- Address:1522 S Gilbert Rd #101, Gilbert, AZ 85296
- Phone:(480) 503-3788
- Website:http://www.sandovalkarate.net/gilbert/
- Rating:4.0
Sandoval Freestyle Karate Gilbert
Reviews
Rated 4.0/5 based on 26 customer reviews.
Eric San Jose
March 11, 2020 20:30
Easy to see right off of Higley Road servicing Gilbert and the adjoining areas. Plenty of parking and a wheelchair accessible entrance. Clean facilities. Great for families. Self Defense, Discipline, and Fitness. Master Sandoval is a Great Instructor with years of experience in Competition and Teaching in all areas of the Martial Arts. Give your child or yourself a Gift of a Lifetime!!!
LB XRP
February 25, 2020 21:27
Great with kids! My son enjoys the classes and they let you make up classes when needed.
Jenny Palmer
November 2, 2019 14:14
My son started here about a month ago and loves it. It's a very friendly, positive environment and the instructors are patient with all the kids.
Jason Blade
May 13, 2019 21:53
Feel like I found the right place! Classes are full of respect and positive encouragement. The teaching is about self improvement. Staff and students have all been welcoming and amazing
Nathan Tijerina
September 24, 2018 19:20
Most amazing staff of people. They partner with parents to get the best out of the children. They are building a group of outstanding youth and adults. I would never go to another place. They individualize their approach for each student. Every time we go and I leave feeling like the money that I pay each month is not a bill but an investment in the community. So grateful for all of them.
Jessie Thomas
September 15, 2018 14:11
Second week here and our daughter loves it! Great team great location
Tim Simpson
September 7, 2018 13:42
This place is unethical. They moved their karate studio much farther then before and My husband Tim and were told that if it didn't work for us due to the distance that they would let us out of the contract. Well my husband and I tired the new location and it was just way to far for our family! now he sent us to collections trying to collect and ruin our credit over collecting on a contract that they made us break due to them needing to move! highly recommend telling all your family and friends about this unethical business! if you don't trust me read all the poor reviews on yelp and google of hard working parents all experiencing the same results. there's also a great deal of favoritism and so many other bad leadership like conduct and practices to name!
Tim Simpson
September 7, 2018 12:53
Do not get hoaxed into signing up under a contract with this company!
There unethical business that only cares about making money!
They moved a great distance father from our house and it was already difficult to get there 2 times a week with such busy family priorities and they said we can cancel contract.
Then they moved and we tried it a couple times, but it was just to far! They didn't even give a 30 day notice that they were moving, but expected one from us!!! now they sent me to collections and want me to pay off the contract even though we areeven going absolutely unacceptable.
Also they can take off days and you still have to pay them. They say you can do a make up class when already we don't have enough time to go 2 days now they want you to pay even though they took off and want you to do 3 days to make up!!
Allan Sandoval called me back and left the rudest message and was insistent that I had to finish the contract! when i told him of the things i witnessed about his instructors he was so defensive! That not what a great business karate instructor leader should act like especially to someone who's paid thousands of dollars in auto drafts to his studio!
Also my My son was going there for over a year and there's so much favoritism!! He showed up late on a few occasions to the farther new studio and they straight broke him off with push ups then few kids come right after him by 5-10 min even more late and they let kids get straight in line such bad examples!!! I watched it all happen right in front of me. When I left a message explaining this he basically called me a liar and said there's no way his instructors would ever act like this! I seen it with my own eyes! there's no reason for me to make this up!!!
Also Kids would get belts and tips and not even have there hands up to to protect there face and then my son on several occasions does so good and I watch him and so proud of him and they don't give him a tip or belt!
One time they made him due 30min of intensive exercise till he was balling so bad in front of all the parents and other students. Making him feel so bad about this place that he never wanted to come back again and hates karate! To make matters worse they also took his belt away for 3 weeks all because after class was dismissed he was dancing playfully in the mirror. I understand discipline but this was way over the line especially because class was dismissed and they made him feel so embarrassed in front of everyone. Even the parents were saying this is so wrong!!! Plus I looked around other studios and lots are way less and also don't try to lock you in a contract!! Do not go to this business and tell your friends or you may be the next one dealing with $1,000+ dollars of canceled contract collections and writing their next bad review! look how many bad reviews this place has it's not a coincidence! all the good ones are probably the kids they show favor to like the ones who i see come late and don't have to get broke off when my son is!
A Google User
August 29, 2018 20:21
Stay far far away from this company. If I could give negative stars I would! Billing practices are unethical as well as the contract.
DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT
Brian Boyer
August 29, 2018 20:21
Stay far far away from this company. If I could give negative stars I would! Billing practices are unethical as well as the contract.
DO NOT SIGN A CONTRACT
A Google User
August 13, 2018 11:05
We have had the pleasure for about 6 years now, having Sandoval Freestyle Karate come to our Preschool twice a year. The families and children LOVE it. Mr. Garrett is an awesome instructor, the children all listen and respect him. Many of our families end up signing up and all say wonderful things about everyone. I'm glad we are able to support a local Gilbert business.
Lisa Kinser
August 13, 2018 11:05
We have had the pleasure for about 6 years now, having Sandoval Freestyle Karate come to our Preschool twice a year. The families and children LOVE it. Mr. Garrett is an awesome instructor, the children all listen and respect him. Many of our families end up signing up and all say wonderful things about everyone. I'm glad we are able to support a local Gilbert business.
Noah Buot
December 6, 2017 13:02
Great family, hardworking instructors, and fun for the kids!
Jennifer Saunders
December 5, 2017 21:00
Sandoval Karate has been in business for over 20 years and I have had the pleasure of working at our Chandler location for the past 6. We have worked with thousands of clients teaching our students personal and physical development. Our teachers are patient and have experience in working with kids and adults. Everyone gets a free class to try so come down and check it out for yourself!
A Google User
December 5, 2017 21:00
Sandoval Karate has been in business for over 20 years and I have had the pleasure of working at our Chandler location for the past 6. We have worked with thousands of clients teaching our students personal and physical development. Our teachers are patient and have experience in working with kids and adults. Everyone gets a free class to try so come down and check it out for yourself!
Kirbi Doty
November 19, 2017 16:31
TLDR: Really liked the instructors and staff but really don't like policy for 6 month auto-renew as I'm out $900 for a service we don't want.
I signed my 3 year old daughter up for 6 month's (that's the only option) in June and after just a few lessons it was apparent (anxiety, tears, teeth grinding, panic when the topic comes up) that it wasn't for her and we stopped going. We haven't been back since August. I understand that we committed for six months and didn't try to ask for a refund or to cancel future classes, I gambled on the whims of a very small child and lost.
I was all set to give our notice and I messed up, the 30 day mark (11/6) came and went and I didn't call in until a few days past my deadline (11/17 note, before the new contract started on 12/6) and was told "tough luck" so now in addition to the mostly unused credit of $900 I paid for the first six months I have the pleasure of paying them another $900 for a service our actions clearly indicated we don't want.
I understand that this is my fault but I feel like I was trapped into renewing and that a policy of opting into another term would ensure only families that want another term are committed would be WAY better model than requiring a customer to opt out.
I have recommended Sandoval to several parents, the coaches and support staff are exceptional and will sign my son up when he is old enough if he shows an interest. Granted, I will set a calendar reminder for the notice date in case he doesn't like it either.
A Google User
November 19, 2017 16:31
TLDR: Really liked the instructors and staff but really don't like policy for 6 month auto-renew as I'm out $900 for a service we don't want.
I signed my 3 year old daughter up for 6 month's (that's the only option) in June and after just a few lessons it was apparent (anxiety, tears, teeth grinding, panic when the topic comes up) that it wasn't for her and we stopped going. We haven't been back since August. I understand that we committed for six months and didn't try to ask for a refund or to cancel future classes, I gambled on the whims of a very small child and lost.
I was all set to give our notice and I messed up, the 30 day mark (11/6) came and went and I didn't call in until a few days past my deadline (11/17 note, before the new contract started on 12/6) and was told "tough luck" so now in addition to the mostly unused credit of $900 I paid for the first six months I have the pleasure of paying them another $900 for a service our actions clearly indicated we don't want.
I understand that this is my fault but I feel like I was trapped into renewing and that a policy of opting into another term would ensure only families that want another term are committed would be WAY better model than requiring a customer to opt out.
I have recommended Sandoval to several parents, the coaches and support staff are exceptional and will sign my son up when he is old enough if he shows an interest. Granted, I will set a calendar reminder for the notice date in case he doesn't like it either.
Robert Anderson
October 25, 2017 04:55
Great program but odd subscription plan.
Our kids attended Sandoval Karate for about 8 months and I wanted to take a moment to review our experience.
1) Quality of Education - 4 stars
I really feel that the instructors do a good job of being consistent in how they instruct and manage a room full of 3-5 year olds at varying levels of development. This is definitely their strong suit and you can tell they enjoy spending time training the kids through different routines. The current routine is such that in a 30 min class, about 5 - 10 minutes will be spent doing warm-ups of some sort, followed by a 15 - 20 minute practice session. The last few minutes, when available are for active kids games that my kids reality enjoyed. They test for proficiency about every 5 weeks and make sure to help the kids refine their technique as they prep for a belt or tip test.
2) Subscription - 2 stars
As a young parent, with 2 children and more on the way, the subscription plan at Sandoval is not the most family friendly I've seen. To be honest, if you a) know you have a busy schedule, b) your kids are a little immature or c) life happens and you need to cancel these courses, this program is not for you. From personal experience, needing to cancel a "membership" is like pulling teeth. They adhere to 6-month stretches of "subscription," each billing period happening every 2 weeks. Even though the billing isn't semi-annual, they expect you to renew for a future 6 months at a time, making it very difficult to deal with when family emergencies and urgency come up. If you know that your kids are barely getting into extracurricular activities or that you have many responsibilities to juggle, I would recommend searching for a program that offers month-to-month sign-ups. That being said - they are very straightforward about this practice, and as a consumer, I should have thought ahead as we prepared for our pregnancy and additional school hours before renewing for this last period.
3) Location - 3 stars
Parking here can be freaking terrible sometimes. The parking lot is small and there are a lot of fitness businesses in the plaza, so definitely go early for a good spot. The dojo/venue itself has a good amount of space for the kids to practice as a group but does not provide a lot of space for spectators, especially when extended family makes time to visit for belt and tip tests for progression. Unfortunately it was a coin toss whether or not we'd be able to sit at a bench. They do what they can to create space but it might be worthwhile to explore a bigger venue or different seating arrangement.
Overall, great program, and while it's important for you to get commitment from your customers and target market to their kids and practice, young families don't readily have the bandwidth to confirm months ahead of time. While you could make that your best option, it may be worthwhile to explore having 3-month or month-to-month sub levels, even if they're slightly more expensive.
Christine Flynn
October 25, 2017 04:55
TAC self defense classes- awesome. Steven is an excellent instructor and highly skilled. The only MBC certified instructor in the region. VERY affordable, too!
Rick Jacobsen
October 25, 2017 04:55
Sandoval Freestyle Karate is hands down the best karate school in Phoenix's East Valley... and I would know, as I personally know and have worked with many karate school owners in the area.
Whether you're seeking to learn self-defense, fighting skills, or simply want a fun workout regimen (such as myself), you can't get any better than Sandoval Karate. Not only are the owners, Allen and Kristi, two of the nicest and most sincere people you'll ever meet, but they are also both highly skilled martial artists who use their experience to better their students.
Sandoval Karate's schools are clean, packed with modern workout equipment, are competitively priced, and the instructors truly appear to take an interest in each student they train.
I would highly recommend that parents bring their children here and give it a try themselves... You and your child(ren) are guaranteed to have a great time!
Martin Chuck
October 25, 2017 04:55
My son has been a member of Sandoval for three years now. The coaches are outstanding. They keep things fun, yet teach respectmanners and physical fitness. Coach Garrett is an excellent leader. My son is a huge fan of him and his assistants.
Noah Squires
October 25, 2017 04:55
My son is a student here and he loves it. They have many instructors and they know my child by name and take personal time everytime to make sure he learns what he needs to. I enjoy watching and appreciate that you have to earn the belt and not just get it beacuse you pay. I also like the diversity here people of all age and type come here If you want to get you children started this is the place to start as they will be treated with respect and actully get your money's worth
Christine Flynn
September 6, 2017 22:42
TAC self defense classes- awesome. Steven is an excellent instructor and highly skilled. The only MBC certified instructor in the region. VERY affordable, too!
Robert Anderson
February 27, 2017 14:41
Great program but odd subscription plan.
Our kids attended Sandoval Karate for about 8 months and I wanted to take a moment to review our experience.
1) Quality of Education - 4 stars
I really feel that the instructors do a good job of being consistent in how they instruct and manage a room full of 3-5 year olds at varying levels of development. This is definitely their strong suit and you can tell they enjoy spending time training the kids through different routines. The current routine is such that in a 30 min class, about 5 - 10 minutes will be spent doing warm-ups of some sort, followed by a 15 - 20 minute practice session. The last few minutes, when available are for active kids games that my kids reality enjoyed. They test for proficiency about every 5 weeks and make sure to help the kids refine their technique as they prep for a belt or tip test.
2) Subscription - 2 stars
As a young parent, with 2 children and more on the way, the subscription plan at Sandoval is not the most family friendly I've seen. To be honest, if you a) know you have a busy schedule, b) your kids are a little immature or c) life happens and you need to cancel these courses, this program is not for you. From personal experience, needing to cancel a "membership" is like pulling teeth. They adhere to 6-month stretches of "subscription," each billing period happening every 2 weeks. Even though the billing isn't semi-annual, they expect you to renew for a future 6 months at a time, making it very difficult to deal with when family emergencies and urgency come up. If you know that your kids are barely getting into extracurricular activities or that you have many responsibilities to juggle, I would recommend searching for a program that offers month-to-month sign-ups. That being said - they are very straightforward about this practice, and as a consumer, I should have thought ahead as we prepared for our pregnancy and additional school hours before renewing for this last period.
3) Location - 3 stars
Parking here can be freaking terrible sometimes. The parking lot is small and there are a lot of fitness businesses in the plaza, so definitely go early for a good spot. The dojo/venue itself has a good amount of space for the kids to practice as a group but does not provide a lot of space for spectators, especially when extended family makes time to visit for belt and tip tests for progression. Unfortunately it was a coin toss whether or not we'd be able to sit at a bench. They do what they can to create space but it might be worthwhile to explore a bigger venue or different seating arrangement.
Overall, great program, and while it's important for you to get commitment from your customers and target market to their kids and practice, young families don't readily have the bandwidth to confirm months ahead of time. While you could make that your best option, it may be worthwhile to explore having 3-month or month-to-month sub levels, even if they're slightly more expensive.
Noah Squires
February 4, 2017 16:46
My son is a student here and he loves it. They have many instructors and they know my child by name and take personal time everytime to make sure he learns what he needs to. I enjoy watching and appreciate that you have to earn the belt and not just get it beacuse you pay. I also like the diversity here people of all age and type come here If you want to get you children started this is the place to start as they will be treated with respect and actully get your money's worth
Martin Chuck
December 24, 2015 13:29
My son has been a member of Sandoval for three years now. The coaches are outstanding. They keep things fun, yet teach respectmanners and physical fitness. Coach Garrett is an excellent leader. My son is a huge fan of him and his assistants.