Shaolin American Self Defense Academy

We joined the Dojo right before they celebrated their first anniversary in business. We have had such a wonderful experience with the Sensi we’ve worked with and the staff. Owner, Sensi Donnie is a teacher to all. He provides a great balance of directions and playfulness for all ages. The Dojo is clean and organized and a sense of community is felt upon your first lesson, whether it’s your kid’s lesson or yours. Lots of extra classes provided for the community like women’s self defense helps strengthen the bond between community members.

This is not just a martial arts school it’s a family. The knowledge and support you get from the instructors are above and beyond what you can ask for. I’ve tried other schools and by far this one is a keeper. It’s well organized, the structure and curriculum is meant for anyone at any level really. You must try it!

I tend to only write reviews for the best and the worst of the things I come across. SASDA falls cleanly into the best of the best category.
My son, who is now 6 and ½ started at SASDA about 7 months ago. He is a wonderful boy and has a sweet heart but like all boys his age needed just a hair of direction to help with his focus and self-​discipline. As someone who took martial arts myself as a kid, I wanted to find a good high quality dojo with not only well educated proficient senseis, but senseis with the right attitude about the nature of martial arts and how they benefit the student in more ways than just being able to defend themselves in a confrontation.
I was bullied in both middle school and high school and I never forgot the power I was able to take back from the guys who bullied me when I stuck up for myself. I want my son to have that self-​confidence growing up, but I also want him to understand that being good at martial arts means understanding when not to use your skills is as important as knowing when you do need to use them. It takes a very specific kind of Sensei and school to teach that that restraint and extreme proficiency go hand in hand. SASDA is that school, and Sensei Donnie (the owner) and every single one of the other Senseis who teach there who are excellent both with kids AND adults, and I should know because I’ve started taking lessons myself after watching how great they are with my son and all of the kids in his class who range across the board in ages, focus and skill level. Most importantly, my son LOVES IT and it would seem all his classmates do too.
So if you are looking for a dojo to get your kids signed up to start learning Martial Arts, or you want to take lessons yourself, I could not recommend a better place to get started. Hopefully I will see you there!

I’ve been meaning to write a review for SASDA because I had an amazing experience here, along with everyone else. My sister was going away to college and my dad wanted her to take a couple of self defense classes. We stumbled upon this place and I couldn’t have been more happy. They offered us a 5 class training at an affordable price! Each and everyone of our classes were filled with helpful tools and information. Jared and Sensei Donnie were both very professional and respectful of our boundaries. I recommend this academy to anyone who’s looking to take a self defense class or do the belt system for both young and old!

Whether you’re coming here for pure self defense or to delve into the Kenpo Karate curriculum, you’re in for a treat as these instructors are not only talented, but also adept at teaching people of every skill level.
The most refreshing thing about this dojo is that there is no ego involved. I have been a part of the martial arts world for some time, but this school is the only one where I truly feel I belong. People of all ages are training together, encouraging one another, and sincerely caring about those around them. There is no negative competition going through the school as everyone seems to truly care about whomever is on the mats. I look forward to every session and leave feeling accomplished and eager for the next.
I came into the school looking for authenticity in movement and self defense skills and I feel that I have already obtained that and so much more. This dojo is my home away from home and I couldn’t recommend it more to anyone who is thinking about adding martial arts to their lives. I get a great workout, I have an amazing time, and I feel much more confident about being able to defend myself if the situation would ever arise.
Sensei Donnie, Sensei Jared, and all the instructors are great people and even more amazing teachers. Try it out; I’m certain you’ll be more than pleased!

What I like about this place is that the staff are welcoming and they do a wonderful job teaching kids self defense. They also teach respect and self control. They have also been very patient with my hyper active child. The prices are fair. I love this place!

Nowhere else have I ever been where everyone is as accepting and friendly as they are here. My fellow students have quickly become great friends. The instructors foster a family atmosphere that you rarely find and are open to new ideas, new techniques, and bring in guest instructors on a regular basis. It’s become my home away from home.

I’ve been taking classes at the Shaolin American Self Defense Academy since November. Originally I started going because it was close to my house and they offer a free week of classes so you can try it out to see if it’s for you. After two sessions, I was hooked.
I’ve lose weight, built muscle, and become much more flexible since I’ve started committing myself to kenpo. It’s the most complete workout I’ve ever had, plus I’m learning self defense. As Sensei Donnie told me when I signed up, «Yoga can’t save someone’s life.»
Besides the workout, it’s a great community of people. It’s easy to skip a workout when you’re going to the gym by yourself. But with kenpo you work out with the same great people each time. It helps you find the energy to show up even at the end of a long day.
I’ve enjoyed my journey through kenpo so far and I’d recommend it to anyone who is looking for a workout that will change your body and your mind. Donnie’s rates are very affordable and you get a week free. Hard to beat that.

Donnie, Jared, Andrea, and Gabe – you are all amazing! Your patience, dedication and compassion that is displayed during the women’s self defense class is phenomenal! I have learned from Donne that no matter what age, body size, or strength I possess I can always learn techniques that can protect and preserve.

I couldn’t agree more with the other reviews here. This place is fantastic. The staff, the environment, the teaching style are all top notch.
My son is 4 years old and is loving every minute of his weekly classes. He gets a great combination of fun and structure at the same time. This is a great Dojo to go beyond the karate day care style places, your child will be taught beyond kicks and punches and into areas concerning how to conduct himself in their life outside of karate.
Your best bet is to go check it out for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

Amazing staff, welcoming environment. GREAT place for kids! I took Pilates there and the instructor was so nice and helpful, and I got a toned butt out of it! ;) Sensei Donnie is a good looking fella too!

Can’t say good enough things about this Dojo !!!
My 2 kids are involve and getting one of the best training from TOP quality sensei. Coming from Dawn Barnes who charges arms and legs for more of a day care type of karate thing, Shaolin American Self Defense Academy is ran by Sensai Donnie who works more with his heart than $$$, HE’S THE REAL DEAL !!! Not only this club is affordable but the teaching is right on point !!! I introduced my neighbour who has a child with special needs and because of Donnie and his great staff, this kid is abble to practice the art of Kenpo Karate. I could seriously write a book about this place but the best thing is to go and see for yourselves.
Bravo and Many THANKS to Sensei Donnie, Lucas and Jared for loving the art of teching to others.

What a GREAT place! Donnie and his team are the most patient, thoughtful, hardworking group I have ever met. They have taught my 6 year old so much in such a short time. They know exactly how to motivate, and teach while the kids have fun. Im SO happy I chose this dojo for my first grader, he loves it, he respects them, and his focus and behavior gets better after each visit. Big thumbs up from this mom!

This is hands down the best Karate Class for Kids in the valley (maybe even all of LA). Sinsei Donnie is the perfect blend of Mr. Miyagi and the «Evil Sinsei» — fun-​loving while giving valuable karate (& life) lessons to the kids and yet a stern authority when the kids’ focus starts to fade. My son is not only learning the art of Karate (and self defense tools) but he is also learning about Respect, Sincerity, Self Control, Etiquette, Effort, Courage & Character. Do you know how awesome it is to discuss etiquette with a five year old? And my son LOVES this class (you should have seen how he beamed when he broke his first board). When you sign your child up, be prepared to answer the question «Dad, do I get to go to karate today?» EVERY day. And lord help me on ‘sparring’ days. I get «is it time yet?» every 5 minutes. Join this class, it will be one of the best things you ever do for your child.

Have been studying kenpo here since the opening and have nothing but good things to say…
The community is very welcoming and the self defense is practical and a great workout.
Sensei Donnie and Sensei Lucas have a great understanding of their discipline and are gifted at and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge.
I think it’s also worth mentioning how clean this place is… Gyms can get pretty gross and smelly and the lack of gym odor here is a definite plus :)
LOVE THIS PLACE!

I absolutely LOVE this dojo! EVERYONE from students to staff are friendly and encouraging. You’re guaranteed to get fit and have fun doing it. Plus you get trained in the martial arts! It’s a win win! My husband and I have been students of Sensei Donnie for 4 years now, and we are looking forward to many more! Come in and join us for a work out!!!

Sensei Donnie is a serious yet enjoyable instructor to learn from. He breaks everything down from the basic mechanics of the body to the complicated movements and techniques, which, once learned, become a natural self defense against perpetrators. Plus, you get an excellent workout!
–Coy

I used to train with Sensei Donnie back in November. He is patient, attentive, detail-​oriented, but most importantly, a humble instructor. He is very diligent in what he wants his students to achieve, which is so important if you are entering the dojo wanting a great workout, to learn important self-​defense techniques, and to change your mind, body, and spirit.
If you are a woman looking to attain certain goals such as exercise, self-​defense, discipline, dedication, etc. this is a wonderful dojo to start with. From personal experience, just try this place out, and you are GUARANTEED results within 3 – 4 weeks, if you stick with it!

I have just finished a sparring class. I am drenched, energized and happily tired. The workouts are safe sane, and really good for my mind body and spirit! My instructor is so clear and detailed in his teaching that he inspires me to want to learn and grow.
I thought I was too old for this but he has been really accepting and patient. This is really a wonderful school and I hope to become a black belt before retirement age! Thank you Sensei.