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

Brian Alegado

Blanca Cabrera - Future KMMA Blackbelt

I love it, it's a great community.

Alexandra Garcia-Bicknell

We’ve been part of the KMMA Tribe for a year now and we couldn’t be happier. ALL the instructors are absolutely amazing. They are so patient, positive and encouraging. My child and I truly feel like we are part of a close community. We love KMMA

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!

Christie Rosa

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

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!

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.

Sarah Williams

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

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!

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!

Artemis Rivera

My mother and I train at this amazing family-friendly dojo focused on practical real world self-defense. We're not very tall and we're not very strong but every day we learn new techniques to help us get home safely--no matter the situation. We love training here and look forward to earning our black belts in the next few years!

Rebecca Randall

I’m so happy we started coming here! We get to exercise, build discipline and self confidence together as a family. Everyone on staff has been so kind and encouraging. I appreciate sempi Tia and how she was able to get my daughter engaged and motivated with her lessons. Shihan Winston is a fantastic and skillful teacher. I appreciate his patience with beginners. We’re so grateful to the team for welcoming us like family.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

Scott Keene

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!

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.

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.

Travis Green

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.

MARGARET PRESSNER

My family had recently suffered a very sudden loss that left us heartbroken. My youngest then stopped expressing herself and started going inward… she is in the greatest most supportive school and has a therapist and still… so quiet So we arrived at this amazing welcoming place where I heard her use her voice for the first time in months, where she smiles while learning to defend herself . All the staff knew our story, they all made sure to embrace her and for that I will be eternally grateful. This is a place to find what you are looking for; maybe its self defense, confidence, discipline or simply to find the quiet voice inside you and let it out in a big Warrior scream

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.

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.

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!

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.

Jenna Vasquez

So glad God crossed our paths with Sensei Allie at the movie theaters. This is the coolest place with the kindest, most encouraging and motivating staff I’ve ever witnessed. The young senseis are truly an inspiration even for me as I sit watching my son in class. The energy is just so good and uplifting! Thank you, KMMA, for being such a blessing for our community!

Dana Ceparano

I just signed my 9 year old daughter up and am looking forward to seeing her growth! We love that the staff is also so involved with her school.

Greg Moody

They're the best Krav Maga and Martial Arts school of any kind, anywhere, in Tampa, Clearwater, Lutz or Land 'o Lakes! The instructors are both knowledgable and caring and our family loves the classes!

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!

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.

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!

Luke Riverton

Besides your child learning self defense in case they should ever need it, KMMA teaches true value lessons in life on how to be an upstanding adult in the future. This place is amazing!!!!

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.

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!

Shakirah Devoux

Amazing school great instructors

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!

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!

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