I’m thankful that I’ve found such a place. I tell all of my friends who have kids about it. I can’t wait to see the future, as my kids take what they learned at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids out into the world.
– Art K.

Karate Kids Santa Monica has been part of our family for 8 years. Our son began taking classes at the original location when he was in preschool; he earned his black belt at age 12. Our daughter, who sat in the lobby as a toddler and watched classes, began her own training at 4-1/2 years old. She earned her black belt this October. Both kids developed power, self-defense skills, and the capacity to perform choreographed katas with amazing focus. Our favorite part of Karate Kids, though, was having a wonderful, long-term relationship with Sensei Dorene. She has been a favorite teacher from the very beginning. We helped celebrate her wedding and two pregnancies!
– F. Kay

Our kids have been with Karate Kids in MB for over two years and love it! Not only karate itself but all the discipline, focus and respect for self and others makes it a wonderful experience for them and for us as parents. They take this learning with them everywhere and we can clearly see the positive impact it has in their lives. The Senseis are great and, at this point, MB could really use a bigger dojo! On to that coveted black belt!
– The Miller Family

When we started at DBKK four years ago my son was six years old, shy, and hesitant to be involved. Now as a ten year old he is involved, serves as a mentor to younger children just starting out, and much less shy. This improvement and growth is due in large part to the environment and people at DBKK. In the beginning our goal for sending our son to DBKK was to learn Karate and ultimately get his Black Belt. In the end, we found those goals to be good, but felt even better about the life lessons and values that DBKK teaches. The decision to send our son to DBKK was a great one because in addition to Karate, they teach so much more that really benefited our child.
– Sarah S.

I cannot say enough great things about Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. All three of my kids attend classes there and have been doing so since they were very young with one now a black belt! Not only does DBKK teach you physical strength and coordination, it teaches and reinforces life skills like respect, trust, honor, and to certainly always try your best. The physical and mental skills my children have learned there carry over in to all other aspects of their lives and have helped shape their confidence and determination.
Thanks for all you do!
– Jennifer F.

I highly recommend Dawn Barnes Karate Kids to anyone who wants their child to have a positive, fun experience while learning invaluable skills. My five year-old grandson has been taking lessons there for the past year. He is mildly autistic and has difficulty focusing and following directions. The wonderful Senseis and Office Staff are very positive with him. Their #1 Rule “Try your best” helps him feel that even if he doesn’t get something right it’s okay as long as he keeps trying. He looks forward to each class and learning awesome karate moves and important self defense techniques. They also teach essential life skills such as respect, honesty, integrity and self esteem that he needs in his everyday life. His favorite activity is the obstacle course where the students do different moves at different stations while energetic music is playing. The encouragement and support he receives has helped him tremendously and he is on track to get his orange belt next week.
– Joan M.

What’s the number one rule of Karate? Always try your best! Truer words were never spoken. I’m going to try MY best to convey how happy I am, that my kids go to Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. For several years I have watched them take that rule and apply it not just in the Dojo, but in everyday life. I’ve seen them apply it at home, at school, and in the community. I’ve watched my kids grow more confident. I’ve seen them become more self aware. I’ve marveled at how respectful they are to others. A good deal of that can be attributed directly to what they’ve learned while taking classes here. It’s a wonderful atmosphere, where families come together to watch their kids learn not just a skill. But, discipline and respect as well.
– A proud Dawn Barnes Karate Kids Parent

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We have been a part of this karate Dojo for almost 6 years. We did not know much when we started coming here, but years later, the teachers at Dawn Barnes Karate have taught our daughter confidence, strength, discipline and have helped shape her into a respectful and kind individual. I have visited many Dojos, and this is not just a place where you learn physical karate, but they also teach the kids to become good citizens. They teach with positivity. It truly is a special place and my daughter loves coming to class. – Kat A

Dawn Barnes Karate is one of the best things that happened to my two young boys. It has helped them respect others, develop focus, listen, follow directions, and gain confidence. Most importantly, they love it! The Senseis are AMAZING. They are a perfect balance of fun and discipline. You can see that they really care. The classes teach them how to demand respect from others by using their words and circle of power. Most of the karate moves are defensive, so they are able to protect themselves. When they learn offensive moves, they are taught to use them with constraint, and only when necessary. My oldest started in the kitties class. He moved onto Tiger Tots, and then Tigers. He is currently a Lion, and will soon be a Dragon. My youngest wasn’t able to do Kitties because of the covid lockdown, but Tiger Tots was a perfect starting point for him. The staff takes covid safety seriously. Everyone is checked at the door before entering the building, and I’ve seen them send kids home for showing up sick. They also keep the facilities clean and tidy. Dawn Barnes Sherman Oaks ROCKS!! – Kanin H.

Dawn Barnes is a karate studio that every child should experience! Lynne and Sensei Liz are so welcoming and helpful! The studio is very clean and organized which is super important. My daughter loves karate and is constantly learning new moves, techniques, and is always asking when she is going back. – Ashley C.

I can’t say enough about this location and its staff. There are many great people that work here. Lynne has been the best #1!!! She is incredible with the children and very understanding with situations that arise. Lynne has great skills in handling both children and the parents (clients). Sensei Tristan has been great with my son inside and outside the dojo. He has given him great advice before and after class and inspired him to be the best he can be. Gabie is very knowledgeable and treats all with kindness and not like just another client or number. As a result of karate and the great people at this location, my son is more focused and his grades have improved. Thank you LYNNE, GABIE, TRISTAN etc!!! – Isaul D.

If I could give them 6 stars I would. I love this school and the entire program. The unlimited class schedule is awesome for kids who are committed and excited to go and learn. They also weave in great lessons about respect, patience and kindness which I think makes DBKK a fun, safe, and welcoming place for all families. This is a wonderful school and we are happy to be a part of the DBKK family! – Stephanie H.

We love this karate dojo. The instructors and staff are dedicated, supportive and knowledgeable. My daughter loves learning their Japanese style of karate. She is more invested and interested with each earned belt. Dawn Barnes Karate Kids has given her self defense skills, confidence and focus that are useful to her everyday life. – H Barofsky

My son started at Dawn Barnes Karate Kids when he was about 4… he’s now 11 and a Black Belt. They have taught him focus, respect, work ethic, and so much more than just karate. The sensei’s have always driven him to be better and strive for more in all areas of life. He is about to age out but plans to come back and be a sensei as soon as he’s old enough. The staff their struggled their way through the pandemic and lost multiple locations and staff. But they never faltered in their commitment to their students and I will happily continue to support them. It’s my kid’s second home! – Jenny D.

We absolutely love Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. Sensei Liz is the best, she does such a great job at keeping things fun while teaching discipline. It has been so great to see kids getting back to the activities they love, and I always feel like they do a good job of keeping things safe. We tried other programs before but this has been the best by far. – Whitney M.

Highly recommend. The staff is wonderful to work with and the kids not only have a great time but they learn a ton. Run safe and responsibly. A small business more than worth supporting! – Margo P.

I enjoy Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. It’s a great family to be a part of. There is a lot of camaraderie here. It’s a positive atmosphere to be involved in. My kids are more confident. They are very motivated to do well in school. They now do very well in school. I think that the recognition here at Dawn Barnes, it goes beyond just self-defense. Also, the mental aspect of doing well in school, building positive self-esteem , character, there’s assignments that are discussed, and I think that helps the kids. When they recognized by their peers when they come into class with their good report card, or maybe a test that they did well on or a project that they did well on, not only does the teacher recognize them but they’re recognized in front of the whole school. I think that’s very important for building self-esteem and being recognized by their peers. My kids get up in front of the class with ease, probably even more so than myself. Danny, I hear from his teacher, he’s like one of the first ones to raise his hand. He had no problem in communicating in front of the classroom. Rachel, she helps out here at Dawn Barnes and I watched her just the other night, she was really enjoying herself just being in a teaching atmosphere, working with the kids. And I just really felt proud of her, that she didn’t have to be out playing, hanging out with her friends anywhere. She was doing positive in her life and really enjoying it. I would definitely recommend Dawn Barnes Karate Kids. It’s healthy for the whole family. The whole family is involved. You build your strength, your stamina. You obviously get self-defense skills. You build your mental character. So you’re strong person and you may be mentally more apt to get away. – Roberto C.

We are thrilled with our experience at Dawn Barnes! The instructors are patient, skilled, and have a wonderful way with the kids…and Miss Lynn is awesome! Our son (7) has grown in confidence and skill over the last year. The studio is well-organized, clean, and safe. We highly recommend this place to any parent looking for a fun, friendly, and effective martial arts program for their child.- Chili Palmer