We recently introduced our children to the Pentjak Karate school and have been very happy with the experience. Our youngest is already showing signs of improved balance and coordination.
Our goals were to provide additional physical activity along with building upon our values of respect and self-responsibilty and this school follows those tenets. The class sizes are small and the student to teacher (sensei) ratio is low, which is important when learning the details of form.
Master Jim is wonderful with a great personality but he also knows when to be stern, yet polite, when instructing the students. He's done a wonderful job of creating a school focused on the art that doesn't feel commercialized ( it's in a community center, not a strip mall). The bonus is its actually affordable too. A great school at a great price.
Russ Wightman
Feb 2026
I met this instructor at a tournament many years ago, silat and kung fu are partially related. Good to see silat growing in places where previously it was unheard of other than cities or states with Indonesian and Malaysian communities. Curriculum is challenging as well, with belts being earned. I wish this padepokan/perguruan all the best!!!
Courtney Brierley
Feb 2026
I want to thank Jim for the opportunity of giving my children a chance to learn karate, to be apart of amazing people who have such passion for what they do and teaching the younger generation on how to respond to certain situations they may come across in life, and how to handle the situation in a more appropriate manner. I want to thank Jim, Dwane, Sean and the younger instructors who are very patient with the smaller kids! I would recommend pentjak karate to anyone who is trying to learn karate! 10/10
John s.
Dec 2025
I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible experience I've had with Pentjak Karate, led by Jim Devoe. Jim is not just a dedicated and involved teacher; he truly embodies the spirit of martial arts. His responsiveness and commitment to his students is remarkable. He has a special way of connecting with kids, making each lesson engaging and meaningful. I highly recommend Pentjak Karate for anyone looking to learn in a supportive and caring environment. Thank you, Jim, for all that you do !
Sarah Denton
Dec 2025
Fantastic! So patient with the kiddos and always willing to slow things down so they get it right! They care more about form and the children learning than perfection! Excellent communication with the parents about anything upcoming! Can’t say enough! Brought my niece here and she absolutely loves it! Thank you so much for helping her and teaching her! 🤍
Matthew Hempstead
Dec 2025
Jim and his team are amazing and do a phenomenal job, especially with teaching the younger kids. The patience they have for all beginners is admirable to say least! If youre looking to try karate out or sign your child up, make sure to check out Pentjak Karate you won't be disappointed the least bit. 10/10 will recommend every time
Donna Baird
Dec 2025
This place is great. Jim and his team are welcoming, professional, and fun. My seven-year-old has learned a wide variety of skills in a short amount of time and always wants to come back for more.
Jessica Pittz
Dec 2025
Our son went into his trial class and came out excited to come again! He was very nervous coming in and by the time the hour was up, he couldn’t wait to start learning more. The owner is very kind and welcoming and will answer all questions that you have happily. The teachers all seem very kind and patient with the children. All the kiddos seemed to truly enjoy it. We look forward to seeing what this brings our son in the future. Very thankful to have joined the Pentjak family. Amazing value as well! If you are up in the air on trying them out, do it. You won’t be disappointed!
Chris cooke
Nov 2025
I’ve been training, learning, teaching, and supporting this club for over 20 years now. Met a lot of good people along the way. A well rounded club with a general mentality to help each other improve and succeed, which has a positive influence that carries through to other aspects of life. It has helped me tremendously physically and mentally to deal with the challenges of everyday life.
Danielle Niland
Aug 2025
Pentjak Karate has been such a positive and rewarding experience for my 10-year-old son. From the very first class, we could tell this wasn’t just another martial arts program—it’s a truly personable, community-driven environment where the instructors know every student by name and take the time to help them grow both on and off the mat.
Not only has my son gained valuable self-defense skills, but his confidence has grown tremendously. He’s more focused, motivated, and proud of his achievements. Even better, it’s given him a healthy, active outlet that gets him off the screen and engaged in something meaningful.
The sense of community at Pentjak Karate is something special—you feel it the moment you walk in. The instructors genuinely care about the kids, encourage their progress, and celebrate their successes. We are so grateful for the positive influence Pentjak Karate has had on our son’s life.
I would highly recommend Pentjak Karate to any parent looking for a program that builds character, confidence, and community.
And even better, it’s affordable for the average working family! Unlike Clifton Park!
Jason Howe
We recently introduced our children to the Pentjak Karate school and have been very happy with the experience. Our youngest is already showing signs of improved balance and coordination.
Our goals were to provide additional physical activity along with building upon our values of respect and self-responsibilty and this school follows those tenets. The class sizes are small and the student to teacher (sensei) ratio is low, which is important when learning the details of form.
Master Jim is wonderful with a great personality but he also knows when to be stern, yet polite, when instructing the students. He's done a wonderful job of creating a school focused on the art that doesn't feel commercialized ( it's in a community center, not a strip mall). The bonus is its actually affordable too. A great school at a great price.
Russ Wightman
I met this instructor at a tournament many years ago, silat and kung fu are partially related. Good to see silat growing in places where previously it was unheard of other than cities or states with Indonesian and Malaysian communities. Curriculum is challenging as well, with belts being earned. I wish this padepokan/perguruan all the best!!!
Courtney Brierley
I want to thank Jim for the opportunity of giving my children a chance to learn karate, to be apart of amazing people who have such passion for what they do and teaching the younger generation on how to respond to certain situations they may come across in life, and how to handle the situation in a more appropriate manner. I want to thank Jim, Dwane, Sean and the younger instructors who are very patient with the smaller kids! I would recommend pentjak karate to anyone who is trying to learn karate! 10/10
John s.
I want to take a moment to highlight the incredible experience I've had with Pentjak Karate, led by Jim Devoe. Jim is not just a dedicated and involved teacher; he truly embodies the spirit of martial arts. His responsiveness and commitment to his students is remarkable. He has a special way of connecting with kids, making each lesson engaging and meaningful. I highly recommend Pentjak Karate for anyone looking to learn in a supportive and caring environment. Thank you, Jim, for all that you do !
Sarah Denton
Fantastic! So patient with the kiddos and always willing to slow things down so they get it right! They care more about form and the children learning than perfection! Excellent communication with the parents about anything upcoming! Can’t say enough! Brought my niece here and she absolutely loves it! Thank you so much for helping her and teaching her! 🤍
Matthew Hempstead
Jim and his team are amazing and do a phenomenal job, especially with teaching the younger kids. The patience they have for all beginners is admirable to say least! If youre looking to try karate out or sign your child up, make sure to check out Pentjak Karate you won't be disappointed the least bit. 10/10 will recommend every time
Donna Baird
This place is great. Jim and his team are welcoming, professional, and fun. My seven-year-old has learned a wide variety of skills in a short amount of time and always wants to come back for more.
Jessica Pittz
Our son went into his trial class and came out excited to come again! He was very nervous coming in and by the time the hour was up, he couldn’t wait to start learning more. The owner is very kind and welcoming and will answer all questions that you have happily. The teachers all seem very kind and patient with the children. All the kiddos seemed to truly enjoy it. We look forward to seeing what this brings our son in the future. Very thankful to have joined the Pentjak family. Amazing value as well! If you are up in the air on trying them out, do it. You won’t be disappointed!
Chris cooke
I’ve been training, learning, teaching, and supporting this club for over 20 years now. Met a lot of good people along the way. A well rounded club with a general mentality to help each other improve and succeed, which has a positive influence that carries through to other aspects of life. It has helped me tremendously physically and mentally to deal with the challenges of everyday life.
Danielle Niland
Pentjak Karate has been such a positive and rewarding experience for my 10-year-old son. From the very first class, we could tell this wasn’t just another martial arts program—it’s a truly personable, community-driven environment where the instructors know every student by name and take the time to help them grow both on and off the mat.
Not only has my son gained valuable self-defense skills, but his confidence has grown tremendously. He’s more focused, motivated, and proud of his achievements. Even better, it’s given him a healthy, active outlet that gets him off the screen and engaged in something meaningful.
The sense of community at Pentjak Karate is something special—you feel it the moment you walk in. The instructors genuinely care about the kids, encourage their progress, and celebrate their successes. We are so grateful for the positive influence Pentjak Karate has had on our son’s life.
I would highly recommend Pentjak Karate to any parent looking for a program that builds character, confidence, and community.
And even better, it’s affordable for the average working family! Unlike Clifton Park!