Reviews

We are so lucky to have Mountainside Martial Arts Center (MMAC) right here in Ahwatukee. It has truly become part of our family over the past 9 years, and we have made lifelong friends there. Rick Savagian is the Owner and Head Instructor of an extremely unique dojo and traditional program. Most people do not know that MMAC is one of very few dojos in the US that is sanctioned by a governing body in Japan – so it is the real deal! As fellow small business owners in this community, we can appreciate how Rick has run a highly successful business for over 40 years while also supporting this community.



Both of our boys went through Rick’s program and our youngest recently earned his black belt. With Rick’s program, even when the black belt rank is achieved, the learning continues when those students teach other students with lower ranks. The opportunities for growth are endless. Over the past several years, his program has helped to build so many tremendous characteristics in both of our boys – discipline, confidence, and integrity - just to name a few. In a world where these qualities are minimized or not taught at all, Rick has built his entire program around them to set them up for successful futures. We cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here!

Sensei Rick has been teaching in Ahwatukee for almost 40 years. He has been a strong supporter of our local schools and community. His dojo encourages strong values, a strong work ethic, and good grades in their students. The school is apart of Wado-Ryu karate based in Japan, and Sensei Rick is one of the top teachers in the US. This is a traditional karate school which you are unlikely to find elsewhere in AZ.



We are so fortunate to have our son studying karate under Sensei Rick. If you are serious about karate, I strongly recommend Mountainside Martial Arts. There is no better karate school in AZ in my opinion.

Not only is my son learning and loving karate, his confidence and self-efficacy has grown exponentially. The MMAC and the team of dedicated senseis are fantastic and make each child feel valued. Highly recommended!!!

I have three boys attending Mountainside Martial Arts Center. It has been amazing to see their progress and confidence grow over the years. Two of my boys are brown belts and my youngest son just earned his yellow belt, otherwise known as the "Legendary Yellow Belt". Each one of them has continued to build their confidence with the milestones they have achieved, both physically and mentally.

The Senseis are patient, but challenge the students to be and do their personal best. They build up their natural abilities and manage through the areas of improvement. Every student has their own path to move forward, but are encouraged to progress. All of these traits has permeated in other areas of their life from school work, socially and to other sports.

My son has attended MMAC for 4 years and has been a member of the competition team. Sensei Rick and the other instructors have created an amazing environment for their students. No matter how my son is feeling before practice he always leaves energized and excited. He is a teenager and yet they keep him motivated. We have experience with other dojo’s and I knew immediately this dojo is different. The atmosphere and leadership is on another level. I highly recommend Rick and his team if you are looking for a dojo.

MMAC is second to none! My daughter has been a student for 2 years now. The core values that we as a family live by are reinforced exceptionally: Integrity, Hard Work, Dedication and Having fun!

As soon as you enter the impeccable dojo, you feel a sense of calmness. Yet at the same time, a strong sense of competitiveness and readiness to train.

The astounding leadership that Sensei Rick brings is priceless. The instructors are amazingly engaged and always ready to motivate the young students.

You will not find another dojo that comes remotely close to this one!

Our daughter has been a student at Mountainside Martial Arts Center for close to nine years. The dojo, Sensei Rick and many other Sensei's have been a great influence on her and our family. Karate has helped her grow in physical and mental endurance and strength, and has also taught her many other valuable skills, including commitment, respect and personal accountability. We have witnessed our daughter grow over the years into a confident young woman and karate has played an important role in that growth. Participation in karate has provided many opportunities that have included training and competing in state, national and international tournaments. She has also had the opportunity to meet respected Sensei's and leaders in the Wado Ryu karate community, as well as train with elite USA Karate instructors and athletes. We are very thankful for the personal and physical growth that MMAC and karate has provided for our daughter.

This dojo is one of the best I have ever seen. All of the black belts are very modest and put the students first. Your first impression of the place is a large viewing area that is always clean (cleaned every week) and looking nice. The training room is very clean fit with mirrors on one wall and nice lighting. One unique part is a room with couches, a TV broadcasting from a camera in the training room, and tables. This is for parents and students who wish to do homework and/or work before class starts or whenever in a quite environment. I have also seen people tutoring in this room. Once you are ready for black belt one of your priorities is to clean the dojo as reviewer below me said. This is to show character and that your take pride in the dojo. I did it and enjoyed doing it. This place is awesome. I would recommend it.

Love this dojo. They are amazing. My son has been training there 6 years. I can't say enough good things about this facility and the staff and the level of training.

Great Dojo with a family feel and Sensei's that truly care about the Martial Arts learning experience.