Santa Barbara Dojo - Martial arts school in Santa Barbara - 122 E Gutierrez St, USA

I agree with a lot of the comments, myself and initiative have been great and instructing the students in a positive manner however, I really feel like the process of building a community is lacking especially if you are person of color. Having access to the space has been experience that my son rather enjoys during instruction, but immediately following, he wanders back to me and we head out the door and no one really says hi or speaks to us. I’ve spoken and said hi to some parents that I feel did not speak back to me or my son when he said hi intentionally.There was an occasion my child was touched inappropriately and I don’t believe the situation was handled appropriately to acknowledge our challenges within the situation, and on top of that the other parent didn’t even acknowledge that his kid shouldn’t have been touching my son during practice. I know Matthew often and the structus are their best and the little ninjas course but for someone who has a kid who is very disciplined, I feel that he didn’t get the time. Also, do you have a rich experience that he deserves with the art form. … any way after practice nor practices following this incident did anyone acknowledge this, except for one of the instructors mine, who is also black who wasn’t in there who offered me an apology, for this incident by phone. And that speaks volumes in the situation .I really feel like the dojo could benefit from creating time in between the sessions for the students to mingle with each other and build a better sense of community and create a more inviting space to attend to building a sense of belonging for those who are not generally represented within the Santa Barbara, County demographic

The staff and the owner are some of the most positive and motivating people I've ever met. Workouts are intense, but fun at the same time. You pay for a complete experience when you sign up. The instructors push you as if they are your personal trainer, the owner treats you as family when he comes in and it's not stuffy like a gym. SB Dojo is great for beginners, families and anyone who needs a good workout or a boost to get you back into shape!

This place is amazing! We started taking our son there for karate (he is 7) and he LOVES it! They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace! Then I noticed they have adult classes. I signed up for their program. First of all, you aren’t joining a gym - you are becoming part of the family. The other people who work out there are SO friendly - there is no intimidation or attitude here! Sometimes the start of class includes quick introductions to folks you haven’t met before! Second, kickboxing is FUN! I do NOT think of myself as a kickboxer but I go slowly to try to learn the right way and the teachers are supportive and patient with my lack of coordination - ha! Finally I also love the resistance bands class (usually sore the day after so I know it is working!) They have a good schedule that should work for most and again great staff and environment - highly recommended if you want a fun, supportive and challenging fitness routine!

I am doing the 6 week challenge and have fallen in love with these kickboxing classes! I have lost body fat and gained muscle in just a few short weeks. 6am classes with Kicke are so much fun and such a great workout. The bands classes are also great and really work you. I am so happy to have found this Dojo!

I've been coming to MAFF for 10 years and what a fabulous journey it continues to be! I started with Kickboxing and absolutely loved kicking, hitting and yelling! I added the resistance training classes about a year later and got REALLY strong. In January 2010 I started Martial Arts classes and earned my first degree black belt December 8, 2012. The classes remain a total blast, the members and staff really are 'Family' just like the name says! I plan to continue, well.... forever!

I have been taking classes at MAFF since they opened many years ago. The instructors are well trained and I have always felt they really cared about me! I have trained at many different places over the years, but none comes close to the great atmosphere and support offered here at MAFF. I would highly recommend MAFF for anyone wishing to increase their fitness level in a safe, respectful, challenging environment. I love the kickboxing classes in particular. Awesome workout!

I was introduced to Martial Arts Family Fitness in 2006 and signed up for the KUT program. My clothes fit better and my energy level increased. While the results I experienced in the first few weeks were astounding, I'll say that the best part is that seven years later I'm still attending and benefiting from MAFF. Over the years, like so many people, I'd tried a variety of gyms, fitness programs, nutrition plans, personal trainers and so forth. All worked for a while, but none lasted. I got bored with all of them and had to force myself along. MAFF, on the other hand, is the only fitness routine I still look forward to regularly. I've even paid for employees to attend. Now, some of my best friends are folks I met at MAFF. The community there made me feel immediately welcome and comfortable. I can't say enough good things about my time spent at Martial Arts Family Fitness and take every opportunity to encourage others to check it out.

The kickboxing and powerfit classes are challenging enough to continually build strength, balance, and flexibility without being overwhelming or unaware of our personal level of fitness. The instructors are fun, knowledgable, and encouraging. I have never had instructors that cared so much about encouraging participants to listen to our own bodies and back off when a move was painful or out of their ability. They still pushed us to complete the workouts and increasing our strength. I feel great after each class and no two classes have been the same.