Best Karate Club Saint Louis Near Me

Theresa McClure: Sure, the location isn't great, and the building is small. But I'm not judging that. I'm judging the instructors and the students. They are extremely welcoming and they know what they're talking about. They don't just teach the moves, they explain the action and why it's done.

Lily Moore: Karate Life is a neighborhood business that our kids were excited to try. The one star rating does not reflect the instructors of the classes (overall positive interactions with them), but reflects the management and business practices of this referral business. There were three main issues that made us stop attending classes:1) You may be looking at reviews because you had seen the advertisement of one ‘free class.’ We attended the class and our kids did like their experience. However, once the class was over, they make you attend a quick meeting where they outline the costs for continuing- and it is expensive. They expect a six month commitment and will charge you $1500 (if you pay in full that day), but if you delay, the price rises to $1700. You will also be charged for the ghee (outfit), nunchucks, and t-shirts (the only thing you are allowed to wear beside the ghee and cost $35). While all sports and events cost money, it was uncomfortable how often small costs popped up. For instance, when the belt testing date arrived, we had not attended enough classes, but we could pay a fee in order to ‘make up the classes’ and test. I would prefer they were tested based on their skills. After about three months, we knew that this was not the place for us, and respectfully requested a refund which they refused and stopped communicating with us. Apparently this is due to the fact that we decided to pay in full up front, something that was not made clear at the sales pitch.2) The culture is also a concern. In some ways, they are trying to instill self-control and respect, but they also are intolerant of normal child behavior. They ask the kids to show respect, while at the same time the way they speak to the children is very harsh and demeaning. During the circle times, they talk about different scenarios on what shows respect and disrespect, and often use very outdated cultural norms, such as pulling chairs out for women to show respect. They also discourage questions from the kids which is hard to understand for beginners.3) When we first started attending classes, the processes and expectations were a little unclear, however the front desk person, Virginia (she is the person that all communication is supposed to go through) has a very gruff and unapproachable personality. There were times we had questions, and either the desk was empty or the office doors were closed. I have also seen her aggressively approach children to the point that they were scared and confused at her anger.I know that a lot of people in the South Hampton neighborhood have had positive experiences here, but if you are looking to try karate for the first time or if you kids are young, there are many more affordable options that teach karate, while also allowing for normal child development.

John C: Welcoming, friendly staff committed to the study of karate but also committed to taking care of students and families. Expert instruction in technique plus frequent explicit leadership and character practice. Focus on promotion from within for student-teacher roles.

Bryan Weinhold: I’ve known the head instructor for nearly my entire life. I’ve seen him grow as an individual on a personal level, but even more so as a business oriented professional. I wouldn’t suggest any where else for karate training!

Matt Jackson: Great teachers, who care about you and your family

Adam McBrady: Karate Life Studios is great! When I decided to learn (a bit later than the average start age) I decided to join this Dojo and I couldn't be happier with my choice. The instructors are very skilled and clearly take great joy out of teaching. It's welcoming to all ages, and truly is a great place regardless of your age or starting capability. As it is a traditional Shitō-ryū Karate dojo there's a strong focus not only only the techniques of the style, but the requisite training for flexibility, cardiovascular conditioning and strength. Regardless of your age or familiarity with Karate, if you are looking for a great dojo in the South City area, look no further. It's the Karate Life for me!

Jason Zakibe: Teachers are great, and I can't understate the confidence my daughter has received from their teachings. If you're wondering if it's worth it, it is!

Anna Banana: Love these classes for my six-year old girl. The instructors are fantastic. The classes are fun and great exercise, and wonderful for building her confidence and reinforcing her good behavior. She loves getting spirit stripes for being helpful around the house!

Miranda Duschack: We can't say enough good thinks about Karate Life Studios! The owners and instructors put thought and care into each and every class AND the interactions with our son. The lessons are vital and diverse, ranging from respectful behavior, anti-bullying, and good sportsmanship, to speed, focus, and strength. Our son "Little Ninja" August may excel at one aspect and he may struggle with another, and the teachers meet him where his is at, consistently working towards rounding out his skillset. When looking for a martial arts program I called around St Louis and again and again KLS was recommended by other dojos for the excellent youth programing. We are so glad this is our karate home. If I had more time I would take classes too!!!

Amber Simms: Both of my children attend this dojo twice weekly. It has been an amazing experience from the moment they began their training. The instructors are kind, helpful, and really strive to get to know your child and bring out their strengths. We love that they focus on positive character traits and ensuring that the children are recognized for their efforts to exemplify them outside of the dojo. We have loved our experience here!

Brandi Bond: I can't say enough good things about this dojo. The instructors are top notch, willing to meet you where you are in regards to ability, and push you to do your best. My son has been a student for a few years, and has grown into a very capable and confident young man; he has learned not only self-defense, but leadership skills he'll take with him throughout life. I'm also a student, and at almost 50, I can say with confidence that I'm doing more than I ever thought I was capable of. If you are looking for a space where your children, or even you as a parent, can grow and really (honestly) flourish, you should check them out. You will not be disappointed.

Kristina Anderson: WE LOVE KLS!!! We have been so impressed by everyone at the studio. We really feel like they care about our son and want him to succeed. They not only teach martial arts, but really help develop confidence, respect, politeness, discipline, focus and responsibility. We’ve tried multiple types of activities but the difference with karate has absolutely been the quality of the teaching and dedication to kids. We also love how there are instructors of different expertise levels — it shows that passing along skills and knowledge are an integral part of the art. Absolutely recommend for anyone looking for a great experience!!

John Patterson: Great team of excellent Instructors. Our son just signed up for another 6 months

Milo Whittenburg: I’ve been going to Karate Life Studios for over 4 years and would definitely recommend sending your kid here or going yourself. They teach kids self respect and respecting others. Karate Life also teaches kids how to defend themselves using martial arts but and when to use the training they’ve learned and when not to use it. It is a fun place full of kind and caring people. I would definitely recommend Karate Life Studios!!

Terry Cornell: I really enjoyed myself to the fulness with such loving people.Such an exciting experience.I desire to fulfill this goal.Looking forward to more training.

Samantha Kempf: I have been taking my son to KLS since May 2021 and plan on taking my daughter when she is old enough to begin the Little Ninjas class. The instructors keep the kids working hard on karate moves and have ongoing discussions of self-control, focus and respect- all principles that are important in karate and life. Also, KLS has safety measures in place to address COVID (masks required, socially distanced seating) and virtual classes in their schedule which is helpful if you are quarantining or unable to make it to the physical building. In conclusion, I am impressed with KLS and would recommend to everyone in the STL region interested in learning karate. Check them out!

Amy Turkington: Critical:ProfessionalismBoth my son's went here for years. They both had bad experiences with the owner. They are grown now and would never recommend Karate life studios.

Dave Wise: My 4-year-old son really enjoys Karate here. The instructors really know how to work with the kids. He has lots of fun learning karate.

Earthy_girl101: No complaints..this is exactly what I was looking for for my daughter. The real deal with great trainers!

Paintball STL: Staff is super friendly and the place runs like a well oiled machine. My son is 5 and really enjoys his weekly classes.

Brady Grossman: Literally the best karate studio in all of America

Amanda Morgan: All three of the instructors for kids are so great. They have expectations but continue to work with them in a supportive and connected way.

Norah Williams: I can't wait to go here

Jean Brown: Very professional

Sandra Drake: I am a disabled Grandma with a 10 yrs old in my house. I saw an ad about free 2 weeks and tried to sign up, but didn't do it correctly! Someone there reached out to me and helped me schedule the classes! I thought to myself that was really nice of them, as well as professional, because I plan to keep my Grandson in it even after the 2 weeks.

Julie Allman: We are having a good experience for almost a year with our seven-year-old. The instructors are caring, knowledgeable and passionate. A great combination of martial arts skills plus monthly human values lessons. Highly recommend!

oSoLucky: As a person who’s been going to premiere martial arts for a Year now I can safely say that this place itself is a community of its own, between the humor of the Sensei’s and the goal to help build up one another. Even taking time to help make sure everyone is welcome I can without a doubt say that if you are interested in learning martial arts this. This is the place you want to go, Rain or shine (except wensdays of course though 😂) -Julian

Marissa Curran: Our son (6) is in love with his PMA experience! His listening and focus have improved tremendously. He loves going each and every time. We are so pleased with the experience!

Kelli Walker: Helped to build my teenagers confidence and self defense skills. Definitely worth the money. Thank you Sensei Dave for encouragement!

Robyn Brinegar: This was amazing looking forward to my kids starting their training

DeL3teEverything: Great place for advanced and beginner martial artist if your looking for a realistic fight system this is the place trust me you will not regret the instructors are great the place feels warm most importantly the system works

Ayden Adventures: Great place! Family friendly and flexible schedule and very affordable

Andreia Reed: Great for the community!

James Randorff: I was visiting St. Louis on business (coming from North Chicago), and I asked my coach if he had a gym recommendation in the area. Without hesitation, he recommended Kyle Watson’s gym. I got in touch with Kyle, and he invited me to join in any of their classes while I was in town, without requiring a mat fee.The gym facilities are very nice and kept clean. The culture of the coaches and students is very healthy and respectful, with no egos at all. Everyone is there to learn, to help, and to have fun.I attended two classes and learned a lot I did not know about collar-and-sleeve open guard. I got to train and roll with quite a few excellent folks, and picked up several good tips from Kyle as he walked around the gym.If you are ever in St. Louis and looking for a place to train, I give Watson Martial Arts my highest recommendation!

lucas wilcox: Dropped in for a advanced BJJ class while I was in town. Very friendly staff and students. Great instruction!

Lauren Clark: Great gym with great ownership. Highly recommend

Rich Sholar: 👐

David Smith: I was visiting St. Louis from Vancouver and looking for a place to train while I was in town. Kyle and the team at Watson couldn't have been better hosts. They have built a fantastic gym and culture and I would absolutely recommend Watson to anyone regardless of skill level.

Kody Flamm: I joined the free Muay Thai lesson yesterday and wow - what a great experience. Kyle was extremely nice & helpful. To say it was a great workout is an understatement! I’d highly recommend this gym - this is such a great place to be introduced to the huge world of martial arts. You will not regret learning these valuable lessons and you get a great sense of accomplishment when you’re done. I’ll be trying out BJJ next week and I cant wait. Props to everybody involved! Very beginner friendly gym.

Tj Muncy: While traveling to the area from Florida I was able to drop in for a class while in town. Friendly group of people and nice facilities. Great instructor’s, nice details while teaching and very helpful. I had a great experience. Thanks Kyle for letting drop in.

Ali Boussaffa: I was in business trip to St. Louis and picked Watson Material Arts gym to work out during my stay. I was impressed by the hospitality of Kyle who welcomed me and give a tour, everything was clean an organised, coaches very knowledgeable, very professional staff. I highly recommend Watson MMA.

Jason Stewart: Great people very welcoming a wealth of knowledge on that mat I appreciated the time

Charles Harriott: I had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful facility in St Louis as a guest instructor and was not disappointed. Owner Kyle Watson has built a massive professional gym. From striking to fitness to grappling it's all under one roof in a laid-back environment. His students are fun and welcoming. There are all levels from beginner to expert with a large number of black belts on the mat. I enjoyed my visit especially my roll with Kyle and hope to be back soon.

Gerard Albo: Visiting St Louis for work and was honored to train with Professor Matt! Awesome gym, great vibes, great training, highly recommended!! Thanks again for having me 🙏

Lucas Mooney: My friends and I dropped in for a no gi class about two weeks ago while on a road trip. The facility was amazing and the instructor was welcoming and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this gym for anyone in the St.Louis area!

Vincent Harvey: Dropped in for a midday class. Good facility (lots of mat space, showers) and great instruction details. Will come back next time I'm in town

jeremy fernandez: If you want to learn jiu-jitsu in the St Louis area this is the place for you. The instruction is always very well thought out with a healthy balance of technique and dad jokes. Everyone in the room is very helpful and welcoming whether you're brand new or have been training for years.

Praveen Prabhakar: Been training here for about 4 months now. The facility and the instructors are great. Everybody is very friendly. They have beginner classes as well so it's easier to learn the basics. One of the best places to train and learn in St. Louis.

ELIAS HADDAD: Cool dudes

Josh Raben: Great people, with a welcoming team atmosphere, and some tough rolls. For any new comers there's a beginners class so don't be worried about coming in!

Leonard Johnson: Been here going on 3 years: Great atmosphere, great training partners, great training, great coaches. Definitely worth checking out.

Alets Gomez: I was on a work trip in St Louis and had a tournament a week later and did not want to miss any training sessions, so I called WMA and spoke to Kyle, he was great from the start, I arrived there and everyone was awesome, from Kyle, to Devlin, and all of the training partners, there is definitely great level in the Gym and everyone is willing to help. Whenever I'm back in St Louis will definitely return to WMA. Btw Thanks Kyle for the support!!

Guille J: I have been a part of Watson’s martial arts for about two months now. It is such a welcoming and encouraging environment. My favorite thing about the studio is the great amount of different classes available. You can come and stay there all afternoon if you would like! Professor Kyle takes his time to personally get to know every student and it is clear that he is very knowledgable in martial arts. Other students are also very friendly and I have never encountered any issues. If you are thinking about trying it out: Stop thinking about it and come check it out!