Reviews of North Island Karate and Kobudo (School)

Shane Hale

Having trained in the martial arts for many years I have had the pleasure of working with nerous excellent teachers and Adams and Graham Sensei are among the very best. I started training Ryukyu Kobudo twice a week with them in April 2021 via Zoom. They are always focused, encouraging, fun and very dedicated to passing along their martial art to others. People are always encouraged to ask questions and both sensei are happy to provide explanations and demonstrate how the techniques are supposed to work. They have a keen eye and are always willing provide specific feedback to their students in a helpful manner. One sure sign of a great martial arts instructor is that they continue to improve. These sensei remain connected to the art's roots and travel to Okinawa and attend many seminars to continually improve their own understanding and perfect their techniques. I highly recommend North Island Karate and Kobudo to anybody seeking excellent instruction and fun while learning a traditional Okinawan martial art.

Jeff Plankenhorn

I've always wanted to study a martial art but never knew where to start, especially in my late 40's. My experience and study with North Island Karate and Kobudo has been invaluable. The online classes have been interactive and amazing! In person sessions have been highly attentive and geared towards intense learning while still being a lot of fun. Highly recommend for anyone interested.

Alan Hernandez

I have had the great experience of training in Shorin-Ryu Karate with Adams Sensei since 1982. I have also been very lucky to train with her and Graham Sensei for the past 20 years. Since early 2020 I have trained with them both in Kobudo. They are both exceptional martial artists and instructors and together they are an amazing martial arts team. They share a passion for learning and teaching Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. They have traveled to Okinawa many times to learn from two of the great contemporary masters and have worked together to incorporate what they have been taught into their own Karate and Kobodu skills. Their different and complementary strengths plus a shared passion for detail make them excellent instructors. I highly recommend them for in person or zoom instruction.

Michael Whiteley

If you are interested in learning Martial Arts I strongly recommend North Island Karate and Kobudo. Graham Sensei and Adams Sensei are not only excellent Martial Artists, they are excellent teachers as well. They teach the techniques, concepts and details in a way that is clear and well thought out. The lessons are personalized so that each student is challenged, regardless of their experience. If you want to learn true Martial Arts you won't regret joining this dojo in person or online!

Claudia W

Outstanding teachers with a wealth of knowledge. I've been in the martial arts for over three decades. I put on a white belt a couple of years ago to learn kobudo. Both Adams and Graham Sensei teach with Humor, warmth, strength and grace paying serious and expert attention to body mechanics and detail. Their lessons have increased the power and efficiency of my hand technique as well. I highly recommend North Island Karate and Kobudo enthusiastically and without reservation.

rberek

I have been training on-line with North Island dojo since April, and despite the challenges involved in virtual training, I have learned a great deal and am making good progress. The instructors know kobudo very well, and they are able break things down in away that anyone can learn. I teach karate on-line myself so I know how hard it can be to teach a precision physical activity virtually. I would definitely recommend them and I hope to train in person with them some day!