Karate America

Before starting on their pricing lets go into why we decided to pull my son from their school. My son took 6 classes with their institution. Two of which were lead by a teenager who had no business teaching a class. She did so alone. At the last one we went to three boys who were lined up for the next class starting fighting and one looked rather upset. No adult instructors around. No one intervened. When we started the classes I was asked what I was looking for my son to gain from them. I said discipline and focus were my main goals. I did not like how their older students seemed to not have discipline while waiting for class. Also the actually adult instructor seems to have the participation trophy mentality. Multiple times he would tell the kids they would not have *whatever reward was that day* if they did not participate just to give it to them anyways. That is not how are household works. We go by "always earned never given". After X amount of classes (not by how much they learned or earned) they move up a strip. its $60 for the belt ceremony. My son didnt learn nearly anything in those classes but hey here is a belt for completing 5 classes. Good for your parents for paying. Now I dropped $300 on equipment $60 on a uniform $120 plus per month for the classes and $150 for a cancellation fee. I found a new school in orange park (smilies athletics) they gave us 2 FREE full classes with other students so we are certain we want to continue. (ATA gave a mini private lesson in the back room thats it) $112 a month no equipment fee and ALWAYS 3 adult instructors teaching the class. They have a student of the month that earns a certificate and a free movie of their choosing at the local theater. I love that they make a reasonable reward to help push the kids to want to be better and continue on. I honestly feel like I got scammed at ATA. To them its all about money. My parents had my brother in the school until he was a black belt when i asked them why they quit sending him they said they felt like it started to be all about money instead of about teaching. Which is EXACTLY how my husband and I felt after 6 classes.

Everyone here is very welcoming and encouraging. I was a bit nervous about starting classes here but in my very first class everyone came up to me and introduce themselves and through out my time there, they made sure to help me if I needed it. The instructors were inspiring and made sure to make me feel comfortable in my first classes. The head instructor, Mr Roderick, was very professional and ran a fun class that provided a tough work out. I would definitely recommend!

Great place to learn martial arts and for kids to learn life skills. Mr. Roderick runs a great program with an emphasis on respect and discipline. Very close knit group of kids and adults in the "karate family" - everyone regardless of age or rank are always helping and pushing one another to become better. Plus its a great way to stay in shape! Highly recommend!

My son is very happy with this Karate program. He loves his teachers and the students that go there. I also enjoy the fact that their place is fit for kids as well as teach those who need to learn how to defend themselves very well. I would recommend this place for any kid in need of learning how to stay fit and defend themselves.

A very awesome school! Have been training with Mr. Roderick for 5 years now. Classes are very exciting with a lot of energy and discipline. Recommend to anyone!