Power of One Self Defense Institute

The trainers are really patient with the kids & the kids like the interactive classes. I’m a parent of four and I have three kids enrolled in their classes and they all love it. If you want to enroll your kids this is the place to bring them. They will learn discipline the fun way and stay stay fit at the same time.

Could only love this place more if it was free. My 5 year old started here when he was 4, one of the only places that takes 4 year olds. The instructors take time to talk about life skills, and they give little rewards to recognize when the kids try hard, like stickers or electrical tape strips on the kids belts that they earn for coming to class. Great program!

I signed my son up about a year ago so he can learn how to defend himself and gain confidence along with discipline. As I watched him in class and seeing the interaction with the instructors and the kids I was amazed at how much fun he was having learning karate. So I signed myself up and I have gotten addicted not only to the karate but the cardio kickboxing. The staff is off the hook! My whole family goes now and it’s been a wonderful experience. Thanks to the power of one I am in better shape now than I have been in 20 years. Life doesn’t stop at 50!

Came here for a birthday party. GREAT EVENT. The only draw back, it was so stuff and crowded in there.
The set up an obstacle course that was great for kids ages 3 – 10.

My life has changed in magical ways since I began working out at Power of One three months ago… magical in the sense that I was finally able to lose those last ten pounds! The teachers here have really motivated me to work hard and I’ve even started attending class on weekends. In the morning. Very early. That’s how much fun it is.
I owe the discovery of Power of One to my dear children (two boys, ages 10 and 11) since they are the ones who told me that they wanted to start taking karate classes. Sure, I thought. Why not try it out? Well, it has become an addiction for the three of us. My 11-​year-​old even remarked recently that «karate is more fun than video games.» HUH? I never would have expected this comment from my video game-​obsessed pre-​teen!

I am so happy with Power of One. Both my daughters take classes here, and they love it. I love that my kids are learning discipline, focus, and self defense. They teach the kids really useful skills that transfer well to every activity kids do. My kids have gotten better at listening, focus, balance, teamwork, behavior, confidence… the list goes on. The self defense skills are awesome, but really secondary to all the other great things my girls learn here.

It’s been three years now we have been going and it only gets better. The facilities are clean and well kept, the family atmosphere is for real, and the instruction is appropriate for the age and ability level. The instructors stay with the company and that is a very good indication of a class act. Couldn’t be better. If you are looking for a dojo and some great karate instruction for you or your kids you need to look at this place.

I have been more than impressed with the Power of One Karate studio and especially Mr. S who is amazing with the kids. My son’s attention and self confidence have grown so much, and I can’t wait to get my 2 year old daughter signed up when she’s old enough. Thank you for your caring and dedication to the kids. We’ve recommended you several times to friends and strangers!

My daughter and I take martial arts classes at this place. We both love it. The instructors are very friendly and willing to assist you in any way they can. I don’t like to work out at all and training at the dojo is so much fun that I don’t even perceive it as working out. I am extremely grateful for the self-​defense skills we have learned in such a short time. This place is great for the whole family.

Hi!
I do not know how anybody can go to Power of One and not give them a 5-​star rating on Unilocal.Whatever you put into the programs at this dojo will come back to you and then some.
My son has been attending classes at the Long Beach Boulevard location for about a year now, and we have been very happy with the instructors that teach his group. They quickly learn all of the kids names, and keep the lessons fun while inspiring the students to do better and have more discipline.
The classes have always looked like fun, so my wife and I signed up at the beginning of the year, and it has been a very positive experiece for us too. We have many of the same instructors that our son has, and they really push us to do our best. Plus the classes have to be one of the toughest workouts that you can get.
They have adult karate and kickboxing classes Monday through Thursday in the morning and at night, as well on the weekends. There are also adult grappling and sparring classes once a week.
Once a month they also have a neat family night where parents can have a night class with their kids. These are not as intense as their regular classes, but it is a great to have a special time set aside for families.
Power of One also give back to the community, and I think their anti-​bullying seminars are a great idea and are something that kids need to attend.
Stop in and check the dojo out, and make sure you talk to the instructors, office staff or the owners. They are all very friendly and will help you figure out if this is what you are looking for.
Happy motoring!

Can’t say enough great things about PO1. My son has been attending class here for about 6 months. He loves the classes. The teachers are all great and he seems to be learning a lot and quickly.
The best part of this place is how it almost feels like an extension of your family. They really try to be involved and have a lot of fun events that are either inexpensive or free. They care about that they do and the kids in their classes.
We are very happy with PO1 and can’t wait for our daughter to be old enough to attend.

In 2008 my two girls took a Tae Kwon Do class with their cousins in Guatemala. When we came back to the states we started looking at local studios. We visited 5 studios and finally checked out the Karate studio four blocks from home.
Mrs. V spoke with us briefly, then spoke directly to the girls. She explained the similarities between Tae Kwon Do and the training that she had as a young girl and what Mr. V had studied. The girls agreed to give it a try and we have been hooked ever since.
I love this place. The first year and a half I would just sit watching class and giggling with the kids when the teachers got silly.
Although the tone is often fun and relaxed, this is no lightweight dojo. The lessons they give are complex and, I feel, crucial to my girls’ personal development. The men are impressive, dedicated and supportive, but I could not ask for better self-​determined, competitive, encouraging and kind female role models than Mrs. V, Mrs. Neff, Ms. S, and the other black belts.
This is our family dojo. Each ounce of participation is paid back exponentially. Just sitting and giggling works too though, no pressure.

I have had my 2 kids taking at the studio for over 6 years! I can say I am so pleased with the entire staff. My kids have learned so many great things not just martial arts but the art of respect among other things.
The entire staff makes it a point to know everyone and with all the students it still impresses me with how they remember them.
I can say they enjoy every class and look forward to the next one.
Dont settle for less, do it right the first time and join the Power of One family! You cant go wrong!
We cant wait to see the new Power of One South side studio! I am sure it will be great!
Thank you to you all for the great work with not just my kids but everyones! Its nice to see them have fun and learn!

i just read my old Unilocal review on the Power of One Self Defense Institute from 2009 and thought I’d throw in a little update.
WOW — I had no idea how right i was in mentioning a great family atmosphere that promotes self awareness, courtesy to our neighbors, helping others, and self defense too. There is so much more to karate than «just» self defense!
several years have passed since my last review and the impact upon my family has far exceeded any ideas i ever had. Not only do we get the chance to do a «family activity» together, but the experience carries over into our home life as well. the karate has helped facilitate a family bond that i never even considered. we spend time working with and helping each other thus opening the communication channels for every member of our family.
Did i mention this is an excellent family atmosphere yet?
And to think we are lucky enough to have world class martial arts teachers in our neighborhood makes it all that much better!
i wouldn’t trade my time training and learning at the Power of One for anything.

Let me start by saying that Mr. V is an ASSHOLE!!!
My son took karate for 5 months at Power of One. They were very unorganized from the beginning, but I thought because most of the kids in our area take karate there, that it was a good place. The teacher did not seem to know how to teach young children and my son hated it but we pushed him because we thought he would learn discipline.
One day I was attempting to talk to my son so that he would join the rest of the class and Mr. V approached me and told my child to go back out and he started talking to me about why my son was having these issues with karate. It wasn’t his karate instructor that sucks, but he implied that it was our family problems. He further asked me about my divorce. I told him that I wasn’t divorced to which he said he might have me confused with another family. He went on to say that my husband doesn’t spend enough time with our son and that’s why he isn’t doing well at karate. Never mind the fact that he is 3! He went on and continued to insult my family. The man is seriously an asshole. Needless to say we quit karate! I also thought Mrs. V would want to know why we were quitting after 5 months and well over $ 500.00 spent, but she could care less.
I have also heard from other families about Mr. V’s inappropriate comments. Now when people ask about why we quit, I tell them this story to save others from the pain that Mr. V has inflicted on our family!

WOW. There Long Beach studio is amazing! I’ve been meaning to write a review but have been so busy. my sons have been going here for months now and they absolutely love it. Everyday they ask «do we have karate today??» they are so eager to go to class and they love their instructors. my husband and i truly believe in Po1’s teachings and goals and we are completely impressed. Mr. & Mrs. V are very nice people. Very helpful and easy to talk with. They have that genuine personality which radiates to their teachings and beliefs. They are all about the kids. The instructors are perfect, they are nice, helpful, and they make sure each child gets the attention they need. I wouldn’t put my kids anywhere else but here! Thank you Po1!

Love this place… Thanks for educating mind and body… And character. Mr. and Mrs. V are great people.

I have two 8-​year old boys that are enrolled in Power Of One Karate summer camp. They have been attending for 3 summers now and seem to enjoy it. The main reason we chose this camp for them is to work on learning self-​respect and self-​discipline, confidence and responsibility, exercise and karate training, and to also help them grow to be well-​rounded young men.
Along with outdoor and in-​studio training sessions, the kids are taken on field trips to destinations like Knott’s Berry Farm, Skate Depot, Bolsa Chica Beach, Cabrillo Aquarium, Malibu hiking trails, Nature Centers and Wild Rivers.
The post-​care program offers a refresher course in reading and writing to keep kids well prepared for the new school year.
The staff is very helpful and handle the children quite well. I am pleased with the amount of activities that are performed every week and hopefully the kids will learn some valuable lessons during their summer camp sessions.

My children and I are new to karate and this place is not much too look at on the outside but they had a summer special I wanted to try.
All the instructors are black belts and are very friendly. They do seem to have a high level of regard for karate and teaching proper form and technique. I was amazed how quickly the children learned some self defense moves right away. How they can knock a grown adult to there level and really do some harm. Every class is different and focuses on strength and how to block your attacker. At the end of each class they also have a quick chat with the children about strangers and safetyetc.
My children love the class and enjoy coming here!!! I’m thinking of taking a class soon, too.

The Power of One is definitely becoming a family thing for us. My 6 year old son started taking lessons a little over a year ago and still loves it and looks forward to going each week. His instructors are very caring and use different approaches to reach the many children they teach.
He went to one of their camps for the first time today and its hours later and he can’t stop talking about how much fun it was and how excited he is to go back the other two days this week. My 3 year old is also so anxious to start taking lessons but he will have to wait a little unfortunately. As soon as he’ll able we’ll give it a try.
I recently started taking their kickboxing class for adults and I love it. I wish I could take it more than 3 times a week! The instructors work with you at whatever level you may be and always, always make you feel welcome. The thing that impresses me the most about Po1 is their well rounded approach to everything. They emphasize doing well in school, being respectful to your family, not practicing your karate on your brother or sister and etc.
We are very happy to have found this place.