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Love the teacher, the disciple and the philosophy. It is way above other places I have seen. Good job Sensei Kyoshi.  

I have met Kyoshi back in 2006. His teachings helped me develop mental and physical agility. Techniques I have learned in his dojo improved my motor skills, eye hand coordination, asymmetrical hand to hand combat in narrow spaces and were vital in my years in military. Polander Academy is a place where you are always welcome, place of knowledge and respect, place where people share their skills with passion and attention to details.

Before I was at Polander Academy, I was part of a karate program that was good at first, but after two years I felt like the classes were getting worse and worse. Using yelp, I looked around for programs in my area and found three or four. After looking at all of them, I chose Polander Academy. They have classes for everyone over the age of three, Little Dragons for kids 3 who are years old to kids who are 4 years old, Dragons at 5 - 7, Tigers at 8 - 12 or so, and the adult class for everyone 13 years old and up. At Polander academy, the style of Ryu-Te Kempo Karate is taught, meaning "empty hand." This means that you will learn how to defend yourself without the use of weapons such as the Bow Staff and the Jo Staff, although you can learn both of these weapons. The first thing you will typically learn here is the defense against the right hand punch, with more and more advanced techniques taught to you the further you progress in the belt system. Sparring class is also offered and you are encouraged to join, with it helping with your self defence. The teachers know the best way to help you when you are stuck on a form and are very helpful.

I don't know what made me think to try karate. I was tired of the gym and the hamster-wheel feeling I had every time I went. What was next in my progression? Adding another riser to my step? I visited Polander and was impressed. The individual private session gave me an idea of what I'd be in for, and I was surprised that I signed up that same day. I **never** sign up for anything on the spot. But I felt comfortable and excited to not only get more fit but to learn something useful along the way. The progression of testing to earn new belts was appealing too--you can really see that you are learning and advancing. And you learn things immediately helpful, in addition to building skills that take practice to master. 

In a nutshell - central location easy to get to in bethesda, easy free parking (what!? yes, really!), good teachers, respectful and helpful classmates, becoming more fit while learning self-defense, feeling better physically and mentally... what's not to like?

It would be great to see more women and girls in these classes; please give it a try!

I have a 7 yo daughter who joined the dojo end of 2011. She enjoys the classes a lot, and for me, I get to sit on the side, watch her have fun and have a BREAK for an hour where I read my favorite book. Kyoshi is very pleasant, so his wife Magda. This is for sure a place I would recommend to any parent.