I personally attend the classes at Family Dojo’s Martial Arts located in Ankeny. As a direct source, I can say that this is a massive opportunity that I suggest you enroll in. It will remain one of the best commitments I’ve made.For some background information, I have never been a “sporty” person. Since a young age, I have faced social anxiety surrounding athletic activities. I’ve had my fair share of break-downs and panic attacks, resulting in another failing talent. Dancing, acrobatics, gymnastics, sports including balls, and the list goes on. I never could go on with them.As I grew older, so did the anxiety.It was increasingly difficult to cope with it, even with the use of therapy and medication.I was informed of my brother participating in the martial arts, and it immediately piqued my interest. It seemed to be something new, possibly different from the rest. With that, I went to my brother’s class to merely watch. It was a little breath-taking, because it was strange to see something that intrigued me. The room had a healthy, positive aura. I never saw that with previous activities.I requested to be signed up. And that request went through. The following days were filled with both chaos and happiness. I definitely had nerves from recently joining the dojo, yet I had found something that I genuinely enjoyed. I gradually built confidence, and made friends along the way. I had a higher tolerance for my intense emotions as I adapted. The instructors were and are a great influence on my growth as a being. I was guided along the way by them and my peers as well. I haven’t fully moved past my problems, but I am improving ever-so-slightly. Thank those who helped me generously.And those wondering, definitely join us.

Our girls have been students here for almost 3 years. Professor Wilber trains his staff very thoroughly and the instructors are very positive and welcoming of all kids. They take the time to learn each student’s name and get to know them while they train while building a team feel so each student feels they belong with their teammates. Classes are fast-paced and taught heavily emphasizing responsibility and courtesy for each student. Really like that as kids progress they earn the opportunity to coach others and learn to lead.

My family and I have been attending the Ankeny Dojos Family Martial Arts location for many years and have had the pleasure to meet and work out with numerous great people. The curriculum and training are top notch and have definitely challenged all of us to stay in better shape. The staff do a great job of trying new things and introducing new training to the curriculum so theres always something new to learn and new challenge to keep the students motivated. Its been a great learning experience like no other and continues to challenge us all.

My son has been a student at Ankeny Dojo’s since he was 5. The instructors have been the best teachers and role models a parent could ask for. I can’t think of another sport that teaches life long values and sportsmanship.

Dojo’s Ankeny is amazing! Highly recommend! We have been here for over a year and my son’s balance and strength have improved so much! Every class he learns something new as well.

My granddaughter has been attending the Ankeny Dojo for 6 months. In that time I have seen a positive change in self confidence, physical ability and school participation. The staff gives nothing but positive encouragement. Could not be more pleased.

My son trains at the Ankeny location and loves going to class each week. The instructors make learning karate very fun for the kids!

My kiddo loves going to class, she has learned a lot and continues to love her Karate-Journey at the Ankeny location.

All of the instructors are top notch. They are excellent role models, both in and outside the classroom. They learn every student’s name immediately, and it is a very friendly, yet disciplined atmosphere. Kids learn not just karate, but life skills they can take with them. We absolutely love Dojo’s!

My son has been attending the dojo for a few years. The staff and coaches are tremendous. They are always positive. Always. No matter what a student does, they turn it into a positive learning opportunity. The character pillars that are ingrained into the students will be foundational to every aspect of the rest of their lives. I am so grateful for this group of exceptional leaders!

We started our Karate journey a few months ago and my 4yr old loves it. Mr. Murray and his team are especially amazing with the younger kids who need a little extra attention or help focusing. My son has grown so much since the day we started. I highly recommend this studio to get your children active and learn discipline.

Over the years, I have watched my son grow and learn so very much - not just how to perform karate moves, but persistence, confidence, performance, camaraderie and courtesy. The journey hasnt been easy, but it has been rewarding. Definitely a very positive experience.

Been here just a few weeks, the reception and professionalism has been great. Looking forward to a meaningful, productive and prolonged training for my son.Now a few months later and an updated review on the DoJo.I love that my son has role models to look up that exemplifies everything that is good in society; hard work, self discipline, respect, perseverance and resilience.When I look at how far these instructors or team members have come with their training and the age of some of the black belts candidates it shows their dedication. I know this is where I want him to be. Learning the tools necessary to navigate throughout his life.Thanks DoJo Family Martial Arts, Ankeny.I also am glad that I went to the adult classes too. It helped me to lose weight and stayed focused after losing my daughter last summer. I am now a purple belt at almost 43 years old and black gee and this wouldnt be possible without my DOJO team. Even when I felt like giving up they were on the mat with me pushing me through every class, every tip testing, every exam. Thank you All.I love my DOJO Family, I even watch the other areas (West Des Moines, Waukee, Johnston) and like and comment on their progress. We are all a team and I love going there.

I love, love, love Dojos! I recently enrolled my passivist 5-year-old and am extreamly impressed with how well he has been taught to defend without aggression. His beautiful personality remains intact. The teachers are all kind and patient. Mr. Murray is my childs primary teacher and I truly enjoy seeing his joy in teaching Karate.

Wonderful instructors! They are fantastic at helping kiddos with behavioral/special needs. Nigel has shown such improvement in self-esteem, discipline, and at school since starting at Dojos. They also have nicer facilities/equipment and better teachers than other area programs, and MUCH more one on one support. Everyone at Dojos KNOWS and CARES about your kiddo. Also - their birthday parties are **INCREDIBLE**!!! :)

All of the instructors have been great to interact with. Everyone is friendly and helpful while dealing with my four year old. I would check this palce out if your looking at getting your child or yourself into martial arts.

Dojo’s is such a positive and fun environment for learning karate and growing as an athlete, as well as, building self confidence! We love to see the personal achievements our daughter has had over the last year!

Dojos has helped my son to not only grow in his physical abilities, but seeing his confidence grow has been amazing. The people here are SO wonderful with the kids. I love the attention they put on respect, family, mental focus and confidence. Thank you Dojos!

My son has been a student for 3 years and Ive watched his confidence and fitness grow steadily.The kids classes focus on building character, setting goals, self-discipline. Activities promote fitness, focus and confidence while teaching self-defense and bully-proofing.The instructors always stay positive, and encouraging;excellent role-models.

Our son recently started and a couple weeks later he says please and thank you much more consistently. Even more recently hes gotten very interested in working out! This place teaches so much more than karate. We are HIGHLY impressed.

All 3 of our boys attend this karate school and love it! Two black belts and 3rd working on it. They have learned so much from the instructors!

These folks are AMAZING! Absolutely love watching the coaches interact with the students. Builds not only strong bodies but minds, & character building too. Dojos Family Martial Arts You Rock!

These instructors truly care about their students! My boys have grown so much since they began their martial arts journey. I highly recommend Dojos for a fun and physical extra curricular activity!

My name is Evan, and Im a second grade black belt at Dojos. I have been doing karate for 5 years, and Ill say its 5 years well spent. The instructors are phenomanol, and the environment is like no other. I have met a lot of good friends here, and look forward to coming every day.

A very good environment and very nice dojo’s instructors.

I highly recommend DoJos to anyone wanting to have their child take Karate classes or take classes themselves. The teachers are amazing and are excellent with children of all ages my daughter loves coming here

This is a really good school. I have been to several schools over the years and this has been one of the best experiences. This dojo is female friendly and has many childrens classes that seem to be well run and fun for the kids. Master Wilber is very encouraging and positive. I would recommend this school to anyone who has a good attitude and a strong desire to better themselves both physically and mentally.However, now that I am moving out of state Im fighting with EFT to cancel my contract and that tarnishes what had thus far been a good experience.

DoJos not only teaches thier students the art and physical fitness, it builds character. The staff take a genuine interest in your child as a whole person. They model respect, responsibility, courtesy and perseverance.

Everyone is so kind and welcoming! My daughter just started and has been so excited for her classes!

I love how positively the coaches interact with the students. This place is great!

Great experience with children’s birthday parties!

My daughter has learned leadership skills, work ethic, goal setting, how to struggle and overcome and the value or perseverance. I highly recommend Dojos!

Great place, great training

Kids first, teach life lessons and importance of fitness!

Great place, very friendly, lots to learn :D