Martial Arts FAQs in Gilbert

Children can start as young as age 4 in our Lil' Dragons program, which is the youngest entry point at Kaizen Academy. The program is designed specifically for that 4 to 6 age range, with age-appropriate drills, short activities, and simple skill-building that matches how young kids actually learn and stay engaged.

Lil' Dragons (ages 4 to 6) builds foundational movement, listening skills, and age-appropriate discipline through games and simple technique. Champions (ages 7 and up) introduces structured Shotokan karate, formal belt progression, and character development. If your child is 7 or older and ready for structured training, Champions is the right fit.

A student moves into the Masters Program after earning their Green Belt. That milestone reflects demonstrated Shotokan technique, consistent class attendance, and a level of discipline that goes beyond beginner fundamentals. Green Belt is not just a color; it represents real skill and readiness for more advanced training and competition.

Yes, adults with zero martial arts background are welcome. The Adult Fitness Training program combines kickboxing, conditioning, and Shotokan karate fundamentals. It suits people focused on fitness goals, those interested in self-defense, or anyone who has always wanted to try martial arts. Your free introductory lesson is the best starting point.

Tuition varies by program and class frequency. We do not publish a single flat rate because we want to match you with the right program first. There are no hidden fees and no enrollment fee beyond monthly tuition. The best way to get current pricing is to contact us or book your free introductory lesson, which comes with no obligation to enroll. Our 30-day guarantee means you can try the program risk-free.

No contracts, ever. Enrollment at Kaizen Academy is month-to-month at every program level. You are not locked into a long-term commitment, and you will never be asked to sign a multi-month or annual agreement. We believe the quality of our instruction is what keeps students coming back, not a contract that makes it hard to leave.

If you or your child is not satisfied within the first 30 days of enrollment, we will work directly with you to make it right. That may mean adjusting class times, switching program levels, or addressing a specific concern. We stand behind our instruction and want every student to feel confident they are in the right place before that first month is up.

The free introductory lesson is a one-on-one session, not a drop-in to a group class. You will meet Sensei Michael D'aguanno, see the studio, try a few basic techniques, and get honest answers to any questions about programs, schedules, and cost. There is no sales pressure and no obligation to enroll when the lesson is finished.

Classes are available Monday through Friday from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The studio is closed on Sundays. Afternoon and evening slots make it easy to schedule around school, work, and other activities without giving anything up during the week.

Most students attend two to three times per week, and that consistency makes a real difference. Skill builds on skill in Shotokan karate, so showing up regularly is how students retain techniques, move toward the next belt, and build genuine confidence. Two sessions per week is a solid starting point for most kids and adults.

For specific information about makeup class options, please contact us directly at (480) 853-5793 or visit our Contact page. Our team can walk you through available scheduling flexibility based on your program and the sessions you need to cover. We want attendance gaps to be as easy to recover from as possible.

Kaizen Academy of Martial Arts is located at 1450 W Warner Rd Suite 124, Gilbert, Arizona 85233. We are situated in a commercial center on W Warner Rd, near the intersection of Lindsay Rd, making us easy to reach from central Gilbert and surrounding East Valley communities. Parking is available on-site.

Yes, parking is available directly at the studio. Kaizen Academy is located in a strip-mall style commercial center accessible from W Warner Rd, with on-site surface parking for students and families. You should have no trouble finding a spot before or after class during normal operating hours.

We serve students from Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Higley, Ahwatukee Foothills, and communities throughout the East Valley. Most families from surrounding cities are within a 15 to 20 minute drive, making Kaizen Academy a practical choice for the broader Phoenix metro area.

Sensei Michael D'aguanno is the founding instructor at Kaizen Academy of Martial Arts. With years of dedicated Shotokan karate training and teaching experience, he has built a studio recognized by the Arizona Republic as the 2025 Best Studio award winner. His instruction focuses on technical precision, character development, and creating a disciplined but welcoming environment for students of all ages.

Shotokan is a traditional Japanese karate style defined by linear techniques, precise form, and a strong focus on discipline and character development alongside physical training. Unlike sport-focused or mixed-martial-arts styles, Shotokan emphasizes clean, deliberate movement and a structured curriculum that values quality of technique over speed of advancement.

Shotokan's step-by-step progression through kata and technique makes it well-suited for teaching students at every level. The clear milestones, consistent technique standards, and structured learning environment mean kids and adults always know what they are working toward. It is a curriculum designed to build both skill and discipline in a way that carries over beyond the studio.

To book your free one-on-one introductory lesson, visit our Contact page or call us at (480) 853-5793. This is not a drop-in to a group class; it is a private session scheduled specifically for you or your child. It is available for kids starting at age 4 and for adults at any experience level. No commitment is required.

Comfortable athletic wear is perfectly fine for the first class. A gi is not required until after enrollment. Bring a water bottle and wear or bring athletic shoes. Depending on the training area, students may practice barefoot on the mat, so having clean feet ready is a good habit to start. We will walk you through everything on arrival.

After the trial lesson, if you or your child wants to continue, enrollment is simple and month-to-month with no contract. Our 30-day satisfaction guarantee applies from the first day of enrollment. If something is not working in that first month, we will work with you to make it right. The whole process is low-friction by design.