really has changed me for the better and imI beyond grateful. The staff is amazing and always helpful. The workouts are designed to meet people where they are and you have the freedom to push yourself. There is always something new in the routines and the coaches really pay attention to technique to ensure you are being safe and preventing injury.FKB has not only boosted my weight loss but it's just fun to come in and workout with folks.

Andrea Hardy: My friend found an offer to try three classes for fitness kickboxing at a great deal. Her and I couldn't line up our schedules to try at the same time so I went alone. At the first class, it wasn't a bad experience but it definitely wasn't something that had me convinced. Then come on the high pressure sales tactics where their minimum packages were maybe 20 classes and if you "buy tonight" you can save $100. I'm against those sales tactics so I didn't buy. Later I discussed with another friend and she goes to a place that has prices similar to the price with the $100 discount and lets you pay per class instead of agreeing to some $200+ package the first night. You don't even know yet how you'll feel the next day! Needless to say - neither my friend or I ever came back for a second class, and what's probably the worst part is that they still send text messages over a year later asking if I'm still interested. Nope.

Steve Morris: My 8 year old daughter has been a student of Master Kil for 3 months and I've noticed her focus, desire to learn, and flexibility have all greatly improved in this short amount of time. She looks forward to each class every week and it's a beautiful thing to watch your daughter's excitement and to watch her confidence grow with each passing class. We couldn't be happier with Master Kil's guidance and style of teaching.

Ivan Tmc: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueMaster Kil is very respectful and nice with kids. Our daughter (5 years old) has been in taekwondo classes for more than 7 months and she is very happy. Master teaches no only Taekwondo techniques, also he teaches kids to be responsibles and respect parents and teachers. We recommend him 100% :)

Sonali Kottalgi: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueRecommend to join.

Santosh Kottalgi: "Totee is our only child and she faced some bullying in the society, so I decided to join her for Karate class by browsing some options on internet came to know that Kil's Tae Kwon Do is the best. I went there and was glad to meet Master Kil. He is very Kind, polite and down to earth person even after his olympic successs. My daughter has learned to fight her own battles and needless to say no one dares to bully her after taking her training from Master Kil class. I would definelty recommend everyone to join."- • -Santosh

Aaronman: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueWe are glad we found Kil’s Martial Arts. The place is clean and follows covid safety protocols. Master Kil is a wonderful sensei and our kid loves him! Master Kil doesn’t only teach martial arts, he teaches his students life lessons, to do good in school and at home. He teaches them respect. We truly recommend this place!

Emil Eidin: Amazing master. We have a kid on the spectrum and master Kil had no second thoughts. A true professional. Since my kid started to train with master Kil, he blossomed. He listens more carefully, he learned to control his emotions. Most recommended.

ravi daitota: Since the Martial Arts School we were going was temporarily closed due to building repairs, we were assigned to this school. The Grand Master Mr. Young Sup Kil is a fine gentleman with years of experience. Though the space here is little congested, he manages to make sure all students are trained properly.Its located next to Batteries Plus shop but for some reason google navigation takes you to the back of the building. Parking is ample and shared with many other businesses.

David Gankin: Kils tae kwon do is an awesome martial arts place master Kelley is the best instructor there is and you should really go to her classes she teaches very well and is always positive. You should really join if you are looking for a martial arts school.

Blanca Alfaro: I am Noriella and I come here and I think that Master Kelly is the best person ever 💖💖😁😁😁😁 come here and come to Master Kelly's classes she awesome an😄😄😃😄 instructor.

Vanessa Lundy: My child is doing better in all areas! Respect, school, listening the first time! I love our Karate family!

Megan Martini: Grandmaster Kil has the utmost patience and kindness when interacting with students. He is a fantastic mentor and role model for them! He instills values of humility, self confidence and self defense into my kids and I have noticed such an improvement in their at home/at school behavior. Master Kelly is also incredibly knowledgable and kind - we are so grateful! Thank you Kils TKD!

Satish Bayya: I am very glad I was able to find Master Kil's taekwondo. I found master teaching techniques and methodology is top notch compared to the other institute where my kids used to go when we were in different state.

Brandi Beck: My son and I decided to do Tae Kwon Do (TKD) together. I was previously in TKD as a teenager, so I knew that I wanted the Olympic Style TKD. Master Kil's dojo is the only Olympic style in Ann Arbor. It is great fun and gives you a workout. I would suggest this to anybody that I know.

Kathryn Poppy Wagner: Master Kil is a former Olympic coach and I’ve known of his work for many years. He is a grandmaster and I highly recommend his teaching.

Andy Bobo: I have been training with Tom Wright for 3 years. On every workout he changes it up to make sure that the workout is new and exciting. I would suggest anyone interested in strength training should stop by and see what he can do for you.