Reviews of Kokondo Martial Arts of Greater St Louis

I had been with another dojo for several years before I joined Kokondo. In the old dojo, kata was something you learned and were tested on. It was nothing more. Nobody in my old dojo liked kata. In the old dojo, we were taught the motions of plenty of defense techniques, but the sensei never had us practice using them.

In this dojo, with every class, we learn and practice effective techniques. That is what Karate was supposed to be, anyway – self defense. In this dojo, I learned that kata were filled with defense techniques. The fact that there were no contracts and no testing fees made it all that much better.

All it took was one exposure to this curriculum and I was hooked.

I've been involved in sport martial arts for over 30 years, with a 3rd degree black belt in Judo and a 1st degree in Taekwondo. None of this training prepared me for what I was about to find out- that sport martial arts training is inadequate to fight in a life or death encounter.

The Kokondo system is incredible. It incorporates all of the physical conditioning you'll find in a sport martial art with movements that are designed to quickly end a confrontation. This art is a paradigm shift from the sugar-coated training you'll find at the majority of the local schools. This is THE place to go if you want to learn to defend yourself.

Also note: The school is attitude-free. You're not going to find nine year old black belts strutting around nor will you see poseurs showing off their starched uniforms. What you will find is a group of the nicest classmates you could wish for and who will go out of their way to help you learn. I would highly recommend this school!

I have been a member of this dojo for almost two years. The instruction is geared to self-defense and is not associated with any tournament, MMA or any other sports-type martial art.

They have a small group of dedicated, friendly students that work hard and are eager to help. It is very much worth the small monthly fee charged.