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 and Port Richey, 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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Then don't forget to check out all of the other reviews and see what others saying about our community service, martial arts instructors, programs, and much more. We take pride in teaching a high quality martial arts, offering great customer service and in our online reputation.

mother and daughter

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!

LumiNidum Health

We love KMMA, it's super fun, it has helped my child with her confidence. You should go and visit, come in and try a free class

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!

Christopher Pesapane

My daughter really enjoyed her first couple of classes. Good group of people and I think it is a good fit for her.

Vickielynn Pringle

KMMA he’s not only a martial arts school but also a leadership school. Both my sons and myself are working on developing our confidence and our leadership abilities through this school. My eight-year-old does chores now because he looks forward to getting those stripes and a chance at getting metals and trophies. Both of my boys have been told that how polite they are because of the language respect that we learn at the school. I know of many martial arts schools, but this one actually listens to you and works with you if you have prior injuries and they really build you up.

Shakirah Devoux

Amazing school great instructors

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!

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!

Matty

Welcomed with smiles and warm greetings today during my first ever KMMA class. Great group of individuals who want to see you succeed. I am so grateful to everyone who helped make today a truly positive experience. Thank you!

Renee Belmont

My granddaughter loves it here. She was engaged right away and the teachers are so patient and kind!

Travis Green

B Leon

Great school and everyone here is so helpful and nice.

Christopher Rodriguez

Really excited about this new journey. I did a couple sessions and loved it. Can’t wait to learn more and be apart of this amazing community.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Jay Jay Coley

The instructors are Amazing. Classes are Great, the attention give to the students young & old. The overall atmosphere is Great! Attention to the techniques and small details them is Aces!

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!!!

Chris Rosa

Grateful for the community and techniques learned! So grateful do Sensei Allie’s VIP treatment and all of the KMMA staff!

Jonathan Caplinger

KMMA is second to none. Grand Master Steve has curated an exceptional program to create confident and competent black belt leaders, and he is backed up by an amazing staff. You feel welcomed from the moment you enter the doors, and the instruction that follows is encouraging, detailed and inclusive. If you’ve been looking for a place to train, look no further.

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.

Stephanie Burton

My daughter has been with KMMA for several weeks now, and we have seen a great improvement in her attitude, focus, and self-discipline. The instructors are fantastic and do a great job motivating the class. She loves the program and has made several good new friends. Highly recommend this program to literally everyone!

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.”

Scott Keene

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

Nicole Watson

My family joined the KMMA family almost 9 months ago and we have learned self defense, life skills for success and our confidence has grown. All of the instructors truly care about helping you learn how to make what you are doing better, get a good workout and have fun while doing it. We are thankful for a dojo where our entire family can learn something new each time and grow into Blackbelt leaders one day.

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!!!

Christie Rosa

Pedro Aquino

Jessica Beltrame

Great team work. Very organized group. I requested 1 free class. They offered more, but it did not work for my schedule. When I got at the place, everyone knew about me and tried to make me feel welcome. They were flexible with my schedule during the period of free classes. Hopefully I will be back.

Brian Alegado

James-Nicole Watson

We have been a part of KMMA for 9 months and our confidence and self discipline has grown with our training and in our personal lives. The instructors and senseis truly care about helping you learn.

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!

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.

Sarah Williams

Wonderful first experience! Sensei Allie was so helpful and encouraging. I can't wait for my next lesson!

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.

J D

1+ years in. Still 5 stars!

Jordan Griggs

Had our son's birthday party here today and it was a fantastic experience. Sensei Aidyn and the other adult helper made sure every child enjoyed their time. They helped set up before and clean up after, they provided a fun obstacle course for the kids, and let everyone participate in a martial arts training course. Every child had fun, learned something new, and had a great time. Would definitely recommend having a party or taking classes at KRAV.

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

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.

Blanca Cabrera - Future KMMA Blackbelt

I love it, it's a great community.

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.

Patricia Rodriguez

My child loves the environment and the instructors are so patient.