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

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.

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.”

Nicole Gero

A wonderful experience. Made my daughter feel welcome and gain confidence. She is excited to come and learn new skills. Excited to be part of the family.

Patty Lee

I cannot recommend Krav Maga Martial Arts school enough! The facility is always clean and well-maintained. Grand Master Del Castillo and his instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and patient, taking the time to ensure everyone understands the techniques. They truly care about each student's progress. The atmosphere is very friendly and encouraging... making it a safe space to learn. In just a few classes, I’ve noticed that the other students are very happy there. If you are looking to learn how to defend yourself or a fun way to get in shape.. this is the best place to go!

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!

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.

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.

Jonathan Fudge

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

J D

1+ years in. Still 5 stars!

Shakirah Devoux

Amazing school great instructors

Pedro Aquino

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

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

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.

Lauren Moore

My daughter (6) is really developing into a strong leader and improving in her self discipline especially at home. We’ve seen her pushback lessen more and more with being part of the KMMA family and are excited to see her embark on her leadership aspect this dojo offers. I also participate in classes and enjoy learning the self defense and get a good workout too! Grand Master has also instilled incentives for having positive life changes outside of the dojo such as earning character stripes for healthy eating, a job list (my fav as a parent), and turn it off (electronics) to name a few. We are excited to continue our blackbelt journeys side by side.

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.

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!

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

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!!!

Brian Alegado

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!

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!

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.

Blanca Cabrera - Future KMMA Blackbelt

I love it, it's a great community.

Chris Rosa

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

Patricia Rodriguez

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

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.

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!

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!

B Leon

Great school and everyone here is so helpful and nice.

Kinzie Morey

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!!!