Reviews of Fettinger Karate Academy

Master Fettinger is an excellent teacher and a great human being. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob along with his brother Jim, for close to 18 years. Even though my son and I were studying Tang Soo Do, we cross trained with Bob and his black belts and students for a few years. We learned so much from him, and I would highly recommend getting your whole family involved. What he teaches, from self defense, to respect for others is well worth the time it takes. When Bob was ready to build his own dojo a few years back, I was more than happy to assist, as I knew that he would be able to continue teaching the art that he cares for so much.

Absolutely love his class. He loves what he does and it shows. Can't wait to return to classes

is what Bob will tell you when he inevitably invites you to come to class - but rest assured, there's a lot more to stay for than just learning how to punch and kick and enduring his often-cringe-inducing puns.

Sensei Bob Fettinger has been involved in martial arts for 45 years and has been teaching Shorinji Goshin Do for over 20 of them, in which he maintains a 5th degree Black Belt. Shorinji Goshin Do is a collective art that's foundation is Okinawan karate, but includes training in boxing, judo and aikijutsu.

Class starts with calisthenics and a vigorous warmup, and no one is pushed to do more than they are comfortable doing. The rest of the class consists of learning new skills and making continual improvement in what we've already learned. There is an appropriately strong focus on kata, including teaching self-defense applications of the techniques therein. We'll often practice our techniques against one another in drills and polite light-contact sparring matches while wearing provided safety gear.

When I began 3 1/2 years ago I noticed the great care he takes to make new people and guests feel welcome and comfortable. His emphasis is on safety and practicality. He won't teach you something potentially painful to you without showing you first how to do it without hurting yourself. He also won't teach you something that only works 7 out of 10 times after lots of practice without first teaching you lots of things that will protect you 9 out of 10 times. He is patient, attentive, and versatile in his teaching method. He recognizes that every person comes in with a unique set of strengths and weaknesses, and also that different people learn in different ways - his two decades of teaching experience have given him lots of different approaches that lead students to the understanding and success that he truly wants for each of us.

Donations are accepted, but participating in class will only cost you time, sweat, and effort. Please visit us and see what you think.

I like how great they work with kids! They create a fun atmosphere that the kids enjoy and I think that's what helps them learn so well! My kids have learned a great deal there and hoping to get them back in!

Love the school, have had many comments about the noticeable improvement in my sons attitude since we started attending. He has learned how to be more focused, and patient. Learning to defend himself is just a bonus!

I earned my black belt through Fettinger Karate Academy. In doing that I had the privilege of helping Sensei Fettinger (Sensei Bob) with both the adult and kids class. He is simply an amazing person who teaches karate for the right reasons. There is no ego in him at all. He is more patient than almost anyone I have ever seen, especially with kids. He also has some great people helping him.

If you are looking for a class for your child, you won’t find better. If you are looking for a class for yourself, you won’t find better. Great knowledge, a great skill in passing that knowledge down, fun and active environment is what you will find at Fettinger Karate Academy.

I personally have been going to the class for over 9 years, now, since I was young. Whether old or young, though, the Fettinger Karate Academy helps to teach self control, respect and courtesy, in addition to karate itself. The class is open and welcome. It can be challenging, but classes are always fun, if not a bit lax. Overall, however, it's a great school run by a great man.

I have been training at the Fettinger Karate dojo consistently for almost (3) years and find the environment welcoming for both men and women of all ages. The Sensei is supportive of each student's availability and goals while providing quality instruction with an emphasis on application and practicality. Skills are presented in progression allowing students to build physical potential and fitness. While studying with Fettinger Karate I have increased my physical skills and learned much about the history and culture of Karate. -thank you Sensei Bob.

My son has been going to this class for three years and we love it! Teaches manners, courtesy, respect, self defense, self control, focus, discipline. .. Not just karate. Even though we don't get to make it to class consistently every week, we look forward to the weeks when we do get to attend. Bob is so patient with the kids, and he does an excellent job teaching them not only the karate moves, but when, why, and how to use them. He teaches them that there is no first attack in karate, but to defend themselves if necessary. Overall, I'm so glad we found Fettinger Karate for our son, and I look forward to the day that our younger son is big enough to start class as well.

My family has come to bob for generations, my dad went here i went here and now my kids!

This school is wonderful, it not only teaches you Karate but the practical application of everything you learn. The instructor is more then willing to work with his students and he never yells but teaches through respect. Everyone here wants to help you improve yourself.

This isn't a very strict Dojo (none of the instructors are drill sergeants), though they adhere to courteous etiquette. The instruction is very practical with true self-defense in mind. The focus is on the roots of karate, but also incorporates a blend of more modern defense techniques. Everyone is friendly and helpful, and the classes are generally smaller than most. There's a great deal of individual attention from the instructors. At the time of writing this review, I've been a student at this Dojo for more than a year, and the chief instructor has made a large impact on my life.

Teachers & students are great to work with. You can train as often as schedules allow. If life gets in the way, you are welcomed back. They really want you to succeed.