At American Karate and Mixed Martial Arts Institute, teaching is a "Way of Life". Our carefully planned and time tested curriculum goes far beyond teaching the art of self defense. Our teaching methods are based on technique, skill, intelligence, intuition and physical fitness over mindless kata or movie magic falseness.
We offer a complete self-defense program with Mixed Martial Arts in Miami utilizing the best techniques of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung-Fu, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Wrestling. It is a winning combination designed to build unsurpassed discipline, confidence and courage that can last a lifetime.
We offer a complete self-defense program with Mixed Martial Arts in Miami utilizing the best techniques of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kung-Fu, Boxing, Kick Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Wrestling. It is a winning combination designed to build unsurpassed discipline, confidence and courage that can last a lifetime.
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We see the evolution of becoming a martial artist as a life changing process, a spiritual journey which trains the student to focus the mind and build the body. Our philosophy is based on the seven principles of the samurai code of conduct. Honesty, Integrity, Politeness, Loyalty, Compassion, Courage and Justice.
The American Karate Institute in Miami has been teaching children from age 5 for more than a quarter of a century. We have had the pleasure of teaching more than 10,000 children and through our experience we know that parents want their children to be confident, to believe in themselves and their abilities, to be disciplined enough to follow through, to "Never Give Up", and to focus on excelling in school.
In 1984 at the age of 12, American Karate Institute's Head martial arts instructor, Master Darryle Lipsky, enrolled in our program. His mom signed him up when he started hanging out with the wrong crowd and got into trouble. Because of his training, he changed his life around. He too earned his Black Belt under Grand Master Jhoon Rhee at the age of 15.
Since 1983, AKI has been the #1 MMA Gym & School in South Florida. We offer MMA for Kids, Teens & Adults (MIXED MARTIAL ARTS) Classes in the Miami/Kendall area. From ages 5 and up, students will develop the necessary training, skills and traits to succeed like thousands have when they walked into our MMA School.
Our goal at American Karate and Mixed Martial Arts Institute isn't to make teenagers into champion fighters - It's to make them champions in life. Along with teaching realistic and effective self defense skills, which we are known for, we will also be teaching them respect for themselves and others.
Reviews (26)
Jessica Torres
Feb 02, 2022
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Matt Raino
Jan 28, 2022
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Yudy C.
Dec 09, 2021
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Love this place! My son has been going for over a month and every time he comes excited. The team of instructors are energetic and they motivate the kids a lot. The classes are always full and somehow the kids are not sitting around bored or wasting time. They manage to give them enough time to practice a skill. The variety of the classes its something we like a lot. Instead of doing the same routine every class, they teach different styles and add something different in each class, which make it more fun and entertaining for younger kids like mine (6 yo). The place is clean and spacious. The
Alejandra Boyd
Dec 01, 2021
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Anthony S.
Jul 01, 2021
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Betty Graham
Jun 18, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
As a parent it is fantastic to see a school so focused on building self esteem and teaching kids to be positive and happy. Our two kids love going and would go everyday if they could. The Sensei's know the kids names and are always watching each kid and correcting them when needed. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a karate school.
As a parent it is fantastic to see a school so focused on building self esteem and teaching kids to be positive and happy. Our two kids love going and would go everyday if they could. The Sensei's know the kids names and are always watching each kid and correcting them when needed. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a karate school.
Vanessa Marie Collazo
May 22, 2021
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Enrolling my son in AKI was the best thing I could have done. I was recommended to AKI by a number of different people. It is a great institution and all it stands for as well. My son loves attending class each and every time. He looks forward to leveling up. He has gained so much confidence and self-worth from his sessions/lessons. Proud to be a part of the AKI Family. Thank you for all you guys instill into our kids.
-The Collazo Family
-The Collazo Family
Alex B.
Feb 05, 2021
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When searching for karate place, I stumbled upon this karate class in my Publix shopping center. From the moment I walked in, it was very personable and family oriented. Sensei Lipsky and the rest of the AKI karate family are amazing! We brag, (yes brag) about what an amazing karate school our kids are in. The instructors all promote a strong sense of discipline and respect while being compassionate to the level of age of each kid/student. Highly recommend AKI!! You'll be part of the family quick.
Cristina Sarmiento
Jul 16, 2020
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I have so much respect for this institute. My son is probably the youngest kid in the class. We went in one day because we had been very unhappy with his current school ATA and where looking for an institute that stood by the values we felt Karate should give. After various friends recommending AKI we decided to head over and then to test our son. We loved the school and the techniques the instructors used toward the kids. Fast forward months later this school has been such a positive influence in my sons life and even his little brother can wait to grow up to join karate. They pretend play that
Michael Kelley Cdm Cfpp Cec
Jan 21, 2020
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Just wanted to give an update on the experience we have had with American Karate Institute. My daughter has now been involved with AKI for about 3 months. The transformation I have seen in her is nothing short of a miracle. She started the program as a very shy person who was unsure of herself and who would get frustrated and give up when things got tough. The person she is today is the complete opposite. She has become very open, outgoing and, most importantly, very respectful. She loves her instructors. No matter now tired she is from school, she still wants to go to Karate and make us and her
Arthur M.
Oct 16, 2019
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They never showed my daughter respect especially being the first female to receive her black belt. They never recorded my daughter on her graduation day, they only recorded when one of the black belts earned his second degree, but never chose to record my daughters accomplishment and evidence that she also earned her black belt, which took close to 7 years to accomplish. She got disrespected verbally and physically by the one of the black junior students and they favored his actions. They never made him apologize nor did they care to find a way to solve the problem. Mr & Mrs G did nothing
Andrea Ramos
Aug 23, 2019
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I don't think I could put into words how the past four months has molded and changed my son Jayden. We walked into this both a little intimidated, more so me than him. But after just the first trial class, he fell in love! And I fell in love with seeing how happy he was. I don't think I have ever seen him so dedicated to something before, he practices at home, he makes sure we both are aware of his schedule weekly, and he truly has built such a confidence that even his teachers have noticed. I would like to describe my son as "too nice", the kind of child to allow someone to be mean to him and
Janel V.
May 30, 2019
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I absolutely adore this place! My son started a few months ago in their "little eagles" program and he loves it! The location is a little out of our way, but it is so worth it. This is the best karate institute you will find in Miami. I love watching the interaction between the instructors and the kids. You can see how much passion and dedication they have in what they teach. Your kids will learn discipline, respect and so much more. I cannot wait to see how much more my son will evolve here!
Jennifer L.
Feb 06, 2019
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Two of our three kids (boy and girl) attended American Karate Institute. We decided on this institute based on their professionalism, organization and technique. Sensei Lipsky is an absolutely fantastic teacher- extremely engaging with the kids. The rest of the staff are also great and each class is usually supported by at least two or three of them. Our kids learned discipline, confidence and self defense during their time here. Both of them no longer attend, but we feel the two years they spent there were well worth it. Cost is a bit higher compared to some other places we visited, but we felt
Julio R.
Jul 07, 2018
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Milly Mas-Piedrahita
Oct 18, 2017
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AKI is absolutely amazing! My husband and I have been 150% committed to our son's martial arts training at AKI since he was 4 years old. I can honestly say that the strides he's made since first enrolling in the program, a little over one year ago, have been marvelous! His discipline, focus, and desire to excel and attend classes are extremely evident. The curriculum taught by Master's Regina and Angel Gonzalez, Master Daryl Lipsky, and the rest of the instructors is far superior to all other martial schools in Miami. The way they in which they are revered and respected by their current and former
Arnold P.
Feb 05, 2017
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Best martial arts school in Miami. School has been open for 35 years. The instructors are nurturing but firm with the little ones. The curriculum encompasses several fighting styles which makes the students much more well rounded fighters. I love that they don't give away belts. The students must truly exhibit proficiency and mastery in order to advance in belt levels. My 4 year old will definitely be a long time student at AKI!
Elena G.
Oct 05, 2016
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Janin S.
Feb 28, 2016
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My daughter has been at AKI for about 9 months, and the confidence she has acquired will last her a lifetime. The encouragement and support they show all the kids is what makes these instructors so special. They have shown my child to never give up, and it not only shows in her karate skills, but in all her other activities, as well as school. Thank you, AKI!
Jeremy S.
Feb 27, 2016
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Great place for your children to learn outside of the house about respect, discipline and all the fundamentals of being a positive roll model in life. Being a parent and teaching these fundamentals is one thing, but to have it reinforced by Aki has been an amazing experience for my children over the last 10 years. You won't find more caring and dedicated Staff and owners anywhere in Miami!
Thank you AKI Miami for your years of dedication to our children!
Jeremy S
Thank you AKI Miami for your years of dedication to our children!
Jeremy S
Tim S.
May 27, 2015
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Osvaldo A.
Sep 05, 2014
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Among the top schools that money can pay for! My son spend four years of his life on this school from 5-9 years old. The classes are exiting, lovely, and full with an aura that is not found anywhere else. I moved to a farther address so I removed my child from this program a decision that I would later regret. After trying a couple of other schools, only to be disappointed, I decided to bring my child back to American Karate Institute. This decision was actually upon his request. He told stories of his sensei's and the many memorable speeches that they shared, from funny to pure motivational
Sandra P.
Aug 22, 2014
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I enrolled both my girls (8 & 13) back in March for two different reasons. My youngest needed more physical activity and the my oldest needed to build her self confidence and to learn how to combat bullying. The change in them is so noticeable after several months. I'm glad I found this school through yelp
Eileen B.
Mar 30, 2014
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I am very blessed that I found AKI. As a parent, you never want your child to be bullied. In AKI your child will learn how to self defense and boost self esteem. Everyone that works at AKI are caring and extremely knowledgable. Master Angel is inspiring with his words of wisdom and I praise him for his amazing program.
I am confident that my boys will not get bullied and that is priceless!
I am confident that my boys will not get bullied and that is priceless!
Mercy D.
Feb 09, 2013
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*** BEST MARTIAL ARTS IN MIAMI ***
My wife and I researched Martial Arts places for our 4 year old throughout Miami . I was looking for a non-Tae Kwon Do marital arts; as I personally am not a fan of learning Forms to get a belt. We wanted a place where he would gain confidence, self-esteem, courage to face adverse situations and of course True Self - Defense. After seeing the www.akimiami.com website, I immediately knew that this was the place for us.
After the introductory class, my wife and I knew immediately that this was the place. A selling point for me, was that AKI's instructors
My wife and I researched Martial Arts places for our 4 year old throughout Miami . I was looking for a non-Tae Kwon Do marital arts; as I personally am not a fan of learning Forms to get a belt. We wanted a place where he would gain confidence, self-esteem, courage to face adverse situations and of course True Self - Defense. After seeing the www.akimiami.com website, I immediately knew that this was the place for us.
After the introductory class, my wife and I knew immediately that this was the place. A selling point for me, was that AKI's instructors
Edenia F.
Jan 01, 2012
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Remember when Mr Miyagi said karate here? Well I say karate not at AKI.
This school is sooooooo lucky sensei Darryl is an amazing and wonderful instructor , very patient with the kids , encourages them, and makes sure all the students are acknowledged on their good work.
However, the owners ooooooh not so happy, they leave a little bit of a bad taste in your mouth.
Where do I begin .......
While your little karate kid is kicking away you will sit in an undersized room hoping to catch a view of your child. You are only allowed to sit inside where the mat is if your child is getting tips or a new
This school is sooooooo lucky sensei Darryl is an amazing and wonderful instructor , very patient with the kids , encourages them, and makes sure all the students are acknowledged on their good work.
However, the owners ooooooh not so happy, they leave a little bit of a bad taste in your mouth.
Where do I begin .......
While your little karate kid is kicking away you will sit in an undersized room hoping to catch a view of your child. You are only allowed to sit inside where the mat is if your child is getting tips or a new
