Testimonials
 What our Students and their families have to say.
In addition to learning a valuable and unique form of self-defense,
the approach at Ekata Martial Arts is always varied, challenging and
fun. Even if you've never worked out in your life, Ekata will not only
welcome you in but also challenge you on so many levels such as
balance, focus and discipline.
At Ekata you could not find a more engaging and friendly staff of
expert instructors. The teachers at Ekata are all extremely interested
in each student's individual growth while the students of Ekata are
friendly and work with each other in the most positive ways.
Ekata Martial Arts will guide you to look inward towards
self-improvement - without you even realizing you are doing it. And
after each class, you walk away feeling absolutely positive, healthy
and mentally and physically challenged. - Shawn P.
"I love the family atmosphere and sense of community that is alive and present at Ekata. The training is superb and the leadership provided by Sifu Ed Monaghan is inspiring." -Trisha B.
Sifu Ed,
Thank you for understanding my sons' struggle with ADHD; it's not often that you find someone in a teaching position that truly understands the dynamics of ADHD and has experience in working with people that truly struggle with the condition, and how Martial Arts can help.
Ekata Martial Arts was a positive turning point for my son. Age 12-13 can be challenging years for a boy with ADHD and I could see I was in for a challenge. Sometimes parents need someone outside the home that their child respects and admires.
You went far and above the call of duty when I asked for your help with issues I was having with my son; you showed concern and spent extra time talking to him about respect, discipline, school, and how to deal with frustration and gave him techniques in how to calm himself down when facing challenges.
Ekata Martial Arts is unique in that you dedicate time in class to his age group discussing issues that may arise in school like bullying, and how to handle the situation with a positive outcome but also that he has skills in how to protect himself…that's priceless!
I'm sorry we moved away but he's taken what he has learned with him and he is now in high school doing great You and Joann are doing a fabulous job.
Sincerely, - Mom of former student
All my adult life, I have wanted to learn martial arts. For the discipline, the confidence, the conditioning and the self defense that go along with the education.
Finally this year, I began, the camaraderie amongst the other students at Ekata is terrific and I am enjoying the experience. I look forward to the years ahead!
Regards - Jimmy C
"I started training at Ekata after college as way to stay in shape when my tenure with rock climbing became more difficult to maintain. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but I soon learned the true meaning of physical fitness. Sifu Ed and Sifu JoAnn are among the best instructors I've had in any discipline, and their tutelage has helped me grow philosophically, emotionally, and, of course, physically."
Sifu Ed
I write to you with so much gratitude for not only giving me the tools that have helped me focus my attention through Qigong and the discipline I gained through the teachings of Ekata.
I myself still practice the art privately and now my 2 girls 15 and 10 have now joined your program. I am so appreciative and encouraged on how you teach and train the kids. I have been able to sit in on a few classes and I am beyond grateful for your training and teaching not only the art of Jeet Kune Do but the life coaching you instill in all of us as we learn from you and your staff.
I wish this program was offered in every school program to help prepare our youth for the future. You help instill confidence and raise the level of our self esteem through the practices of what Ekata teaches. You're an incredible individual and I am encouraged everyday when I wake to get up and be the best I can be as a person.
Thank you so much for pioneering the way and retaining the true art of Jeet Kune Do.
Thank you Thank you Thank you.
Your biggest fan - Dean T
I am pleased with the training and support that my Grandson gets from participating in the Ekata Martial Arts program. He is active and sometimes has difficulty focusing. His Savate [French Kickboxing] and Jeet Kune Do classes have created an outlet for releasing his excess energy. His attention span has increased and he is now able to focus, listen and follow directions. He just received a medal and award from his school for most improved behavior and academics. The instructors at EKATA are caring and implement a very disciplined program. - Grandma
Our sons (ages 7 and 9) have been training at Ekata for nearly two years. The difference in their self-confidence and behavior is amazing. They are both excelling in their studies and take pride in their achievements. Sifu Ed has truly been a remarkable influence for them. The training they have received at Ekata has helped them both to learn the proper way to diffuse schoolyard bully situations. They understand that self-defense is simply that: defense. They know that sometimes the best response to a threat (or perceived threat) is to use their minds first, not their fists. We have been very pleased with the discipline and focus our children have gained as a result of their involvement at Ekata.
Ian and Robin B., Valencia, CA
Quality of Instruction
"Ed and Joann's supreme knowledge of not only the physical aspect, but the internal aspect of this art cannot be found anywhere else." - Angela
"I can't say enough about how great this class is. Not only do you learn to defend yourself, but you learn self confidence and it's a great workout too." - Robyn
"I am constantly surprised and impressed by the breadth and depth of Ed's martial arts knowledge. His connection to JKD and is gift for communicating information makes him a world-class instructor." - Jamie
"It's the best training ever had! The school brings in the top teachers for each discipline. You can't find that anywhere else." - TW
"Ed's Awesome!" - "Ed is a GREAT instructor!" - "Everyone should have him, he's marvelous!"
"I did things I never thought I'd be able to physically do. Ed's the best!"
"Ed was amazing! He is very inspirational. He was deeply concerned with our progress; immediate and long term. I'll never forget him."
"Ed Monaghan is an excellent instructor, very personable and extremely skilled in this art form. I feel very fortunate to have taken his class."
"Ed is a deep well of knowledge and technique. He is hard when he needs to be hard and gentle when he needs to be gentle. A perfect balance. The way he instructs is very patient and positive."
"This school offers an eclectic combination of styles, creating a well-rounded martial artist." - AC
"The thing I love most is Ekata brings in experts for each discipline so I am learning from the best in each field." - Wade
"I just wanted to let you know of something Jim (name changed) did today in school. I had to go into his classroom to speak to his teacher and he called Jim up to talk to him with me. As his teacher spoke, he answered him with 'yes sir'. This is the first time I had heard him do it outside of Ekata and without any reminder from me:) His teacher was so impressed he said "wow Jim did you just say yes sir to me"...he was smiling and so happy to hear it and said, did you learn that at Ekata. Jim came home after school saying that his teacher said to the class that while Jim was speaking to him he said 'yes sir', it was the first time he had heard it from anyone and it made him proud. So he asked Jim to come to the front of the class and talk about what he does at Ekata. Jim said all 3 parts of the student creed, spoke about some self defense moves and what they were specifically called and showed them the bow in.
I thought this was such a great acknowledgment of how much he has grown with you and I really appreciate it." - Sincerely, F
"Many thanks to you and your associates for taking My son as a student for the past couple of years. He has gotten over the "tween" hump with flying colors; no more low to failing grades, more appreciation of his own talents and more talent for tolerating his brothers and others. My intent in enrolling him was to put him on a regular schedule with good people in a discipline he appreciated, in the hope he could turn his mental energy into a positive force. I know I found the right place when I brought him to Ekata Martial Arts. Thanks for your dedication." - Nancy R.
"It's been difficult raising an interest in my son regarding hobbies and/or extra curricular activites. However, since we found Ekata Martial Arts online just a month ago, he is finally excited about something! He gets in the car before I do and says, "Mom.... I can't be late to class!"... It feels good knowing that Ekata is taking care of him and willing to stay in touch with his school teacher in order to give him maximum benefits during his quest for education. We are looking forward to a long relationship with Ekata Martial Arts." - Emily B.
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