Champion Eyes

We researched many dojos before enrolling our son at Champion Eyes. They were extremely professional, friendly and very knowledgeable. We have been absolutely thrilled with our experience here. Our son is an introvert and had never done Karate before. We have seen him grow in confidence and strength in his training with Sensei Armando and the entire staff at Champion Eyes. It’s truly a life-​changing experience and we are grateful for the respect that is taught and the many skills he has already accomplished. The dojo is wonderful; great environment. My husband and I both enjoy going to the classes and watching. We learn as well! Every staff member is knowledgeable and encouraging. Our son can be shy but he becomes fierce in class. They have brought out talents he didn’t know he possessed. It has helped him with confidence at school and with friends. I also have more confidence now that if faced with a bully, my son is more equipped to handle it, both mentally and physically. This is a family dojo, too — there are classes for everyone. They have a lot of fun but they know their art and are serious about it. No matter how many classes or which instructor, my son always learns new skills while having everything he is learning reinforced. We absolutely love it here.

We have been coming to Champion Eyes for a little over 9 months now and we love it! Sensei Fidel is such an amazing instructor — the perfect balance between physical exertion, learning, and FUN! My girls are 5 and 9 years old and look forward to their classes every week. The dojo is beautiful and the business is very professional. If you’re looking for a place to train your kids or take classes yourself, I recommend Champion Eyes!

My 7 yr old daughter has been taking karate classes for almost 6 months with Sensei Armando and the staff at Champion Eyes and I couldn’t be more pleased. My primary goal for my daughter was to learn an increased level of respect, focus and self discipline. She has learned this and so much more. It’s a beautiful dojo with a family like atmosphere. so glad we found these wonderful teachers.

I have 3 kids and my oldest 14 yr old has been attending karate classes for almost 4 yrs now and my 2 younger ones for 2 yrs now. They all have enhanced their skills with confidence esp when doing their «kata». They have a more disciplined, responsible and confident attitude including at home and in school. The instructors are very nice and passionate with what they teach the kids and they love them. Sensei Armando is a very good and an understanding instructor esp bcoz my oldest daughter has a medical condition. You can always talk to him and he’ll try to work things out. My kids never get tired going at least 2−3x a week and they are looking forward to become black belts soon!

** Clearly you can see from the reviews either ranging from 4 – 5 that the 1 star reviews are not an accurate representation of what is offered here. **
1. Most Karate Dojos look the same and can be transformed into anything else. They have 4 walls, 3 of which are mirrors, 1 of which is the transparent window. They have matts on the floor and gear scattered around. Seriously, Google «Karate Dojo» if you’ve never seen one.
Champion Eyes is a large facility in a good location. The décor is elegant and Japanese traditional. The family observation area is well kept and as comfortable as your living room. The facility itself is functional for students and visitors. There is always space for training, proper technique with weapons included and working out.
2. Many people think of Martial Arts as a form of fighting to teach someone «how to fight». However fighting is simply violence where anything goes and usually results is police being involved and tragically even death. Martial Arts should not be employed simply to «hold your own» in a fight or even worse to incite violence.
Champion Eyes teaches traditional Okinawan Martial Arts via a codified fighting system (Shorin-​Ryu) ranging from hand to hand to traditional weaponry. The instructors and students regularly compete nationally and win in these forms. The instruction equally includes sparring and safely practicing techniques against opponents.
MMA has very recently grown in popularity in the US and is very new. Although effective, it is a blood-​sport that incorporates many styles and disciplines for the sole purpose of fighting an opponent in an octagon. Traditional Martial Arts is effective at safely teaching kids and adults alike physical hard work, discipline, confidence and more.
3. Champion Eyes is expensive but it is worth it. Martial Arts isn’t something that you pour money into and you will get results. You have to work hard and keep it up. I’ve seen Karate dojos that are very cheap, they are really crammed, and they are really just a waste of money. Many parents pay just so their kids can run around, punch, kick, and scream «keya!» That is not Karate and it is not Martial Arts. Refer to Wikipedia for Karate and you can see Sensei Tadashi Yamashita’s name among the greatest and most famous Martial Artists. Have some peace of mind and know that you’re paying for serious world renowned training.
** My daughter and I trained at Champion Eyes almost 5 years ago. I only stopped going because I am in the Marine Corps and I received orders to Quantico, VA. When I had to move, Sensei Armando stopped my membership with no issue. It was a very sad and sudden to work so hard and then completely depart Champion Eyes. I now live in Twentynine Palms and I’ve revisited Champion Eyes and have picked up in my training. I now have two daughters 5 and 11, and they will both start training with me at Champion Eyes.

Made an account just so I can say that Armando is the RUDEST sc*mbag I’ve ever met in my life!!! do not go here!!!

My son has been attending for about 6 months and he has made significant improvement s I will continue going here. Theres several different sensei’s and they are all great. They provide different mutliple avenues of motovation for school, home and self discipline. They are stern and strict which I like and is great for my son. They have fun days, ninja nights and beach training. I do wish they would have more beach training days :). The sensei’s also teach the kids about nutrition and positive attitudes of can do. It can be a bit pricey for me but I know you get ehat you pay for and the dojo is excellent quality.

I always been looking for a place where I can workout, and finally I found this awesome place the installations are safe and clean, the instructors are awesome with lot of energy also I’m glad cuz they have karate classes wich is great cuz my kids can take their class while I’m working out on the other room they have classes for all ages they give us a beautiful smile every time we go there definitely stop by it’s worth it. … sensei Armando it’s so respectful and all the team too… definitely they deserve my thumb..

We have been going to this Dojo for about 4 years my son takes the karate classes and has excelled so much and I started taking the cardio kickboxing, this class Rocks! It has helped me so much with strength and focusing on my over all health! Thank you Champion eyes!

My family has been going to Champion Eyes Martial Arts for over 2 years. I love going to watch my son, granddaughter and grandson. Everyone there from Senseis, students, and other parents are always so positive and supportive; it just makes me happy being there. The facility is beautiful and immaculate. After watching the cardio kickboxing class, I decided to give it a try. I never thought I would be able to do that. September it will be one year since I started. Even though I am an older student, everyone is patient, loving and supportive. Sensei Steven makes the class truly fun. His smile is infectious and the time goes by so quickly. He is always changing it up, so we never get bored. Often we are treated to Sensei Armando teaching a class. He is a very good teacher, he expects a lot, but makes sure each student knows what best to do for their level. It is almost like having a personal trainer. I am proud to be part of the Champion Eyes family.

Champion Eyes Martial Arts has been a wonderful studio for my son. We came from another studio which was good for him to start at but he needed more structure to the class to further his training. We have found just that with the Senseis at Champion Eyes Martial Arts. Reading the other reviews, I have never encountered what they speak of (My son has been with this dojo for almost two years), all of the employees there have been very personable, as well as professional. Under Sensei Stephen and Sensei Nick’s instruction my son’s training has gone to another level. He feels safe and secure there. I look forward to many more years of his training at this studio!

Armando Anselmo is a rude, pompous and angry little man. He takes pleasure in trying to intimidate people with his the fact he is a black belt and treating people like peons in his tiny and insignificant world. The only time he is nice to you is when he is trying to get money out of you. He juices people who barely have any money for whatever he can squeeze out of them and even when they can’t afford to pay him, he starts threatening them with a lawsuit. The poor families who can’t afford a lawyer anyhow end up having to allow him push them around to avoid the lawsuit and probably have take on a second job to pay him. He is very disrespectful and in the past has said some pretty rude things to me through the time I have been paying him to have his employees teach my kid karate. He does not teach classes but will not pass up a chance to teach what he believes is trying to teach discipline to kids, He will bring a kid to the front of the class and he begins to degrade them and embarrass the kid in front of fellow students and parents. 99% of the time the kid begins to cry. The last time I saw this happen was the last time I have seen the student. She is the same belt as my son and attended the same classes as us. The kids fear him and he believes its respect.
I am attempting to cancel my membership with his company because we are moving due to work. I presented a letter from my office manager stating I was moving and he started insinuating that this is false. I believe out of spite he decided the debited my account an additional monthly fee.

My son attended Champion Eyes for nearly 2 years. The classes were very well run, and the instructors were friendly and thorough — my son learned a lot. Unfortunately, my husband received military orders out of state, and we had to terminate our contract with them. I supplied a copy of my husband’s orders and gave the obligatory 30 days cancellation notice, however, they continued charging my account after the contract was terminated. I called the office and spoke to an employee who took my info and assured me that the money would be credited back into my account. A month after the phone conversation, my account was charged again. I called and was informed that the employee I originally spoke with no longer works there, and they would «check into it and call back». I was forced to file a fraud report with my bank to have the charges returned. I certainly hope that other military families have not had this problem, as well. The accounting practices at this business are shady, at best.

Overall one of the best Dojos that I have been to. Their kids program is awesome, the facilities are clean and it is in a great location. The staff (especially Sensi Armando, Steven and Nick) are really dedicated and involved. Overall it is pretty close to a 5 star place, but it is expensive, so that is why I have it 4 stars. This is a karate based dojo, based on the Yamashita methodology. They do have a full variety of weapons for those that progress in their training and even offer weight loss and aerobic type of classes as well. If you are looking for a great dojo for you or your kids, give it a try, they give the first few lessons free and they will then ask for a commitment from you one way or the other.