The Dojo — Local services in Braselton

We were originally excited about signing up our 5 & 7 year olds for summer day camp at the Dojo. We were told in order to reserve their spots, we had to pay a significant deposit down for each week, up front, for both of them.

When we went to pick them up after the first day, we immediately knew something was wrong. Both of our children were sweating, filthy, and just really sad. They both burst into tears on the ride home. They had been barefoot in a hot gym all day, with no outside time at all. The bottoms of their feet were black and they were both visibly very upset. What was supposed to be a fun week of themed summer camp, was just miserable gym time in a hot, dirty, karate dojo gym.

We then found out there would be NO outside time all summer. We had no idea that was going to be the case, or we would never have signed them up. Our children also told us that some of the other children were bullying them, and when they were being picked on, they could not find a ‘counselor’ to tell. We decided to have them finish out that week, and give the dojo the benefit of the doubt.

My husband and I both work a lot, so we had no other childcare options to fall back on. Every day was the same, so by Friday of that first week, we decided it was time to remove them from the summer camp program. Both of our children were begging us not to return.

We reached out to the Dojo to express our concerns and we were met with excuses and denial. We were then told that it’s their ‘policy’ to not refund deposits. Between deposits for the entire summer (paid up front in April), and the first horrible week of camp, we were out $656. The Dojo refused to refund us ANY of our money back.

For a local business that serves SO many of our children in the area, we were beyond disappointed in the Dojo. We had planned to sign both of our children up for karate lessons this Fall, but after this experience, our children will never step foot in this facility again. We will also make sure to tell all of our friends about this experience, so they don’t make the same...

My son had been asking to take Karate at the Dojo for a few months because they came to his class at Duncan Creek Elementary and he said it was fun plus several of his cousins were taking classes there. We were hesitant because he is delayed with his speech which has created communication issues and he has a hard time focusing. We didn’t want our son to be a distraction to the entire class so we held off and started him with swim classes with a promise that if he showed us that he is willing to listen to his instructor and work hard we would consider karate. We also wanted to be sure it was something he really wanted to do. Up to that point he has not really shown an interest in sports but he has always loved the water so we figured swimming was a good start. They allowed him to do an accelerated program and he did awesome. Immediately after passing his ASI test he started asking when he could begin taking karate. We figured if he was this persistent we should give it a shot. It has been 3 weeks and we could not be happier with our decision. First off the staff was very friendly and helpful and the registration process was quick and easy. I really appreciated Coach Zak reaching out to say how excited he was to have my son join the class. My husband and I both work and our schedules aren’t always consistent so we love that we can pick the days that are convenient for us. Every week we are excited to go to the Dojo, our son works hard while he is there then comes home and practices, his confidence is growing, he’s becoming more outgoing and most important he is having fun while learning new skills. All of the instructors he has worked with do an amazing job; they show the right amount of firmness, playfulness and definitely patience. Could not be more pleased with...

When the idea was first presented to me about the Dojo, I immediately thought it was too big and would not be as effective or my kids would get lost in the masses. As we inquired more, we learned that Coach Zak also attends our church. So, my confidence and trust began to grow. The winter special allowed us to try the classes at the special rate. At the first class I was immediately impressed. I love the structure, respect and qualities being taught that are needed to raise strong young men and women. This came at the right time as their age and attitudes are developing. The instructors have been very tough yet with love and patience. I expect the instructors to teach them these qualities and I enforce them at home. The instructors are very knowledgeable. I agree with everything I have seen and support you. One of my kids is a natural at sports so he excels naturally and loves it. The other is more creative and musically talented. He has excelled and come out of his shell more. His confidence is higher, and he loves it. He fights back with his brother and wins now instead of cowering down. This will be a sport that we continue as much as the boys allow it. I will definitely encourage it. Lastly, I have a huge safety concern with my security background. When we left the boys the first time for their first graduation, I was very nervous. I was very impressed that you had the place locked down and I watched from the parking lot that it was very well secured and the kids/people coming and going were very restricted. I could hear the door lock every time. Overall, I would recommend the Dojo to anyone with all the...