Newbury Park Martial Arts Center

I feel fortunate to have found NPMAC for my 2 ninjas in training. Not only are they learning practical techniques for self defense for their physical body but they are also cultivating qualities for increases confidence and discipline.

I have been attending NPMAC for a few years now and before I started coming here, if someone were to ask me about martial arts I would have thought it was punches and kicks, but after my first visit and private class I found it to be much more than that. Since the very beginning they were teaching me to be confident in myself and how to respect others. They showed me that fighting doesn’t always have to be a physical altercation, but can be an internal struggle. I’ve found out that we are our harshest critics. I’m very grateful to have found this dojo and their teachings. Showing me not only the means to protect myself in life or death situations, but how to react to those situations with a different point of view.
I like the way the course is structured and enjoy the numerous amount of teachers at our disposal, each providing their own twist of knowledge in their experience with the style.
Before my first class I thought I was only going to do private classes, but after meeting the teachers and fellow students I found the environment to be welcoming and we were all there for the same purpose. I find it amazing to see the little ninjas all the way to the seasoned black belts still yearning to learn.
The dojo is a relatively large size having a men’s dressing room, women’s dressing room, bathroom, ninja lounge and spacious mat area.
If you’re looking for a martial arts that has both mental and physical aspects than To-​Shin Do at NPMAC is my recommendation for you.

Newbury Park Martial Arts Center (NPMAC) is unlike many martial arts studios in that the curriculum taught is practical, down-​to-​earth, and easily learned — no flying kicks, or other theatrics, just practical movements to protect you, your friends and family. They make an effort to adapt the teachings to those who may not be as limber as a twenty something. I’ve seen much older adults participating in classes with the instructors modifying the various katas to take into account their physical limitations while keeping the kata as a viable defense. This is not to say that what is taught is simplistic by any means. What is taught at NPMAC is the real deal. The depth of understanding the instructors have of how the art is applied in real life seems bottomless. I’ve been attending for 9 months and am still learning how the initial self-​defense katas can be applied differently and continuously improved.
The psychology of a fight is also taught — how your attitude going into a confrontation significantly influences how the confrontation unfolds and ultimately ends — perhaps even ending without a physical confrontation. They also demonstrate how your mental and physical stance during the fight influence how your opponent will respond, giving you a potential edge by making your opponent do what you want him to do. It is truly amazing and something I’ve never seen taught at lower belt levels.
NPMAC also has a large staff of instructors. As a student you will be exposed to a number of different approaches to learn the curriculum. If you don’t relate to one instructor chances are you’ll relate to one of the others. All the instructors and senior students are friendly and always looking to help if needed — none of the superior, holier than thou attitude that you might experience at other studios.
They are great for kids. After attending for a number of months and watching how they work with kids of all ages I decided to enroll my son. As much as they care about the adults learning and progressing in ability they are even more involved with the development of children and pre-​teens. The martial arts curriculum is the same as the adult class, but added in are physical and mental games which keep the kids engaged during the class. They urge the parents to engage with them to identify areas the child may be having challenges outside the studio, then help reinforce and support corrections to those challenges while in class.
In summary, this is a one-​of-​a-​kind martial arts experience. If you’ve ever trained at another studio, you’ll find this experience very different in a positive way. If you’ve never trained at another studio, you should consider yourself very lucky to have chosen this one as your first.

This dojo is terrific in every respect. Great instructors, great members, and an incredible, unique and practical martial art. I have been here three years and both my kids take classes. I feel it teaches them things they need to know to be safe and confident in a sometimes not-​so-​safe world. As for me, I’ve always wanted to try a martial art and was dissuaded bc of the time commitment and finding the right fit. I feel I’m learning something practical and that will help me be a stronger person and set an example for my family. I also feel safer and more confident in everyday life. I suggest trying out one of the free classes to see if it’s for you.

An extraordinary martial arts studio that is more like a family than just a place to take classes. Especially suitable for people who are looking for an art where practical application and historical knowledge meet to adapt to the individual needs.

This is an excellent place to train. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and very patient as well. I have trained in two different martial arts before I found this school and can honestly say that this school is the best! It is a great school for kids and adults.