Our school offers a well-rounded Traditional Martial Arts program that emphasizes character development, self-improvement, and individual accomplishment. We have been in our current location in Soquel, CA since 1980. Our school is in short distance from Aptos, Capitola, and Santa Cruz communities.
Our professional staff is dedicated to providing our students a martial arts experience that will provide them with a way of thinking and being that will help them develop respect for themselves and others.To help them learn to maintain a calm and peaceful mind even in the most explosive of situations.
Our professional staff is dedicated to providing our students a martial arts experience that will provide them with a way of thinking and being that will help them develop respect for themselves and others.To help them learn to maintain a calm and peaceful mind even in the most explosive of situations.
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Black Belt Magazine referred to O'Sensei Kim as "Karate's Guiding Light." To myself and many of his students he certainly was our "Guiding Light." O'Sensei Kim was a great martial arts instructor, but he was also an untiring student. He was constantly studying, practicing and learning throughout his entire life, right up until the time of his death.
Reviews (20)
Ava Zack
Oct 31, 2021
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Tamara N.
Mar 13, 2021
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Chris R.
Oct 25, 2020
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In my opinion it's the best school in Santa Cruz
I have trained in a number of schools and experience tells me how well a school is when I talk to the staff
Sanfords martial art is bar none the best traditional dojo. I liked it so much I am now a student and looking
Forward to years of learning and becoming a better person each time I train there.
I have trained in a number of schools and experience tells me how well a school is when I talk to the staff
Sanfords martial art is bar none the best traditional dojo. I liked it so much I am now a student and looking
Forward to years of learning and becoming a better person each time I train there.
Caroline M.
Apr 14, 2020
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We were given a gift certificate that covered registration and 3 months tuition! That was 7 years ago and my daughter is now a junior black belt at 13yrs old! We highly recommend this dojo because the office staff is so nice and helpful, the teachers are kind and firm with the discipline and over all we've had a pleasant experience.
Rebecca D.
Jan 16, 2020
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My sons (5 & 9) have been attending lessons here for about 4 months and I could not be more pleased. The teachers are kind and patient with the kids but they expect good behavior and respect for the dojo. They must be doing something right if a class of 15 4-6 year olds are all quiet and paying attention! My kids love going and it's the highlight of their week. My older son has special needs and they are so good with him you'd think they'd been trained in how to work with autistic kids. I can't say enough about what a great experience this has been.
Arie Wirth-Yap
Nov 13, 2019
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Rico Rushworth
Nov 05, 2019
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I’ve been training here for over 5 years. As a local gigging musician and actor and recording artist, I rarely get time to relax and center myself. Sanford’s is a great place to go when you want to learn great self-defense, but also go within yourself in an efficient and different way. Karate (and the martial arts in general) changes the way you see the way you see the world. Highly recommend for all ages!
Peter L.
Apr 11, 2019
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My 4yr old has been taking classes here for about 2 months. I am more than impressed on how they work with the kids his age. They teach more than Karate and have a group talk during every class which I find more beneficial than anything. They have a great staff and I would Highly recommend for anyone!
Wilbur Harris
Dec 25, 2018
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Dion D.
Sep 27, 2018
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Good parents and a good dojo is the base for all which I am today - I owe the virtues of respect, discipline, humility and confidence to karate. It has been a goal of mine and my wife's to introduce martial arts to my step-son. I have an array of local choices from MMA type schools, to grappling and all other things fight-oriented - and I personally have trained in those arenas. However, it is traditional karate that truly taught me the things outside of combat that formed me into who I am today. I didn't want my son to just learn how to defend/fight - but it's the tradition of virtuous
Jen T.
Apr 03, 2018
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Our son has been learning and growing here since he was 4 yo. He is now a 12 yo black belt. This has been a safe and wonderful place for him to explore what he is capable of, discover and practice the meaning of these words: respect, focus, discipline, kindness, honor, integrity, and perseverance. He takes what he learns from the dojo and practices them in his everyday life, becoming the strong, caring and confident young man we are so very proud of. I don't know what happened with Reviewer Ann J. and her child, but seems to me she could've easily spoken with the instructors and come
Matt V.
Oct 03, 2014
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Tiger M.
Mar 16, 2014
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Hannah L.
Mar 06, 2014
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Surprised to see only glowing reviews on here. Daughter been going for several years & is serious about martial arts. I find the leadership somewhat flaky and inconsistent - several of he best teachers left during our time and it feels like the remainder mediocre. One teacher for some reason puts kids on the bench as a time out if she feels like they are not listening which goes against their whole philosophy of respect; if the kids are so unmanageable perhaps they should leave the dojo; no other teacher seems to use that tactic - confusing. There are also many times I wonder why certain people
Jessica S.
Nov 09, 2013
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I can't say enough good things about this place, everyone involved is professional, courteous and enthusiastic about what they do. My son is only 5 and so I wasn't sure he had the focus needed for karate. The awesome instructors quickly figured out how to engage him and he keep him on task, being both firm and kind. They give wonderful "mat chats" at the end of each session on things like safety, respect, authority etc. I very much appreciate the way they manage to give each child individual attention even in a group class setting. Miraculously, they know every child's
Jennifer S.
Aug 12, 2013
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We had heard great things about this studio for years from friends and school mates but my son wasn't ready to start until this year, at age 9. Now he loves it so much he's disappointed if we have to miss a class. He loves the studio, the instructors and all the rituals and traditions.
We love that he is learning discipline, respect, and most of all patience. We love that they include self-defense techniques as part of the curriculum so he is also learning how to avoid conflict and get himself out of any dangerous situation that might come up.
We highly recommend this studio.
We love that he is learning discipline, respect, and most of all patience. We love that they include self-defense techniques as part of the curriculum so he is also learning how to avoid conflict and get himself out of any dangerous situation that might come up.
We highly recommend this studio.
Debbie S.
Mar 21, 2013
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Paula Q.
Aug 15, 2012
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Our kids have been attending for 3 years now (started at pre-karate) and now Mom is taking it too! Cannot say enough good things about this dojo. I am continuously amazed by the positive attitude of each and every staff member. They truly cater to building a confident self character in addition to teaching to master the different art forms offered. Our family cannot say enough good things about Sean Sanford and all the staff members as they always encourage us. We are grateful to have found this dojo and plan to be there for years to come!
Aron H.
Jul 11, 2012
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I have studied the Martial Arts at Rod Sandford's Martial Arts for 10 years and was an instructor there for many years. What I love about the dojo is that there is something for everybody. From the easygoing student who is looking for a new workout to the hardcore martial artist you will find what you are looking for here. I personally started when I was 12 and grew up training in the Dojo. It build the foundation for the rest of my life.
What makes this a fantastic dojo is that there are classes for every age group with specialty classes weekly. They have an outstanding children's
What makes this a fantastic dojo is that there are classes for every age group with specialty classes weekly. They have an outstanding children's
Mal C.
Oct 15, 2011
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I have practiced and instructed Shorinji Ryu Karate under the patient guidance of Sensei Rod Sanford and his son, Head Instructor Sean Sanford for about 12 years. Their Dojo includes two large padded-floor rooms, a large office, and separate men's and women's locker rooms and bathrooms. Martial arts instruction is offered in Traditional Karate, Tai Chi, Aiki (Japanese) Jujitsu, and Traditional Weaponry.
Classes are offered Monday through Saturday with class times ranging from morning to afternoon to evening. The schedule includes separate classes for Pre-Karate (age 4-6), Youth
Classes are offered Monday through Saturday with class times ranging from morning to afternoon to evening. The schedule includes separate classes for Pre-Karate (age 4-6), Youth
