Pacific Martial Arts553

Our three daughters are avid students of PMA for the last 5 years and they love PMA staff, students and atmosphere. As soon as our daughters expressed interest in martial arts and we started looking for a school. We visited several Martial Arts schools and were very impressed with the professionalism and high standards of teaching in PMA. PMA was the obvious choice for us. We saw a school where the kids have a high regards for the teachers and higher rank volunteers that are themselves students that grew in this dojo for the last 30 years. The collection of teachers, students and parents forms a community sharing the values of mutual respect, urge to perfect not only your Karate skills but to become a better person. All students are measured and ranked by objective goals - kids are tested by objective judges and get higher belts after proving they gained new knowledge. The PMA schedule allows kids to attend allot of classes for their age and other mixed classes so that they have many opportunities during the week to practice. At one year our girls attended lessons five times a week because they were so excited by the program and things they learned. Students have many seminars, camps, lectures and tournaments during the year. All those events contribute to the kids motivation, self confidence, leadership skills and focus. The tests and sparring lessons prepare the students to stay calm under pressure and act quickly. The qualities that our daughters and the rest of the students acquire in PMA are very important not only for Karate and self defense but also are crucial to many other situations in life. We highly recommend this school.

When our oldest son expressed an interest in karate, we looked at various dojos. Though this dojo was not the closest to our home, no program could match what PMA offered. Nine years later, all three of our kids are PMA members!
What set PMA apart to us were its age appropriate programs and philsophy. Mini-ninjas (ages 4-5) are taught non-aggressive karate moves to engaging japanese fables. Self-discipline and following instructions are the focus. Ninjas (ages 6-8) attend longer, more structured classes, learn katas and sparring techniques, and begin belt testing. Universal values (respect, kindness, tolerance, etc.) and spirit (enthusiasm) are emphasized.
Samurai students (ages 9-12) are expected to continue and build on what they learned as Ninjas, adding power and more complexity to the mix. They also learn leadership by assisting lower belt students. Emphasis is placed on respect to those both above *and* below you in rank, setting a good example, and helping others be their best by sharing knowledge and offering encouragement.
As seniors (age 13 - adult) students enter the more traditional karate belt ranks and formal program. To achieve a PMA black belt requires not only katas, physical karate skills and leadership, but also academic, historical, and cultural learning. We have found that PMA black belts demonstrate a definite maturity and responsibility regarding their art and it's impacts. They also exhibit a positive, can do attitude and a genuine mix of strength, kindness, caring, and commitment that makes them excellent role models for the lower belts they lead. PMA is an excellent dojo for all ages!

My wife and I have sent our kids to 3-4 martial arts studios around San Diego before finally discovering Pacific Martial Arts in Del Mar. The teachers are great motivators, role models, and overall great people. Their positive energy has attracted a positive group of students and parents that make every class so much fun and productive for our kids. Our kids always leave class feeling good about themselves, and so their parents. :o)