TESTIMONIALS
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT EL DOJO
EXCELLENT Based on 53 reviews Posted on David ShapiroOctober 10, 2025. Mr. Sevilla is an amazing instructor! I trained with him 15 years ago at a prior school and just recently resumed training with him at this school. He's pushing me just hard enough to get back into shape but understanding that it will take a bit to get to the level I was at. Glad I rejoined and was thrilled to find out he now has his own school. I strongly encourage everyone who wants to get in shape and learn martial arts to join! In my opinion it is the most fun way to work out where you learn something new every class and you build strength and stamina to stay healthy.Posted on Diana SiwikOctober 2, 2025. My daughter loves this place and I love this place. It has such a great energy! There is respect, fun, hard work, discipline - all the things that kids should learn! I’m very grateful that a friend of mine introduced us to El Dojo!Posted on DylanSeptember 25, 2025. While I'm still very new to El Dojo and its offerings, just off of my first experience with them I can surely say that it doesn't get much better than this place. The instructor, Luis, is an amazing person who's passion for the trade shows through every interaction while he's able to inspire confidence and belief in yourself, no matter how many times it takes. If you're looking for a place to start, this would be the one.Posted on Randi SiegalSeptember 2, 2025. There’s no one better than Mr. Sevilla. He’s engaging, caring and a huge confidence builder for my daughter.Posted on Christine GarciaSeptember 1, 2025. We couldn't be happier with our experience at El Dojo Martial Arts Academy! Our daughter has been attending classes since February and absolutely loves it. We've been so impressed with the positive changes we've seen in her; she has learned discipline, focus, and respect, and she's completely dedicated to her practice. She looks forward to her class every single week and is determined to improve and work toward earning new stripes and belts. As a parent, I've also had the chance to take the adult classes myself. I was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and friendly the atmosphere is—it's not intimidating at all. The classes are an excellent workout and a great way to stay active. El Dojo is a fantastic place for both kids and adults. We highly recommend it for anyone looking to start their martial arts journey in a supportive and friendly environment.Posted on Helen TrepelkovMay 16, 2025. Our grandson started his classes in January, 2025, and he has been very happy and enthusiastic all these months, not missing a single session. Great and thoughtful coaching, nice and clean facility. Thank you so much!Posted on Iva Goricnik ChristianMay 2, 2025. My son started in September and loves the classes. It has been a wonderful experience for him. Mr. Sevilla not only provides excellent martial arts training, but teaches kids self-confidence, respect and many life skills in a caring and nurturing environment. A great family-run place!Posted on Fernanda SantanaMay 1, 2025. El Dojo is a fantastic combination of fun, physical activity, and growing discipline for kids. My 4-year-old has made incredible progress since joining. Mr. Sevilla is truly dedicated. He gives each child individual attention and care, creating a supportive and motivating environment. Highly recommended!
"I can’t say enough about Mr. Sevilla and what a skilled and positive motivator he has been for both my children in teaching them Mixed Martial Arts. Over the last 10 years Mr. Sevilla has provided a fun, safe atmosphere where they can feel accepted and accomplished. My daughter has become a black belt and continues to train with Mr. Sevilla because of the level of respect that has developed between them. My son needed to step out of his comfort zone and required more help with focus and Mr. Sevilla found ways to engage him and help him with this. Mr Sevilla can be tough but is always fair, and he often finds ways to show how lessons learned in MMA apply to everyday life. I would recommend Mr. Sevilla to any family – kids or adults – who want to get the most out of MMA."
Jacqui AB.
"I began training in mixed martial arts with Mr.Sevilla when I was only 4 years old and earned my black belt was I was 13 years old. Mr. Sevilla made it a point to know all of his students’ names in each class. He inspired and motivated us to do our best while teaching us confidence and discipline. He set goals that were challenging but were attainable. Each advancement to a new belt was celebrated with a graduation ceremony which gave me pride and more confidence. Under Mr. Sevilla I learned that if I stayed determined, I could accomplish any of my goals in and out of the dojo. The motto “common sense before self- defense” has always been a guiding principle to everyday life. I am very fortunate to have had the martial arts training with Mr. Sevilla and would recommend him as an instructor."
Ethan P.
“I never thought that after enrolling my then 4 year old daughter to train with Mr. Sevilla, that I too would not only train with him, but we would both continue to earn our black belts under his training! He has a unique way of teaching, demonstrating and encouraging his students. As his student, he was able to bring out our best with patience by catering and breaking down a technique in a way that helped us learn it better. Mr. Sevilla truly cares for you as a student both inside and outside the dojo and his lessons go beyond technique and form; lessons of perseverance, patience, diligence, determination and focus continue to resonate in your day to day life as well. After 10+ years, we consider him a part of our extended family. My family and I have been very fortunate to train under Mr. Sevilla!”
Brigida K.
"Mr. Sevilla has probably the most important person in my life outside of immediate family. Over 10 years of lessons, he has not only helped me progress through the literal and metaphorical ranks of the Martial Arts, but he has instilled invaluable lessons of humility, respect, perseverance and control that will last a lifetime. The only thing he is more passionate about that Martial Arts is his love of teaching and dedication to the development of each student. It is truly remarkable to see the different approaches Mr. Sevilla takes with each of his students, taking the time to create a deep relationship with each and every person he works with, from children to adults. He has undoubtedly changed my life and so many others for the better."
Owen M.
There are not enough positive words that I can use to describe Luis Sevilla. He has been my daughter's karate instructor for the better part of seven years. In that time I have watched him not only teach martial arts with extensive knowledge but also incorporate key life lessons as well. Luis has a way of teaching that is firm yet compassionate. He teaches with not only his head but his heart and that is the best kind of instruction. He does not instruct by rote whatsoever which makes each class unique and exciting. My daughter has earned a black belt under his tutelage but she has also learned some very important lessons including how to conduct herself and I attribute these to Luis. His knowledge of karate is massive. Somehow, he can turn a grueling workout into a workout that his students are grateful they participated in.
I highly recommend Luis as an instructor. There is no one greater when it comes to learning the sport of karate and all that it entails.
Carla N.
"I cannot say enough about Luis Sevilla and what he has meant to our family. Luis is a true martial artist, not only concerned with improving his own craft but also incredibly passionate and giving in helping his students to develop their own. Seeing our son go from a quiet little beginner to a mature Black Belt was a source of great pride and joy, and it was all made possible under the challenging but caring tutelage of Luis Sevilla!"
Karen B.
Mr Sevilla taught my two boys over ten years. My family and I don't only consider him a great Instructor but a good family friend. His ability to make his classes serious but fun is his greatest ability and the reason my boys kept coming back
Ellen G.
I have nothing but praise for Mr Sevilla.He taught our daughter Rachael throughout Covid on Facebook, on Zoom and in a NYC park.We have a great admiration for him and the program he directs.
M.Hernandez
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