Reviews

Read what our parents and students think about us

Below you will find reviews and testimonials from current and former Krav Maga Martial Arts students and their parents in Lutz, FL.

We pride ourselves on being recognized as a Top Rated Martial Arts School by Go2Karate.com. We hope that your experience on our website is friendly and easy to use.

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mother and daughter

Christina Sallustio

If you are around me for more than 5 minutes, you will hear me talk about Tampa Krav Maga. I recommend it to everyone. KMMA has been life-changing for myself and my children; my original intent was to give my homeschool boys an opportunity to learn and perfect a skill - but it is so much more. The instructors are incredible, the skills practiced are empowering, the personal growth is phenomenal! We have made new friends and feel connected like extended family to the staff and fellow trainees.

Gary Brashier

Always a great class. Instructors make it fun and push you to do your best. I truly look forward to coming to every class

Anna Kimera

This place is just one of those places where you feel the magic. The owner and his wife are both just wonderful human beings and the family that is created there is just wonderful. You can feel the love and care for every single child. My son loves his black belt leadership program. And it keeps him in a great state of mind. I highly recommend this place for the whole family.

Whitney Lynn

Hands down the most amazing people.. . I love watching them practice for the black belt test , hearing the stories they tell and the great advice they give. Every time I go to watch a class I enjoy myself to the fullest, they are so attentive to everyone and patiently teach them what they have forgotten .. as soon as class is over and I leave I just can’t help but think wow! Because most of the people have come so far in just a short amount of time. I highly recommend putting your Children in or even just making it a family thing. Very great techniques are used in this dojo.

Lymari Kust - (Jayden’s Mom)

This program teaches so much more than any other team sports can offer. The motivation, life skills, and personal growth achieved impacts your life forever! Love this place!

LTC Jay Ellison - US Army (Ret)

Great environment for families and individual training! I've been very impressed with the culture and quality of instructors at Tampa Krav Maga. My individual instruction has been outstanding, and the class atmosphere is one I'm happy to bring my children to and learn in.

Brin Jackson

Joining KMMA has been one of the best decisions we've ever made for Cassidy. I spent a year researching different schools and disciplines for Martial Arts, and on the recommendation of a dear friend of my father's, I found KMMA. The website drew me in, the curriculum and leadership skills discussed were amazing, and something you don't find everywhere. To be honest, I hadn't found them in any of the other local dojos/disciplines. Our intro session confirmed what the website had promised. Sensei Lydia, then Senpai Lydia taught that into session with such energy and positivity that Cassidy fell in love with the art. Since then, we have seen an improvement in her. She has never been diagnosed with ADHD, however she does show some classic symptoms, and this program is helping her develop coping skills to retrain how she interacted with the world. She is more independent in school work and chores. Her self discipline has increased, and she is cleaning up around the house without prompting. Which proves that the Character Work Sheets for stripes really does flow into creating good habits overall. She sees, every class, what this dedication will lead to, because she gets to watch the leadership/CIT students that came before her climb the ranks. She saw Senpai Lydia become Sensei Lydia, and she sees Sensei Ayden, only a few years older than her succeeding at both KM and in life. She is more respectful of those around her. Cassidy is also less likely to find fault and more likely to see places to complement others because of the leadership program. Thank you, Grandmaster and team- Shihan Carolyn, Sensei's Allie, James, John, Ayden, Lydia, Winston and Charlie, you have my eternal gratitude for all you have done and continue to do for Cassidy and the entire KMMA family.

Erik St. Martin - KMMA Leadership Student and Blackbelt Candidate, father or Wyatt and Allie, KMMA Leadership Students and future KMMA Blackbelts Principal Software Engineering Manager, Microsoft

I started training at KMMA with two of my children a couple of years ago. I wanted to get them into more active hobbies, learn self-discipline, and work toward something that takes a long time to achieve. I believe it’s valuable to learn early, the feeling that comes from achieving something you’ve worked hard for. Additionally, I decided to train with them, to share something with them I loved to do when I was younger and to get myself back into shape after a bad injury and years of being sedentary. In a short period of time, I’ve seen so much growth in them, their confidence in particular. They absolutely love all the sensei at KMMA who make every class fun and engaging, and friendships they’ve made from working with their training partners. I have also seen a lot of growth in myself, my stamina and flexibility have improved considerably, but most of all the tremendous sense of pride I have watching my children grow every day and getting to share this journey with them. There is no doubt they will be incredible leaders and blackbelts due to the lessons instilled in them by all the amazing sensei, and the lessons of Grand Master. I’m so glad we decided to join the KMMA family.

Erik Rodriguez

Truly a great place to train. A family friendly environment, clean, well run and not your average “dojo”. The staff is knowledgeable, courteous, empathetic and always there to help. Our family has benefited immensely from our training both in martial arts and everyday life. KMMA has changed our life for the better in every way. We will forever be grateful to GM Stephen Del Castillo for all he has done for our family. If you have kids and are looking into martial arts, look no further. KMMA specializes in creating leaders and empowering lives through martial arts. They take the time to actually develop leadership techniques that will last a lifetime. HIGHLY RECOMMEND KMMA and the Blackbelt Leadership Program!

Kevin Gouveia

The instructors were all amazing! They made it fun, interactive and overall the students learned something new and tried their best. That’s why I love the school.

Jeremy Haddix

My son and I have been a part of the KMMA family for just over a year now and we love it. Not only do we learn the best self defense techniques on the planet, but we also learn life lessons and wisdom from Mr. Del Castillo and his highly trained staff. Everyday we learn something new, get a good workout and have fun. We will be members for life.

Julie Jackson

My son just had a birthday party and had an absolute blast! They exceeded my expectations. They had games and and obstacle course which the kids loved! They also provided pizza. It was so easy on me. Everything was well planned and ruined perfectly. Thank you for making my son's day!

Kinzie Morey

Your family is awesome. The way you teach and how patient you are with students is amazing.

Ashley Ruggiero -- mother of KMMA Future Blackbelt Hayden and Owner, Lulita’s Sweets

My family and I joined KMMA almost two years ago. It has been such an amazing experience! I love that my husband, daughter and I get to train together as a family alongside other families as well. KMMA has become like a second family. Everyone from the staff to the students are amazing to work with. I never thought that at my age I would be training to earn a black belt but everyone in the dojo is so encouraging and supportive. We have gained so much knowledge, discipline and confidence since joining. Lessons we learn in the dojo have helped all of us with our jobs, schooling and life outside the dojo. Glad we took this leap!

Blanca Cabrera - Future KMMA Blackbelt

I love it, it's a great community.

Bill Cronin - President / CEO, Pasco EDC

I chose to train at Krav Maga Martial Arts (KMMA) in Land O’Lakes because when Grand Master Steve Del Castillo teaches, he’s not just delivering a product or service... he is reinforcing a lifestyle and providing leadership training that will be with me for the rest of my life.”

Raquel GH

Highly recommended. Excellent Real-World self-defense training. Many years of experience in the world of martial arts and very impressive black belt retention compared to other schools in the area. This is a dojo that caters to adults and children. When I was looking for a school for my son, I specifically looked for one that had significant adult student enrollment. To me, it is a measure of how real, how serious and how effective the school is. It’s not just child’s play, it’s the real deal.

Nicholas Cuneo

My young son and I could not be happier with our experience so far. He loves it, which means I love it. The programs are well thought out, The staff is helpful and eager to teach. A great environment to for anyone to learn a valuable skill while having fun. I Highly recommend for any age, gender or level of fitness. You guys Rock!

Dr. Michael Reisman - KMMA Leadership Student and 1st Degree Blackbelt, Certified

This is a very supportive atmosphere where the instructors and senior students all band together to help you on your journey to black belt excellence. I love the Blackbelt Leadership Program and the lessons Grandmaster and the team give all for success in school, work and life!

PAUL MERCER - FOUNDER/CEO, MERCER REALTY GROUP

I’VE BEEN ATTENDING CLASS AT KMMA FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO TRAIN. THE STAFF ARE FRIENDLY AND PROFESSIONAL. IT IS GREAT FOR ALL AGES, MALE OR FEMALE, THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT EVERY LEVEL. IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GETTING STARTED OR A SEASONED MARTIAL ARTIST GO A VISIT. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED.

Rebekah Street

We are loving the family class at Tampa Krav Maga! When Grand Master Steve presented my three children and I with our white belts, he had the perfect words of encouragement for each one of us. The environment is welcoming and fun, with knowledgeable instructors who are excited to teach. I love it, and we are all looking forward to gaining skills, discipline and focus, while having a good time together. Thank you so much!

Ruthe Flores - KMMA Leadership Student and KMMA 2nd Degree Blackbelt Leader, mother of Geno and Jordan, KMMA 2nd Degree Blackbelt Leaders and Elena, future KMMA Blackbelt CMSgt, US Air Force (Ret)

We LOVE the Blackbelt Leadership program and it’s so awesome that we get to train together as a family! If you’re thinking about becoming a Blackbelt, step up to Leadership program…You’ll be glad you did!

Jannie Gunnlaugsson

I love everything about this place! I went for a free women's self-defense class and then was offered a two week trial of their Krav Maga classes and I loved them! This style of martial arts is so much better than the karate I took as a kid! There are no katas or routines to learn; it's all about self-defense. You hit your attacker with everything you've got and get home safely. You can do these techniques whether you're a 300 pound man or a 100 pound grandmother. I was concerned, at first, that I wouldn't be able to do this sort of thing because of my back and neck problems, but I was encouraged to work at my own pace and everyone has been very accommodating. I've been going for just over two months now and I can already stand a lot longer than I could before and I'm getting stronger with every class! I've found that many of the other adults have similar limitations or old injuries and we've all been able to do these classes. If you're not sure if you can do it, do a two week free trial and find out! You might be surprised. I also love the welcoming, family atmosphere here! The instructors all learned my name right away and have welcomed me to every class. They use a lot of positive reinforcement and high fives, so I always feel good there. Finally, I love what I'm learning there! I can already defend myself from chokes, headlocks and some knife attacks and I also know how to hit back hard and fast! As a single woman, I love knowing that I can defend myself if attacked! That alone is invaluable! I feel stronger and more self-confident and that feeling has carried over into my everyday life. I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone take these classes!

Richard Woodward

From the moment that I stepped into the dojo in June I have had nothing but a positive experience from interactions with fellow students, the instructors, to Shihan himself. This is a close knit family atmosphere and it makes the training evolutions easy to learn, apply, and grow on. Just got my Orange Belt, and one day I hope to get my Black Belt and join the elite of this school in due time!!! Outstanding School!!!

Daniel Venturino - KMMA Leadership Student and Probationary Blackbelt

I have wanted to take martial arts for many years. I was specifically interested in Krav Maga. From the first class, I was hooked. The Sensei are amazing, and I look forward to training with my fellow classmates! Enrolling in the Black Belt Leadership and Certified Instructor Training has been invaluable for my personal development, mental growth and physical fitness.

Jay Ellison

Great environment for families and individual training! I've been very impressed with the culture and quality of instructors at Tampa Krav Maga. My individual instruction has been outstanding, and the class atmosphere is one I'm happy to bring my children to and learn in.

Sunen Linares

I have never felt better about my health and my capacity to keep myself and my family safe than since I joined the KMMA family. My son an I have worked with all the instructors and I can honestly say that they have all taught us something different about ourselves and our capabilities. I could not ask for a better group of people to influence our lives and encourage us to always reach higher than we think possible. Thank you

John Warwick - KMMA 1st Degree Certified Blackbelt and father of Probationary Blackbelt Maddon

The KMMA team is extremely welcoming and very eager to help elevate students of all ages and experience levels. In my opinion, some dojos can be a little overwhelming or intimidating, but not KMMA. The staff does a great job of immediately making you feel included as a part of the family. Through personal experience, I highly recommend the KMMA Leadership program as it continues to help me excel in my career with each Leadership seminar. I take away key factors in being a better, more balanced employee, father, husband, role-model and person all together. If you are interested in martial arts, would like to improve yourself physically and mentally, help your child do better in school and at home and have fun while learning the art of self-defense, look no further than KMMA!

Melissa Bretz - Leadership Student, Mental Health Professional and future KMMA Blackbelt and parent of Abigail, KMMA Leadership Student and Future KMMA Blackbelt

The instructors and staff have been amazing! You can tell GrandMasters' passion and truly genuine nature. When you have owners/instructors that engage with their students it makes a world of difference. All the Sensei are absolutely amazing with my daughter! Their patience and encouragement helped her achieve her next goal. The atmosphere is family and the students are respectful, well rounded, and encouraging. I highly recommend and am looking forward to seeing my daughter achieve her goals with the leadership, encouragement, patience, respect, and genuine care that this environment provides.

Dani Tredway - KMMA Leadership Student and KMMA Blackbelt Candidate, mother of Kelly, future KMMA Blackbelt

I am a firm believer that God will use anything to make us the person he wants us to be. Late in my twenties, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I had learned to compensate for ADHD, but I knew there had to be more to improving my life and being the person God called me to be. One day I set a goal to improve my focus, lower the stress level, and increase my confidence. As my daughter and I did KMMA together, through the Blackbelt Leadership program, my focus began to improve, my stress level lowered, and my confidence began to shine. I am also a firm believer that God will also throw in a bonus just to show you how good he is. Recently, my husband commented that he noticed how calm and courageous I had become. He noticed I was no longer codependent with certain areas of my life. I didn't even know it at the time because I was so focused on my goal. Today I can say I have lowered my stress, improved my focus, improved my physical health, made new friends, become a better parent, strengthened my confidence, and have become a fearless, courageous leader. Though I have a goal of becoming a Sensi and later a Shihan, I have a long way to go. I never want to stop learning. I want my daughter to see how strong of a leader her mother is and serve as a role model for her. The Blackbelt Leadership program is just one way you can become the leader you need to be.

Stan Zubrin

If you are looking for guidance, physical or spiritual this is the place! Need your kid to learn importance of teamwork and community, again this is the place! You want to reach you dream of focusing your energy and finally earning that elusive dream of becoming a black belt, again this is the place and these are the people who will walk with you side by side trough out your journey!

Shannon Wittwer - mother of Sensei Charlie, KMMA Instructor and 2nd Degree Blackbelt Leader

If you are looking to add to your life.....discipline, confidence, strength, comradery, and knowing that you can defend yourself in an uncertain world (if God forbid it ever came to that), then you should just jump in with both feet. The founder, owner, and master instructor is top notch and runs a top notch dojo. His staff is absolutely wonderful and they never stop striving for excellence. Check it out asap!

Matt Kay - KMMA BlackBelt Leadership Student and Probationary Blackbelt, husband of KMMA Probationary Blackbelt Laura and father of KMMA Probationary Blackbelt, Sammy

Not only are we having fun learning self defense but we are getting in great shape doing so. Instructors are always friendly and willing to go the extra mile. Classes are all ages so the whole family can travel the path to black belt together. You even get a free two week trial so you've got nothing to lose in coming to check it out.

Hagen Dean

Grandmaster Steven Del Castillo taught the class, and it was amazing. He is amazing. Such words of wisdom that really make a difference in people's lives. And great self defense and fun!

Nichole Derouin

From a parent, my child attends KMMA. She has been showing a complete turn around in home and school settings with leadership, confidence and determination! Absolutely love the skills she has acquired to become the BEST version of herself!

Yvette Rollings

The BEST personal investment I have made in my kids’ lives. It's not just the lessons in self-defense I am referring to (although they are exceptional) BUT rather the personal, intentional investing this like-minded group of instructors and support staff consistently pours into each student every single week. They inspire students to grow mentally and physically.

Jazmine Diamantopoulos - KMMA Leadership Student and future blackbelt, mother of Joseph, KMMA 1st Degree Blackbelt, Certified and Julie, future KMMA Blackbelt and wife of Mario, future KMMA Blackbelt

Parents want the best for their kids! Not all schools are the same. KMMA is EXTRAORDINARY! It is many steps beyond the rest. We were blessed with two kids that are FULL OF ENERGY. KMMA is the perfect fit for them. They are kept moving all the time, and they never sit out waiting for their turn. They get their aerobic activity while learning real life defense skills. My kids are learning real techniques to protect themselves. Most importantly, they are learning how to be good human beings during the class. Academic schools do not have the time to really create a good human being with wholesome values. They can say they do it, but they really do not have time for this with all the state requirements and bureaucracy that must be met. A good human being takes time to nurture and develop. KMMA is truly committed to this task. The way a business will succeed and flourish is by its leaders. It is a pyramid effect. The philosophy at the top ripples to the bottom. Great leadership is definitely seen from the Grand Master, to the instructors, all the way down to the students. Kids absorb everything they are surrounded by. The instructors at KMMA are exceptional role models for my kids to learn from. They are kind, understanding, and great leaders. Before my kids are promoted to the next level, they must document their self discipline, healthy lifestyle, and the leadership roles they are performing in addition to their regular skills training. The classes are always fun. My kids love KMMA! Before you go anywhere else, try KMMA! You will not regret it, and your kids will be truly happy! Don't miss out on your blessing!

Belle Thomas

My family has 3 generations studying KMMA with Shihan Stephen Del Castillo. We think this is a grand opportunity for all age groups to study with the fine staff assembled here.

Matthew Reinecke

This is an absolutely great place to train. The staff is very knowledgeable and very helpful and it’s just an all-around fantastic atmosphere. I cannot say enough good things about KMMA. It’s run by great people who really love the martial arts and love to teach people. You absolutely cannot go wrong training at KMMA.

Imran Gulmohamed

This place is amazing!!! Truly one of a kind!!! From the moment you step into the dojo everyone is friendly, positive and make you feel like you're family. The self-defense and personal development they teach they has a real life application that the instructors have gained through experience and wisdom. I have gained so much from my time here and I'm proud to say that I am a member for life!!! I would definitely recommend it to any of my family and friends!!!