We enrolled our daughter here about a year ago and so glad we did. She looks forward to going all the time and she goes about 2-3 times a week. This is how much she loves the classes and all the instructors. I've put her in other activities in the past and she has not ever shown this much enthusiasm about extra curriculars. It's amazing to watch her learn and grow through taking karate and muy thai at Gilbert Defense Arts. I truly believe that she is confident, focused and more disciplined because of them. All of the parents, students and instructions are just wonderful people, too. They are just so warm, welcoming and easygoing. I can remember doing my research in the beginning and calling multiple martial arts studios in Gilbert. I spoke to Casey in the beginning. He was and still is so friendly and responsive. I was able to get pricing and schedule a first complementary class at the first phone call. It was so refreshing after contacting a few studios in the area that were slow to respond and would not even quote pricing over the phone. After this experience, I made the decision to go with Gilbert Defense Arts and never regretted it. My daughter's first group lesson was with Sensei Danielle and she is so good with kids. She is patient, kind, but also does an amazing job of keeping them focused and engaged. The classes are always changing, never mundane and the instructors are creative at making the lessons fun, but also instructional. I really like that they also teach about self defense and what to do if approached or grabbed by a stranger! My daughter now goes to different classes taught by Casey, Danielle and Jovan. She loves, admires and respects them all. I'm grateful that she has such skilled and wonderful role models to look up to. You can tell that they have great passion for their studio, their community and martial arts.

My daughter absolutely loves GDA! We moved from out of state almost 2 years ago and GDA was recommended by the Sensei from CA. We checked it out at no cost for a couple of lessons, Sensei Casey, and all of the instructors, were very welcoming and made my daughter feel right at home. Everyone is very knowledgeable, friendly and professional. Watching my daughter grow her technique and sparring skills has been amazing! Highly recommend GDA!

My children have been attending classes for nearly 2 years now and it's the greatest thing I could have done for them. Both of my sons know how to defend themselves in a way of integrity and dignity while maintaining self control. My oldest had to use this when he went to a new school recently and I couldn't be more proud. The most impressive part is the amount of patience the instructors have when teaching children. It's never truly about perfection, just progression and self confidence. My 2 younger will start classes as soon as they are old enough.

I have had many years of training in various martial disciplines and practical experience in hand to hand... armed and unarmed combat as a deputy sheriff. Recently... I had tried, unsuccessfully, to find an edged weapon instructor who was skilled and did not present impractical ('fanciful' movie like techniques).... until I met Sensei Casey. Sensei is clearly skilled, knowledgeable and teaches realistic practical edged weapon skills.

Gilbert Defense Arts is awesome and one of the last studios in AZ teaching Shaolin Kempo Karate. They're program also includes Muay Thai Kickboxing, practical weapons defenses and tactical self-defense. After seeking out Master Paiz to continue my own Kempo training as a black belt myself, I decided to have my 9 year old son try the classes as well. He absolutely LOVES it! The instructors are knowledgeable, patient and friendly while at the same time encouraging their students to do and be their very best! As someone with over 20 years of experience in the martial arts, I can confidently say that Gilbert Defense Arts is one of the best!

My daughter has been working her way up the ranks for two years now. Great experience. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Three kids. 1 Black, 1 Brown, 1 Blue. Very organized and professional. Kids enjoy lessons and special events are great. Variety of martial arts available also. Well respected in the martial arts community.

We absolutely love Gilbert Defense Arts, sensei Casey and the rest of the teachers! The experience, knowledge and skills that sensei Casey has are beyond impressive. My husband and father in law both trained with him and now my son does as well. What he learns about respect, listening, safety and defense are worth every penny. I highly recommend this studio and we’ve already referred other friends to join!

We have been with Gilbert Defense Arts for years now and have loved every moment of it. The teachers are fantastic and relate wonderfully with the kids. They make the classes challenging and fun. We have seen such growth in our children both in their advancement through their belts, and also in their development as respectful, hard working individuals. The dojo has also worked very diligently throughout the challenging pandemic times to keep kids involved even when they cannot be in studio. I know in particular my family has appreciated having online options. We love Gilbert Defense Arts and all of the instructors and look forward to many more years of time with them!

Our son Hayden is 3 years in! He's learned commitment, skill, dedication and respect! This place is top notch! Highly recommended!