Z-Ultimate Self Defense Studios – Thousand Oaks

We love the Thousand Oaks Z-​Ultimate dojo. My daughter, son, wife, and myself all have taken classes there. Their 3 – 6 year old and 7 – 9 year old kid classes are great. We tried out several places in the area before settling on Z-​Ultimate. We choose them specifically for the level of control they have over the kids in class mixed with the amount of fun the kids have. They offer the best balance by far of discipline, respect, and fun out of all the places we tried out. Plus all of the instructors are great with the kids. The little kids and children’s programs work multiple areas of development for the kids, not just martial arts and self-​defense.
From an adult perspective I was at first a little apprehensive. They at first seemed more of a place for kids, but after taking my first adult class that perspective changed quickly. They have a comprehensive program that focuses not only on the classical moves of Kenpo, but in every class you modify the classical moves for modern application for self-​defense. All group classes also start out with a 10 – 20 min cardio workout that changes almost every class so not to get boring or repetitive. The private lessons they have are a great time to hone your skills so you can work optimally to get to the next level. I highly recommend anyone looking for a classical martial art with a street defense focus to look here.

Staff is great with kids. Our 7 year old son has been going for a year and has learned a lot. Karate classes help with balance, respect, discipline, focus, as well as strength and technique. We recommend. Sensei Alex is especially great.

Our daughter has been attending classes for several years and the staff has always been courteous and professional.

My 7 year old son actually looks forward to every group class and private lesson! The Best Part of our Day is when am taking him to his Karate school. All the instructors are great! They all have a passion for what they do. When they invited me to join 2 ½ years ago I gladly accepted and still attending. I was 44 years old weighing 265 lb. Now am 225 lb, stronger with more energy! I feel more focused and relaxed (less stressed). My son is more disciplined, respects authority, and confident. As a student of martial art who had past experience in my teens and early 20’s, this is the karate school for the entire family. Thanks you Sensei Brandon, Alex, Onia, Megan and of course Master Pearlman!

If you want to be a CHAMPION, this is the place to train. This dojo breeds excellence!
There are a number of reasons why this is the place to go, however, to keep your research short and simple, when you go to other martial arts schools to inquire about services, ask about tournaments, competitions, & seminars (basically, opportunities where you can test what you’ve learned against others at your level). If they have nothing to offer you, that’s probably a huge RED FLAG. This means, that establishment is not confident enough in their service to allow you to compare yourself to others.

Z-​Ultimate is the best!!! Sensei Brandon rocks! He was my Instructor a few years ago and I absolutely loved him! He was always super motivating and helped me gain more self confidence. He has built the company from the bottom up, devoting lots of his time to the dojo and students. Sensei Brandon has a passion for teaching and loves what he does! He’s experienced and a trusted advisor! Highly recommend Z-​Ultimate!!!

I am writing this review partially in response to Jennifer M and in support of my DOJO. I have been an active member of this Dojo for over 7 years under Sensi Brandon and Team Thousand Oaks, never once have I experienced anything close to what Jennifer is claiming to have experienced. I came up through the ranks and earned my Black Belt under Sensi Brandon, never once experiencing anything other than the utmost professionalism, respect and an undying enthusiasm for the arts and all of his students. I have personally experienced on numerous occasions, Sensi Brandon’s unwavering patience with children with attention difficulties or requiring special consideration due to physical limitations. I have assisted in many classes of all ages and ranks with kids of differing abilities and I have never experienced a child being left unattended or outcasted by Team Thousand Oaks. In fact I have seen or been asked to help in classes and with students that Sensi Brandon felt needed extra attention. Martial Arts is not a hobby, it is a life style and a personal journey that can benefit anyone from the very young to the elderly. Z-​Ultimate does not discriminate against Men, Woman, Boys, Girls or a person with a physical or mental disability. Everyone can benefit but has to be willing to put in the time, effort and hard work, the results speak for themselves.

This is a review of the fantastic party that Z-​Ultimate hosted for our son Max for his fifth birthday. Max has been going to Z-​Ultimate for the past year and he is obsessed with all things Samurai and Ninja related. When we found out that we could have a party at the dojo we signed up for it right away. The cost was very reasonable for 20 kids and I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a group of more interested, challenged and entertained kids ever for a birthday party of that age group. Sensei Brandon and his staff led the kids through a set of martial arts activities that made every kid feel special. To top it off, Max got to cut his cake (with the help of Sensei Brandon) with a real Katana sword. He will never forget this birthday and even weeks later the kids who went to it are still talking about how «cool» it was. Thanks Z-​Ultimate for a fantastic experience!

I am a single mom who has a kiddo with special needs. My son has been coming to Z-​Ultimate since August. he is about to test for his yellow belt!!! it has been amazing for him. The staff is committed, caring, dedicated and have been such incredible mentors for him. his motor skills have improved immensely and his self esteem and confidence is blossoming beyond beleif.. I can’t say enough how much we enjoy coming. How embracing the staff is. The benefits to my son are irreplaceable… thank you so much for your care, committment, and empowerment…

When I started my teenage son there, I was clear that he has special needs, though he is a very hard worker, and very physically fit. He just needs to have all skills modeled for him. He was doing 1:1 classes with Brandon, but then Brandon started coming late or not showing up to his sessions. But no one ever said the program wasn’t a fit for him. They kept telling me he was doing great. I started taking classes too. Then they sign us up for yellow belt test, and no one who was familiar with my son was there, they just expected him to jump into a group adult class (he had NEVER been in the group classes there) and do a workout, then do the yellow belt test. They totally screwed us. Of course that wouldn’t have worked. And I’m sure they knew it. We had to leave. Of course I cancelled our membership. It was way overpriced anyway: $ 50 for every half hour session, but no group class for kids. My son was so disappointed. Now whenever we pass there in the Janss Mall, my son will purposely look away when he walks by. Sad. All they had to do, is tell us, the program wasn’t a fit. Brandon, if you read this, you really dropped the ball. There are plenty of other karate studios that could have worked with my son. So for $ 200 PER PERSON, per month, I say… go elsewhere.