Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy

San Juan Capistrano, United States

4.5

11 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 949-240-6574
Website:
www.ZenDojos.com
Address:
31105 Rancho Viejo Rd Ste C5, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
480 ftSan Juan Capistrano Depot
1.6 miOCTA
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Bussiness info

Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today 8:00 am – 12:00 am
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Local time (San Juan Capistrano) 8:32 AM Sunday, June 22, 2025

Business hours

Monday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 8:00 am – 12:00 am
8:00 am – 1:00 pm

Description

Specialties

Please read the 33 «Filtered Reviews» just above and to the left — we have lots of people saying great things about us, you just have to dig a little!

We have Family Friendly, Beginner Classes formed and still forming. We offer a variety of programs in the largest padded training area in San Juan Capistrano. We offer Karate, Krav Maga, Jui Jitsu, and now Yoga! Our Karate Kid’s Club offers the best in self defense for Karate Kids (Classes for ages 3 & up).

We also specialize in Birthday parties and are famous for our Summer Camp. They are both sure to be an experience your child will never forget. Our birthday parties and Summer Camps are fun, safe and carefully supervised by our certified instructors, with amazing karate games, fun exercises and awesome karate demos!

Parents, this is the perfect way to introduce children who are shy about trying the martial arts, as they often feel more secure in a festive environment with lots of friend

History

Established in 1991.

Master Instructor Paul Benavidez, 6th Degree Black Belt oversees all training programs at Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy. He begin teaching quality Martial Arts in the Orange County area since 1991. Working with many local schools both public and private, Zen Dojos has formed a special relationship within the community. Character development is one of our main focuses. Our goal is to empower society with a strong sense of self esteem, confidence and the ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Recently we have added a popular Yoga Program, priced to make attending Yoga affordable!

Meet the Business Owner

Sensei B.

Business Owner

Paul Benavidez /​Martial Arts

A practitioner of Shaolin Kempo Karate for more than 25 years, Paul designed and oversees the Karate Kids program taught at local private schools for over 14 years. Owner of Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy based in San Juan Capistrano, he holds the rank of sixth-​degree black belt, and was a 2004 Martial Art Hall of Fame inductee. Paul competes in many local and national tournaments throughout the year, and especially enjoys recognition for the many young champions he has trained!

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11 reviews of Zen Dojos Martial Arts Academy

No registration required
Place rating: 1
Irvine, CA
He seemed like a great guy however shortly after we joined we realized we couldn’t do it. I spoke to him about returning an unused uniform within two days and he would give me a refund. When I returned it no one was there. I dropped it off and left. I called to follow up several times and never received a call back. Now I have to go through my bank to dispute the charges and fill out oogles of forms. I’m so disappointed in his behavior but I’m glad my son is not there. Not very professional at all.
Place rating: 5
Azusa, CA
I love zen dojos! Best workouts ever, combining core exercises and lots of practical self defense. Sensei Marco is excellent and I’ve learned tons in my Krav Maga classes. I have tried a few other places and zen dojos comes out on top by far!
Place rating: 5
San Clemente, CA
Having been in the health care industry as a wellness doctor for over twenty five years I know the importance of a good safe workout. At Zen Dojos I have found a very conscientious group of professionals who are dedicated to your learning the material to be affective. Whether you are looking for self defense or just a good balanced workout you will not be disappointed. I highly recommend this studio for the entire family. If you are not sure this is what your looking for come in for a FREE introductory lesson. I have been working out here for nearly two years and have brought my kids as well. The facility is clean and professional run however you will still feel right at home.
Place rating: 5
Aliso Viejo, CA
Get ready to feel like you’re going to die!!! Best workout ever!
Place rating: 5
Lake Zurich, IL
My kids have been attending Zen Dojo’s for over a year. The instructors are great and have done a great job working with us to instill the values and morals that are important in our home. What I appreciate about Paul is that he challenges the kids to earn their promotions. He doesn’t move them along based on time or age. The kids truly earn their ranks as they develop in the program. With that said, our kids love going to classes and have made a number of good friends during their time at Zen Dojo’s. The reason that the kids have so much fun and learn so much is because of the leadership provided by all of the instructors but especially Sensei Marco.
Zen Dojo’s and Sensei Ryan have also introduced a program called Bully Busters to help address the issue of bullying. This is such a valuable addition to the normal classes that are offered. I truly appreciate this latest program.
Place rating: 5
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
I purchased a week of Karate Camp for my son through a Social Media site and have been nothing but pleased with Zen Dojos from start to finish. My son cannot wait to go back each day. The instructors really take the time to get to know the children and seem to really care. My son is on the shy side and they have given him a new-​found interest in Karate. I consider myself very picky and these people are the best of the best!
Place rating: 5
San Juan Capistrano, CA
My 4−½ year old son started a few weeks ago and has really enjoyed the Karate Kids classes with Sensei Paul & Sensei Marco. He, like all the kids in the classes, seems to truly enjoy it. He is excited to attend and I’m excited to watch. I love the sense of discipline that is being instilled as well as the boost in his confidence. His gaining a voice while also getting great exercise. I can’t wait until my daughter is old enjoy to take classes!
Place rating: 5
Huntington Beach, CA
I have been searching for a good martial arts studio for a few months when I came across Zen Dojos. All instructors are professional, and have a true passion for the art. This Dojo differs from others in that it has an academy feel, instead of a month to month mentality structure. This gives me a sense of security that this Dojo is here to stay, and won’t just run off with my money as other Dojo’s have.
I find that Zen Dojos has one of the most fair payment programs and prices. Discounts are available when you pay in full (six months pay in full is 10% off! This is just one example).
But one of my favorite aspects to Zen Dojos is the lessons and advice that is given with each class. I feel that I am not just learning things that «look cool,» but are practical for self defense, discipline, and respect. All these key points are essential for both children and adults for self growth, and a feel of inner and outer strength.
Thank you Zen Dojos, you truly are a gem and an asset to this community!
Place rating: 4
San Clemente, CA
My son Christopher who is 4 ½ started karate at Zen Dojos this past November. He is learning discipline, respect, focus and self defense and at the same time getting a fun workout with a lot of boys (and girls) his age. He enjoys his classes because they are filled with clever games, skills and instruction which hold the kids attention and he also looks forward to his karate dollars at the end of class which he earns with good behavior and participation. It is a positive, fun and energetic environment. It took a lot of time and research for me to find the best fit for him and we found it!
Place rating: 4
Laguna Beach, CA
I stopped in here recently to inquirer about about a children birthday party after one of my friends son when to a party there and loved it. The staff was very friendly and the facility was very clean. I went ahead and booked a birthday party and a trial membership.
I was also informed they are going to offering yoga in the near future. Pretty excited for that!
Place rating: 5
Anaheim, CA
I have been having listening problems with my son and I signed him up for karate at Zen Dojos and right away he seemed to make changes. They instill the control and respect that a 6 year old sometimes can lack in the dogdays of summer and boredom– getting it from home is great but it’s nice to have the support from someone else outside of the home. He goes to Sensei John but has also worked with Sensei Matt and loves them both. Sensei Paul has been great making us feel at home there!