PKA Karate Academy

09/14/2006 Posted by krw68

I visited this establishment based on the good reviews I have seen on citysearch, and to be fair, I must have went on the wrong night. I was not impressed whatsoever with this establishment, and I felt like I was not welcome. No one went out of their way to see why I was there, or what goals I had in learning karate. I even had a co-worker tell me that he attended a seminar and said it was a joke, and the instructor at the seminar was so full of himself, and was too worried about looking in the mirror and trying to extend his superiorarity by putting others down. From what I've learned, Martial Arts is to be about discipline and respect, not about ego's.

Pros: Good location

Cons: Not welcoming

08/25/2006 Posted by jas1122

I tried the free 8 week self-defense course and would recommend it to all. Do not feel shy about attending classes. Every instructor has made me feel like I belong. After the self-defense course, I joined the karate classes. The karate classes are giving me an awesome work-out and teaching me moves that are challenging, yet very doable. Do not feel intimidated about strength, age, flexibility etc. Kenpo is a very real art, that uses your strengths to help you to get away from an assailant. I tried other martial arts programs and the techniques and workouts were to strenuous (making me kick high in the air, when I can't touch my toes!!!). Look at the website for PKA then see the schedules other karate classes offer. I was amazed that the other facility I tried lacked weekend hours. I searched the internet, tried other facilities, and researched the many different forms of karate to see if Kenpo is for me. Kenpo is for EVERYBODY! Also, with two toddlers, the DVD allows me to practice at home. Then when I take the classes, Mr. O. "tweaks" my moves so they are just right, without being critical. The instructors take the time to explain why you do the things you do. All the instructors CARE very deeply about their art, and take the time to show you how to do things at YOUR speed. It is very interesting. My last point is that I would like my kids (especially my daughter) to get involve with karate when they get older. I feel it teaches discipline and common sense approaches to very real issues in todays world. Mr. O's facility has been around a long time. The two karate places in my area have been around less than 3 years. When my kids get older, I look forward to having an activity I can do with my family, in a caring, welcoming environment.

Pros: great work-out, instructors, and atmosphere. I have always found parking within a block from the facility

Cons: metered parking

08/03/2006 Posted by ironfis1

Amazing talent and teaching at this school. Instructors really involve themselves with their students and want them to be the absolute best martial artist they can be. Work great with kids, and all different interest levels. Great environment, positive, upbeat and exciting, plus some fo the best tools and techniques out there. Absolutely must check it out!

Pros: Excellent instruction, tailored to individual

07/06/2006 Posted by abiegacki

I believe this is the best Kenpo School around. The knowledge at the students finger tips is unreal. The School has a Sprit of Excellent they are always improving their technique and forms to become the best Kenpoest; they can be and is shows. I drive almost 2 hours for a class what does that tell you. You will not be disappointed.

Pros: You will be the Best you can be at this School

Cons: I wish they had a school in Ohio

07/01/2006 Posted by kenpoprofessor

Simply the best Kenpo you're going to see in the Pittsburgh area. The instructors are knowledgeable and gracious. You should stop in and take a class, you won't be disappointed.

07/01/2006 Posted by decar

This school which teaches Ed Parkers American Kenpo system, allows each student to progress in a way that makes the system their own. Whatever amount of time you have to train, the school makes the most of it. PKA offers group classes, private lessons, instructional DVD's, World classes seminars from Larry Tatum and Clyde. The school gives you a strong foundation in stances, and techniques, while the theories, principles and concepts allow the student to use their own brain to understand the techniques and make them your own. Not just regurgatating what is taught. It would not be possible for me to train if it weren't for this school, due to my limited time and money. It is more reasonably priced than most schools in the area and I can train at home using DVD's and schedule my own private lessons. The instructors dedication to improving themselves and their students is unsurpassed. I look forward to continuing my training to better myself and to have a great time in the process.

Pros: For practical martial arts training, this school is second to none.

Cons: None

06/28/2006 Posted by vikingcchs

WOW! Certainly the BEST we've seen in a LONG TIME, epecially on the east coast. Very professional instructor core. Everyone's a student and ALWAYS learning. NO EGOS! PKA proves martial arts principles and techniques, not just pushing students through belts for $$$. If you've EVER trained, ANYWHERE, you'll kick yourself for NOT being at PKA. Go and prove me wrong!

Pros: Just about everything! Not "used car salespeople" = NO PRESSURE!

Cons: Dormont Parking