Building confidence and discipline through martial arts in a family-friendly Phoenix dojo.
Ucelo Martial Arts Phoenix offers expert martial arts training in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. Led by Sensei Kikin and his wife Monica, the dojo provides personalized instruction in karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children and adults, focusing on skill development, self-defense, and character building. With affordable classes, fun events like Ninja Night, and a strong emphasis on respect and community, Ucelo Martial Arts helps students grow both on and off the mat.
8021 N 43rd Ave ste 1B, Phoenix, AZ 85051, USA
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Age-appropriate karate instruction for kids and families, focusing on discipline, self-defense, and confidence building.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu training for children and youth, teaching grappling techniques and physical fitness.
Specialized classes for kids aged 4 and up to introduce martial arts basics in a fun, engaging way.
One-on-one training sessions for personalized skill development and accelerated advancement.
Hosting Ninja Night, movie nights, and other family-friendly events to foster community and fun.
Structured belt testing and progression systems to track and celebrate student achievements.
Overall rating
Yannette Ramirez
My son has been going to this dojo for about a year now, and I’ve seen so much growth in him. Watching him go from just starting out to earning his blue belt has been amazing. The family that owns and runs the place is wonderful and truly cares about the kids. I couldn’t be happier with our decision to put him here! Love it and recommend it to anyone!
Nicholas Garcia
Our daughter started at 4 years old now about to turn 6. She demonstrates courage among her peers and has always been excited about going to her karate class and always makes sure she says bye to sensei after every class. Love to see her take on a discipline with her peers and build her courage. She is confident she could defend herself effectively. Every employee is a family member and they make you feel like a part of it and the kids seem to love it. The kids look up to each member of the Ucelo family as they demonstrate great leadership for the kids to see how it’s done. Little Ninjas class is GREAT for kids 4 and up and they eventually transition to a solid belt.
Amzie Cox
I cannot say enough good things about Ucelo Martial Arts. Kikin and Monika and professional and kind and focus on providing a great family environment. I have been impressed with the quality of teaching each student gets, even when the classes are large. I visited several dojos before selecting UMA, and the quality of teaching and personal involvement on the sensei, even at the lowest level, is unmatched. The discipline and guidance Kikin infuses into classes means that they kids are learning more than just martial arts. It's the small things that show just how important each student is - even from the first day a student arrives, Kikin knew the name of every child in his class and speaks to each of them directly. The cherry on top is that the classes are affordable. As a mom of 3, I appreciate that I am and to afford this opportunity to my children. Thank you UMA!
S J
My son has been part of this dojo since June 2023, starting with karate and adding jiujitsu in January 2025 when he turned 8. Over this time he’s grown so much in skill, discipline, and confidence. Training six days a week (sometimes with private lessons) has become something he truly looks forward to, not just because of the classes but because of the friendships he’s built that extend far beyond the mat. The dojo offers so much more than just classes. They host fun events for the kids like Ninja Night and family activities that really make everyone feel included. The sensei, his wife Mrs. Monica, and their kids are all so kind and welcoming. We’re so thankful to have found a place where our son can grow not only as a martial artist but as a person.
Karina Chapin
This Karate school is the best in Phoenix in my opinion. Sensei is very kind and has tons of patience with the kids he teaches. His wife Monica is very sweet and kind, their kids also train and help out with the classes. This is a very close family knit environment, the school is constantly doing family fun things, and movie nights with the kids. My son absolutely loves his private training classes which I would highly recommend to anyone your child will learn so much more in private training, and will advance quickly. My son was very shy and to himself before he started karate, now he wants to participate more and engaged with other kids. My son has come along ways and is coming out of his shell which is huge for us. This school has built my son's confidence as he has been bullied at school. He has learned how to protect himself and also he has learned how to respect himself, family, and grown ups. These are some of the things that the school will instill in your child's mind besides learning self defence. I could go on and on about the school and praise all the good things that they do for all the kids, so I will just end it with this, the school has forever change my son and in all the right ways, he is much happier and he gets excited every time that he gets to go to karate. Thank you Sensei and his family for teaching my son and for loving on him as well. We are truly grateful for everything that you have done, not just with my son but for all the kids that you teach everyday. Thank you! ❤️
