Innovative Martial Arts - Scotts Valley, California

Asherthetherian

I have been going here for about 5-7 years, I am 13 and I used to sit in my bed and play games all day. Now I get exercise in and I've built a lot of strength to do martial arts. My father has had good reason for bringing me: to protect my autistic brother. He is disabled and can't do a lot of stuff for himself. If there is ever a kidnapper or whatnot, I'll be able to protect myself and him. I love the instructors, they are very kind. The other kids are also nice and friendly. I hope this passes on to the next martial arts academy I go to.

Lori Mikles

My son and I have been going here for the last 2 years (he started about 6 months before I did) and I cannot speak highly enough about Innovative Martial Arts. He is in the juniors program while I am in the adult. Not only have we been able to get a good workout while learning self defense and having fun, we've made great friendships and connections to people of varying ages and backgrounds. My son looks up to all the instructors and I have the utmost respect for all of them as well. I look forward to continuing through when both my son and I are black belts!

Matt Bianchi

Outstanding in every way! Mr Thompson is one of the most gifted teachers we have ever met. He was able to connect with our shy reluctant 6 year old who ended up loving her first class. In less than a hour we watched her going from scared to engaged and excited. I can’t speak highly enough about this place. They care. It shows.

Vera BeviniBianchi

The best in Scotts Valley - hands down! In the span of two weeks we went to two birthdays at martial art facilities. Our daughter refused to join the the celebrai at the first one (too clinical and one for all style) and to our surprise she jumped in when we got to Innovative Martial Arts. There we all felt welcomed. The birthday party and the weekly lessons seem to be better tailored to the audience and able to accommodate a range of skills and experience (or lack of thereof). They even exceeded our expectations when it comes to the way they followed up right away on our sign up questions. Mr Thompson seems to be able to connect with even the shyest and most reluctant kids and empower them in a way that I have rarely seems. Bottom line: AMAZING SCHOOL!

Paige Brown

Mrs Franklin and all the instructors at IMMA are incredible, role models who are an awesome part of my daughters life. I love that my daughter is learning self control while exercising her body and her mind! She has grown so much in the almost year we’ve been participating and still loves it! Looking forward to seeing her continue to grow and learn. Thank you! ~ Paige

Lori Gentile

Several years ago I chose to enroll my children in martial arts to have a fun activity to do. What I discovered is that Elite Martial Arts Academy is so much more than just a fun activity for kids. It's a life skills school with incredibly talented instructors, whom also happen to be incredible role models dedicated to teaching skills such as respect, bully busting, goal setting and achieving, building self confidence, and the power of not giving up. Elite's martial arts program not only exercises my children's bodies, it exercises their brains in a caring, yet challenging environment twice a week all year long. It has truly helped my children build self confidence and for that I'm grateful. Another important thing to note is that Elite solicits feedback, really listens to it, and has open communication with students and parents. I'm proud to be a part of the Elite Martial Arts Academy family.

Brian Thomson

Elite MA Academy has been one of the best things to happen to me in my life. It has provided me with new and challenging activities I thought I could never do. The curriculum at Elite MA makes me feel better about myself and provides an excellent family atmosphere, where I have met some wonderful people and made great lasting friendships. Elite has given me the best opportunity to push myself to do new things and enjoy these activities with my son, which has been the best part. Learning and training with my son has been the best thing, and all thanks to the programs offered at Elite MA.

Amanda Jamieson

We started our 4 year old in the Little Dragons class here shortly after his birthday. We signed him up after hearing from several older friends how good karate was for their kids' confidence and strength. After searching a couple of places in Scotts Valley, we signed up for the trial month here because you couldn't beat the deal and they offer evening classes during the week.

My son is taught primarily by Miss Franklin, who is easily one of the kindest, warmest people you meet. She commands respect from these energetic little ones in the most impressive way. Seriously. She is patient and encouraging. The kids rise to meet her high expectations because they love her and respect her. The other instructors, and the owner Mr. Nunnely, are all very nice as well. I just have to give Miss Franklin credit though. I can't imagine a better instructor for these kids than her.

Not only is my kid learning what he sees as awesome ninja moves, he's understanding self-control, the importance of focus and dedication, and defending oneself in tricky situations. He's learning about bullying, stranger danger, and making his mind and body stronger all at once. I can't say enough good things about how it has influenced him. He's confident and empowered by being in these classes. Nothing beats seeing him beam with pride. And for me, as a parent... well, when I heard Miss Franklin tell the kids during one of the first mat chats that when your parents ask you to do something, you should not just obey, but "obey cheerfully", I knew this would be worth every penny! Seriously though, I appreciate their approach, which includes me as the parent. I love Mr. Nunnely's emails and videos with helpful parenting topics.

If you're thinking about signing your kid up for martial arts, don't hesitate. Innovative Martial Arts will not disappoint!