Korean Martial Arts Academy Salinas (KMAA)

First, let me start off by saying that KMAA is such a fun and safe environment! I joined KMAA at the age of 25 years old back in January 2025. I did some martial arts when I was about 9-10 years old at a different dojo in Salinas, but I knew when I decided to come back to martial arts that I wanted to find a new place that offered more of a variety and had more helpful instructors. That’s exactly what I found with KMAA! Although, at first I was honestly nervous to join since I’m an adult and there’s this sense of nervousness to join as an adult, but at KMAA everyone was very welcoming and friendly! Master Harold Morrison and his awesome family who assist him in instructing students have been very friendly, supportive, and really push everyone to build confidence, discipline, respect, and mental strength. They all make the time to help teach each student and their higher belt students are always respectful and more than willing to help their peers, it’s such a great reflection of the awesome instructors that taught them well. KMAA has helped me so much in and out of the dojo. I’m very grateful to all the instructors and my expectations have been exceeded! I even got my niece to join and she’s loving it! I highly recommend KMAA to people of all ages! If you’re a parent or an adult reading this for yourself, I highly recommend you give KMAA a try!

KMAA is like a new home to my son and I. We started this year and have love to attend our classes. We both have became more confident and i myself have been able to learn to control my anxiety more as well. My son has improved on being more social and is finally able to talk to other kids around him without feeling anxious as well. The best teachers I will say, they make you feel as family and are very very helpful and guide you in anything and everything you need. Joining KMAA has been the best decision I've made this year for both my son and I and we hope to grow more as time passes.

My son and I have been with Master Morrison since 2019. We both have learned so much, and have grown both physically and mentally. Everyone is treated like family and is always welcomed with open arms. Master Morrison and Kyosanim Debbie encourage us to continue to ask questions if we are ever unsure about anything. Both my son and I love the flexibility that the school has to offer. We plan to continue coming with no end in sight!

Highly recommended for all ages! We love KMAA like a family. While homeschooling, KMAA motivates its students to be physically and mentally active. It’s more than a year now and my kids are passionate to learn more. Master Harold is really encouraging and kind.

We brought our daughter here just to try it out, to see if she would like it. We were welcomed by Master Harold and his family. My daughter has not left since. We have been here for about a year. She has made new friends. She looks forward to practices. Everytime she tested for the next level you can see her build more confidence in herself. I never thought my daughter would be able to break boards lol say what!! If your wondering what karate class you should take your child to, start here. Harold is an amazing instructor and takes pride in what he does. I wish we would have came sooner.

KMAA was the third martial arts place we tried. Master Harold truly loves what he does and it shows. He is absolutely amazing with all the kids helping them feel welcome and comfortable while also balancing the importance of discipline and respect. He has a wonderful family (wife, son and daughter) that help out and teach in the studio and they are always friendly and patient with everyone that comes in; which can sometimes be difficult to find in a family owned business. At first we had enrolled just our son at KMAA; a few months later we decided to enroll our two daughters as well. Don't waste your time with other studios, KMAA is the best, cleanest studio with the kindest teachers.

I love KMAA in Salinas, today they tested students and we ran a few minutes late. My 4 year old was dressed and ready but when we arrived she saw all the students and didn't want to take the floor. I fought with her as much as I could but she wasn't having it. So I told her let's go, as we were walking out Sa Bum Nim (Korean for Instructor) called to my daughter and told her to come back in and she went. He went on to give instructions and long story short she leveled up. My point is they are so patient and in touch with each student. They know how to meet each student where they are, the attention to detail is remarkable. There was another student holding a board for the other student to break it, again Sa Bum Nim knowing his students took the board and held it to allow the one student to break it. They are very good and I trust them with my 4 year and I would encourage anyone to give them a try and trust them and their methods of training.