Dawn Barnes Karate Kids

It’s just a great program all around. Unlike the very traditional and boring Karate i studied as a child, this system keeps the kids engaged at every different age level with fun, useful and technically sound exercises. It also incorporates more of a mixed martial arts style of techniques that are designed to keep the kids out of trouble with bullies by showing them how to protect their own personal space. Both my son and my daughter have been attending for a few years now and I can honestly say it has been an invaluable contribution to their childhood.
After reading some of the negative comments I can say that any type of martial art is not for everyone and not every kid is going to be into at the start. But I think that can be said for any activity that challenges your child. My son was not thrilled with piano when he started either because it was frustrating not to be able to play anything that sounded like a song. But he decided to stick with it and now he loves to play music. Karate can be equally challenging but Sensei Lincoln, Evan, Caroline and Ms Lynn have helped guide my children through it. It has given my kids athletic ability, pride, a sense of accomplishment and most importantly a good understanding of respect. It is not a day care or even the least expensive activity available for kids, but personally I believe that my kids are worth the cost. I encourage everyone to try a free class and then have a discussion with your child about whether or not it works for them.

I can never say enough about Dawn Barnes. The dojo in Encino is a hidden Gem. My daughter has been attending for 3 years. They recently hired a new instructor, Sensei Evan, excellent teacher, excellent skill set. My daughter also likes the fact that they have female sensei’s as well. Sensei Caroline and Sensei Ally. Some parents are more concerned about Belts, that is not what you should be looking for, Yes it is nice, but I want my daughter to know the technique’s and have a good skill set. Sensei Evan is the best!!! Just my personal opinion. Actually Sensei Ando is the best and I like the way he speaks to kids. Since he runs the place, he cant always teach. My personal favorites, Sensei Evan and Sensei Ally. Not to say the other instructors are not good, but I studied martial arts in the 70’s and 80’s. These two remind me of that time and period. Thank You Dawn Barnes!!!

Still loving the classes at Karate Kids! My grandson Luke just can’t get enough of Sensei Charles and Sensei Lincoln. They are great male role models for him. They give him discipline but in a gentle way. I read in their brochure that Karate Kids has been around for 20 years and it shows. Luke is always excited to go to class and as soon as class is over, he starts asking when he is coming again. Like all kids today, he spends a lot of time on the computer, so it’s really great to see him getting a good workout and watch him earn his new belts!

Took my son in for a trial class. First time. Didn’t know what to expect. He started off doing well. The ran out a couple times, so they asked us to leave. The lady at the desk was RUDE. She said running in and out was disruptive to other students. Which I totally understand. But how is one to learn if you just kick them out? I feel they could explain their expectations when one calls for info on their class. So we go in knowing what to expect. My child is not perfect by any means. And I am sorry he ran out twice. But come on, he’s three and a half. Cut him some slack. Give him the chance to adjust. So I will not be returning back for a trial class or lessons.

Terrible experience at this place. We took our almost 4 year old to a class here and he didn’t like it because he thought it was too loud. So on the recommendation of a number of friends who had done the same thing at this place, I decided to sign him up for private lessons here so he can get used to the atmosphere and then move him to the classes after he’s used to the grunting, teacher, etc.
First off, I called exactly 9 different times before someone answered the phone (over a 2 week period). During that time, I did leave a message but nobody bothered calling me back. After finally chasing them down, I asked if I could enroll my child for private lessons and explained the entire situation and exactly why I wanted to sign him up for private lessons. This was the conversation:
«We can’t give you private lessons unless your child is a student here.»
«That is the point of the private lesson, so he can become a student.»
«Well, he needs to sign up for classes before we’ll do a private lesson for him.»
«So you want me to sign him up for classes but not send him because he doesn’t like them.»
«If he doesn’t like it, don’t sign him up.»
«Exactly, but I would like the private lessons. How can we accomplish that?»
«Sign him up for classes.»
«And not send him?»
«Why wouldn’t you send him?»
«Because he doesn’t like them. We are trying to get him used to the studio with a few private lessons, so that he can then attend the classes.» Explained for the fifth time by the way.
«Well, you’ll have to sign him up for classes then.»
«So you want me to pay for classes and then skip them?»
«If he’s going to skip them, you shouldn’t sign him up…»
And on and on.
Seriously??? Either this person was pulling my leg (at this point, I really hope that was the case) or was the most clueless person I have ever spoken to. UNBELIEVABLE!!!

Love this school! I wasn’t sure my 4 year old daughter would like Karate but she always looks forward to attending class and has a great time. They take the manners seriously here which I really like. Nice atmosphere for parents to hang out too.