Shaolin American Self Defense Academy - North Hollywood, California

Frank Garcia-Hejl

This dojo is incredible. The sensei they have are so patient and disciplined with the children. But also, we had a rough couple of months financially and they worked with us to make it work. It's so rare that you come across ANY business that shows this much care and attention. It's a warm, supportive environment that also hammers the importance of discipline, confidence and skill. I highly recommend this dojo if your kids (or even you!) are looking for a solid place to learn this art/sport.

Jalon O'Connell Morton

LOVE this dojo! My kids are students here, and so am I! Here, you have AMAZING Instructors, a lot of group and private classes, wonderful community, great facilities, and is totally affordable. Learning Kenpo here is a tremendous workout for the mind and body. If you’ve ever thought about learning a martial art, this is the place to come! You won’t be disappointed!

Shivani Thakkar

So incredibly happy to have found this Dojo. Shaolin American Self Defense Academy is an excellent place to train in Kenpo Karate. The Senseis are true mentors and guides, each with an authentic and caring teaching style. My son is in the junior kids program and I am in the adult program, and we both have had a strong training experience geared towards our respective ages and learning styles. What is remarkable about this Dojo is the fine balance they have found of keeping the focus on the deeper training of the art, while also equipping students to feel confident and empowered in tournaments. We love this, as the focus is on mastery of Kenpo, with a collaborative, passionate, inspiring martial arts environment. It is not a competitive environment driven by external accolades, but the drive is understanding the depth, art and meditation inherent in the martial arts practice. The result of such training is a long-term love for Kenpo and inner confidence in self-defense practices. At the same time, what makes this Dojo special, is that they also train students to place at tournaments, through clarity of technique, confidence building, and detailed focus. It is the best of both worlds. My son recently participated in his first tournament and the focus and passion with which his Senseis prepared him was riveting to witness. They did this kindness and encouragement and a systemic approach that equipped him to enter this international tournament and hold his own. He placed 2nd in his category with lovely feedback from the judges. Through the process he learned great techniques for preparation and how to rise to the event.

The Senseis all communicate with each other, enabling them to understand each individual students strength's and weakness to truly customize the training to blossom each individual. The program itself is very well structured to include both private instruction and multiple group classes each week, so students can take advantage of accelerating their growth based on how much time they wish to invest in their training. There is a lovely balance of discipline, focus, and welcoming warmth at the Dojo.

The Sensei's are great and hilarious when relating to kids, with a balance of jokes and disciplined practice. With adults their program is welcoming to all levels, ages, and schedules, allowing individuals to move at the pace that is comfortable to them.

In addition to their on-going classes they host numerous special events including Workshops and Masterclasses with guest instructors, Ninja Nights for the kids, a Fall weekend Kenpo retreat for adults, and participation in tournaments and demo teams. They also provide extra resources such as on-line zoom classes for private instruction, and have a dedicated YouTube channel that students can use to review forms and techniques.

Charles connelly

These people are great. They have so much patience with kids but also I still a strong sense of discipline. They truly care about helping people especially kids learn and excel. Our 8 year old son absolutely loves everything about going.

hellen carranza

This place really becomes a second family my kids have 5 years here and was the best decision we have made for them

Lee Ann Harvey

We’ve been coming here for about 7 months now & absolutely love it. We know lots of other people, both children & adults, who have been coming here for longer. They’re professional & take martial arts seriously while remembering to have fun. This place gives us an awesome community of love & support.

Weston Deboer

The instructors are wonderful with children. I am in awe what they are able to get them to do and for how long. They have great patience and are willing to work hard for your kids.

We signed up one of our kids and the second watched and loved the other one do much that they both wanted to he in self defense.

It has taught them so much and have recommended it all of my friends.

We travel from downtown to get here and love it so much.

Samantha Komarnitsky

My husband and I cannot speak highly enough about Shaolin Defense Academy and the amazing group of human beings who work there and the owner Donnie. Yesterday my son earned his yellow belt and it was the culmination of a lot of hard work, patience, smiles and at time tears. My 7 year old is on the autism spectrum and it can be hard to find the right places for him to do extracurricular activities since it takes a certain kind of instructor to keep him focused and motivated and we found that with Sensei Gabe. He is kind, patient, nurturing and just amazing with children. We are moving out of state next month and leaving this studio is the one things we will miss the most. My son keeps saying he doesn’t want to leave Sensei Gabe which breaks my heart but I’m so grateful for the time we were able to spend here.

Shaolin Defense Academy is so much more than a karate studio, it truly is a special place.