Gilbert Defense Arts

Our teen son has been taking karate lessons at Gilbert Defense Arts for a couple of years now and we have nothing but good things to say! He loves the instructors, the supportive environment, and the fitness he has developed in his time with GDA. I believe the life lessons gained from Casey have been formative and have allowed him to navigate early adolescence with confidence, forward-thinking, and a healthy attitude toward success and failure. As a parent who gets busy transporting too many kids to too many activities, I love that the studio allows our son to learn at his (or our) own pace without extra pressure. Evan just asked me to add, “I honestly can’t imagine what my life would be like without GDA!”

I initially contacted Gilbert Defense Arts to sign my children up for self-defense classes. My son is a 14-year-old, highly sensitive, tender soul, and he’s been targeted by bullies his entire life for his kindness that is perceived as weakness. I wasn’t sure how he would adapt to a contact sport, but his instructor Casey has been nothing short of a God send. My son has always been incredibly anxious, and much to my surprise, the times when he’s least anxious is when he’s training with Casey. My son has learned so much, his confidence grows with every training session, and after working with Casey for a few months, I am confident in my son’s ability to physically defend himself against the increasing number of children with trauma who take their pain out on others. My son looks forward to Wednesdays when he trains with Casey, and I’m forever grateful for Casey’s unwavering patience, support, and his innate ability to connect with my son without intimidating him. Casey genuinely loves what he does as evidenced in the way he interacts with his students.

Here’s where it gets really interesting…GDA isn’t just for kids. There’s something for everyone, including clumsy, stay at home moms with two left feet and cankles whose idea of a workout is squeezing your buttcheeks really tight while vacuuming. As much as I enjoy my routine of talking to my dogs while folding laundry and listening to Celine Dion (what happened to my life?), I was ecstatic to be welcomed with open arms into the GDA family as a student. I have been attending the daytime Muay Thai classes and have been treated with unsurpassed love and kindness, despite my lack of skill and coordination. I remain humbled and grateful for the support offered by those in the class who have been attending GDA for years. I annoy myself when I confuse my left and right hands, but those who have been training for years have shown nothing but compassion, and they are the first to celebrate my small victories. It’s hard work and uncomfortable at times, but nothing good comes from staying comfortable…and let’s be honest…punching things is fun! You’re never too old or too awkward to experience growth through new adventures. If you have any interest in having fun while pushing yourself and learning new skills, I highly recommend Gilbert Defense Arts for the entire family. No experience required.

I can't speak highly enough about GDA. Their entire staff is amazing at what they do!
I have noticed a huge difference in both respectful attitude and confidence levels in both of my boys which has translated into doing better in school.
If you are looking for a martial arts program for your kids or training for yourself, you don't need to read anymore reviews, give Casey at GDA a call and make all your dreams come true.
Seriously, stop reading this review and sign up for a class, you've found the right place.

Three kids. 1 Black, 1 Brown, 1 Blue. Very organized and professional. Kids enjoy lessons and special events are great. Variety of martial arts available also. Well respected in the martial arts community.

My children have been attending classes for nearly 2 years now and it's the greatest thing I could have done for them. Both of my sons know how to defend themselves in a way of integrity and dignity while maintaining self control. My oldest had to use this when he went to a new school recently and I couldn't be more proud.

The most impressive part is the amount of patience the instructors have when teaching children. It's never truly about perfection, just progression and self confidence. My 2 younger will start classes as soon as they are old enough.