Team Karate Centers incorporates a combination of techniques and principles from a variety of Martial Arts styles including Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kali, Kobudo, Wing Chun and weapons all of which provide our students with a well-balanced, "street smart" self-defense system. Most other styles of martial arts tend to focus on just individual areas of self-defense. Combining the best of many styles into a blended system gives TKC students the advantage they need to protect themselves in virtually any situation.

Get in the best shape of your life, by working out with a purpose. Learn how to be in control of your mind, body and emotions with the intent, direction and skill to "take care of business". Never be a victim learn highly effective and powerful self-defense skills that will protect yourself, family and friends. All this in a fun, friendly environment that will also improve your flexibility, endurance, and physical vigor!

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What people are saying about our adult classes

Good Morning Sir, I wanted to let you know that I spoke to Ms. Nina this morning to let her know Lauren will be attending Lailas birthday. Thank you for the invite. Lauren is very excited. On a more personal note, I am extremely grateful that you and Mr. Farimarz have allowed my entire family to participate at TKC. The journey that Ron and Lauren have endeavored with you and your instructors for the last 5 years has left me wanting more for Lindsey, Emily and myself. We have always been a TKC family from the very beginning. But now we all can be a part of a journey that we can all share together as students. You and I have really never sat down and talked on a personal level so I just wanted to give you some insight about who I am. I was a competitive ice skater from the age of 5 till I was 17. I skated before school and after, weekends and private ice time every chance I got. I was dedicated to say the least, but an unfortunate knee injury took my dream away. Surgery could never repair me knee enough to allow me to have the full mobility that I needed. A short time later my parents divorced. My Mom and I supported each other and tried to find something we could do together. My Mom was employed at Lockheed Credit Union and with her help I was hired in 1989. We joined their baseball team, as well as a bowling league so we could do something together. Its weird how I went from this graceful skater to becoming a decent ball player and an avid bowler. I met Ron at Jewel City Bowl in Glendale in 1995. It was defiantly love at first sight. We were married in 1999 and a year later we had the blessing of a bouncing baby girl named Lauren. Our lives were so complete. We had a beautiful home in Glendale, great careers and the love for sports. In 2002 we moved back to Rons old stomping grounds and bought a home in Canoga Park. Just 4 blocks from where he grew up. In 2006 I gave birth to a second bouncing baby girl named Lindsey. Another blessing we have in our lives. After much thought and careful consideration I left my 15 year carrier to take a part time job that was closer to home and that would allow me to telecommute and be able to care for my family. Money was tight to say the least, but my family was happy. To our unexpected surprise and joy I gave birth to our youngest blessing Emily in 2007. My husband and my children are my life sir. I could never imagine life without them. With all that being said, I have set a new goal. Taking my journey alongside my husband and daughters. A goal that will allow me to take the walk down the candle lit isle that I have only been able to experience from a wife and mothers standpoint. I am excited to say the least to start my own journey with you and your wonderful studio. Hears to many many years ahead sir. Honor and respect always,

Dear Master Fariborz. Today is an important milestone for me. Not just in my tenure at TKC, but in my life as well. It has been four years to the day that I quit smoking. Though I had tried and failed many times in thirty years, and many different programs to quit, I just couldn’t make it stick until I started training with you at TKC in the Martial Arts. As you know, I lost my father last year due to complications from smoking. There’s not a day goes by that I don’t miss him dearly. Well as a father myself of three young daughters, I don’t want them to have to miss me for many, many years to come. I have learned from you and this ancient art, that to have earned my black belt, I must be a Black Belt in all aspects of my life. You are my Martial Arts Master sir, and for that I am eternally grateful. But just as important, you have made me the master of this terrible addiction and dragon that is cigarettes. And for that, my family is eternally grateful. Thank you for all you have done for me Kyoshi. Your Student, Ron C. 2010 TKC Black Belt and SWAT member.            RC

When I first started taking my kids to TKC, I would sit on the sidelines and watch. I began to develop a yearning to get on the mat. I really started to going to TKC, meeting so many nice people, and watching the training. I noticed that when my young daughter took a break from Karate, I mssed it more than she did . . . so my wife convinced me I should give it a try. After my first tryout class, I was "hooked." Over three years later, I am still hooked. My experience with TKC has been very positive, both as a parent of kids in the junior and teen programs, and as an adult student myself. What does TKC provide? Why do a enjoy it so much? That would be a long-winded discussion, but the fundamental thing is that, as an adult, it gives you a new sense of purpose and drive, and pride. You will no longer be "bored" on weeknights, flipping through the tv, but instead will look forward to each night you have class, re-making yourself in body and mind.            John S.

I am blessed to be a part of Team Karate Centers for the last 2 years. As its slogan says: “It’s not only Martial Art it’s Life” I feel that the program influences lots of areas in my life other than the physical training (which is wonderful by itself). This extra value is what keeps me coming for more. Hope to meet you on the mat,            Ronit Maish

My experience at TKC helped me to reach outside of where I had been hiding and learn to go for things I never, ever thought I could do. At the end of all of it, I felt I could take on things I never dreamed I would be successful at. My confidence just soared. I also found that you don't always learn the most from people who are naturals at something. You learn from the ones who had to figure it out, just like you do. Hard work gets you there sometimes, when nothing else does. For my daughter, she became more confident also and she had fun. What more could you ask for, for a pre-teen?            Becky

The benefits of the TKC curriculum are vast and multilayered. From the basic knowledge of the mixed martial arts and technique to the spiritual aspects of the self ( spanning confidence, perseverance , conquering fear, respect and honor) to the world of self defense - this relating to all ages kids and adults. My family and I have grown physically, mentally and spiritually and consider TKC our second home. All the instructors and sensais are so welcoming, helpful and genuine that you feel like you are a part of a special connected community. And I believe that we all have a common goal in mind to enhance, strengthen and protect our families while living a healthy lifestyle. Thank you sir.            Michelle Z.

I have never before been in a martial arts studio like TKC. Its adult classes are entertaining, enriching, tiring, and I always came out of every class proud to be both a martial artist, a member of the TKC family, and a person in general. Kudos to Master Fariborz and TKC!            Michaelbrent C.

Sensei Fariborz, I want to thank you for everything you and Team Karate Centers provided me over many years. Self confidence and friendships to name a few. Although my physical health (two back surgeries since January 2010, third being scheduled for early April) has prevented my continued training and participation I want you to know that I speak highly of you, your instructors, and your school at every opportunity. I keep one of your guest passes in my wallet and haven given several to interested friends and coworkers. Best Regards,            Jay S.

Team Karate Centers has amazing programs for kids and adults of all ages. I received my black belt in the adult program. Over the years, I have accomplished things I would have never imagined ever doing. My confidence level has improved significantly and I have Sensei Fariborz and his fantastic staff to thank for that. They push us hard so we can become the best we can be. I always leave class drenched in sweat! It is such an honor to be able to train in an environment where such legendary martial artists have step foot. Only at Team Karate Centers can someone experience such wonderful opportunities.            Lindsey D.

TKC has been a wonderful experience for our family. My wife, our two daughters and I are all students. TKC is an adventure that we share as a family. And the workouts are great too. In a time when obesity has just about become an epidemic in our society, TKC affords us the opportunity to stay healthy while learning self defense. And we love the many friends we have made with the other families that also attend and study at TKC. It is truly a home away from home for our entire family. Best regards,            Paul Fanning

As a 42 year-old with 14 years at the same sales company, I felt limited in a profitable yet unchallenging routine. I lacked a passion that I could share with others, and one day I found it: Team Karate Centers. I thought I would just learn about self defense. But not only that, I soon realized the martial arts involves physical fitness, and mental and emotional benefits as well. I learned how to focus on tasks, prioritize, control my emotions and set goals with a step-by-step formula. I found that the way Team Karate Centers presents the student curriculum can be applied to how I approach challenges at work and at home, as well as elsewhere. Add to this an attention to positive character development and the program provided me with a complete formula for success in many areas of life. Besides: The uniform, whether White Belt or Black, looks pretty cool. The learning never stops, so I look forward to many more years as a Student of Sensei Fariborz Azhakh.            Bill Null

Dear Fariborz, Training at TKC has been a eye opening experience as a martial artist. I have benefited from teachings of many different cultures. Whether it is traditional, street, kick boxing, grappling, or just a cardio workout. Team Karate Centers offers it all. For me, being able to train with an "outside the box" mental state is great and I can not put a price on that. I recommend TKC to all ages and styles. Thank you for all that you do, and keeping the paths clear and open. Much respect,            Walter Doll

Mr. Fariborz, I am aware it has been a while since you have last seen me at the studio. You probably heard from my mother that I am currently studying in Israel. I am writing this email to thank you, the studio you have established, and the TKC team as a whole. My experience at TKC benefited me greatly by improving my ability to adapt to certain situations and giving me greater self confidence. This has helped me in school and also with my social life and I am very thankful for all the studio has given me. I heard the event held to celebrate your 50th birthday was awesome and I wish I could've been there. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thank you, Tomer            Tomer S.

Dear Fariborz: Brandon forwarded the draft of your booklet and I must say that the philosophy that you profess is something I share with you wholeheartedly, and I have seen the impact it has had on Brandon"s life. As you know, Brandon has been your student since the age of 8 years old, and now he is 30! Can you believe that you have been his karate master for 22 years!!!! But, let me take you back to 1988, when Brandon first started training with you. Back then Brandon was a small, skinny kid. Very smart, but always the youngest and smallest of the class, and as such, picked on by the older and bigger classmates. He felt insecure about his standing within the group, although academically he was always ahead of the pack. That is why we enrolled him in your studio. He needed to learn to trust himself in any circumstance, and we knew that martial arts would be a tool that could help him achieve "self- confidence." And, it did just that. Brandon evolved into a strong, yet thoughtful individual. He pushed himself towards new goals, and through time, patience and diligence, he achieved each new rung on the ladder towards the first black belt; then the second; and the third. Each one of them took a lot of sacrifice and commitment, but it taught him that everything is attainable if you just work hard enough at it. And, that lesson was then applied well towards his formal education. First towards his Bachelor"s Degree in Science with his Aerospace Engineering Degree from U.C.L.A; and then with his Master"s in Business Administration Degree from Pepperdine. He applied the learned concepts of discipline, steadfastness, thoroughness and commitment to achieving his educational objectives. During those years, you did not see much of him, since he was away at school, but he never forgot what you taught him. And, came back to his love and passion for Martial Arts. Mr. Fariborz, you have been such a great influence on Brandon, that words fall short of expressing our neverending gratitude to you. He looks up to you, respects and loves you very much because you have been such an integral part of his life, and still are!!! I know that you have been a great influence on many other young lives that have passed through your studio in the last quarter century, and your legacy is how these young men and women have turned out in life...there are many examples of them still hanging around your academy so many years later, and that is because you have instilled in them the passion for the art of self-defense; and as well, gave them self-respect and self-esteem. Thank you from the Predazzi-Florian Family for being such a great role model in Brandon"s life! Sincerely,            Monica F.

April 26, 2011 Fariborz empowers me to become a better person with challenges, honesty, and time. In conversations on and off the mat he shares insights that challenge my perspective and spur me to grapple with new questions. As I form my own responses to these questions, inevitably I reach a new depth of insight that informs my life-experience. In class he teases me, which motivates me to try harder and reminds me that our relationship goes beyond the teacher-student dynamic. Fariborzs honesty keeps me accountable. When we talk about how to improve my life, he offers suggestions that raise my standards and orient me in the direction I want to go. Also he calls me on my shortcomings in a way that makes me feel cared for rather than judged. This requires a level of strength and compassion that is hard to find in a mentor, let alone a friend. As a present father, husband, and master instructor, there are endless demands on Fariborz time. Yet he always sets aside time for me when I ask to speak with him. This makes me feel respected and valued as a person, which reinforces my sense of self-worth. Fariborz is a friend and mentor who models a behavior that I try to apply in my own life.            Robert

Dear Mr. Fariborz, I've been meaning to send you this letter of thanks for a few months now. I wanted you to know how thankful I am for TKC. You've created a home for all of us there. From my time at TKC I learned what family means, and through the curriculum I learned about myself. When my husband and I moved to California 8 1/2 years ago, we didn't know anyone in the area. We swore that as soon as everything fell into place we would move back home to be with our family and friends. Well life can have a way of sweeping you up and moving you along, and we found ourselves still in CA and raising a family of our own. I started at TKC when some friends of mine told me that they were going to start taking classes there. My own daughter had been taking karate at another studio, and it was something I'd been interested in trying out. I started out completely out of shape and totally inflexible, but I was quickly hooked on everything about TKC. I love how the instructors make you feel like you really can do anything - maybe not right away, but through hard work and determination, you will improve, and you can achieve your karate goals. It wasn't long before those lessons started influencing my life off the mat. Through the TKC curriculum, you share with us the tools that are available to make a positive change, not just in our own lives, but in the lives of others. I learned that I can be responsible for creating the outcomes that I desire. You do realize that it's your fault that my family and I ended up buying a home and moving away to Washington state, don't you? It was time to take action, and we finally made it happen. Life doesn't have to sweep you up in its current. Now I've moved on to some other important goals in my life, and I'm working hard on keeping commitments to myself - my own personal challenge. There will be a black belt in my future! Leaving TKC was so emotional for me. I hadn't realized how important everyone there had become to me, or how we had all touched each others lives in the short year that I spent there. One of the most important lessons I have taken away from TKC is that family is more than just being related by blood. I will always remember the love and support my TKC family showed for me and my family. I wish you all the best. Respectfully,            Laura K