Martial Arts Schools near Ladera Ranch picked by BestProsInTown
“I’ve been bringing my two oldest sons to NIXA for over 3 years and we couldn’t be happier. Master Yong Jin and his amazing team have created the best Taekwondo studio in Orange County. My boys have learned so much, not just martial arts, but confidence and discipline. We also love the Parents Night Out events. It’s such a fun and safe way for the kids to play, watch a movie, and spend time with their NIXA family. Highly recommend it for the whole family!”
“LOMA is fantastic! The instructors are patient and encouraging, and my child has grown so much in confidence and discipline.”
“My daughter has started classes here recently, and Master Mountain is amazing. His positive attitude is infectious and the lessons she’s learning about discipline and being strong in both mind and body are fantastic. Plus, he’s hilarious and captivates the kids attention. Would highly recommend!”
“Laguna Dojo has helped my son Luke pay attention and focus more. He’s three and has been dedicated for over 6 months. He’s loves to get his energy out and make new friends! 10/10 would recommend.”
“I’ve been practicing Taekwondo since I was 3 years old, and I can say without a doubt that Jimmy Kim's Taekwondo Center (JKTC) is one of the best schools in Orange County, if not all of California. The leadership team are true role models, not just as Taekwondo instructors but as human beings. The Kim family sets the standard for leadership and commitment, and they teach students confidence, leadership, and strong moral character.<br><br>Joining JKTC at 15 changed the course of my life. Grandmaster Jimmy Kim, Master Chase Graham, and Master Noah Kim helped shape me into the person I am today. Before JKTC, my grades were suffering as a high school sophomore, and I struggled with confidence and making friends. Training on the competition team with other motivated students inspired me to take control of my life, earn an academic scholarship to a top UC, and use the lessons from JKTC to positively impact those around me.<br><br>No matter your age or experience level, JKTC has something to offer you.”
“Master Lee and his team are amazing!! Both my kids started few years ago and I am extremely pleased with how Master Lee is able to work with them. We drive 30 mins, passing 10 other taekwondo places, but it’s definitely worth it!!”
“I just spent an amazing month there. I was lucky to be able to train with Pr Fernando, Pr Danny, Pr Steeve, Pr Collin and so many others amazing people like Rob, Stas, Tim...<br>Training there was an amazing personal experience that I strongly recommend to anyone.<br>Thank you again dear friend Pr Fernando and thank you all.<br>I'll be back!<br>Cyril”
“We checked out Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu School for the first time this week and WOW… we’re officially hooked. My 6-year-old son John went in for his first class ever (and it was free!), and let me tell you — he walked out sweaty, smiling ear-to-ear, and already asking, “When do I go again?” ? That alone sold me.<br><br>The instructors and professors are seriously top-tier — super skilled, super patient, and AMAZING with kids. They know how to keep the little ones focused without killing the fun. The kids actually listen, behave, and most importantly… they LOVE being there. It’s the kind of discipline that kids don’t even realize they’re learning because they’re having such a good time.<br><br>The staff is friendly, organized, and makes you feel welcome the second you walk in. No weird pressure, no salesy vibes — just good people who clearly care about what they’re building.<br><br>Watching the classes honestly made me and mommy start whispering to each other like, “Okay… we might need to sign up too.” ? So yeah, adult classes are definitely coming next for us.<br><br>This place feels more like a family than a gym. If you’re a parent thinking about getting your kid into something positive, confidence-building, and fun — this is it. And if you’re an adult who’s been saying “one day I’ll start”… this might be your sign.<br><br>Highly recommend. John approves. Parents approve. Future students loading… ??”
“I have been taking my son to Novastar for a few weeks now, and have nothing but good things to say about this dojo. Sensei Luis and the students are so opening and welcoming and treat my son very well. They have a lot of flexibility on scheduling here at an affordable price. My son gets so excited when he gets to come to Novastar because Sensei Luis and everyone treat him like family. I pass by multiple karate schools on the way to Novastar, but I choose to come here instead of the other ones because of the excellent service provided by everyone here. Highly recommend trying out this dojo if you're looking to start your kid in karate!”
“Sensei Michael and Serena have been a huge blessing in my son’s life. Not only has he excelled exponentially in his practice but he has grown so much as a player of life. We were suffering greatly in school and they gave us a beautiful outlet for growth and expansion in every day life challenges. I am so proud of the progress he has made and I owe it to these two incredible people. Thank you dearly, Sensei Michael & Serena.”
“Great dojo, great Sensei, This place (location near In and Out) has helped my son so much!<br>Because of this Dojo and the owner who is caring but tough, very knowledgeable and wise, and has a huge heart, my son has more confidence, his body is in SUCH good shape (which helps him in other sports and with endurance), he has learned that he needs to work hard to earn what he is given, but he always is respected, welcome and appreciated here.<br>I don’t write very many reviews because I don’t like crowded places and when I find something good, I don’t want others to know.. but this place is truly great for all the right reasons.<br>I’m so happy we have local businesses run by people who care, like this one here in San Clemente!”
“Absolutely amazing team here. They push the kids to do their best and make it fun. Being able to do group class and sparring across the family of USDA dojos is a huge benefit, too. Above all, they practice what they teach, they’re very fair with makeup classes and adjusting schedules when life and other activities get in the way of training. Belt testing in the park is something else; seeing your kid go into ultra focused beast mode to get their next belt is so fun to experience. It’s also great seeing the older students lead training with the young ones, teaching leadership and patience to both student and teacher.<br>One night, we had a scheduling nightmare and my youngest had to come with us to our son’s training; sensei Shehan and sensei Vincent had her join in training and earn her white belt. She was so proud of herself and is going to be the next one to sign up.”
“This class was fantastic!! Can’t recommend more and will absolutely be back. I am a total beginner and felt very welcome in the Tai Chi group. They made it so accessible! Thank you!”
“Ive been doing martial arts for years now, going to different gyms and traveling around OC trying out different gyms and subfighter will always be my first pick after discovering it, it fits into your desired schedule, has a variety of classes, great training partners and amazing coaches with experience. Your definitely getting what you payed for and 10x more than that. if you want to get into MMA, have done MMA, or want to get fit, here is the best spot in southern socal.”
“Master Kang and the assistant black belts, Gavin and Riley, are seriously great. One thing I love is that classes start right on time, and because everything is done in group activities, my 4-year-old is constantly moving and engaged for the full session.<br><br>It’s been more than just a workout, though. It's been awesome to see my kid actually picking up a little discipline and getting better at listening to instructions and following directions”
“PKSA is great, very family friendly and fun. The instructors are extremely helpful, and patient. Parents are welcomed to join in classes with their kids.”
“The best class , the kindest teachers , highly recommend , good prices, private classes available”
“I have truly appreciate GMA for instilling values of loyalty and respect in my daughter who has been a student at the school for about 7 years. Both my daughters have had the best time with the most dedicated instructors, and I would truly recommend GMA.”
“Zen Dojos is fantastic. If you're considering enrolling your son or daughter, I'd highly recommend coming here. My son went to Karate at a different dojo that has no affiliation with Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy, and it was a terrible first experience for him. I wont get into that experience as it doesn't matter here, but suffice it to say he went into that place excited, and left very scared and crying. He's 3 years old. We heard of Zen Dojos from a family member and we decided to check it out after that experience. Sensei Marco is undeniably the best person to help our son have a good experience with Martial Arts. He worked with him, and made time for him, met him where he was at, communicated what was they were going to be doing, had expectations of him and was respectful of his needs. He's simply the best. Couldn't have picked a better place. Sign up here. Hands down the best place to go.”
“Master Graesser’s taekwondo class has been a great experience for our family. The instructors are highly skilled, supportive, and create a respectful, encouraging environment where children can grow in both confidence and discipline. We’re moving to another city and sadly have to say goodbye, but we’re truly grateful for the positive impact this school has had. Highly recommended!”
“Great, solid techniques with an abundance of conditioning routines. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a sweat-inducing workout combined with practical skills.”
“Master Lee and the team are great teachers. Kind and patient and the kids have a blast!”
“My daughter has been a student for 7 years, we started in the Ladera Ranch location , and have stayed with Master Kim at his Irvine studio. Wonderful instructors that truly care about the kids .”