Okinawa Karate Kobudo Kai, Elmont NY

My mom and dad (Kaye B. & Dan. B.) asked me to leave a review about how I felt as a student at this school. I practically grew up here, but I did not like how the sensei treated my dad when my dad came to the school to speak to him. My dad was speaking on my behalf and while he was talking and expressing his concern, the sensei just walked away and ignored my dad. My dad was not yelling or talking mean. He was simply asking him why was I being demoted for 6 months but didn't call my dad whenever there was a problem with me. The sensei dead just walked away from him as he was talking.

I was a little hurt that my dad pulled me out of this school because like I said I was like 6 or 7 when I started there, and now I'm 12. It's all i've known for the last 6 years. But I am happy I have a dad who stands up for me and doesn't allow people to walk all over his kids. For that, it was worth it. I respected sensei but after what I saw him do to my dad, I lost a lot of respect for him. Your kid will learn, but beware of the customer service (sensei) if there's ever an issue. Too bad, so sad.

If there was a "no star" option, I would chose that. Read the review from "Dan B. " That is my husband. DIDDO! My youngest son, who is 12, has some challenges and needs to work on his seriousness. However, the sensei did NOT call my husband like he asked him to whenever there was an issue with my son. Instead 4 months later he demotes him to a white belt-for six months at that. When my husband went in to discuss his concerns with this decision and reminded him, "you didn't once call me to tell me there were issues", the sensei began walking away AS my husband was TALKING to him- not yelling, not arguing- TALKING.

The sensei said, "I'm not going to argue with you", yet the entire time my husband was using his inside voice. Imagine expressing your concerns to your child's principal and he or she starts WALKING AWAY! Are you serious.

This is NOT even a Haitian thing- this is a BLATANT DISRESPECTFUL THING. Until my son is enrolled back to his original belt and my husband receives an apology we are NEVER setting foot back into this school. What a RUDE man. You would think that after THOUSANDS of dollars we've paid since 2017 that a "sensei" would have a lot more respect to his customers. RUDE-ARROGANT human.

We have NEVER been disrespectful, loud or problematic. In fact, we've been supportive of the school- even participating in its fundraisers etc. We were enthused about supporting a black owned karate school. BIG MISTAKE! Other than our boys knowing what they know from that school, if you're looking for RESPECT-you won't find it from sensei. Ms. Lyin, Ms. Jessica and the other staff are very kind and friendly. Sensei is even friendly.

But he will NEVER admit when he is wrong. In this matter, he was WRONG! My husband DID ask him to call him whenever there were issues and he simply DID NOT DO THAT. Instead he let it pile up to the point of demoting him to a white belt for six months. THIS IS NOT RIGHT NOR FAIR! Very unprofessional man. GO to another school. SAVE the money!