Testimonials

Aamerican Colleges of Karate has the BEST karate program in Richmond. Master Rick, Sensei Katrina and their staff are very caring and devoted to their students. Our son participated in the after school and summer programs for over 2 years, until we moved to another state, and he loved it. He was very shy and introverted when he began taking karate, but now he is much more confident and secure in himself. We attribute a lot of his growth to karate and ACK. Thanks so much and we miss you all!!
— R. Murrary
After looking for an activity for my son for some time I met Master Rick and Sensei Katrina. They told me about their school and my wife and I decided to give it a try. I knew after the first class that this is what we had been looking for. It has been 7 weeks and it gets better every day. They run a safe, structured environment where they teach respect, discipline, and self control just to name a few. They really care for each and every child, you can see it in their eyes as the kids walk in the door and the kids care for them as well. If you are looking for that something that is missing in your childs life take them to see Master Rick and Sensei Katrina. They have EARNED my TRUST! Thanks Rick and Katrina!
— M. Burbage
I am so happy I found a place where my son is cared for and respected. He’s not only learning Karate but he’s also learning valuable lessons that help him grow as a person. I feel comfortable leaving my son in such capable hands.
— A. McElroy
My son is one who is very independent and loves to play by himself. Since participating in the after school program at the American Colleges of Karate, he has made many new friends and found a love for this sport. The values and morals I set at home are reinforced by the staff at the after school program. He enjoys going and most of all...learning.

I appreciate the attention and persistence the staff at the after school program have shown my son. They made the transition to a new environment that much easier.
— O. Lucas
Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu & Karate has been a wonderful addition to our children’s lives. ACK’s atmosphere helps every child to learn and grow. The after school program offers a healthy balance of fun, homework, physical activity as well as Karate. The children are encouraged to be successful in all areas of their lives and they are taught that hard work, discipline and respect are the keys to achieving their goals. Every parent wants their children surrounded by the best people and the best environment — We have found that at ACK! It is a fantastic program!
— K. & J. McDonal
My son started with Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu & Karate’s after-school program almost as soon as they opened their doors and I cannot say enough positive things about the experience. The directors are more like second parents to my son than just childcare providers, enforcing the importance of respect and self-control at school, in karate, and at home. The karate gave him confidence and survival skills that he brought home and shared with anyone that would listen. I can’t imagine a more comprehensive after-school program to have my son in or a more loving group of directors with whom I would trust my child!
— C. Whalum
I wanted to thank you and your staff for the wonderful after-school care you have given my son, Kedrick. He has grown so much in the Aamerican Karate program. I was afraid that he would not enjoy the classes because of his lack of previous sports experience. However, you made it interesting and challenging, and you gave him attainable goals. I also love the fact that you have other activities throughout the week. This has kept Kedrick from getting overwhelmed and frustrated.

As a parent, it is always difficult to leave your child with strangers. But as I have gotten to know you and Katrina, I am positive that I could not be leaving him in any better hands for his after-school care. Kedrick looks forward to going to Karate every day, and I am so grateful for the peace of mind your program offers me.
— C. Weller
Our daughter has been with American College of Karate for a little over a month. We are very pleased with the care that has been given by Rick and Katrina. Three times a week the children take karate class which my daughter enjoys so much. Twice a week the children go on trips outside the facility to a local park and sometimes visit the ice cream store. When we initially visited the facility our main concern was that our daughter Mya was around a caring and nurturing environment and that is definitely what we have found with Rick, Katrina and their staff. Seeing Rick and Katrina with the children you definitely get a sense that they care for your child and will do everything in their power to make sure they are taken care of. What amazes us the most is that even in the short time our daughter has been with American College of Karate we can see the structure they provide there is flowing over into our home. We are so grateful that we decided to have the American College of Karate be apart of our extended family.
— B. & A. Hope
This has been a life changing experience for my daughter and myself. Up until we found Master Rick, Katrina and Miss Lucy we had struggled for a very long time with trying to find the right fit. They have a wonderfull program and treat each individual with respect and understanding like no other could ever offer. The afterschool program has been a dream come true for my daughter and myself. I used to worry all the time about where I had placed her and now I have no worries. This has been a great experience for my daughter and will continue to be something she gets to look forward to each and every day. The one on one attention that each child gets is absolutely unbelievable and even better it is at the childs level that each one can understand. My daughter seems to have more self discipline and is always excited about what the next day will have to offer and is always wanting to show everyone what she has learned. My daughter loves to be challenged and she gets that with Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu & Karate. I could never really express how much we appreciate Master Rick, Katrina and Miss Lucy for all they do.
— Stacy H.
ACK cares about the development of the whole person - mental, physical, and emotional. From the first time I set foot in ACK, I knew this was a good, safe place for our son, and he realized it too. We’ve seen lots of positive changes in him since he began classes at ACK. He is more disciplined, his concentration both in his schoolwork and sports has improved, and physically he’s much stronger. The after school program is great too. The staff helps him with his homework and stays connected with what’s going on in his life. There is variety and purpose in their planned activities so that the kids stay active. As parents, we love ACK... and our son loves it too.
— Cheryl T.
When we discovered the American Colleges of Karate program, practically in our backyard, we had been searching for an after school child care solution that would be fun and challenging for our 5th grade son, Paul. We needed an economical solution for this ‘tween’ year while he was a little big for day care but awfully young to be home alone after school every day. Although at first we had planned to only have him in the program 3 days each week, he loved it so much that he has attended 5 days each week, continuing even when I was in between jobs. He is now eager to continue in the evening classes as he transitions to middle school next year.

The positive aspects of this program are numerous! The kids enjoy a fun physical work out daily, three days each week through karate instruction and on the other two through structured, high intensity games in the studio or outside play at a local park or other attraction. Not only has Paul gained in coordination, strength and skills but in a responsible attitude, confidence and close relationships with the other students and staff. He is now very aware of serving as a good role model for the younger students. Master Rick, Mrs. Katrina and Miss Lucy do an amazing job of getting to know each child individually and providing a customized blend of structure, caring discipline, praise, and clearly defined, high standards which enable students of all levels to succeed at meeting personal goals. Thank you for the peace of mind we have had, knowing that not only has Paul been well cared for but that he has gained immeasurably from the time he has spent in the ACK program.
— G. & L. Dippold
When we discovered the American Colleges of Karate program, practically in our backyard, we had been searching for an after school child care solution that would be fun and challenging for our 5th grade son, Paul. We needed an economical solution for this ‘tween’ year while he was a little big for day care but awfully young to be home alone after school every day. Although at first we had planned to only have him in the program 3 days each week, he loved it so much that he has attended 5 days each week, continuing even when I was in between jobs. He is now eager to continue in the evening classes as he transitions to middle school next year.

The positive aspects of this program are numerous! The kids enjoy a fun physical work out daily, three days each week through karate instruction and on the other two through structured, high intensity games in the studio or outside play at a local park or other attraction. Not only has Paul gained in coordination, strength and skills but in a responsible attitude, confidence and close relationships with the other students and staff. He is now very aware of serving as a good role model for the younger students. Master Rick, Mrs. Katrina and Miss Lucy do an amazing job of getting to know each child individually and providing a customized blend of structure, caring discipline, praise, and clearly defined, high standards which enable students of all levels to succeed at meeting personal goals. Thank you for the peace of mind we have had, knowing that not only has Paul been well cared for but that he has gained immeasurably from the time he has spent in the ACK program.”

- George and Lesin Dippold

”Aamerican Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu and Karate has truly been a blessing in multiple ways! My nephew and I have been taking classes for about 9 months now and we feel as though we have a second family at ACJJK. The adult classes are both a wonderful workout and a wonderful martial arts lesson each and every class. It’s the best of both worlds as we are able to learn karate while incorporating the best and most effective self defense techniques all while also practicing the art of jiu-jitsu. The art we practice, Aam-Ka Jiu-Jitsu truly is a combination of learning all the best tactics in multiple styles. We work together in the adult classes to help one another succeed while also pushing each other to our fullest potential. I have studied other martial arts during my lifetime but this one, I feel is preparing me to be the best martial artist that I can be. You will truly begin to build your confidence and learn to “walk without fear

Not only are the adults classes great but the kids classes are also a joy! I am actually able to attend the kids classes twice a week with my nephew so I have first hand experience of them. They are also a work out but also are oriented to the age levels of the kids!! The kids love it, have fun but also learn very important skills to defend their lives if so needed. The after school and summer day care program has also been a wonderful part of American Colleges of Jiu-Jitsu and Karate as my nephew doesn’t want to leave in the evenings, loves the field trips they attend during the summer and after school and many times asks to stay longer.

It is truly a wonderful program, they care about each and every person that walks through the door, child or adult. The people at ACJJK have truly become a second family for my family and I am sure that anyone who gets to know the wonderful people involved in this program would feel the same way all while gaining important knowledge and skills to protect yourself in the real world.
— Sensei Courtney Harris