Client Testimonials
John Fonseca, the head instructor/owner, cares about what he does and how he represents himself. It shows in the he way the he teaches and communicates with his students and instructors. To live by actions and not words is the only true way to live.
the instrutors are fantastic with kids and adults. The dedication to excellence is a clear theme with FMA
nice people!
atmosphere, quality of instructors, variety of classes available
The quality of instruction has been superb. Jaime expertly balances humor and discipline, fun and concentration, in a way that really energizes young children while giving them room to grow and mature in a variety of ways. He is able to quickly and very subtly adjust his teaching approach to the specific students and their mood at any given moment, always making the class time valuable. Our son has benefitted physically, intellectually, and emotionally from karate, and he always looks forward to the classes.
Convenient satellite locations, frequent class availability.
The entire Fonseca team seems very committed to helping young children learn karate, develop self-respect and discipline, and to learn the fundamentals of fitness. I am particularly pleased with the bottomless patience that the senseis exhibit when training children.
kids friendly
Everything. The senseis are great, facilities are nice, and kids classes are a great combination of discipline, work-out, and fun.
Very positive and enthusiastic environment. Feel that it is generally a good balance between an expectation for self-discipline and focused work as well as allowing for fun and room for playfulness.
As a parent, and after having observed many classes, I have two particular concerns that I hope will be considered constructively.
1. It seems clear that careful attention is given for karate technique and form in demonstration and practice, which is appreciated, and is one of the reasons we truly appreciate Fonseca. However, this same attention is not given to the exercise component of the class (which sometimes compromises as much as half of the class time). When the students are doing calisthenics and other exercises (squats, pushups, etc), the emphasis is primarily on doing things quickly, and the result is sloppy. There is a clear disconnect between that careful attention given to the karate technique and the lack of attention given to exercise technique, which in my opinion is a significant oversight. Careful attention given to exercise technical accuracy teaches body awareness (which applies directly to their karate lessons), that attention to technique is a priority regardless of context (a life lesson), is effective (whereas exercise done incorrectly is arguably counterproductive), and prevents injury.
2. My kids seems worried about asking questions in class. I'm not sure where this apprehension comes from, but perhaps it would be helpful to consider a way to systematically emphasize that questions are welcome. I realize that questions (and of course irrelevant questions) can easily become a major class disruption. So perhaps there could be rules about taking questions at specific moments 2 or 3 times during the session. Not sure what would be a good suggestions, but am simply passion along that my kids have told me that they don't feel comfortable speaking up in class with questions (again, particularly Eva).
To emphasize, my kids are self-motivated and passionate about attending classes at Fonseca. We don't have to push them to go, they ask to be reenrolled, and they don't give us any indication that they'd prefer to be doing other activities. All of that is a pretty great barometer for a parent that their kids is involved in something very positive.
We're fans.
Appreciatively,
Matthew Last name removed
My son loves his classes. In those classes, he learns about discipline and self respect. What's not to like. I can rate it a 10 because I've already told friends about it.
My son LOVES karate at Fonseca! The lessons taught are invaluable - in addition to physical health, Fonseca stresses responsibility towards oneself, the community, and other values in which we believe.
Well balanced way of teaching kumite, kihon & kata, while getting a workout. I think you guys have a great mix of sensei's, with each one specializing in an area. Alisa great at everything, Adam awesome in kumite, Avery exceptional in kata, Rhonda great at explaining to kids and when we get Pressman they learn intensity in kumite. I also like the workout they get from Dalia when we have time to go to that class. She keeps them moving and notices what they need to work on. I think our kids will eventually get some good discipline and self confidence. Thank you for the job you guys are doing.
Jason Last name removed
The staff is very friendly & still very stern with the students. I also like there are a variety of classes to chose from.
Your instructor Jaime is so wonderful with kids! I cannot get over his patience and yet at the same way he makes sure they respect his authority and instruction. In addition, if we are not able to make a certain day of the week it's flexible to make it another day. I've been impressed with the other instructors too but Jaime stands out when working with the kids, even those with some special needs.
Wonderful dojo that can cater to many different types of kids and adults. Very impressive staff.
Responsibility
quality of instructors & training; overall culture of FMA
Great instructors who are world class. Very disciplined. Does not let other students ruin the experience for others. Flexibility about times you can attend classes. Availability of in house tournaments and outside tournaments without too much pressure to attend.
Offers the full range of options for learning different martial arts. The Karate program offers the full spectrum of training opportunities - whether you want to train/learn for personal fitness or you want to compete at the highest level - you can train with the best instructors in the world.
The small class size and also the personalized Shari my instructor, makes me want to get up at 5:30'am to make it to my 6:00am classs
The Fonseca Martial Arts family is a nurturing and supportive environment. You give your students challenges that they can meet and push them farther than they thought possible. The kids are given a chance to fail and then learn how to succeed with kindness and support.
The instructors are enthusiastic! My son loves that he can go 3x/week.
The training is top tier with sensei that are experienced and passionate about karate.
I like how welcoming and non judgemental the dojo and teachers are. Very encouraging.
Very personal. Coaches take time with student, before and after class to ensure excellent experience.
The atmosphere of the dojo - supportive and friendly environment that encourages learning, friendship and respect.
Best instructors in the world at FMA!
Dedication to serious discipline and martial arts training.
Number of different classes are offered. Staff is friendly and helpful