Gilbert Defense Arts
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Gilbert Defense Arts
Specializing in Professional Private and Group Martial Arts and Self Defense Instruction for Men, Women and Children. Traditional martial arts for the modern world. No matter your experience level of physical abilities this journey is yours to take and we'll be right there with you one step at a time.

Help them develop confidence, discipline, strength, and focus along with lifelong valuable skills all in a fun and structured learning environment. We'd love to meet you! Please feel free to come by the studio for a tour and we can talk about your martial arts and self defense goals! We never could have imagined where this journey would take us when we opened our doors in May of 2002.
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The base system we teach is a traditional Martial Arts system called Kenpo. Kenpo is a well-rounded system incorporating striking, kicking, blocking, and multiple reality based self-defense techniques. It begins with building a strong foundation in more of a "Karate" style of training. As you continue to progress the system evolves introducing more of the circle movements of "Kung Fu" and the Chinese arts.
Reviews (18)
Carley Spears
Carley Spears
Jan 25, 2022
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
We've been attending for 6 months and I can't say enough good things about GDA. Casey is an incredible teacher and keeps the class fun and engaging, yet serious and respectful. Highly recommend for all ages and experience!
Lyndyluwho
Lyndyluwho
Jan 18, 2022
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I took a women's self-defense class and was very impressed! The instructor made it very comfortable and so much fun. Definitely a great dojo.
Rich Johnson
Rich Johnson
Jan 05, 2022
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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.
Cameryn Baum
Cameryn Baum
Jul 03, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Casey was very informative and professional during the Women's Self Defense course I took with him. He worked to my skill level and pushed me to get better with each session. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Charissa
Charissa
Jun 23, 2021
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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
Rebecca Collier
Rebecca Collier
Jun 20, 2021
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Gilbert Defense Arts is a top-notch facility with the best instructors! They take time to work with your child (or yourself) on your specific goals and make sure that you are on-track and meeting your goals. Their staff is so professional and treats all ages with respect.
I highly recommend Gilbert Defense Arts for any ages and skill levels - our son has grown leaps and bounds in his confidence, eye/hand coordination and discipline. And, he LOVES going to class!
Swatdoc Watters
Swatdoc Watters
Jun 12, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I have trained with Sensei Casey to obtain my Black Belt and now have returned for additional training Additionally i have a grandson nor training with him. He continues his own training and knowledge to be able to effectively give his students real experience and training. Highly recommended. Dr Skip Watters
Stephanie Partridge
Stephanie Partridge
Jun 12, 2021
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My son who was dealing with self esteem issues got started at GDA a year ago and he had completely changed for the better. He is more confident, more respectful, and a better brother at home. I’ve loved how well they teach life coping skills and keep the kids engaged. Oh, and we sometimes call it Gilbert Defense Against the Dark Arts, which makes showing up for karate even more fun ;)
Alexa Vertucci
Alexa Vertucci
Apr 16, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Finished an awesome and enlightening self defense class today put on by the owner Casey. Extremely professional, clean and informative! We all had an amazing time. Thank you so much! Looking forward to doing this class on a regular basis.
Kimberly DuBois
Kimberly DuBois
Feb 18, 2021
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I have been a student with Gilbert Defense Arts since 2003 and love training there! They do such a great job teaching and making sure students understand the material. The dojo is always clean, and the classes are professional and convenient. I love the environment and some of my best friends are the people I train with. I highly recommend coming in and giving it a try. Whether you want to learn self defense or are just looking for a good workout, I think you’ll love what they have to offer!
Brandy IraLilly Fay
Brandy IraLilly Fay
Jun 17, 2020
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I found out about Casey Paiz of Gilbert Defense Arts from one of the Gilbert Facebook pages. They were offering a FREE Child Safety & Stranger Awareness Seminar and I had to sign my little guy up. We were nervous about going to a place we've never been but Casey and the team made us feel comfortable right away. I am so glad that we attended. It was… well worth it. Although we personally do not live in Gilbert but rather San Tan Valley it is a drive for us but I would strongly suggest going to their website and seeing what all they have to offer. I cannot thank Casey and the team enough
Tiffany Bellows
Tiffany Bellows
Sep 19, 2018
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FANTASTIC class for both women & children! Simple, yet effective moves!
Heather Woolf Wisdom
Heather Woolf Wisdom
Sep 15, 2018
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Sensi Casey is a gifted athlete, teacher and amazing human being! We joined the Homeschool classes back in February and my kids have advanced to purple belts with a lot of hard work, encouragement and joy! 5 Stars from our family!
Julie Coffey-Costello
Julie Coffey-Costello
Jul 10, 2018
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Gilbert Defense Arts is amazing! Our 9-year-old son has taken classes here for a couple of years and LOVES it! He just started the second week of summer camp, which is also amazing. Very organized and they keep the kids very busy with super fun activities all day long. They are understanding and flexible with working parents schedules and always willing to do make up classes when we miss regular class. I can't say enough positive things about GDA, Casey and the entire staff. A top notch organization :)
Lisa Knoll
Lisa Knoll
Apr 21, 2018
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I cannot say enough good things about GDA! Sensei Casey truly knows how to engage with the children, making them feel comfortable, confident and bring out the best in each one. My 10 year old loves going to his lessons each week and I love that he is learning invaluable defense techniques.
Darnell Frazier
Darnell Frazier
Jul 27, 2016
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The absolute BEST dojo in the East Valley! The Sensi's are knowledgeable and really care about their students. Great classes, great people, and excellent skill based curriculum. A lot of heart and a lot of fun!
Kimberly Stockwell-DuBois
Kimberly Stockwell-DuBois
Nov 26, 2015
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I've been training with senei's Casey and Andy for over 12 years and still look forward to my time in the dojo every week! It's their sense of passion and dedication that hooked me in so long ago and has kept me coming back year after year. I love the skills I've learned and the and look forward to continually learning more. I have grown, not only as a martial artist but as a person within the dojo walls. I am so grateful for for my dojo family and would highly encourage you to check us out!
Liz Hixon Johnson
Liz Hixon Johnson
Oct 22, 2015
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I can't say enough about how awesome Hunter is with our daughter. She is special needs and he gets right on her level to teach her what she needs. He even helped her during the class to keep her working when everyone was way ahead of her. I just don't know of any other place that would go above and beyond like they do here. Thank you so much for having the patience with Chy. You will never know how much that means to her dad and I.