Ohana Martial Arts Academy

We love Ohana! My son has learned so much not only about martial arts, but about personal responsibility, respect for others and himself, and countless other important life lessons. Sensei Morris (Mrs. Morris) has so much patience with the young kids, but also helps them understand expectations. Karate is the thing my son is most excited about every week, and it's been so cool to watch him grow and learn so much! We can't wait for him to learn more and grow with Ohana Martial Arts Academy!

Mrs. Morris is a wonderful and patient Sensei. We could not ask for a better teacher. Miss Arianna is also kind and we love when she is there to help teach. We are grateful to have found Ohana. Class size and amount of time is perfect for our 6-year-old. The teaching here is on many levels - physical, self control, mental, emotional. Thank you.

Awesome dojo! Took my boys to a different dojo in Thornton for a visit and not only were they VERY expensive but they were not very "young child friendly" (think Cobra Kai with 6 year olds--it was interesting, but not my style or my kids'). We found OHANA when I bought a home in Frederick and were just thrilled. Both Senseis (Mr. & Mrs. Morris), are great with kids, love what they do, and I love that they also make it a point to sprinkle in manners, respect, and other good lessons for the kids. The tuition is very affordable for working families and if you're new to the area or just need to get your kids away from a screen a few times a week, a HIGHLY recommend OHANA!

If you have a child that has special learning needs, we found that this business does not appear to have the desire or ability to help children learn at their own pace. There is no orientation for parents to teach them the different levels, no group communication with parents that keep you updated on the curriculum. Our son was promoted in belts and no feedback was given until finally he was put on the spot and was unable to perform the maneuvers. When I reached out to the instructors, they did not provide any constructive means of helping our son succeed, they did not seem to want to keep our business. He was the first of four children as well. I was simply told he does not focus in class after numerous belt promotions. The curriculum seems sporadic and if you miss some classes your child will most likely not be able to perform when the time comes they put them on the spot. There are a lot of reviews on here about being welcome, but it felt as though my son was not really treated as such being a unique little boy. He seemed to be a nuisance towards the instructors. It is unfortunate as we are truly involved in supporting other families and small businesses. At the last class for my son, despite being promoted in belt, he was told to go in front of the class and perform multiple maneuvers, most of which I know he had not been shown. My son froze at the front of the class as the instructor repeated the name of the maneuver he was supposed to do. No help was offered to him until he finally was overwhelmed and embarrassed and began to cry. At which point he was simply told to go sit with me. When I contacted the owner, I was informed he had trouble focusing in class (which is true as he is on the spectrum). However, no compromises were offered, it did not seem they cared about keeping our business. Despite there reportedly being extra training offered on Fridays, this was not offered to us. It all seemed quite awkward and not family-like at all. The onus was put on me to tell them how they can help, despite me not being an expert in karate instruction. Sometimes their family members come in to help instruct, but it can be awkward. My son likes to talk about his faith (its fine if others don’t have a faith), but despite my son mentioning God, one of their relatives shouted from the front desk to my 8 yr old, “how about you keep that at church”. What is interesting is you apparently must do pushups if you say the Lord’s name in vain at this dojo. My son on multiple occasions would come up to the instructor and tell her something he thought was interesting (though in reality it was irrelevant), rather than redirect my son she would just look at him in a deadpan snarky way and say “OK” which clearly showed to an adult she did not care. I am uncertain if my son noticed this mannerism as he is a child. Those are a couple of strange experiences that my child also had to experience. It is unfair of me to not point out some good, my son was encouraged on one occasion when he excelled at one maneuver, and he was sent a postcard for his birthday. The young instructors, one of which is the daughter of the owners, were always kind and courteous to my son. For these reasons I am giving 2 stars. I would advise researching a few places before you put your time, effort, and money into this establishment.

My children ABSOLUTELY love Ohana!! I have a 15 yr old daughter that gets along GREAT with the instructor and a 12 yr old boy and a 7 yr old that also love going to their karate classes!