Reviews of Japanese Karate Toyama-kai

I have trained in karate for 20 years and my couple years of training with Hanshi Bob Hollinger was one of the best experiences I have had with martial arts. He teaches karate how it is taught in Japan and can change a person to become a very strong martial artist and teach a thing or two about life. If he lived close to me I would still be training with him today.

Patrick Curley

Nidan Shotokan Karate

Our son Max is very shy, but instructor Bob has a special way. Max looks forward to each weekly session and is gaining self confidence.

How many people in the world have the opportunity to train under an 8th degree black belt trained in Japan. Bob is a true master at his craft and abides by the traditional Japanese Karate principals. It is a pleasure to watch him work.

I had the unique privilege of training with Master Hollinger in California, and it proved to be one of the most significant positive life choices that I have ever made. Training consists of far more than mere Karate training, though you will be hard pressed to find its equal, it is, rather, a combination of physical, mental and philosophical challenges that help prepare his practitioners to manage any potentially volatile situation, or difficult decision, with confidence, wisdom, humility, and ultimately balance. I have searched for many years since our training together, and as yet have not found this unique combination of training elements that are patently Master Hollinger's training style, and a direct extension of Toyama-kai, the practice of authentic Japanese Bushido, the warrior way.

Japanese Karate Toyama-kai is a rare find that provides excellent, disciplined and very well informed instruction combined with the teaching of respect, honor, discipline, integrity, courage and loyalty at every class. With this kind of powerful & positive teaching - especially to young kids in their formative years - it is joyful to watch their personal transformations. More importantly, this particular school, unlike any that I have experienced, goes beyond teaching "technical martial arts skills" - they teach life skills which is why the students who attend, not only continue to return, but they continue to flourish in the most important years of their personal development. This is one of those rare places that we discover in our own back yards that I can say "It is one of the best places to study Martial Arts that I recommend without reservation."

I studied with Bob Sensei in Japan for 8 years.

He lived in Japan for many years and is one of the few non-Japanese 8th degree blackbelts who earned his belts in Japan from true Japanese masters.

He makes no money from teaching karate -- any excess money from the classes is donated to charity -- so he is not forced to corrupt the true nature of Japanese budo to make it more commercially appealing.

I highly recommend his classes. He teaches because he loves to teach. He does not stand around watching his students, but leads by example. He is an educator by profession, so he knows how to inspire his students.

Knowing Mr. Hollinger as I do,I can say that his student's are getting a wealth of information,his undivided attention,and they are probably having a blast doing it as well.While not a student,i understand the peace and tranquility that martial arts can bring ,and I know that Mr Hollinger makes this aspect just as important as every stance and exercise.