The Dojo American Karate Centers

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CLOSED NOW - Opens atTomorrow 2:30pm

If you are a minority, beware. The owner William Gaffney is a closet racist. We were members for a year. We were one of the few black families in the Dojo. Out of the blue, the owner decided to share with me that he thinks the first black president should be impeached. Upon confronting him with my wife, he proceeded to tell us he knows what it means to be black and that my wife and I don't. He told my wife, you are not even black so what do you care and proceeded to question our commitment to our own race over his commitment to our race. After that painfully ignorant conversation where he proceeded to insult my wife and my cultures, we agreed to separate from the Dojo. However, Mr. Gaffney's girlfriend / instructor proceeded to charge our account for three more months until we had to cancel our bank card to avoid the debits. Don't be fooled by this place. All they care about is MONEY, MONEY, MONEY and there is zero diversity.

Both my kids are taking Karate here. It is great. There confidence has increased, keeps them active and they are learning useful skills. The teachers are tough but the kids love it. The only added cost besides the monthly cost is once they achieve a new belt. I would recommend this dojo.

This is good one center....

I wouldn't recommend them. They have hidden fees for everything on top of the contract. My son developed severe asthma and could not handle the running. Doctor did not want him to go because it hurt his body with the intensity. He never got asthma so bad until he went to karate. They said they would honor the doctor's note. Now we encounter a person named Steve. He literally said "I don't care. We signed a contract" I was just floored and in shock. Now we have a big bill on top of the medical problems. I just don't know what to do except let everyone know not to go with this company or any of their branches. Go with another smaller dojo that has a more personal relationship and no contracts if you can help it.

Investment really is the key word. Both myself and my 8 year old son have been taking karate for the last three years at the Dunwoody location and loving every class. For my son, it has dramatically improved his confidence and focus. They have been great at developing goals with incremental results in his schooling, fitness and moral development. I myself, have lost 28lbs. and feel great. I'd tried gyms and get bored too quickly, but the karate classes offer variety and an environment that is favorable for both myself and my son. The instructors are fun but know when to be strict and disciplined with the class. They offer support when we need it most, but push us to achieve our goals. With a newly renovated facility, it has the look of a newer school even though it's been there for at least the last ten years. They offer several training floors as well, and it makes it easy to practice with my son even when he isn't in class. It's been a real investment is in our future for my physical health and my son's confidence that has been priceless for years so far.