Kyokushin Student Testimonials & Reviews

I highly recommend the IKU Dojo. Kaicho and Shihan are extremely knowledgeable and very talented. In addition to learning martial arts skills, our workouts are wonderful. I always leave practice with a great sensation of accomplishment and feel great the next day. Sleeping like a baby the night after practice is always a plus too. We also grow on a mental level. Kaicho's world experience and high morals can definitely be seen in the quality of his students. Everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. All egos and attitudes are checked at the door. I recommend you come to a class to see for yourself.

"Thought It Was Rather Foolish At My Age"

I am one of the senior members of the Canton IKU dojo. I have been practicing for almost two years. When I started I truthfully thought it was rather foolish, at my age, to partake in such a difficult endeavor; but it was one of the best things I could have done for myself. Not only from the social interaction, but also my fitness level has greatly improved Kaicho and Shihan are truly great teachers, but most of all they have made me feel so comfortable with my limited abilities. Obviously there are many things that I struggle with, but I never feel that I am judged in anyway. Kaicho has always said that we are a family, and personally I feel that we are.

"Pushed to My Limits"

I started at the dojo around 2 and 1/2 years ago. I was at a point in my life where I was looking to achieve some physical fitness goals and grow as a person. I had always wanted to take up the marital arts but always found an excuse not to, and I started taking classes with both of my sons. I am 6'3", but when I started at the IKU dojo weighed in at 245 lbs with a waist approaching 42". Overweight is an understatement. In the time since, I have combined the training in Kyokushin karate with a good diet and working out regularly to shed 40 lbs and 8 inches off my waist: I am now 197 lbs and a size 34" waist. I feel great. I am a little closer to achieving my fitness goals, and Kaicho David Farzinzad has been indispensable with his support and overwhelmingly positive demeanor. His wife Shihan Farzinzad was wonderful with my boys while leading the children's class, patient and encouraging.

The other members of the dojo are like family, from Sensei Eddie Permedi to my fellow trainees. I encouraged a close friend of mine to take up karate, and he too has shed pounds and developed an incredible amount of stamina. It is all a credit to the the training at the IKU dojo.

Kaicho and Shihan Farzinzad lead the classes with a great amount of skill and effort, and I very much enjoy being pushed to my limits. Kaicho likes to say: "No pain, no fear, no tired" when we are training. It encourages me to "do your best, and forget the rest" (something else Kaicho says). I really like "oxygen is bad," and I love the shinai. Kyokushin karate has made me stronger and is enabling me to weather some difficult circumstances in my life right now. I would strongly encourage anyone to try it.

"From the First Class, I Knew I was in the Right Place."

My whole life I had a goal to be a black belt in karate. It was just something I wanted to achieve because I felt it represented a person being their best physically, emotionally and spiritually. Most of my life I regreted that I had not been part of the martial arts.

Through a variety of circumstances, I was lucky enough to be introduced to Kaicho by a friend in 2009. As we talked, I realized, this is the man I had to learn karate from. He suggested I try a class and see how I liked it. From the first class, I knew I was in the right place.

Kaicho and Shihan bring their heart and soul to teaching Kyokushin Karate. Kaicho emphasizes building our foundation. With a solid foundation; improving stamina, strength, endurance, and our spirit, we are prepared for anything. Kaicho's wisdom and skill helps all of us achieve our best.

As I continue my journey, I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful organization as IKU.

"Brought Back Physical Stamina"

As a very busy person with a young family, business obligations, and other time commitments, it was easy to fall out of shape both physically and mentally. The three weekly training sessions with Kaicho Farzinzad brought back physical stamina, mental discipline, and increased confidence. The sense of community and tradition is the bonding strength of IKU, where all are welcome and respected.

"Boot Camp Style Workouts"

A friend of mine suggested I swing by and check out a Martial Arts class he had recently started taking. This was almost 3 years ago. Never having any experience in martial arts I was a little skeptical. So my wife convinced my to try it, stating it would be good for me to partake in a physical activity. Well, as I said, it has been almost 3 years now and I have never felt better! The classes are intense, incorporating boot camp style workouts with lots of cardio work, strength conditioning and of course Kick and Punch.

Kaicho, Shihan and all the members of the Dojo are very special people; we have made friendships that we will have the rest of our lives.

"Tremendous Discipline and Perseverance"

I started taking karate with Kaicho and Shihan over two years ago. I ended up loving it, as does my 5 year old. It has given us tremendous discipline and perseverance. I notice the positive development in myself and my son as we learn to control and strengthen our bodies. He is able to focus more at school and his overall coordination just keeps improving.

For me, this intense exercise has made me feel great! In addition, the community at the dojo is so supportive and nurturing for everyone. I firmly believe that if someone is looking for something different and willing to try something new (it is definitely NOT run of the mill), this experience will deliver physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You just have to go to know.

"Kaicho is really wonderful with the children."

Our children really enjoy their karate lessons at IKU. Kaicho is really wonderful with the children; all of the adults there are very supportive and serve as great role models. Our children have gained not only great physical skills but have also learned important lessons in persistence, hard work, courtesy, and team work. We hope they continue their lessons for a long time. Every time my husband, Joel, is able to watch on a Saturday, he always comments on how he hopes Eric (my son) does this forever. I really like that the children do it – I think they really have a positive impact on each other.

"The Discipline in the Class is Amazing"

My son Sahil loves to go to Kyokushin Karate , he is so excited when ever he learned a new technique. He is already telling me that he wants to learn until he gets the black belt. The discipline in the class is amazing , all the kids follow what Kaicho says and gets most out of the class.

True Meaning of Kyokushin