Poway Martial Arts

I would like to include the un-​professional response of the owner that in my opinion all should see-​including my rebuttals. It clearly in my opinion, shows the owner is extremely unprofessional and hurting for business due to his response.
First off, after my son’s injury he was not gone for six months. Medical records and attendance and other documentation would clearly show that. Second, the owner called once during the time that my son was out. This is also again very well documented. He wanted to know when we would come back as monthly billing would be starting again. We were not on monthly billing as we had paid 6 months in advance. He also never asked how my son was. In addition, one email was sent after that again regarding billing. The entire duration was not anywhere near six months.
In addition, I also mentioned this was the best thing that happened as prior we would run into staff and they wouldn’t know this. Mr. Barker is indicating his staff would know us due to our being out six months. Again, we were not out six months and in addition this was going on prior to us being out for my son’s injury.
The interesting thing is the day we did return, both my husband and I walked into Mr. Barker’s office to say hello. Mr. Barker barely said hello, and when he walked out of his office he did not even have any interest to see how our son was doing.
It is in my opinion that Mr. Barker should be very fornuate. My son’s injury happened at his studio under his instructor’s watch. It was a case of clear negligence that we were nice to let go due to his struggling business and decided not to blame them. The law is on my side on that regardless of what his martial contract law states. Should Mr. Barker like to pursue that, I would be fine with that as my son came very close to having surgery. We are still under the Statute of Limitations. Mr. Barker should you feel differently, please have your attorney send me a Letter of Representation and I would be glad to move forward on that.
Lastly, Mr. Barker referred to my son’s new martial art’s studio as a «belt factory.» It is quite amusing in my opinion as it shows he is jealous and upset that we have moved on without him. Mr. Barker does not know the name of this studio know what the instruction contains. My son was extremely bored at his studio and now is having the time of his life as well as growing with martial arts. Incidentally, quite a bit of Mr. Barker’s former students are coming to our studio.
Finally, most that I have spoken to have not put up a negative response due to Mr. Barker’s rude and obnoxious ways. It doesn’t bother me, and I would encourage anyone to not be intimidated by in my opinion this struggling business owner who can’t get his facts straight.
Mr. Barker-​It might be in your best interest to work on your customer service skills and your branding. As well as paying attention to what goes on in your studio and why people are leaving to what you call «belt-​factories.» In addition, you are extremely lucky I have not pursued you for legally over negligence at your studio. You stated you were «disappointed in me as a person.» To be quite frank, I am disappointed in you as person as well. As a black belt, I would expect you to know your facts, hold your self accountable and learn from criticism.
If you would like to pursue me as a liar, sadly you picked the wrong person. I have documented well and can prove my case strongly should you want to continue this.
Hi Amanda,
I saw you posted a negative review of my business. That is very disappointing to me as I run a high quality school and am always extremely aware of and try to give my members great customer service. I am sure you remember how many times I called and emailed you to check on Michael’s status. Your review said you had returned and nobody noticed or seemed to care? When did you return and why would you not have contacted me personally? In addition, my attendance records do not show Michael attending any classes in over 6-​months. In fairness to my staff, if he had returned none of them would have seen him in over 6 months so of course they wouldn’t know he had an injury. I don’t mind legitimate criticism, although I think an adult would call me personally, but the type of exaggeration and even lies you put in that review is uncalled for. Thankfully, most people know that there’s a complainer every couple years even for the best of businesses. I am very disappointed in you as a person and I am now also glad you are gone as my successful business does not need customers like you. Best of luck with what sounds like a belt factory school you are now attending.
Barry Barker
Barry Barker (aka Mr. B)
., Dipl O.M., MSTOM
AMA, 8^th Degree Black Belt
Owner — Chief Instructor
Poway Martial Arts
13 246 Poway Rd
Poway CA 92 064
Bus: 858−486−1003
Cell: 858−735−1603

I took my Daisy Girl Scout troop (6 and 7 year olds) to Poway Martial Arts and the girls resoundingly voted it as our best field trip of the summer. They thoroughly enjoyed the class and some even earned their first stripe on their white belt (which Mr. B provided at no charge). A few of the girls even signed up for ongoing lessons. My daughter has been going to this school for about 8 months and here are a few reasons I recommend it:
1) The teachers are great! They have a unique way of mixing discipline with fun that keeps the kids (and the parents from the lobby) entertained. Although we were sad to see Mr. Josh and Mr. Jordan go, the new teachers (and of course Mr. B!) do a great job of keeping the kids engaged and focused.
2) Kids are constantly making progress. Belt testing takes place four times per year. Mr. B does a great job of ensuring the kids are ready to move on to their next belt. He even lets students take additional lessons the week prior to belt testing at no charge.
3) Family atmosphere. Mr. B adds some special touches to make it fun for the kids. He had a holiday party (crafts, games and prizes) and an easter egg hunt this past year. I also like that he knows all the kids names and that there almost an equal number of girls and boys in the Little Ninjas class.
4) He gives back the community. A few times during the year Mr. B and women that have earned their black belt at Poway Martial Arts hold a free self-​defense class for women.
As for areas of improvement… The benches in the waiting room aren’t all that comfortable. However the small areas for improvement don’t detract from a high rating for me. This school provides valuable skills (athleticism, discipline, respect, self defense) in a positive environment.
Tip: if you pay up front (6 or 12 months), you get a discount.

Just tested for my 1^st degree Brown Belt at 50. Actually I am now 51. Being the oldest person in my class isn’t an issue. Well sometimes it is a cardio issue but that is why I am there.
This is by and far the best martial arts studio in San Diego. If you are thinking of enrolling for yourself or for your kids you need to check it out… Master Barry Barker is one of the best martial artists in San Diego County and in the State… but even better is the skills you will learn.
Can’t say enough and if I am ready I will finally test for my black belt this summer after 9 years of training… I have loved every minute of it. This is like home.

I have been a member for 6months, and after shopping around, before I finally joined, I have t tell you that It doesn’t get any better than this!
Let’s start with the facility itself.– They have a full size Octagon, boxing ring, weight room, bag room, (2) full training floors, and a spacious mat area for MMA! The staff is knowledge, friendly, flexible and professional! Mr. B (the legendary owner) has what seems to be an «open door policy,» and is very involved in training, support, and customer service, and has responded to every email I ever sent, as I was a little gun shy of training and had quite a few questions on the different options of types of training and prices (THEIR PRICES CANNOT BE BEAT). He gives FREQUENT discounts, specials, and free classes, and is very good at keeping members informed via email and Facebook! If you have time, or have EVER thought about training in Kenpo Karate, Boxing, Jiu-​Jitsu, MMA, or just want to lose weight, I highly recommend this facility – It does not disappoint. Their website offers a FREE training session, where there is NO PRESSURE to join, and at the least you’ll walk out with some new skills and a fresh outlook on how MMA gyms should be ran.
Oh yeah, I almost forgot!
1) THEY HAVE A WEIGHT ROOM THAT IS INCLUDED IN MEMBERSHIP, SO JUST DROP YOUR GYM MEMBERSHIP, AND YOUR EXCUSES: D
2) I heard from everyone I talked to that they are AMAZING with their children classes, and have perfected the balance between discipline, training, and fun!
Check em out!

I just got a call from this place. They raised their prices 10 dollars a month. Not worth it!

I just joined the MMA classes two weeks ago and I am very pleased with both the trainers and the facility. The workouts are extremely challenging and I am already seeing results. I was given the opportunity to try out 2 of the classes free of charge before making my decision in joining or not which was enough for me. I haven’t seen any egos walking around and everyone that I have talked to was more than freindly and very respectful. I am happy to be part of the team and would like to see more people who are serious about MMA competion to come try it out.

Absolutely the best! This is a family business that is dedicated to teaching true martial arts. Mr. B’s passion for martial arts is amazing and his continuous involvement in the Poway community is refreshing. What I love about Poway Martial Arts is the fact that it is not about getting people in and then promoting them when they haven’t earned it. They are the real deal. You earn your next belt and in doing so it’s a great way for kids to learn the importance of discipline while still getting good physical training and having fun.
Although I’m not an active student due to my location, it’s great to see some of the same faces that I trained with as a child still actively involved with the studio as black belts as well as their kids. My children have participated in camp over the summer here and classes in the past and I give nothing but my highest regard to the instructors and the Barkers :)

Poway Martial Arts is a great place for learning all aspects of self defense. Mr. B and his staff have really put together a place to learn and feel a part of something. The friends that I have made there are life long and the skills in Kenpo, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu and Boxing are just as priceless as the friends.
Awsome place to train, awsome people to work with.
Love it… all thumbs up.

I went there thinking this was part of the Boxing Club. They are far from it! They use the name The Boxing Club but they are not in anyway connected to them. They actually use so many names to call their business you do not know what to think.
BOTTOM LINE IS TO STAY AWAY STAY FAR AWAY!!!
They tried to swindle me into signing up for another membership saying that they were mush better than any club out there. The owner, it seemed wanted to pick a fight with me because I did not want to join.
Save your time, go elsewhere!
TOO FUNNY, HERE HE GOES AGAIN TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT AND CALLING NAMES! (LOOK AT HiS RESPONSE THAT TOOK A YEAR FOR HIM TO RESPOND) YOU ARE A CLASS ACT…
(I cut and pasted his comment here so he can not delete it or edit it after he relies what an A$$ he made of himself LOL!)
FROM THE OWNER HIMSELF:
” This knucklehead is annoying. Not sure where to start.
We are the original Boxing Club and would never want to be associated or thought of being associated with the Lava Fitness Boxing Club franchise.
If this idiot new anything about business he would realize we have different programs under one business name because different people like different things. We have ‘The Boxing Club of Poway’, Poway Kenpo Karate’, ‘Poway MMA’ and ‘Graci-​Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu of Poway’ all under our business name of ‘Poway Martial Arts’ with 4 training floors and experts on staff in each of these areas. When he has been in business for 27 years at anything like I have been here then he might have some credibility but as it stands now he’s an ignorant fool.
Next point: How would it be possible for me to be in business this long if I ever tried to ‘swindle’ anyone. It doesn’t happen here and I take it very personal when any idiot can say whatever he wants in a forum like this.
My last point is there is no doubt that this is one of the best gyms and karate schools in the county, absolutely true. There are other good gyms and karate schools around and it depends on what someone is looking for but on balance we are near or at the top when you look at longevity, level of instruction and training, facility, polite and friendly staff, etc. BB ”

I went in for a trial class and let me just say this-​if you are looking for egos, or maybe you yourself has a big ego and want to share, this is the place to be
Edit: With all due respect, Mr B. my comment was not directed at your facility-​Poway Kenpo Karate, I originally posted it for the Boxing Club in Poway. I’m not sure how it ended up here.
Regarding the egos-​the guy at the front desk laughed at me when I asked if they had contracts for membership-​he said «name one gym that doesn’t have contracts”-I actually named a few… and there was another younger guy who just wouldn’t stop giving me tough guy looks

Poway Kenpo Karate has a long history in the city of Poway since 1984! From what started out as 600 sq. ft. has now expanded to 3000 sq. ft. Not only has it expanded in size, but also in what it has to offer. For example, it is the home of The Boxing Club, as well as, their recent and newly added Poway MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
MMA is a full contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and non-​traditions, to be used in competitions. At Poway MMA you can compete, train, and/​or learn (MMA, pankration, jiu-​jitsu, muay thai, combat sambo, boxing, wrestling).
Not only does this place have a boxing ring, it also has a full octagon cage. Most importantly, it is a clean, safe and friendly environment.
There are several things I appreciate about this place:
(1) It offers a wide variety of classes for kids, families, and adults (i.e., pilates, kenpo karate, kickboxing, etc.).
(2) This place is that it is family owned by Mr. Barry Barker and they are very involved with the community.
(3) The location is convenient, as it is centrally located. As most other gyms you would have to travel far distances for.
(4) The trainers and coaches are awesome!