Ken Nagayama Martial Arts

After visiting several other martial arts studios in the Burbank and nearby Valley area, I settled on Master Nagayama’s studio for my 5 year old son for several reasons. First of all, I liked what he had to offer, a private lesson and group class to start for a small fee that included an official uniform. Knowing my son and his slow to warm up temperament, I really appreciated the private lesson so that he would feel a teeny bit more confident and ready before just throwing him into a group class on the first day. I think that would’ve been really overwhelming for him. There’s nothing worse than a kid to feel lost and frustrated when he starts something new. But my son was very encouraged and Master Nagayama was very motivating and thorough in teaching my son the basics. He picked it up quickly and was excited to start his first class. That was almost 9 months ago. Today he is a yellow belt and looks forward to class. We go at least twice a week but there are 5 classes during the week you can attend, all for the same price. There are days when he drags his feet in and he would rather be sleeping or playing. But overall what Master Nagayama’s studio taught him is the art and discipline of the practice. Other studios I’ve observed were more raucous play and rambunctious activity. Looked very fun, but that’s not what I was seeking for my son. I wanted him to learn and develop a lifelong practice and respect for the sport. I really like all the instructors and assistants that help with class and I love that Master Nagayama is always in the office observing or involved with the classes. If you want your child to develop discipline, self-​respect, respect for others, confidence, strength, and spatial awareness in a safe, intimate, humble environment, this is the place for you. It’s not flashy with big tv screens boasting accolades and competitions won. But everyone is trained traditionally and ethically. You can’t buy your way up the belt ladder. You really have to earn it. I also love the events we have for the children. It is really like a family here.

Coming here has helped me tremendously and Master Nagayama and the rest of the black belts are very helpful and supportive! It is a very warm, welcoming place and everyone here is like family! A phenomenal place and wouldn’t go anywhere else!

I don’t usually take the time to write reviews but Ken Nagayama Martial Arts deserves recognition of excellence! If you are looking for first class instruction and commitment look no further. Ken Nagayama’s reputation speaks for itself! I was recently at a karate expo and every time I was asked where I trained I told them Ken Nagayama Martial Arts. Every one of the Instructors told me I was training with one of the very best! I already knew that!

I toured many martial arts studios before signing my son up for lessons. I live in Atwater village and many of the studios around here are not so kid friendly. Others were a little too kid friendly and seem to hand out belts without any accomplishment.
I am so glad I found Ken Nagayama studio. It was very important to me that my son actually learn the discipline and earn each and every belt.
The prices are reasonable in relation to all the attention and training available to each and every student and they learn well beyond the movements, they learn discipline, pride in themselves and respect for others.

Truly an outstanding martial arts school!

Excellent instructors and training methodology. The tuition is affordable and you can train as many times a week as you want. They offer many classes throughout the week. Master Nagayama’s program incorporates Okinawan Karate (Motobu-​Ryu), Tae Kwon Do, and Aikido and blends them into a comprehensive system, which gives you a well rounded martial arts education. You are taught a strong foundation of blocking, punching, kicking, stance and footwork, forms (kata), sparring, joint/​wrist locking and throwing techniques, ground fighting and other self defense techniques.
I have been a student for over a year, after a nine year lapse in training since I moved & left my former dojo in NY. I was severely out of shape. Within this year, Master Nagayama’s training has helped me become strong and fit both physically and mentally.
The school also offers a women’s fitness class that has a great cardio workout that incorporates practical self defense techniques. This is a super fun class for anyone interested in a workout and wanting to learn some self defense.

I LOVE Master Nagayama and his studio. I had never taken any type of martial arts before and a few coworkers wanted to take a self-​defense class so I went along for the ride. That was 2 months ago and I have been back every week since. He did only have the classes on Mondays to begin with but now they added Friday classes which is great-​I try to go to both if I can. It’s a great way to start and end the week! Everyone is very friendly in the class so when it is time to partner up I don’t feel shy about working with anyone in the class. Master Nagayama is a wonderful instructor and I am so glad that I started taking class on a whim!

Ken Nagayama Martial Arts is an amazing school, both of my daughters are taking class and they love it! I’m so happy that my girls are being taught to be strong in their minds and in their ability to defend themselves if they need to! This studio also offers an amazing class for Women’s cardio/​self defense! WOW, i take this class and I feel great! I am also learning how to defend myself. Master Nagayama is an awesome instructor and he has quality instructors to help with the women’s class! I love taking this class on Mondays @ 6:15 & Fridays @6:15!

Classes are available everyday so I can always squeeze one into my busy schedule. Master Nagayama is amazing and I have learned so much from him. If you wanna be a ninja… this is the way to go.

My 5 year old son has been taking classes with Master Nagayama for 2 years. It has been amazing the skill level these kids achieve here. I have friends that complain about other studios that are more of a play time. Not here, the children earn each belt on effort and ability, not just by showing up.
As other posts have mentioned, my son has gained an obvious amount of discipline and self control. And he still loves coming to class. They have a great balance of hard work and personal reward that we haven’t found in our other sports.
Oh and KNMA students do great at tournaments. Another reminder how strong the instruction is!

My husband was trained by Master Nagayama several years ago. Now came back to KNMA to have our sons learn the same discipline, respect and traditional way of martial arts.
We have been looking for a martial arts studio closer to our area but nothing can compare to the quality that KNMA offers. The training that our sons are learning is well worth the hour plus drive.
We noticed our sons confidence in school and their level of maturity increased. They are able to focus and concentrate more in their studies.
The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly. We highly recommend KNMA to both kids and adults who wants to learn martial arts. They offer private lessons, weapons seminars such as tunfa, bo, nunchucks and kendo to name a few. They also have a fitness/​self defense classes for women.
But above all KNMA treat their students and parents as family.

My son has been training for 8 years at KNMA. He started when he was 6 years old. I have been extremely happy with the instruction he has received. The price is very reasonable. I would recommend anyone considering Martial Arts training for themselves or their children go to KNMA. Master Nagayama and all the instructors are firm but fair with the students and mix hard work with a bit of fun to keep things fresh and moving. Everyone works at their own pace. They have testing every 2 months so students can advice when they are ready. They have the main studio in Burbank and a satellite studio in San Fernando. The schedule is very accommodating, at the advanced kids level (where my son is at) there is a class everyday of the week if you go to both studios. They have classes for all ages and stages of training. I highly recommend KNMA for the whole family.

Master Nagayama and his staff are awesome. My son has been taking classes for over 4 years now. Best place to take your kids. Now, they do teach kids to sparr, and they do sparr against each other, in full gear of course, you son or daughter will get hit, if you are not comfortable with this, you may want to think twice about signing up. They do teach control, but remember kids will be kids. I have seen parents whine and complain to the Master about their son getting hit hard, or some kids hitting harder than others, saw this happen just this week, this IS a Karate studio not a dance studio. Having said that, the boys are very respectful and mindful when sparring against the girls.

Great quality of instruction is seen throughout the entire class schedule. Master Nagayama is the real deal when it comes to martial arts instructors! Good value for your money and a really fun place for both kids and adults to learn martial arts.

I’ve waited way too long to write this review. Master Nagayama and his stuff are amazing. He is truly a master of his art and a gentleman. He and his staff and the right amount guidance without being to tough on the kids. He teaches real fundamentals without all the BS. This is not belt factory like other academy’s, you will not get a belt unless you deserve it. The icing on the cake was this past weekend when he threw all the kids a pizza party. This is something he does not have to do, but it shows how much he cares. He also had a party at his house for the adults that I regretfully was unable to attend. Thank you Master Nagayama for being such kind and giving person.

Best school in Burbank. Master Nagayama’s Tae Kwon Do is a true blend of some of the finest marital arts and fundamentals.

I’ve been taking my 5 year old son to karate lessons at Ken Nagayama’s studio for a whole 2 months. In this short amount of time, we have decided that our son will be a student of the Nagayama studio for years to come. Master Nagayama and his staff of excellent instructors teach the students with great attention to detail. They are ensuring that proper form and technique is taught to the students. Not to mention that our son is already learning disipline and that ever so useful skill of being able to stand in line and wait his turn without wiggling about in line. Those of you with active boys know what I’m talking about!
Here’s another thing I LOVE about their teaching technique. Red belt students help in the classes. Their main job seems to be to warm up, lead the streching and model the instructed karate moves for the class. For my son, these red belts have been friendly faces that he looks up to and admires. He’s already dreaming for the day that he can be a red belt and help with classes.
We signed up for their 3 month introductory unlimited training special & I can see that it was such a good deal. My son can train up to 5 times a week & he LOVES it!

I just signed my son up for classes and immediately i felt comfort with the teachers and this facility. I took my son to another place in Burbank and it was so disorganized and the teachers didnt really help the new kids. They managed to help my son get down the first few moves while still instructing the others. Master Nagayama is stern, but not a jerk, and still makes the kids laugh and have fun!

I remember their irst location in Granada hills. I used to I as a kid but stopped a several years ago. Didn’t like karate much :(

I have been training at KNMA (Ken Nagayama Martial Arts) for over 2 years and love it. It is a mix of Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, Aikido, and boxing. Not only is it a great workout, but they really focus on developing your form, technique, and mental state. In my opinion, this is as close to an «old-​world» traditional karate training you can get.
They have a great kids program for little ones all the way down to 3 or 4 years old. I’m amazed at the discipline and confidence they display after just a short time at KNMA. That goes a long way to show the amount of effort they put into really developing them, not just taking their parent’s money.
They also have a location in Granada Hills off of Balboa, North of the 118.
If you are serious about martial arts, and really want to learn (not just quickly get your black belt), then this is the place for you!