Kyokushin School of Karate

I was hesitant to write a review for self-​fish reasons; I don’t want the atmosphere to change. That being said…
My son WAS attending the martial arts school across from Safeway in Martinez. The school is very high-​tech, kids use a digital login system, they have some kind of special child safety mat imported from somewhere exotic, blah blah blah. That is a great place for only children who need bbsitting or a very expensive play date (~$ 160+/month); overcrowded (23 kids per class?), not organized, kids making potty noises during class (late teen black belts «instructing» and sometimes hanging out together). It just wasn’t what we were looking for. SO…
THIS PLACE: Sensei Wah is AWESOME!!! Phillip is WONDERFUL!!! EVERY teacher takes time to individually instruct each child, every single class (from what I observed so far). Do you want your child to ACTUALLY be able to protect themselves, gain confidence and/​or need something productive and FUN to do after school and don’t want to pay a fortune and/​or sign your life away with a contract… YES, YES, YES, YES!
My younger son started a few months ago (3^rd grade) and I saw him grow more in 1 week of classes here than he did in 1 month of classes at the other place (each class is 1 FULL HOUR). He was shy at first, but after getting to spare for the first time… he’s hooked! Now, he rushes home from school, does his chores, finishes his homework and rushes to iron his uniform just in time for class! Yes, my 8 year old son WANTS to iron his uniform *raised eyebrow*
My older son (teen) takes the adult classes (also a beginner). The M/​W classes (1.5 hrs long) include «body conditioning» and sparing; I personally would wimp out, but he LOVES IT! The Adult T/​TH classes generally work on forms and body conditioning.
We were very lucky to find this hidden gem (located in the TJ Maxx shopping center) technically located in Pleasant Hill. It’s pretty much word of mouth… so they don’t spend money on advertising which keeps the monthly price MORE THAN REASONABLE; literally ¹⁄₃ of the cost of the not so serious school located in Martinez?!
NOTE: IF you walk in, there’s a printed flier with a COUPON with a discount for the first few month (s) of class.
BTW: You’re kid won’t be issued the next belt or even a «tib» UNLESS he/​she REALLY EARNS IT; it’s not for everyone. My youngest is STILL a white belt with 1 tib (he doesn’t practice much outside of classes) while the older one is getting ready to graduate to the next belt ;)

This is a great place to come for both Kids and Adults. I have been training here for over 2 years and I love Sensei Ty. I never feel threatened and even though we train extremely hard I feel confident that I could take care of myself in any type of dangerous situation. Sensei is also very patient and extremely good teaching children!

I’ve been going here for a little while now, and I think of this dojo as home. It is such a safe, respectful, healthy environment!
The instruction is top notch. The people are friendly and professional. I’ve learned so much!
This place is such a gem, and really the opposite of a McDojo!