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

Mia Marie

Love the instructor and benefits. Me and my family are signed up excited for our journey

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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!

Kinzie Morey

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Sarah Williams

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

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!

J D

1+ years in. Still 5 stars!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

Jonathan Fudge

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.

Blanca Cabrera - Future KMMA Blackbelt

I love it, it's a great 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.

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.

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!

Travis Green

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

Gaby Resto

I am having a great experience so far. I have been going for about two weeks and I feel like I have learned so much already, thanks to all the great instructors.

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!

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.

Christie Rosa

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.

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!

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.

Pedro Aquino