| Mon | 09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Tue | 09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Wed | 09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Thu | 09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Fri | 09:00 am - 09:00 pm |
| Sat | 09:00 am - 02:00 pm |
This is a great atmosphere. Everything has been remodeled and looks great. Ms. Rojas is wonderful with the kids helping them to stay focused and have positive attitude. They care about how the child does outside of the karate studio, their behavior at home and school. This has been a really good place for my daughter, she really loves it and is excited to start sparring.
I started taking my children here because two of my friends had their children here and gave me very good reviews about it. My children have now been attending for about 5 months and my husband and I are very pleased with how much they have learned. My daughter was at a different school before this for a few years and since starting her here she has learned way more in the little bit of time than she did at the other school she attended. The staff is very friendly and professional. They are very good with small children and teach them more than just the martial arts.
I started taking my children here because two of my friends had their children here and gave me very good reviews about it. My children have now been attending for about 5 months and my husband and I are very pleased with how much they have learned. My daughter was at a different school before this for a few years and since starting her here she has learned way more in the little bit of time than she did at the other school she attended. The staff is very friendly and professional. They are very good with small children and teach them more than just the martial arts.
Anyone considering enrollment in a Karate America school should very carefully contemplate the decision.
As a note: This review is very lengthy, but really must be to capture all misdeeds we have experienced as of late with the school.
Background: We enrolled our child at the Karate America Orange Park, Florida location December 2017 as a Christmas/birthday gift combination for our child. After verifying with multiple employees at the school and headquarters regarding cancellation questions (i.e. is it possible to cancel even though there is a "contract" in place while the child attends martial arts,) we proceeded with the three-year commitment because we were advised a one-time fee of $150.00 would be charged should the need arise (for any reason).
The ONLY reason we enrolled our daughter at this school (after reviewing > 8 in our area) related to the choice of instructor. Unfortunately, KA made an announcement during the 2018 June black-belt testing that this instructor would be leaving, by the instructor's choice. We were naturally very disappointed, but we decided to give the replacement instructor a chance as outlined below (and we had also already paid for three weeks of summer camp plus graduation fees. We accepted the $500.00 loss for the camps, along with the special ATA gear we purchased costing us in excess of $500.00. We are not asking for a refund or complaining about these costs. All-in-all, an expensive loss - but we do understand this aspect of the martial arts programs).
We dug into the past of the new instructor (given his tactics in class) and found alleged criminality. Even after conveying these details to headquarters, our request for cancellation is still not permitted. I do not trust the background check process at this point for KA.
Legality observations
1) Karate America does not appear to have a retail installment seller license (as required under Fl. Stat. 520.32)
Note: Though the school does not specifically charge for financing, it is still a requirement for a seller engaging in retail monthly payments to obtain such licensing prior to engaging in financially obligated monthly installment programs. Furthermore, the company will and does report the consumer to the credit bureaus should the "borrower" fail to make payments (thus covered under consumer protection, FCRA and governed by the FTC)
2) The Company appears to engage in an unfair and deceptive trade practice under 16 CFR 433.2 by failing to have the required Holder in Due Course disclosure in their contract
3) Karate America appears to violate the Retail Installment Sales Act (Fl. Stat. 520.34) by failing to have the name of the seller on the contract
We are only requesting that Karate America allow us to cancel the monthly membership for our child, given the outlined, aforementioned information. Additionally, I am NOT the only parent advised of the $150.00 cancellation option (not just those reasons outlined in the written contract). I verbally agreed to this aspect of the contract with the salesperson and shook hands, so this aspect of the contract should be considered.
A small sample of other parents experiencing the backward motion for adhering to the $150.00 cancellation fee. You will need to google this information as I cannot paste a link directly into the review.
ripoffreportcom/reports/karate-america/jacksonville-florida-32225/karate-america-will-rip-you-off-please-do-not-be-misled-they-charged-me-6650-for-serv-323077
yellowpagescom/jacksonville-fl/mip/karate-america-world-headquarters-9404859
Select customers are actually allowed to pay the $150.00 cancellation fee, even if the "reasons" are not aligned with the written contract - see a response from a KA employee:
complaintboard/karate-america-l2651
Should Karate America decide to assist us with this legitimate request, we will update this review accordingly.
Before starting on their pricing lets go into why we decided to pull my son from their school. My son took 6 classes with their institution. Two of which were lead by a teenager who had no business teaching a class. She did so alone. At the last one we went to three boys who were lined up for the next class starting fighting and one looked rather upset. No adult instructors around. No one intervened. When we started the classes I was asked what I was looking for my son to gain from them. I said discipline and focus were my main goals. I did not like how their older students seemed to not have discipline while waiting for class. Also the actually adult instructor seems to have the participation trophy mentality. Multiple times he would tell the kids they would not have *whatever reward was that day* if they did not participate just to give it to them anyways. That is not how are household works. We go by "always earned never given". After X amount of classes (not by how much they learned or earned) they move up a strip. its $60 for the belt ceremony. My son didnt learn nearly anything in those classes but hey here is a belt for completing 5 classes. Good for your parents for paying. Now I dropped $300 on equipment $60 on a uniform $120 plus per month for the classes and $150 for a cancellation fee. I found a new school in orange park (smilies athletics) they gave us 2 FREE full classes with other students so we are certain we want to continue. (ATA gave a mini private lesson in the back room thats it) $112 a month no equipment fee and ALWAYS 3 adult instructors teaching the class. They have a student of the month that earns a certificate and a free movie of their choosing at the local theater. I love that they make a reasonable reward to help push the kids to want to be better and continue on. I honestly feel like I got scammed at ATA. To them its all about money. My parents had my brother in the school until he was a black belt when i asked them why they quit sending him they said they felt like it started to be all about money instead of about teaching. Which is EXACTLY how my husband and I felt after 6 classes.
Before starting on their pricing lets go into why we decided to pull my son from their school. My son took 6 classes with their institution. Two of which were lead by a teenager who had no business teaching a class. She did so alone. At the last one we went to three boys who were lined up for the next class starting fighting and one looked rather upset. No adult instructors around. No one intervened. When we started the classes I was asked what I was looking for my son to gain from them. I said discipline and focus were my main goals. I did not like how their older students seemed to not have discipline while waiting for class. Also the actually adult instructor seems to have the participation trophy mentality. Multiple times he would tell the kids they would not have *whatever reward was that day* if they did not participate just to give it to them anyways. That is not how are household works. We go by "always earned never given". After X amount of classes (not by how much they learned or earned) they move up a strip. its $60 for the belt ceremony. My son didnt learn nearly anything in those classes but hey here is a belt for completing 5 classes. Good for your parents for paying. Now I dropped $300 on equipment $60 on a uniform $120 plus per month for the classes and $150 for a cancellation fee. I found a new school in orange park (smilies athletics) they gave us 2 FREE full classes with other students so we are certain we want to continue. (ATA gave a mini private lesson in the back room thats it) $112 a month no equipment fee and ALWAYS 3 adult instructors teaching the class. They have a student of the month that earns a certificate and a free movie of their choosing at the local theater. I love that they make a reasonable reward to help push the kids to want to be better and continue on. I honestly feel like I got scammed at ATA. To them its all about money. My parents had my brother in the school until he was a black belt when i asked them why they quit sending him they said they felt like it started to be all about money instead of about teaching. Which is EXACTLY how my husband and I felt after 6 classes.
The staff and instructors at Karate America Blanding are simply fantastic. They have thought my daughter so many life lessons over the past couple of years on her journey to becoming a black belt.
Highly recommended!!!!
I cannot adequately express just how great this school is. My son and I have been training at this school for 5 years now. The staff are tremendous! This a great option for learning self-defense and/or improving physical fitness. More importantly, you and your child will benefit from the life skills that you learn as part of the curriculum. The environment promotes positivity and rewards dedication and commitment on a daily basis. The life skills apply in personal and professional settings alike. Having retired from the Navy it was great to have an activity that bonds the family after so many years spent apart. This really has become an extended family and every day I look forward to the challenge of mastering a new skill while at the same time making new friends. I highly recommend this school for every age group. You have a home here. Come join us!
This is such an excellent place! They have programs for all ages. I have been training here for 5 years and was so happy when my youngest child was able to join. Now my whole family trains here and we plan on continuing our training as long as we can! The self confidence, self discipline that come with the training has made such a huge difference in my children's lives.
My family and I started with Karate America about 4 years ago with just my oldest daughter and son taking classes. Not that long after they began, I myself started taking classes and then my 6 yr old daughter started expressing interest as well. Very soon my 5 yr old daughter will begin the Tiny Tigers program. Currently my oldest is a 2nd degree black belt, I'm a 1st degree black belt, my son will test for his black belt in June and youngest is a Camo belt. We absolutely love it. Mr. Roderick is such an inspiration, especially to the youngest ones in the school. The atmosphere is a warm and a loving environment, just like one big family.
A very awesome school! Have been training with Mr. Roderick for 5 years now. Classes are very exciting with a lot of energy and discipline. Recommend to anyone!
Great place to learn martial arts and for kids to learn life skills. Mr. Roderick runs a great program with an emphasis on respect and discipline. Very close knit group of kids and adults in the "karate family" - everyone regardless of age or rank are always helping and pushing one another to become better. Plus its a great way to stay in shape! Highly recommend!
Great place to learn martial arts and for kids to learn life skills. Mr. Roderick runs a great program with an emphasis on respect and discipline. Very close knit group of kids and adults in the "karate family" - everyone regardless of age or rank are always helping and pushing one another to become better. Plus its a great way to stay in shape! Highly recommend!
Everyone here is very welcoming and encouraging. I was a bit nervous about starting classes here but in my very first class everyone came up to me and introduce themselves and through out my time there, they made sure to help me if I needed it. The instructors were inspiring and made sure to make me feel comfortable in my first classes. The head instructor, Mr Roderick, was very professional and ran a fun class that provided a tough work out. I would definitely recommend!
Everyone here is very welcoming and encouraging. I was a bit nervous about starting classes here but in my very first class everyone came up to me and introduce themselves and through out my time there, they made sure to help me if I needed it. The instructors were inspiring and made sure to make me feel comfortable in my first classes. The head instructor, Mr Roderick, was very professional and ran a fun class that provided a tough work out. I would definitely recommend!
My son is very happy with this Karate program. He loves his teachers and the students that go there. I also enjoy the fact that their place is fit for kids as well as teach those who need to learn how to defend themselves very well. I would recommend this place for any kid in need of learning how to stay fit and defend themselves.
My son is very happy with this Karate program. He loves his teachers and the students that go there. I also enjoy the fact that their place is fit for kids as well as teach those who need to learn how to defend themselves very well. I would recommend this place for any kid in need of learning how to stay fit and defend themselves.
The staff and instructors at Karate America Blanding are simply fantastic. They have thought my daughter so many life lessons over the past couple of years on her journey to becoming a black belt.
Highly recommended!!!!
My wife and kids signed up first, they love it. I joined a few weeks ago and it has been a blast. We love the instructors who treat kids and adults alike with respect and discipline. The sessions are intense, but well worth the work. The kids have become more focused and have seen an uptick in their grades. I would highly recommend any family looking to do activities together to check this out.
I cannot adequately express just how great this school is. My son and I have been training at this school for 5 years now. The staff are tremendous! This a great option for learning self-defense and/or improving physical fitness. More importantly, you and your child will benefit from the life skills that you learn as part of the curriculum. The environment promotes positivity and rewards dedication and commitment on a daily basis. The life skills apply in personal and professional settings alike. Having retired from the Navy it was great to have an activity that bonds the family after so many years spent apart. This really has become an extended family and every day I look forward to the challenge of mastering a new skill while at the same time making new friends. I highly recommend this school for every age group. You have a home here. Come join us!
This is such an excellent place! They have programs for all ages. I have been training here for 5 years and was so happy when my youngest child was able to join. Now my whole family trains here and we plan on continuing our training as long as we can! The self confidence, self discipline that come with the training has made such a huge difference in my children's lives.
My family and I started with Karate America about 4 years ago with just my oldest daughter and son taking classes. Not that long after they began, I myself started taking classes and then my 6 yr old daughter started expressing interest as well. Very soon my 5 yr old daughter will begin the Tiny Tigers program. Currently my oldest is a 2nd degree black belt, I'm a 1st degree black belt, my son will test for his black belt in June and youngest is a Camo belt. We absolutely love it. Mr. Roderick is such an inspiration, especially to the youngest ones in the school. The atmosphere is a warm and a loving environment, just like one big family.
