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September 2023 by Nick M
I trained under Sensei Abe and Sensei Jason for years! Absolutely, easily the best dojo in the area and upmost professionalism. I left for over a decade to the military, but the discipline and teachings I learned at Way of Japan led me to so much success I use to even this day!
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December 2022 by Jr Castillo
Great instructors! Very thorough and patient. Great environment for my kids.
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October 2021 by Chelsea Rouleau
I take my five year daughter here and she loves it and so do I. This place feels like family and the kids learn so much, there’s a great mix of diversity and all ages. Truly an amazing company and I highly recommend for all stages of learning.
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October 2021 by Cindy Voss
All the sensei’s and senpai’s are great, they work very well with the students and are very detailed with their teachings. It is a Clean and friendly environment. My son has learned so much discipline and respect since joining the dojo. They have kids from age 5+ to adults and they work excellently with every different age group. The elders help the littles one and it feels like a family environment because everyone is just so friendly and willing to help others in the dojo itself. Sensei Abe really puts his all in his dojo. Highly recommend.
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October 2021 by Karl DeQuillettes
A great experience.
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August 2021 by Man Burg
horrible teachers to much favoritism i was there 7 for seven months they where nothing but rude and a few of the teachers like to pick on the kids and they punched one child so hard he passed out an they will throw kids to wall causing serious injuries
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May 2021 by Michael Brown
Way of Japan is a great place to study Martial Arts and learn discipline and respect. I was fortunate enough to study as a child with Sensei Abe Belardo. Now, more than 25 years later, I have the opportunity to take my son to learn from Sensei Belardo and the other amazing staff and students here.
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October 2020 by Michael B.
Way of Japan is a great place to study Martial Arts and learn discipline and respect. I was fortunate enough to study as a child with Sensei Abe Belardo. Now, more than 25 years later, I have the opportunity to take my son to learn from Sensei Belardo and the other amazing staff here.
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September 2020 by Heidi He
I have trained with Sensei Abe at Way Of Japan for more than 20 years, as have my children. Sensei Abe is a genuine Martial Arts Master, with over 50 years of experience as a Martial Artist, professional kickboxer, and fighter trainer. Sensei Abe holds legitimate Black Belts in 4 different styles of Karate, ranging from 1st to 6th Don (degree), and has trained with some of the legends of Martial Arts, both in the U.S. and in Japan.At Way Of Japan you learn both traditional Shotokan style Karate and practical Kickboxing/Muay Thai techniques to make you a well rounded Martial Artist. Sensei Abe, and the other instructors, teach each student respect, responsibility, courtesy, and determination along with the skills of a Martial Artist.In my 20+ years in Martial Arts I have met, trained with, and come to know many of the Martial Arts instructors and schools in Bakersfield/Kern County. I respect many of them and consider several of them as friends. Still, my first choice for Martial Arts training, and the only place I recommend is Way Of Japan.
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September 2020 by Also Joshua
It has been extremely impressive to see what my niece can learn in such a short time. I have been on the fence about putting my daughter (now 2) in Shotokan when she is old enough because I don't want to watch my baby get hurt. However seeing my niece growth into such a strong female has genuinely opened my eyes. I cannot wait until my daughter is old enough so we can participate in such an experience. An amazing Insructor in all regards. A quality Dojo with all you need and nothing you don't.
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September 2020 by Mark Howard
My family and I have been training here for 14 years. Outstanding, world-class instruction from Sensei Abe Belardo and Sensei Jason Hanby. One of the few dojo’s that strikes a good balance between traditional shotokan karate and modern fighting styles. Way Of Japan is the only Shotokan Karate International Federation Dojo in Bakersfield. (S.K.I.F.) and has a reputation for elite level athletes. Great instruction does not have to cost a fortune. A black belt from Sensei Abe means you’ve earned something significant. WoJ will always be my karate home.
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September 2020 by Roberto Linares
This is the best Dojo to learn the traditional Shotokan karate in Kern County, it is a family oriented little place where everyone is welcome (kids, teenagers, adults) under the direct and very experienced supervision of Sensei Belardo, Sensei Hamby and very well trained Sempai; to make of every single class a great and very fulfilling experience. It took me 40+ years to have the opportunity in my life to practice and to learn this awesome discipline!, my kids and wife also enjoy coming to train and we are all hapy to be part of this Way of Japan family!
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September 2020 by Antonio Vargas
This is the ONLY Shotokan dojo in Bakersfield with the certificate of recognition with the official brand of the SKIF approved by Hirokazu Kanazawa. Any student that goes through the ranks in this place will be recognized anywhere around the world.Sensei Belardo and Sensei Jason hold nothing but high expectation on their students. Excellence and respect is achieved through hard work and dedication.
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September 2020 by Nicholas Rocha
Best traditional karate dojo in town. Sensei Belardo is extremely knowledgeable and professional and has years of experience training and coaching students of all skill levels and abilities. I highly recommend the Way of Japan dojo for anyone interested in traditional karate, developing discipline, or improving their physical fitness.
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September 2020 by Kevin
Finally found my Mr Miyagi from the movie Karate Kid to teach my granddaughter... she has already won a 3rd and 1st place medal in just 2 competitions and is now a green belt at the age of 7. One more year and I can get my grandson enrolled... we drive 45 minutes each way for Abe ‘s teaching and I’ll tell you it’s worth the drive for how well he teaches, highly recommended ....
