Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios Laguna Niguel - Laguna Niguel, California

Alden S.

(This is an edit) I'm older, and I stopped going by this point, but I think that I should share what I have written about it for one of my college essays:
How have your activities outside of schoolwork impacted your life and/or your community?
Of the activities that I have done outside of school, the one that affected me the most by far is when I went to karate classes. I started going to karate when I was five years old, and I went as often as I could for thirteen years. I took only one break in the entire timespan, which was due to a broken arm. The ways that karate have affected me are as follows; It gave me resolve, it gave me leadership experience, it set me on a path of always being on time and never absent, and it gave me both physical fitness and happiness. I also got to black belt second degree, but the black belt in my opinion has become devalued by some places that give them away too lightly. At the dojo I went to, to took an average of ten years to get a black belt, I got mine in nine, pretty normal. The certificate is something that I am proud of but ultimately I consider the other ways that I have been affected to be more important. Now the ways that I gained each of these traits from karate are as follows. The simple ones first: I got my happiness and fitness from exercise. Fitness is pretty straightforwards, the happiness comes from interacting with friends consistently, and pride whenever I look in the mirror at my body. The consistency in showing up came from the Saturday morning classes. Every Saturday morning I would show up to class. Many people did not like getting up early on a Saturday, especially the cold mornings, but my parents always made me go. And eventually as I got older, I would become the one asking my parents to let me go even in bad weather and when I was in tired spirit. Also from this came my resolve. Though the resolve also came from another area: exercise. My black belt test was seven and a half hours long with only a few 5 minute breaks. That one was of course the hardest, but the brown belt tests were only shorter by an hour or so. Finally is leadership experience. As time passes, people leave the dojo. I however, was a long timer. Near the end I was the veteran of the dojo, having been at that specific location longer than anybody. Because of this, people looked to me for guidance in knowledge, tradition in the dojo, and as a role model student. I inwardly took great pride in such a position and made sure to do my best to help as much as I could. After reaching black belt, one of the senseis taught me how to teach karate, and I would start taking over some classes to lesson plan and then teach entirely on my own. Sometimes I try to imagine what kind of person I would be like if I had not gone to karate, but I cannot, because that person would not be me.

Aubra R.

We came to the Z Ultimate Studio as a referral from a friend at school. Sensei Sarina was friendly, helpful and encouraged my kids to participate even though they had NO sports or Karate background. By the end of class the girls were begging to sign up for the full program! It’s been a month and at 4 times a week including group and private lessons, the girls are so proud to show off their moves and excited to attend class to extend their Karate knowledge. Class is fun, structured, organized and all the instructors have been amazing! I hear there is Yoga on Wednesdays and I’m going to try that myself as well! Definitely a great program and great for any age. Mine are 7 and 10. There are older and younger kids in the class all learning together! It’s been amazing!

Pandora (.

This is a AWESOME DOJO. Sensei Anthony really cares about the students and puts 100% in all he does. Master Ryan is also a wonderful presence in the dojo. My son has been a student almost 5 years. He enjoys class and it's great environment to learn discipline, respect, and of course self defense.

I love their black uniforms too! - It's so cool.

I highly recommend this dojo for anyone whether it be a parent who wants to start their child in martial arts or any adult who would like to learn self defense and stay in shape at the same time.

This is an excellent location and an Uber fun environment for kids and adults. I love how Sensei Anthony always keeps parents posted on your child's progress.

5 stars!!

Samantha B.

My children have been coming to this studio for the past 10 years and we absolutely love it! The instructors are amazing and passionate about what they do. My children have developed self confidence, feel confident being able to defend themselves, and learned discipline in a fun filled environment. We highly recommend Z-Ultimate to anyone looking for personalized and fun martial arts training!

GY

My child has been going to this Dojo for 10 years now. Since new Sensei started to teach last year, my child has been eager to go to the Dojo. This martial arts school is a wonderful place to learn self-defense and discipline. Highly recommend.

Jess C.

My son has been attending classes for 5 years and absolutely loves it! All of Sensei's are amazing with kids of all ages and kids of all walks of life. I love the attentiveness and flexibility of scheduling private classes.

Laura D.

We love Z Ultimate!!! My son has been a student for about 6 months and has learned so much in such a short time. Sensei Joe really takes the time to get to know his students and ensure they are at their best. My son really embraced karate and takes pride in what he has learned. And, because there is such an emphasis on respect and responsibility, it has translated into life outside the dojo! I can't recommend them enough!

Rosa N.

I’ve been at this Z-Ultimate location for two-and-a-half years now and the transformation that has occurred between when I started and now is enormous! I came to learn self-defense and stayed for the individualized instruction, the supportive community and teammates, and the growth I’ve seen in myself. When I started I was afraid to get hit, but over these two years I’ve participated in two tournaments that included sparring and have learned how to not freak-out when in a fight and how to take a hit and keep on going.

The instructors here really make sure that you can defend yourself from different situations involving weapons and hand-to-hand combat and they take great care to personalize it to where you are at physically and mentally – some days I just want to hit things and sensei will oblige. The instruction is a mix of cardio and conditioning, and for someone who has never been athletically inclined this is the most fit and in-shape I have ever been! It also helps that I feel like a ninja every time I put on my uniform and recognize that I am a martial artist.