RESPECT STARTS HERE

Very friendly atmosphere and great values being shared and taught to kids - 4/25/2024 

You will not find a better karate studio--anywhere.

We've been at Respect Martial Arts since 2012, and I can confidently say that it has changed my children's lives forever. My boys have confidence, focus, and discipline that far exceed any of their peers. As a psychotherapist for 30 years, I can assure you that the program here provides an ideal foundation for lifelong wellness and mental health.

Master Ercolono and his team of instructors have the perfect balance of compassion and discipline and know how to bring out the best in their students. - 4/25/2024 

My child has had a wonderful experience at RMA. He is learning so much and the program is fantastic. - 4/25/2024 

We put my son into martial arts to help with his focus. He has ADHD and has, since joining, been diagnosed as being on the spectrum. We chose Respect because a knowledgeable friend recommended that, of all the studios in the area, Master Ercolono would have the greatest patience and thoughtfulness to educate my son. I wholeheartedly agree.

The classes are structured, but the instructors are flexible, recognizing the needs of their students and providing an environment available to all who want to learn.

There are certainly students there who are learning a really high level of skilled martial art techniques. There are others, like my son, who are learning what it means to be a student of martial arts and learning 'how to learn.'

The name of the studio really represents the teaching philosophy. Respect. - 4/25/2024 

Both of my daughters have been attending Respect Martial Arts for the past 5 years. Master Ercolono and his instructors are amazing! My girls have learned so much from the studio that they utilize in everyday life. Patience, self control, respect and perseverance. I highly recommend Respect Martial Arts! - 4/24/2024 

Respect Martial Arts has been and is a great experience for us as a family. I have watched my son develop discipline, focus and control while having fun and making friends. He is enormously proud of what he has learned at karate and I am enormously proud of the progress he has made! - 4/24/2024 

I cannot say enough positive things about Master Ercolono and how he interacts with my children. I have a 5 year old boy and 3 year old daughter at Respect over the past year. Each phase of their learning and development of karate is combined with respect, determination, consistency, and trust. He comes alongside us as parents to not only teach karate, but to assist with their growth socially, emotionally and physically. The life lessons my kids get at this place far exceed any other sport they’ve tried. I also am so grateful to be part of this community. Moms help and support one another as we wrangle our children into their uniforms, feed our babies, and beyond! Such a privilege to be part of this! - 12/09/2023 

An interesting review.
I have not personally trained at Respect Martial Arts, but I knew Master Ercolono we trained together a long time ago, and it's on this fact that I offer my review.

In a world of egotistical instructors, Master Ercolono has always been humble, studious and open to other arts. He sees where his art has its short comings and takes it upon himself to educate himself, whilst never wandering from the authenticity of his art.

His teachings come from a place of caring, and his calm and patient disposition offers a nurturing environment to any and all students wanting to learn. It offers a place for a student to surrender to their training without having to endure what many teachers call "character building" which I call bullying. I have the highest of respect for him, and can only imagine that after all these years, he has only grown more capable, and indeed is a Master. - 11/03/2023 

Staying in shape in your 50s isn't always easy, but classes with Master Ercolono and his team of instructors make staying fit fun and educational. My thinking when I joined was why just go to the gym when I can get in shape and learn better focus and a very useful skill. Taking one of his classes after a long work day makes me put down my phone and email and tune out everything else. Unlike the gym, I get to interact with other students and develop new friends and workout partners. The studio atmosphere is very much like a second family. - 8/24/2023 

Staying in shape in your 50s isn't always easy, but classes with Master Ercolono and his team of instructors make staying fit fun and educational. My thinking when I joined was why just go to the gym when I can get in shape and learn better focus and a very useful skill. Taking one of his classes after a long work day makes me put down my phone and email and tune out everything else. Unlike the gym, I get to interact with other students and develop new friends and workout partners. The studio atmosphere is very much like a second family. - 8/24/2023 

My son has been going to Respect Martial Arts (formerly Agoura Karate) since he was 4 years old. He has learned a great deal from Master Ercolono, one of the truly outstanding teachers that we have met over the years. It is a rare karate program that infuses discipline, respect, self-control, and personal growth into an outstanding martial arts curriculum. While our eldest son has spent years growing to be a black belt, it is perhaps his younger brother who has gotten the most unexpected benefit: His brother's outstanding discipline and self-restraint have prevented numerous violent retributions for an otherwise never-ending series of sibling provocations over the years. If you are looking for a studio to help your child grow into an outstanding young adult, as well as an outstanding martial artist, look no further than Respect Martial Arts in Agoura Hills, CA. - 7/06/2022 

It's a great place to learn self defense, the head instructor is super nice and I definitely recommend it. - 7/05/2022 

I have been training for years and I love it!! The environment is caring and empowering. If you want good training highly recommend! - 8/12/2021 

  Respect Martial Arts is an amazing studio. All the instructors are phenomenal and Master Ercolono creates a wonderful supportive environment where kids feel welcome, respected and understood. The art of what they learn is invaluable and the sense of community is amazing. I highly recommend Respect Martial Arts. - 1/26/2021 

Master Ercolono and his entire staff are fantastic. They demand "respect" from their students, and have a great rapport with the kids. It is fun to watch the kids progress in their self-defense and listening skills. Definitely would recommend this studio to any parents wanting to introduce their kids to karate and reinforce principles of discipline and respect. - 1/26/2021 

I am deeply grateful to this studio and all of its amazing instructors. Master Ercolono sets an amazing tone - he strikes a wonderful balance of kind, focused, playful and firm. We've been to other studios where I've disliked the harsh, critical tone the instructors use with the kids. The instructors here all have the kid's attention but without ever being cruel.
My child struggles at school in PE and feels inept. Respect Martial Arts has given her tremendous confidence and boosted her self image. The staff encourage her to try new things even when she's nervous.
I think a distinguishing factor at this studio is the focus on character. There is a lot of conversation about how we have self respect and respect for others. Lots of life lessons! - 11/24/2019 

  Agoura Karate is a very family oriented studio with very knowledgeable instructors. Master Ercolono has been the main influence in the instruction of my children for almost 2 years. We find him to command respect from his students without intimidation, but instead with humor and an obvious abundance of experience in Tang Soo Do as well as other forms of Karate.
My children have only the greatest respect for Master Ercolono and all of his other Blackbelt Instructors.
In addition, he is able to maintain a “community/family” relationship with his students and their families.
I highly recommend Agoura Karate. - 8/31/2019 

  Agoura Karate is one of the best modern martial arts studios out there. Amazing education for both kids and adults. I travel over a hour to get there to train because the knowledge of the instructors is just that good. I highly recommend Agoura Karate. - 11/07/2018 

  This place is amazing!!! Not only are the students taught the skills of martial art, but family values are instilled as well! You feel a sense of community, coming into the studio, where everyone is treated with utmost respect. Master Ercolono has a special way of bonding with his students and bringing out the best in them. My son looks forward to every lesson at Agoura Karate! - 10/04/2018 

  Just the best! - 7/03/2018 

Best karate place EVER! Not only do they learn karate,but they also learn great life skills. I have even learned some also from just being there & watching. Give this place a try and you will see what I am talking about - 6/16/2017 

  You will always encounter the best instruction! Students are dedicated! - 3/12/2017 

My daughter has been here for four years. We've loved all the instructors she's had, and Master Ercolono is an exceptional teacher and role model. I chose the studio initially because it was serious and the young kids were learning proper techniques. It wasn't gimmicky or undisciplined like some of the other places we tried. We've stayed because of the amazing staff and the classes are the perfect balance of mental and physical fitness for my daughter. - 7/20/2016 

My wife and I trained with Master Ercolono from beginner through earning our black belts. Master Ercolono is very knowledgeable about martial arts. Not only is he a master of Modern Tang Soo Do, he has cross trained in a variety of disciplines which helps him to better instruct regarding sparring and self defense techniques. - 10/21/2015 

My husband and I have trained at multiple martial arts studios, and Master Ercolono and the other Agoura Karate instructors offer a great balance of art, exercise, sport, and self defense. Master Ercolono has an eye for breaking down the movements and explaining how your body works within the movements (and how the opponents body works).

We enrolled my daughter when she was almost 3 and she loves doing karate at Agoura Karate. I'm so glad we found such a wonderful martial arts family for our family to join. - 8/07/2015 

  The way they have trained my family is spectacular. Master Ercolono knows all about tong soo do and imbues every class with wonderful exercise and knowledge of both the body and spirit of martial arts. - 1/31/2015 

After visiting several dojos and studios in the area, I knew that I had found the right place for my family to learn martial arts. Agoura Karate should take great pride in having such an amazing group of instructors for students of all ages to learn, grow and find out about themselves. Master Ercolono is an extraordinary individual who inspires, motivates and can reach children of all abilities in a unique, professional manner. His love of his art, his knowledge, his passion for teaching and sharing comes across in all that he does. At Agoura Karate, children and adults alike are challenged physically and mentally to become something that they only envisioned they could be...more focused, motivated, determined, confident, strong individuals who feel their own power, their own self control and their own ability to succeed! - 9/05/2014 

My Boys, Ages 5 And 7, Really Like Agoura Karate. All Of The Instructors Are Excellent At Teaching And Even Make The Instruction Fun. They Have Learned So Much About Discipline, Listening And Hard Work. We Could Not Be Happier We Chose This Studio and we Would Highly Recommend Agoura Karate! - 6/17/2013 

My youngest daughter who is now 6 years old has been going to AGOURA KARATE for almost a year. It is great for her. She has so much energy and now she has learned to focus that energy into martial arts. She continues to learn so much through karate, things like: Friendship, Perseverance, Self-Control, Confidence, Courtesy, Respect, Self-Esteem and Dedication. She is a polite young lady in and out of the studio. She attends the Friday afternoon class. Her Instructor is Daniel. I couldn't be more impressed with him. Daniel is great with kids and he creates a fun yet disciplined karate lesson every week. The kids learn about stranger danger, when to use karate and when not to, learn to memorize their own address and phone numbers and much more. The owner is Master Ercolono and is just that a "Master" of the Martial Arts. He is congenial with the parents and their children. Additionally, the studio has "Movie Nights", an absolute hit with her and it also provides hubby and I a chance to have a date night. - 5/31/2013 

I look forward to every class I take at agoura karate ! I've been taking classes with my great nephew for years and we are growing together! We came to Master Ercolono in need of self - control and discipline. The progress made by Master Ercolono and Mister Weirman is amazing. My now seven year old has been at it for three years and I finally was allowed to join him last year in the classes! Now we work at it together. By the time he's ten we hope to be a black belt family!! I couldn't be prouder of my 'not so little anymore ' guy and am grateful to agoura karate. What a way to stay in shape!! - 5/31/2013 

When I moved to Malibu I had to leave my old studio and practice behind. After searching just about every studio close to me I finally came across Agoura Karate. Master Ercolano is not only an experienced fighter but also a very smart fighter. He is a great teacher and explains the dynamics and practicality behind the moves instead just showing you how to do them. Agoura Karate has a good balance of discipline, education, and fun. I absolutely love martial arts and I'm very picky about it. I can honestly say could not have stumbled upon a better place to practice. - 12/14/2011