Does Kaizen Academy require a long-term contract to enroll?

No, we don't require a contract at any program level. We also back every enrollment with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can get started knowing there's no risk. Every new student begins with a free one-on-one introductory lesson before making any commitment.

What age can my child start martial arts classes at Kaizen Academy?

Children can start as young as age 4 in our Lil' Dragons program, which is designed specifically for that age group. When kids turn 7 and are ready for a more structured curriculum, they move into the Champions Program where they begin working through the Shotokan belt system.

What is the free trial lesson at Kaizen Academy?

Every new student receives a free one-on-one introductory lesson with one of our instructors before they enroll. It's a private session, not a group drop-in, so the student and their family get to experience our teaching style up close. There's no obligation to continue after the lesson.

What is Shotokan karate and is it good for kids?

Shotokan is a traditional Japanese karate style known for its structured technique, disciplined training method, and strong emphasis on character development. It's well-suited for children because the systematic belt progression gives kids clear, achievable goals to work toward at every stage of their training.

Do adults need prior martial arts experience to join the Adult Fitness Training program?

No prior experience is needed. The Adult Fitness Training program is designed to meet students at their current fitness level and build from there. Adults are welcome to start with the same free one-on-one introductory lesson available to all new students.

Martial Arts Classes in Gilbert, AZ

We don't believe in locking families into long-term contracts, so you'll never sign one here. Every new student starts with a free one-on-one introductory lesson, and if you're not satisfied within the first 30 days, we'll make it right - that's our satisfaction guarantee. We earned the Arizona Republic 2025 Best Studio award because we focus on what matters most: small class sizes that let our instructors work with each student individually, not just manage a room. Our instructors train continuously so the teaching stays sharp and consistent. We've built a family-friendly environment where kids and adults feel welcome from day one, and we're proud that so many of our families have stayed with us for years because of it.

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We LOVE Kaizen. Sensei Mike and the rest of the staff are truly so amazing. Our son is 5 years old and the self confidence, strength and manners he's learned from Karate at Kaizen has been remarkable. We love how the 3 classes a week provides us with flexibility and our son truly loves going. I can go on and on about how incredible this studio has been for our son and our family. Our son was previously enrolled at another studio in Chandler for a couple months and he never wanted to go, so we were hesitant when he asked to try Karate again. We're SO happy we found Kaizen. Highly recommend.

-Mia K.

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I love the facility and the staff. Sensei Mike takes the time and extra effort to make sure that students fully understand the curriculum before they are able to move on to the next belt. My son has been in for about 7 months and has been experiencing a higher level of confidence, while learning discipline on how to be a better individual outside of karate. There are always lessons during class that apply to what they need to learn for the next belt but it also applies the outside world. I’m currently working towards my 3rd degree black belt and am striving to be a teacher again, and I feel that this is the place to do it!

-Brandon O.

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It has been great for my son, and he has gained so much confidence in and out of class

-David T.

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I can't say enough good things about Kaizen Academy. My son has been a student there for a little over a year and in that time has become a green belt and competed and won his first competition. Sensei Mike has a gift for teaching and working with kids. He knows every student by name and something about them, and goes above and beyond to make everyone feel like family. One of the things I also appreciate about this studio is how Sensei Mike encourages principles of Karate like discipline, focus, and perseverance in student's everyday life. Highly recommend!!

-Mary H.

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I really can't say enough great things about Kaizen Academy. My son was interested in joining martial arts about a year ago and we were referred to Kaizen. He tried it out, joined and has happily stuck it out, which has not always been the case for him and extracurricular activities. Class instruction is well structured and encourages self-discipline, effort and accountability through consistent encouragement and mutual respect. My son exudes confidence since joining and is committed to seeinf it through to a black belt (or two). Despite my introversion, I even decided to join the adult classes. I have noticed a difference already in my fitness and reduced stress levels. I 10/10 recommend giving it a try- the community is very welcoming and Sensei Mike is a pro!

-Ashli F.

Does Kaizen Academy require a long-term contract to enroll?
No, we don't require a contract at any program level. We also back every enrollment with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, so you can get started knowing there's no risk. Every new student begins with a free one-on-one introductory lesson before making any commitment.
What age can my child start martial arts classes at Kaizen Academy?
Children can start as young as age 4 in our Lil' Dragons program, which is designed specifically for that age group. When kids turn 7 and are ready for a more structured curriculum, they move into the Champions Program where they begin working through the Shotokan belt system.
What is the free trial lesson at Kaizen Academy?
Every new student receives a free one-on-one introductory lesson with one of our instructors before they enroll. It's a private session, not a group drop-in, so the student and their family get to experience our teaching style up close. There's no obligation to continue after the lesson.
What is Shotokan karate and is it good for kids?
Shotokan is a traditional Japanese karate style known for its structured technique, disciplined training method, and strong emphasis on character development. It's well-suited for children because the systematic belt progression gives kids clear, achievable goals to work toward at every stage of their training.
Do adults need prior martial arts experience to join the Adult Fitness Training program?
No prior experience is needed. The Adult Fitness Training program is designed to meet students at their current fitness level and build from there. Adults are welcome to start with the same free one-on-one introductory lesson available to all new students.

Martial Arts Classes in Gilbert, AZ

Small Dragons. Future Champions. Lifelong Masters.

Lil' Dragons Program

Champions Program

Masters Program

Adult Fitness Training

What Sets Kaizen Academy Apart

What Gilbert Families Are Saying

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Serving Families Across the East Valley

Questions Parents and Adults Ask Before Enrolling

Does Kaizen Academy require a long-term contract to enroll?

What age can my child start martial arts classes at Kaizen Academy?

What is the free trial lesson at Kaizen Academy?

What is Shotokan karate and is it good for kids?

Do adults need prior martial arts experience to join the Adult Fitness Training program?

Start with a Free Lesson - No Contracts, No Commitment