We have been apart of the MAI Carlsbad family now for a year. This was the first sport/activity our 7 year old daughter Shelby stuck with and has greatly enjoyed. Our daughter was recently diagnosed with combine type ADHD and I believe these classes have greatly contributed to the improvement in her focus and overall wellbeing.
Sensei Lobell as well as the other instructors are patient, fun (yet firm), and I can tell really enjoy what they do. Sensei Lobell in particular you can tell is incredibly passionate about karate and educating his students. I am very confused by the reviews that mention he has "retaliated" or is "money hungry" because we have had the complete opposite experience with this studio.
When the studio was forced to shut down due to Covid-19, Sensei Lobell worked with us and helped form a plan that would both benefit us as well as the studio financially. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help us out during this challenging time. I suppose the best advice I can give anyone is DO NOT reach out to the billing company this studio uses, go to the Sensei direct because the billing company is a 3rd party that follows the contract to the letter. They won't be of much help.
In addition, when our daughter finally could resume her lessons, she was discouraged, frustrated and told me she didn't like karate anymore which was not like her. She had trouble remembering the moves (as anyone would after a three month hiatus). I relayed this info to Sensei Lobell and he generously offered to meet with her one on one to get her excited about karate again. This to me is exceptional customer service and was so kind.
We look forward to seeing how our daughter progresses with MAI in the future!
