Z-Ultimate Self Studios

This is a great martial arts studio for people of all ages and skill levels. When I first came here I was not sure if I was too old and too out of shape to get involved in karate. But they are great at working with each individual according to their needs. The instructors are not only skilled martial artists, but also excellent teachers. It is also one of the few karate studios headed by a female 2^nd degree black belt. It is also the only studio I know of where women can participate in ongoing real-​world self defense training, which is a separate program from the traditional belt system martial arts.

Sensei Karla’s Women’s self defense class is the best. Very comfortable to be with women sharing women stories and situations. This is a great gift to give your special lady, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces– any female you care for –that will always be in style.

Loved my first Personal Safety Education Program class! I have no martial arts background, and was a little nervous to begin. It is so inviting and friendly at this dojo, I felt comfortable and welcomed yet still focused on such a serious subject matter. I was able to learn several strikes and blocks as well as add to my meditation skills. My instructor also adapted my program to help me participate with an injured knee. I especially love that this program was developed by and taught by a WOMAN, Sensei Karla, the only program of its kind in Long Beach.

Update #2…still going strong! My kids love it here and they have all become like family. I can’t even imagine taking my kids anywhere else. Sensei Karla is amazing and my kids miss her when we can’t go for a bit due to illness or vacation. She has a knack for understanding how to explain something so that my kids understand and remember it. Sensei Everett, though he looks sweet he is swift and concise. He is very mature and is a born instructor. He handles kids wonderfully and seems to know how they learn. He is soft-​spoken, calm and methodical… a fabulous addition to the team. Sensei Ladarius has a big presence, but a soft hand. He is fantastic with the kids. I love that the kids learn discipline but aren’t «broken» first by yelling (which I have seen at some dojos). This Dojo works only to build kids up without needing to first break them down. They do their best to tend to any child who needs extra tending to (if you know what I mean) but without leaving the other kids out. My kids always feel they get the attention they need to learn what they came to learn.

Great place to bring your kids except about pricy and far for me sensei James is fantastic. He teaches discipline to the kids very well.

Words cannot describe how awesome this studio is! I am so appreciative of the staff who handled my sons 4^th birthday party on memorial weekend! I called everywhere in the area and cities nearby in hopes to find a studio on that weekend but many were closed due to the holiday! They took me in last minute as I frantically searched for a studio who was able to host the party since the original studio cancelled on me without notice and i was so fortunate to find Z-​Ultimate in Long Beach. You left quite an amazing impression on my kids as well as the birthday boy’s friends. We will definitely look into signing up for lessons and cannot thank you enough for making our event such a huge success! Sensei Karla you truly are a professional and patient with our group of kids… your team truly went above and beyond! Thank you so much!

Amazing group of sensei’s here. My 7 year old son has been at Z-​ultimate for about 1 ½ years. He is currently an orange belt. I love that they have an «individual «session every week where they work with a sensei and one other kid. It gives them time to really perfect their skills. I really like that this dojo doesn’t just push earning belts, they actually teach kids how to defend themselves both verbally and physically (although they stress that physical defense is the last option). My son has sensei James and LOVES him!!! (And so do I). He is so kind but able to keep the kids in line. A great mentor. We had been to a different dojo that was more about getting to the next belt. My daughter hadn’t really learned anything at that other dojo even though she was a brown belt in less than 2 years. This dojo doesn’t just teach to a test, they want to know your child KNOWS how to defend themselves. They also help the kids learn good character. I would 100% recommend this dojo. I have already referred my own friends here. Thank you Karla and James! you are the best.

We booked a 2hour self defense class as a mother/​daughter outing for our NCL class. Sensei Karla and her staff were outstanding! Aside from making it fun, we walked away with so much knowledge on how to be aware, protect ourselves using our hands, feet, elbows and even our cell phones! Great time spent with our daughters and valuable information we all will take away for our every day life. Informative, interactive, and would recommend to all! Thank you to Karla and everyone at Z-​Ultimate Self Studios.

I recently took some self defense classes with sensei Karla and loved it! At first I was hesitant about taking the classes but glad I did she taught me a lot and made it very fun. I highly recommend the one on one classes!

Caring instructors with a positive attitude! I couldn’t be more happy to recommend this place. If you’re looking for a workout or just some fun, don’t hesitate to check Z-​Ultimate out. Pricing is affordable and you receive individual attention and training programs.

So, there I was, wandering the first Long Beach Farmer’s market over on Spring. Nice, softspoken young man in a black gi asks me if I’m interested in a martial arts program, because they have this really snazzy promotion going on. Low price, one month of private and group lessons, and a uniform? Quick check left — Daughter was interested. Sign me up, sensei!
So I signed Daughter up for the month on the (hopefully) off chance that martial arts could bring her some self-​confidence. I mean, the sensei was practically dripping with quiet confidence. Had to rub off, right?
First impression of the first lesson: The dojo was neat, clean, and well cared for. I was very impressed and pleased at how easily and naturally the instructor, Sensei Amanda, handled a nervous, shy and very intelligent young girl. My daughter had FUN. More, she thrived on the kind of calm, focused attention she was getting.
And hey, they didn’t mind me bringing my toddler (which is good, since I didn’t have a choice.)
Second impression: organization. Ruthless organization. Classes are frequent, separate for adults, juniors, and the little ones. There are at least two instructors per children’s class at all times. Bathrooms are large and clean, floor is clean and the rug is pretty padded for comfort, and the studio is fortuitously next to several decent restaurants and a really excellent chiropractor.
My daughter has been attending Z-​Ultimate for over a year now (she actually had her 8^th birthday party here, and it was a huge hit with all her friends). She had so much fun that I actually ended up joining myself. (Mother-​daughter bonding over arm locks and front ball kicks FTW!) The instructors are still calm, focused, fun, and personable. They can and do tailor exercise and martial art to your physical abilities if you have medical problems and they’re very contientious about that. They will also work your rear end off, and inspire you to give your absolute best efforts, because that’s exactly what they give. You will sweat, you will groan — heck, if you’re my age, you’ll creak and pull a few ligaments every now and again. But you will walk out of that dojo having had fun. Possibly with a few black marks on your gi from not dodging the rubber training knives on weapons night, but hey, that’s what Oxyclean is for, right?
Bottom line: my family spends a ridiculous amount of time here, and we all love it. We’re grateful that the staff at Z-​Ultimate are friends, as well as instructors,
And they still don’t mind me bringing my toddler…