Zen Martial Arts Center

My 5 year old son started at Zen Martial Arts almost a year ago and we've had an incredible experience. Sensei Mike is so patient, kind, and personable with not only the students but parents as well. The dojo has exceeded our expectations. The senseis teach age-appropriate martial arts skills and my favorite part is the life skills incorporated into the lessons. My son's confidence has grown and he has learned skillsets that will help him beyond the dojo (self-discipline, gratitude, respect, etc.).

I have been a student at ZMA for a little under a year. I have been involved in martial arts for over 20 years and can confirm with full confidence this dojo is the best of the best. Sensei Oliver is patient, kind and always provides an exemplary level of knowledge to students. If you want to feel like you are a part of something bigger than yourself, if you want to feel respected and valued (no matter your skill level), this is the place for you. I am also a mom and I know how important it is to find safe spaces and safe role models for our children. Zen is that safe place. I’ve witnessed the budding confidence and courage of young people on the mat. Karate skills are wonderful, but your children will thrive with life skills at Zen as well.

We LOVE Zen Martial Arts. Sensei Oliver and his staff are fantastic with kids, teaching them lessons that will serve them well in life. As an adult at 45, I’ve also just started training with them. It’s a great workout and a great way to learn something new. My son and I now practice 3-5 days per week. Couldn’t recommend this practice more.

I have been training with Sensei Oliver since I was four years old. Not only has this dojo taught me valuable life skills, like learning how to properly shake someone’s hand, but it has also guided me throughout my whole life, always being a pillar of love and support when I needed it. The dojo has helped me navigate life as a young adult and supported me in my education. I learned so many listening and focus skills from Sensei Oliver that I was able to maintain strong grades throughout my early years of school, and eventually graduate as valedictorian of my high school. After many years of training, I was also given the opportunity to teach at this dojo. That experience gave me the chance to work with all age groups and to learn how to effectively teach and share knowledge. This dojo strives to give you the best possible experience in training, fitness, and community. I could not recommend this place enough — it has truly been my heart and soul throughout my life. If you are looking for a dojo here in Sacramento, this is the place for you.

We are very careful in choosing the adults we allow to have influence and authority over our only child. We had visited 3 other places before friends suggested we visit Mike Oliver at the Coloma Center. After our first visit, we knew we would be back. After the first week, we knew we had found a Sensei and a dojo. After the first month, we knew we had found a mentor. Five years later, Mike Oliver is more than a friend. He demonstrates the character traits we want to see in our child. Integrity, kindness, discipline, fairness, and sincerity among others. Sensei Oliver cultivates a fun relaxed atmosphere, while emphasizing tradition and cultural connection, and the new dojo at 4819 J street is beautiful. We are grateful to have found Zen Martial Arts, and Sensei Mike Oliver.