AKF Black Belt Academy

I’ve been training at AKF Blackbelt Academy for a couple of months now, building on my 15 years of experience in Karate. After nearly a decade away from the martial arts world, I decided it was time to get back to doing something I truly love. The training has helped me rediscover old techniques while learning new ones along the way. Master Mullis and Vincent have been incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. I always look forward to coming to class, breaking a sweat, and having fun every time. I couldn't recommend this place enough!

Master Tim Mullis is a fantastic instructor for children and adults of any age learning kyuki-do/karate. He is very welcoming of anyone coming in at any skill level and at any body shape. He just asks that you try your best and he teaches from where the individual student is at developmentally and physically. My daughter started this class and a year later I joined and it has become a great thing for us to do together. I highly recommend Master Mullis and his classes are worth the drive if you live outside of downtown Phoenix.

We have thoroughly enjoyed our experience with Master Mullis and all that the AKF studio has to offer! Our daughter started her black belt journey here almost two years ago and we have felt supported and nurtured by all of the instructors. These classes have encouraged strength, self defense, confidence, and curiosity. Life changing.

We love AKF Blackbelt Academy. We started here with just my son going and then I joined a bit later and it has made us both much stronger. Probably most interesting for parents is that it gives a lot of discipline and focus for the kids. It has given us both healthy community to workout with and push ourselves personally. This is a great place to dedicate your time and resources in, because it will give back to your personal growth.

I waited TWO years before writing this review. Our story with AKF Blackbelt Academy started with something no parent ever wants to deal with. My son transferred to Tavan Elementary School in the Scottsdale school district mid-year during 4th grade. On his second day, he was attacked from behind -- a full-on chokehold from a much larger student he didn’t even know. He came home with broken skin from fingernail marks, bruising, and red handprints all the way around his neck. And what did the school do about it? Nothing. Their reason? The attacker was “disadvantaged” and “has it rough at home.” I was furious and heartbroken for my son, who no longer felt safe at school. That’s when I started looking for a martial arts school that could really teach him how to protect himself - and hopefully build his confidence at the same time. After a lot of research and a recommendation from a friend, we decided to check out AKF Blackbelt Academy. The school is run by Grand Master Tim Mullis, who has more than 40 years of experience teaching Kyuki-Do -- a mixed martial art that combines Karate, Taekwondo, Judo, and Hapkido. It’s a very practical style because it teaches you how to defend yourself standing up and on the ground. (Which matters -- about 80% of fights end up on the ground.) Fast forward two years, and it’s hard to believe how much my son has changed. The same kid who wasn’t athletic at all is now strong, confident, and focused. He’s fit, disciplined, respectful, doing better in school, and completely bully-proof. His confidence and posture have totally changed, and most importantly -- he loves going to class. If you live in the Arcadia, East Phoenix, or Old Town Scottsdale area and want a place that teaches real self-defense and builds confidence and character, AKF Blackbelt Academy gets my highest recommendation