Best Karate Club Independence Near Me

Wendy Minix: I love this place. They are always pleasant and friendly. My son loves going here. I highly recommend them. We had been to a previous place and had a bad experience. This place is nothing like the first!

Ken Buckner: Excellent instructor. Gave my daughter a lot of confidence

Madalyn Hibbs: Very kid friendly, and a ton if fun for everyone! I currently train at Wilcox and they’ve helped me with my confidence and all kinds of other things. They are truly like a family and are really great people!

Mickey Bernhardy: This place is amazing I learned a bunch of good stuff and made a lot of new friends and most of all I'm always excited to go there

Melody Fike: They are excellent in every way! They are great with the kids, they learn alot 😊 they have built my sons confidence up 100%! He loves the class and they have helped him one on one whenever he needed it. They respond really quickly when I msg them. I recommend them to anyone who asks!!! I look forward to seeing how well he does on this next journey he'll be on now here ❤️

Lisa Mahaffey: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueFeels like family when we walk in. It’s more than just learning karate, it teaches leadership, courage, respect and so much more. My son loves learning here.

Jessica C.: This place is amazing! My kiddo has been going here for a little over 6 months. We have gone to some other places and didn't have great experiences and it almost made my kiddo not want to do karate anymore until we found Wilcox Karate and now he checks the calendar everyday and is almost sad when it isn't a class day. Everyone here is so welcoming and you can truly see how much they care about each of the kiddos.

Jonathan Dillman: I would like to say this place is by far a family, my kiddos love coming to class and learns so much! Keep up the great work

Latresa Behrens: WKA the studio of choice! The staff and the professionalism. My son is having a blast and truly enjoys this Karate Studio! They care about the children and want them to succeed in the program. My kiddo looks forward to going every week!

Christy Markham: My daughter loves attending Wilcox Karate! She has learned so much and made great new friends. The best part is the self-defense skills she has learned and that the owners really care about their students.

Nicole Hibbs: Our daughter has been at Wilcox for a little over a year now and it has helped her grow and become more confident. It is a great atmosphere and great instructors.

Skyline Crashpads: Wilcox karate is a wonderful family friendly company who strives to be encouraging and help your child push themselves through strength and confidence building. My daughter attended Wilcox karate and this is her personal review: I loved Wilcox karate, my senseis were always there for me, for anyone who would like to try it out, it’s an amazing experience! Wilcox karate taught me lots of things, but the best thing I ever learned was to always be a great person & to be respectful. I loved the atmosphere in the place, it was always uplifting.

Cody Schoenherr: I would highly recommend Wilcox Karate! Our son has had issues and they have been improving. He is bullied at school and Karate is helping him through everything. He always excited to go to class each time! We truly feel like family there.

Rebecca Mace: My daughter has been attending Wilcox Karate for 3 years now. She enjoys the instructors and her self confidence has grown. In addition to karate skills, the dojo focuses on monthly skills that students can apply to everyday lifeHere is what my daughter has to say about Wilcox Karate Academy ...WKA helps you mentally and physically. Every week or every other week we add new Karate skills. There will be some skills you don't get right away but don't worry. The teachers make sure that you understand the skill. If you didn't get it right away, they will pull you to side and work one on one.

Jackie Frazier: We are absolutely loving Wilcox Karate. My son started a few months ago and already its making a difference. He looks forward to Karate days, for him it's enjoyable not something he dreads going to. He would go 7 days a week if he could. He is learning so much and feeling more confident in himself daily. The owners are amazing and truly care about all the kids. The instructors work with the kids to help them truly learn and take the time to make sue they are progressing. They know the names of all their students, they are not just a number or income to them. This place has quickly become family and we look forward to the many years ahead we have with them.

Shannon Hesterberg: My son says “this is a great karate school and it is very fun. I will get my black belt within the next two years!”

Brittany Klamp: Everyone here is amazing! It's a GREAT karate school!

Michaelia Bernhardy: The classes are amazing evryone is welcoming and super nice

Courtney Adams: My son absolutely LOVES Wilcox! He recently got a belt promotion and from the time he started until now I see the work he has been putting in. The owner’s and instructors are AMAZING ! I wouldn’t recommend any where else for Karate. This is aBIG FAMILY ❤️

Ken Baker: The Instructor is quite an accomplished martial artist and is really concerned about his students.

Matthew Tali: AKKA has been great for our son! He’s 3+ years in and still engaged and enjoying it. My appreciation for AKKA has grown even more so especially through the pandemic, and how my son was still able and to learn, practice and train remotely.

Kelli Chappelow: My self confidence and self-esteem have ground tremendously while being in the program, as well as my learning of the arts and learning of myself.

Joshua Clausen: The instructors are great working with the students. Very welcoming environment and my kids love it. I think ever child should do try karate cause my kids are doing great and it has helped their confidence, listening and work ethic.

Fatima Sensente: Excelente escuela de karate ayuda a tus niños a la disciplina, ser respetuoso defensa propia seguir indicaciones controlar la ira 🥋

4X GANG: Love that my 3 Boy's are learning alot just by going here and that they are happy doing it as well thank you so much for teaching them to Respect them self and others keep up the good work we feel like apart of the family my kids go ever day now and they really like going everyday they don't like missing days at all

jose coutino: Nos encanta este lugar. Mis hijos han aprendido mucho! Los maestros son muy buenos y muy amables.

Jake C: Our son has only been going for a couple months now and he absolutely loves it. All 3 instructors are great they are very patient and tentative with all the kids and not to mention they are able to get the participation of all the kids in the class. Would highly recommend akka of independence 👌

L Entrikin: Such a great experience for my son. He has loved all the classes and has been so excited to earn new belts. Such respect and discipline is taught and I'm so appreciative to that. Kids need that! He always had fun!

Alejandra Rodriguez: Muy bonita experiencia espero que en volver pronto gracias

Lindsey X: Love this place so does my 5yo. She enjoys coming to her classes each week!

Iosua Sheppard (BrowNinja76): I just love how happy my niece is when she's here learning.

Sami Smith (Mimi): This is a wonderful place for children to learn new skills. All the staff are really amazing and helpful. My son loves going to class and has learned a lot in the short time he has been there. 😍🤩🤗

Coutino Family: Mi familia y yo, nos sentimos felices de haber encontrado este lugar de buen aprendizaje para nuestros hijos

Daniel Barron: Great staff and wonderful workout

Henwysgym Life: My son Anthony Anaya has 4 years attending AKKA Karate in Independence and it has been the best experience ever. I am so happy that now he is training for his black belt. Mr. Burt is the best teacher I could ever ask for. I appreciate the good work he does with the kids.

Becca Sherwood: My son started Karate at Akka Independence, on 40hwy over a year ago now. And it's been a really good experience for all of us! The best part about choosing Akka, is its instructors Mr. Burt, and Mr. Harris, alongside the other three (funny) instructors. They are always fun and loving alongside being straightforward when it's needed. We have become so accustomed to seeing all the kind people there, it feels like home away from home. And at times my husband and I will catch ourselves saying the Akka motto in our sentences, as It's become a part of us.And this is the good seed, the good word that they plant every day to all of us, setting there."To be our best and do our best with enthusiasm!"If you're looking for a boost of structure and smiles for your kiddos? Then come try it out!!!Hope to see you there!#Family vibe at the Dojo!

Donna Cornwell: Very comfortable and relaxed environment. Individual attention and learn at your own pace.

Jessica Garcia: My daughter’s self confidence has really improved since she’s joined karate.

Latasha Gurley: I love how my daughter has grown and how her confidence has improved since she has began taking your classes. Thank you all for everything that you have done and I look forward to more!

Phillip Clark: I have been in this system for 33 years. My daughter and grandson also study here. Master Burt and Mr Harris are incredibly knowledgeable and marvelous teachers. This is a family oriented school and we have students of all ages. I would highly recommend AKKA to anyone.Phil Clark6th Degree Black Belt

Melissa Graham: I took my kids here for years, and I also received my blackbelt. It was a wonderful experience. He is great with kids. He is a positive role model for today's youth.

Patriot Doc: Mark Long is an incredible martial artist!!! This is a great place for kids and adults alike. They teach aikido, karate, judo, jujitsu, and more!

Wayne Geiger: Sensei Long is an amazing instructor. Not only is he a master at the art, he is a true teacher and wants the best for his students. My grandson is extremely introverted. Under Sensei Long he has learned confidence, self-esteem, respect, and how to stand up for himself. I saw this happen almost immediately. Sensei Long knows kids. He places a great amount of emphasis on teamwork and he is not afraid to lovingly discipline always with the goal of restoration. Sensei Long has worked with kids from various walks of life and all over the spectrum. He is not only training kids in Karate, he is training them in life. They learn how to listen, show respect, behave properly, and believe in themselves. I could not speak more highly of this program!

Miguel Caraballo: I've been training and teaching at Long's shotokan academy since 2006, and it's been a joy watching our students become confident, goal oriented young men and women through the programs that we offer at the dojo.

Brian Kaeding: I've trained here since late 1997. The discipline and drive instilled in me was life changing and has set me apart from the herd. We are regularly directed to not be average and achieve more than what we think we are capable of. My children train and I'm happy to say they aren't average and they are set apart from their peers. As one of the schools instructors I find it very rewarding to pass on what I have learned to my children and the other students.

Jackie Schmidt: This is a great place to go and learn martial arts for all ages and experience levels! I have spent 14 years here from a beginner to national competitor and believe there is truly something for everyone here.

Scott Kaeding: A fantastic Karate School for adults and children alike. Sensei Long is a amazing person who cares for his customers and gets the best out of them

clayton kaeding: Great people and atmosphere.

KC Flight: Took the grandsons there for introduction to Karate. Mark Long runs a first class operation with a true heart for youth!

The Love Kitchen: Mark Long runs a well put together martial arts program that teaches not only discipline and physical fitness but multiple aspects of the fighting arts to make a well rounded fighter.

Kaila McLean: Exellent environment for new students of any age and skill level

Michael Brown: Great place to learn/train multiple forms of martial arts by very educational instructors.

Ashli Watreas: Mark Long is not only a positive and encouraging sensei, he strives to teach each individual about real life experiences as well. Long’s Shotokan Karate is a top notch facility.

Roxanne Newell: If you want to become strong and learn how to protect yourself, I would recommend Long's Academy. They teach Lil' Dragons, Aikido, Judo, Jujitsu, Kick Boxing, in addition to Kata and Karate. The teachers in all these disciplines are amazing. Do you want to become a Black Belt? Try Long's Shotokan Karate Academy.

Ronald Howe: When it comes to a family oriented dojo, Longs Shotokan is the place to be. Mark is an awesome instructor and is great with kids. He has expertise in many facets of martial arts and has devoted many years to the development of students of all ages and interests. I've referred many friends over the years and have been impressed with their progress under Mark's tutelage.

1911wood: It’s my strongly held belief a man ought to have the ability to protect himself and his family. Not only that, it’s a man’s responsibility to teach their sons to embrace this concept and to teach them the skills they need to handle themselves. I found myself where my sons interests, didn’t necessarily intersect with mine. Luckily we came to know Mark Long and his excellent Black Belts such as Gerald Barnes. They had the words to inspire my sons to embrace the concepts I admire. Many of the admirable qualities I enjoy in my sons I credit to Longs Shotokan.I have eight grandchildren I hope they all spend quality time with Mark and his people.I give Long’s Shotokan five stars because that the most I’m allowed to give.

Dennis Bradley: Great place to learn martial arts

Rhonda Gillespie: Sensei Mark Long has been a fantastic mentor to my son, and family. His program is designed for all ages, he makes everyone feel included and welcome He teaches life lessons, as well as the karate skills his dojo offers. I dont trust many people with our son, but I trust Sensei Mark to the fullest. Thanks for all you have done, and continue to do.

David McGonigle: Long's Shotokan Karate is a well structured program. Shotokan combines multiple aspects and styles of fighting. Here the different styles are broken up into multiple classes rather than everything combined. This allows students to have options on the styles they prefer, to take them all to earn their black belt in Shotokan, or to take the style they prefer best. The sensei's are all adults and are each individually specialized in their style. They have a team you can join to travel to tournaments and they continually bring home multiple trophies. I would recommend bringing your child here or joining yourself. They have students of all ages and even have a class for the younger kids.

Jennifer Kaiser: My family has been going to Long’s Shotokan Academy since January 2023. It has been life changing. Sensei Long has helped my kids show respect towards their peers and adults in their life. He has also helped us learn self defense. All of his classes are a workout while learning different skills. We love going to the dojo every class!!

Brian Dowding: My son and I have been coming here for years. When we first brought our son in for a trial class, we had been to 3 other places all who had multiple teachers who could barley keep a group of 5-7 year olds in line. Master Henrich not only was by himself for the entire class, but kept all the children focused and attentive. We knew right then this was the right place for our son.Master Henrich is an amazing teacher with patience, kindness, diligence, and a hard work ethic that he passes on to his students. Would recommend to beginners or advanced martial artists.

Patricia Armstrong: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Valuey sons has neen going for 4yrs working on his blk belt Mr henrich has been a blessing to him and me hes always there when I need to discuss things with him. when things get tough for my child hes there to reassure my child thankyou Paul for all you do

Chelsea Kintz: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueMaster Henrich is absolutely amazing, I started my daughter young, and somewhere else. I couldn't be happier with the switch! Master Henrich is extremely authenticin the art, professional, and amazing with these kids!

Beth Lerno: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueI just signed my 5 year old up for classes - he is a little shy and often reluctant to deals with new adults- Not with Master Paul he did a great job and I surprised at how eager and confident he was to learn!

Jackie Enderle: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueMaster Henrich is an excellent teacher!

Bethany Ballew: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueWe love Henrich’s. Our son has gained so much confidence since he started. We love the the experience, techniques, and respect he has gained!!

Erica Medina: Positive:Value

Deondra Wiler: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueLove Master Henrich! He is great with the kiddos and my daughter looks forward to her her class and is always excited when she learns something new.

Bryce Nelson: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueI've had some of the best times of my life and memories at this place. I suspect others will too. It's definitely something you should not pass up it's awesome! If you get the chance do it. David

Dee Hyatt: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueMy daughter has been coming to Master Henrich since she was a Lil Tiger about four years ago. She was quiet and shy. Now she is loud and proud and has self confidence. He teaches respect, how to work for a goal and obtain that goal. I would not take her anywhere else.

Cara Barnhill: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueWonderful place to take your kids! Master Henrich is great at what he does. My son has been going for almost 2 years and still loves to go! Best decision we ever made for him!

Pappadoc: Great instructor and highly recommended. We've tried other Dojang and my children love it.

Brooke Peer: He legitimately cares about teaching people to defend themselves. Great with children and teaching not only defense but respect. Good for all ages/genders.

Laura Dustin: My 5 year old son started in March 2016 and has learned so much from Master Henrich. I highly recommend ! 10/10 good for people of all ages!

Amber Watson: I HIGHLY recommend Henrich's U.S.Taekwondo if you/or your child want to start taking lessons! One of the best decisions I have made was starting my then 8 year old son here for his birthday last year. Master Henrich has taught him so much more than self defense. My husband and I are very impressed with how he is helping us guide our son to be a very respectable, honest, confident, dedicated, determined young man.

Bo Moreno: While there are many Tae Kwon Do schools, fewer and fewer seem to offer the traditional old school fundamentals, discipline and philosophy that go into a true martial artist. Not only does Master Henrich offer this, but he also teaches the confidence and self respect skills that are essential. It's is a school of serious physical training where arrogance has no place. It is family friendly with classes for students of all ages. Master Henrich also offers cardio kick classes. I would recommend Henrich's US Tae Know Do to anyone.

Butch Nelson: Great place for kids of any age. So much i could write about this place. I think it is just best if you experience it for your self to truely apreciate it.

Teresa McCarty: Are you looking for a Karate School? The 1st thing you need to ask is, "Are you looking for a school that hands out participation awards with belt ranking systems based on a schedule and your pocket book, OR are you looking for TRUE life skills that will last a life time?" If you are looking for the real deal, this is it. My boys and their Dad have studied under Mr. Katzer. Earning Rank is not over night, it is slow and you have to earn it by putting in time and practice to develop your skills. You learn more here then just how to defend yourself, you learn respect. You will not see a child wear a black belt. A black belt is meant that you are a Master. Let that sink in for a minute, Your child will learn to defend themselves but are they a Master, not yet. They have much to learn. Sensei Katzer is a great teacher for all ages and what you learn here can never be taken away. This is an invest that will last a lifetime and even generations. I highly recommend this school over the others. My boys are now 30 and 24 years old.

Michael Roy: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,ValueA great dojo ran by one of the best teachers in the country. It's conveniently located in Raytown, right off the highway. Highly recommend you give them a call and check it out.

Frank Battaglia: Best teacher in town and best dojo in town.

Dylan M: You will not find a better Dojo. You can learn anything from traditional karate to mixed martial arts and kickboxing. The kids classes are amazing! Steve Katzer's physical and mental training is unsurpassed. This Dojo changed my life and I'll take that with me wherever I go.

Josh Katzer: Most effective self defense instruction out there, period. If you put in the time and commitment, you WILL learn to effectively defend yourself. Mr. Katzer is a living karate legend.

Damn_Im_Sleepy: Love coming here. I only wish the classes were longer.

Reggie Smith: If you want to learn martial arts, this is a great place to do it. Martial arts training is not cheap no matter where you go, but this place has competitive pricing and you get a lot more bang for your buck than most other places. Steve is great at giving you the individual attention you might need. Belts are not handed out here to keep people coming back, you must earn your belt. That is the type of school you should be looking for. I am more concerned with learning how to fight and defend myself than getting a new belt. Steve will teach you practical skills that he and people from bushidokan have learned on the streets in real life. I would recommend taking advantage of the sparring sessions as well.

Paul (V_izzy_D): There are very few true traditional Karate dojos left anymore. That is why Kansas City Shotokan Karate Club is a gem. A place of spiritual calm in the midst of the city’s bustling Crossroads District. In the past few decades there has a been a decline in traditional martial arts with the rise of UFC and other MMA promotions. With most gyms and studios eschewing the values of self-betterment passed down from it’s original teachers in favor of effectiveness in a sports competition setting. On the other end of the modern martial arts spectrum there are dojos who claim to be traditional but teach an extremely watered down version that place emphasis on flashy techniques rather than effectiveness in combat. The Karate-do taught in this dojo is the karate as guided by Tsutomu Ohshima, one of the last student of Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan. Ohshima-sensei in-turn founded Shotokan Karate of America which over the course of decades has established dojos all the US as well as sister-branches in other countries, most prominently in Canada, France, and Israel. To be a member of this dojo in Kansas City is to be part of a global family. There are frequent events held by the organization that members are invited to. And if you ever find yourself traveling to other parts of the country, all you have to do is reach out to the nearest SKA dojo and you will be welcomed with open arms, retaining rank and familiarity of the structure used by all of Ohshima’s students. If you are an old karateka from another organization or even style and you wish to continue your practice with this dojo, your rank will be respected, granted the seniors recognize your current level of skill is on par with that rank. Fairness, strictness and technical standards that are not lowered for any student, new or old. These are what you would be held up to when joining this dojo. That is the tradition.

Greg Oliver: Karate changed my life, and this dojo was like a second home to me. The teaching is of the highest caliber. You will learn discipline, focus, and how to push yourself beyond your perceived limits. The added bonus is, some of my closest and dearest friendships were forged here making hard and honest practice together. Oh, I forgot to mention, I met my wife here! Seriously, this is traditional karate at its best.

Bernie Katzroy (Zuks Gildram): Always passed by this place, went here a night ago and its definitely a legit place with plenty of history and something I'm willing to commit to. Teachers are disciplined and humorous .

Rain Celestine: Comfortable open atmosphere. Respectful and honorable teachers who are surprisingly much more gentle than you would think. Not to mention great peers. Everyone is very open minded and willing to help each other progress, to be completely honest. It has a homey feel to it -Rain

Christina Hallauer: Watched there warm ups and opening, highly impressed. Clear ethics and discipline. Will be singing the family up soon

Ken Richardson: This place is the real deal! I've practiced here for 6-years and am still in awe of my seniors. They teach for nothing more than to perpetuate the art. I enjoy practicing here and plan to for many years to come. No worries about getting beat on here. We all have to go to work tomorrow and they know it. Come practice with us and work out hard while learning the discipline of self control and awareness.

Karl Belvedere: If you want to be a tournament fighter, this ain't the place. But if you're looking for real-life skills and, more importantly, supreme mental and physical discipline, I can't imagine a better organization to be a part of. I've attended this dojo for almost two years and feel like a new person. The seniors here are utterly invested in teaching and hold their students to high standards. What's more, it is a very welcoming environment where practitioners at all levels may speak freely.

Derek Topilko: A unique Kansas City gem.Here you will find an exceptional place to build physical, mental, and spiritual discipline.As well as inclusion in a national and international community.Couldn't be more pleased!

Phillip Barrera: Traditional karate and a non-profit school. You definitely have to earn your rank. Here i found a home where karate is a personal journey, where the emphasis is on building depth of technique as well as strength of character. One of the few schools I have been to wherein the color of your belt is not the testament of your level of karate but rather the quality of your kihon. Great people to train with from senior level instructors all the way down to the most junior students.

Mike Lyon: Students here are adults and instructors all have more than 20 years teaching experience. If you're looking for something genuine here is a place you can actually discover something important. After more than 30 years of practice with this group I can report that I still find practice new and alive and very challenging. Wonderful luck to have happened in here!