Here’s what some of our families have to say about Defensive Arts Dojo....
“The Little Ninjas program at Defensive Arts Dojo has made a significant impact on our 3 year old in just 6 short months that she has been attending so far. She has become more confident and outgoing while learning about self-control, discipline, perseverance, memory, fitness, balance, and teamwork, to name a few. The Dojo is a place she always wants to be and the best place to learn core values that will help her grow and develop in her future. The exercises that the students practice are essential for a healthy body and mind, and are a great thing to introduce as young as possible. We are a two-generation Defensive Arts Dojo family (father and now daughter) and highly recommend it to those of all skill levels and ages!” ~The Beale Family
“Defensive Arts Dojo has been a blessing in my life. With the focus of Martial Arts, the Dojo has become a school and community built on the foundation of self-betterment and Becoming all we can be, (as martial artists and people in this present world). Kyoshi Mike and Sensei Barb Downs have created a home of some of the world’s greatest Martial Arts, taught by experienced, well-adversed teachers and Sensei. ~Ryan William (Karate, BJJ, Iaido, Iceman Kickboxing, Kung Fu)
"I feel like fate brought us to the dojo. We called a few places on our original hunt 3 years ago, but this one just seemed promising. I enrolled my boys right away and we loved it. I had always wanted to do martial arts myself, so when the opportunity came for me to try it, I jumped right in. Now our whole family attends and we even do Iaido (sword art) and some of the workout classes available. There is something for everyone there. This dojo is so special to us. It's like a second home. I always feel so welcome and safe when I'm there. Everyone, from the teachers to the students are helpful, open, and positive. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Thank you, Mike and Barb!" ~Angela Vullo
"My daughter, Lillie, began taking Karate at Defensive Arts Dojo in May of 2013 while in Kindergarten. Throughout the years I have watched her grow into a confident, brave, and caring young lady. Her confidence inspired me to take the fitness classes offered there. Mike, Barb, the Sensei's and Fitness Instructors are more than just teachers, they are family - they invest, care, encourage and celebrate our victories with us. They inspire us to better ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. They challenge us to be better today than we were yesterday. They set an example of what it means to be generous, humble, and hard-working. The dojo is not just a school for karate, it is an environment conducive for growth, and a sanctuary for those who need it." ~Danae Parent
"We have had the best experience at Defensive Arts Dojo. Our girls participate in Little Ninjas and Kids Karate Classes, and couldn't love it more! The staff is fantastic and strives to make everyone feel like family. They are very patient with the kids, bringing all instruction to an age appropriate level, always staying encouraging and fun! We will be coming back for years to come!" ~Kaitlyn Sherry
"Defensive Arts Dojo has been an absolute Godsend for our whole family. I got connected to them through fitness Classes and then quickly found a place for our 4 year old daughter to learn Karate. The staff truly care about their students and their goals. The fitness program has given me a sanctuary. I have never been a person who liked to work out. The classes are fun and hard, but the instructors and the other students are motivating and positive in a way that's not getting in your face. I have found a healthy stress relief in this program. Barb and Mike make time for you and remember what your goals are and help you achieve them. The Karate classes have been an amazing opportunity to my daughter. She is in the "Little Ninja" classes and we found this during the pandemic when other programs, especially for her age had been closed. She needed a place she could run around, but also learn discipline and following directions. She has made some amazing friends and loves going and all the Senseis. The Senseis are kind and patient and engaging. They take the time to give one on one attention that is needed at her age group. The programs are affordable and the organization as a whole is super family oriented. They even do parent nights where you can drop your kiddo off for 4 hours in the evening for a date night. I truly don't know what I would do without Defensive Arts Dojo!" ~Karli Becker
“The Little Ninjas program at Defensive Arts Dojo has made a significant impact on our 3 year old in just 6 short months that she has been attending so far. She has become more confident and outgoing while learning about self-control, discipline, perseverance, memory, fitness, balance, and teamwork, to name a few. The Dojo is a place she always wants to be and the best place to learn core values that will help her grow and develop in her future. The exercises that the students practice are essential for a healthy body and mind, and are a great thing to introduce as young as possible. We are a two-generation Defensive Arts Dojo family (father and now daughter) and highly recommend it to those of all skill levels and ages!” ~The Beale Family
“Defensive Arts Dojo has been a blessing in my life. With the focus of Martial Arts, the Dojo has become a school and community built on the foundation of self-betterment and Becoming all we can be, (as martial artists and people in this present world). Kyoshi Mike and Sensei Barb Downs have created a home of some of the world’s greatest Martial Arts, taught by experienced, well-adversed teachers and Sensei. ~Ryan William (Karate, BJJ, Iaido, Iceman Kickboxing, Kung Fu)
"I feel like fate brought us to the dojo. We called a few places on our original hunt 3 years ago, but this one just seemed promising. I enrolled my boys right away and we loved it. I had always wanted to do martial arts myself, so when the opportunity came for me to try it, I jumped right in. Now our whole family attends and we even do Iaido (sword art) and some of the workout classes available. There is something for everyone there. This dojo is so special to us. It's like a second home. I always feel so welcome and safe when I'm there. Everyone, from the teachers to the students are helpful, open, and positive. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Thank you, Mike and Barb!" ~Angela Vullo
"My daughter, Lillie, began taking Karate at Defensive Arts Dojo in May of 2013 while in Kindergarten. Throughout the years I have watched her grow into a confident, brave, and caring young lady. Her confidence inspired me to take the fitness classes offered there. Mike, Barb, the Sensei's and Fitness Instructors are more than just teachers, they are family - they invest, care, encourage and celebrate our victories with us. They inspire us to better ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. They challenge us to be better today than we were yesterday. They set an example of what it means to be generous, humble, and hard-working. The dojo is not just a school for karate, it is an environment conducive for growth, and a sanctuary for those who need it." ~Danae Parent
"We have had the best experience at Defensive Arts Dojo. Our girls participate in Little Ninjas and Kids Karate Classes, and couldn't love it more! The staff is fantastic and strives to make everyone feel like family. They are very patient with the kids, bringing all instruction to an age appropriate level, always staying encouraging and fun! We will be coming back for years to come!" ~Kaitlyn Sherry
"Defensive Arts Dojo has been an absolute Godsend for our whole family. I got connected to them through fitness Classes and then quickly found a place for our 4 year old daughter to learn Karate. The staff truly care about their students and their goals. The fitness program has given me a sanctuary. I have never been a person who liked to work out. The classes are fun and hard, but the instructors and the other students are motivating and positive in a way that's not getting in your face. I have found a healthy stress relief in this program. Barb and Mike make time for you and remember what your goals are and help you achieve them. The Karate classes have been an amazing opportunity to my daughter. She is in the "Little Ninja" classes and we found this during the pandemic when other programs, especially for her age had been closed. She needed a place she could run around, but also learn discipline and following directions. She has made some amazing friends and loves going and all the Senseis. The Senseis are kind and patient and engaging. They take the time to give one on one attention that is needed at her age group. The programs are affordable and the organization as a whole is super family oriented. They even do parent nights where you can drop your kiddo off for 4 hours in the evening for a date night. I truly don't know what I would do without Defensive Arts Dojo!" ~Karli Becker