UKO Karate

Reviews 11

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Kerry Melcher

It is hard to imagine what my life would be like if I hadn’t taken the journey to black belt at UKO Karate. They helped me move from a place of fear and nervousness to a place of self-confidence and courage. It was a long journey but worth it. UKO Karate develops the mind, body and spirit. The classes are not just about the physical aspects of karate, the body, but also about the mind and the spirit. Respect, self-confidence, courage and developing a spirit of never giving up are emphasized in every class. Sensei Grout has the karate classes planned out in a progression of lessons that build and develop your skills and prepares you for the next level. Each level is progressively more difficult but seems easy because you are building skills as you go. The instructors are great about helping you improve your techniques during class. As an older adult, I really like that UKO Karate is a non-contact dojo. Yes, I get an occasional bump or bruise but for the most part I don’t worry about getting injured every time I go to class. When I first started I was watching one of the upper belt classes free spare and wondered, “How can they go all out like that and not get hurt or hit each other?” UKO teaches control, precision and power. The control and precision are what allows us to go all out without hitting or hurting each other. Over the last twelve years during my journey from white belt to black belt at UKO Karate, I have been able to learn so many things; Karate, self-defense techniques, eskrima/arnis fighting sticks, nunchucks, Kendo sword fighting, sai, bow staff, knife and gun disarms, and walking cane self-defense. Karate will always be in my heart and the spirit of never giving up is a way of life now. Thank you Sensei Grout, Sensei Roland, Sensei Record and all the instructors at UKO Karate for helping me on my journey.

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12

123degreeswest

I have been with UKO Karate in Port Orchard for nearly 25 years, and I am not finished yet! I had tried Shotokan and American Free Style Karate before I found UKO, and in those 25 years I have visited numerous other schools in the USA and Europe. I have come to the conclusion UKO is the best karate school I have ever encountered. Sensei Grout, the lead instructor, has managed to balance the rigors of karate training with an enjoyable, fun, dojo. His concern and care for all his students is reflected in their skill and devotion to him and to karate. Is it easy to get a black belt at UKO? Depends what you mean by easy. If you train consistently and regularly Sensei Grout will tell you most students can get a black belt in 4-6 years. You may find some styles will give you a black belt after 2 years. That is the difference - the training and a black belt from UKO is worth the extra effort and time. If you are interested in karate I suggest you look around to see what other schools are available and how they teach, then go to UKO.

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Jessica S

UKO Karate is the best! I started taking lessons there when I was about 12. (Im 22 now) I started out really shy, my parents were hoping it would spark a little confidence. It absolutely did! Im not sure I was even there for a year before I started helping teach the younger students, I attended any class I could get in to, any day of the week. Currently thanks to something called life, Im taking a little break due to time constraints (full time working, full time student), but as soon as I get college out of the way I will go back without a doubt! UKO and its amazing instructors (as well as the students who are still my friends) have done wonderful things for my self esteem, confidence, Ive learned important life lessons, and picked up a wonderful way to work out and defend myself if I need to. Thanks UKO!!

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Nick Spence

UKO is a top-notch karate school that I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in karate, self defense, exercise, or a new perspective on life. The instructors are incredible! Training is a class-based environment where everyone is given individual attention and personal goals for improvement. The training is equally challenging and rewarding. Sensei Grout will always be a role model and hero to me. The confidence, leadership ability, and perseverance that I learned during my time at UKO has served me well in all aspects of my life. Much of my success now would not have been possible without the skills I learned through this training. This dojo is absolutely worth your time.

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Chris Gronberg

If you are looking for people who truly care about and encourage your child to do well, UKO Karate is the place to go. The instructors are very knowledgeable in the art and take their job seriously. They are great role models. Our son has gone to UKO since he was six years old. He aspires to be a black belt and open his own dojo someday. The skies the limit and dreams can be reached. Thank you Sensei Grout and staff for making a positive impact in my sons life. You care not only about the student but his/her family as well.

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David Irons

We can’t believe how much our children love karate, and it’s because of the instructors at UKO Karate. The instructors care about each and every student, always encouraging them to do and be their best. We know our children will be attending karate class at UKO Karate for years to come. UKO Karate is helping our children build the skills and the confidence to take on karate... and the world. - Deborah and David Irons

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jimmie sornito

UKO is one of the few schools that still focus on the traditional aspects of karate. They teach with the traditional foundation based on respect, discipline, honor and integrity. With this method they are able to help develop kids to become good citizens and future leaders while still having fun at the dojo. Use one of the many trail offer they have and see for yourself. I highly recommend them. Five stars all day!

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Joe Vasquez

Excellent, well trained instructors. Got my first job from here. Was my first sport in school. Joined at a young age and loved it the whole way through. Learned a lot of valuable life lessons and coping skills. Gave me great self confidence and motivation. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn a martial art or to try something new.

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Karen Eddington

I started with UKO in the early 90s, watched the dojo grow and expand, and expand again (!) but more importantly, have seen so many people of all ages achieve their goals there. Students learn that it is indeed possible, through determination, focus, and hard work, to do that which they may never have thought they could do.

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John Bass

I have the utmost respect for UKO and Sensei Grout, Sensei Record, Sensei Edgar and the entire Staff. Discipline and respect are taught with patience and encouragement. Sensei Grout is a giver...to the community...to our kids...to their future!

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Hannah Miller

It is an amazing karate school I love the instructors and the class material. I love the experience and hope more people try it too.

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