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My son has been coming here for 10 years. Along with the amazing karate skills, combat training, self defense and kickboxing he has learned kindness and compassion. Kyoshi Dabney exudes a gentle but firm leadership style and pushes the kids to reach their full potential. He has been an amazing presence in John’s life. I am so grateful for this place. Can’t recommend enough.
Competitive Edge Karate is a world class martial arts academy that gears to students of all ages and skill levels. When looking for my first martial arts gym I was very hesitant but as soon as I step foot in Competitive Edge Karate I was greeted by the friendly staff and welcomed into their class.
If you are looking to learn Self Defense, boost confidence, get in shape and make new friends then Competitive Edge Karate is the right place for you!
Charlotte has been with Kyoshi for 3 years now & the advancement in her skills is amazing. She was just awarded her 2nd degree black belt & we couldn't be happier with how it was all handled. Lessons are well & safely run either virtually or in class with every precaution taken to ensure the kids safety. Charlotte has just stated her 3rd degree training & we couldn't be happier with how it's going. I would definitely recommend Competitive Edge for anyone wanting to start their journey or to advance their studies.
After 8 years in Taekwondo that caters to younger kids, my teenager wanted a challenge on a different path. We switched to Competitive Edge last year and my son has grown tremendously under Kyoshi's instruction. Kyoshi takes a personal interest in challenging his students based on their individual paths in life. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience in martial arts and self defense, and embraces both the physical and mental health of his students.
I heard about CEK from one of my friend whose son earned a black belt degree from here few years back. She had all positive things to say about the CEK and Master Kyoshi so I decided to enroll my almost 7 year old son here. My son was going to a different martial arts place before COVID but didn’t show much interest and due to a 1 year contract obligation, I couldn’t pull him out. It’s been couple of weeks since he joined CEK and loves it so far. Master Kyoshi is very professional, patient and passionate about teaching karate. He knows how to keep kids engaged and foster respect . Looking forward to seeing my son get his black belt degree from here.
Kyoshi is an awesome teacher and an instructor. His class has the right balance of fun for the kids but also the discipline that’s required for karate. He is also very accommodating when you have changes and the best part was he was among the very first folks who adapted virtual learning and that’s really effective. Don’t know how he manages to keep the kids engaged in an virtual environment and hats off to him for making that possible.
Best karate studio! Kyoshi is a master at his craft and passionate in all he does. My teenage daughter is almost a 3rd degree black belt with his guidance and I couldn't be happier. I highly recommend Competitive Edge Karate to anyone who has a child interested in karate or who is an adult looking to learn and get fit. Both find themselves stronger and more confident with CEK instruction.
Kyoshi is the best instructor and mentor in the RVA area. There’s no comparison. He’s effective and thorough. My little girl looks forward to the discipline and structure he provides in each class (which says a lot for a 7yr old). You can see how much the kids excel and strive to reach their next goal. Amazing!
Absolutely the best! Kyoshi Dabney is a wonderful teacher of martial arts skills. He keeps it fun while still teaching technique and skill. Wouldn't trust my grandson with anyone else! He taught my daughter back in probably 1988, her daughter in 2004-05. This grandson has been with him since November 2022.
Awesome place! We love the discipline and values that CEK instills into our kids. Their program and plan for progression keeps the kids engaged and enthusiastic to attend and it builds a great sense of confidence in the kids. Kyoshi, Jesse and Donovan are GREAT with the kids. We couldn't be more impressed.
CEK is a great place to provide life lessons for your kids. Karate is not the only thing taught there . . . respect, discipline, mindfulness, and manners are emphasized. Our son got his black belt at CEK and I can truly say Roger Dabney had a huge influence on our both our kids who have developed into responsible adults. I would highly recommend Competitive Edge Karate for children or adults looking to improve their well being both physically and mentally!
Best place Ever keeps kids focused discipline and defense the right way.
An amazing place for young people to learn discipline and build self confidence.
Kiyoshi is a fabulous teacher and mentor.
Positive and knowledgeable Teacher and Kids love his approach! Highly recommend!
This is wonderful place where you kids can learn values kyoshi is the best teacher really 100% recommended
Great place to learn karate. Kyoshi Dabney is 10/10 - great with kids (and their parents).
My son’s confidence has significantly increased since attending CEK. Kyoshi is amazing with the kids. Highly recommend!
Train Like a Champion: What CEK Students Gain Beyond the Workout At Competitive Edge Karate (CEK), training isn’t just about learning how to punch and kick—it’s about developing the habits, focus, and mindset that carry into every part of life. When students train under a proven kickboxing champion, they’re not just getting instruction—they’re learning from […]
The Foundation of True Growth Integrity in martial arts is the cornerstone of personal growth, character development, and skill mastery. It ensures that practitioners act with honesty, discipline, and respect—both on and off the mat. In martial arts training, integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It means practicing techniques […]
Raising Independent Kids: Lessons Learned at Competitive Edge Karate Parents and teachers share a paradoxical goal: to work ourselves out of a job. We don’t want children who simply follow the crowd or wait to be told what to do. We want them to grow into independent thinkers—kids who can make good decisions, stand up […]
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When parents think about enrolling their child in martial arts system of kickboxing training, they often picture fitness, self-defense, or confidence. While those benefits are absolutely real, there’s something even more powerful happening in every class: your child is learning grit. Psychologist Angela Duckworth describes grit as the combination of passion and perseverance—the ability to […]
One of the most powerful lessons we can teach our children is self-respect — the quiet, unshakable belief that “I am worthy.” As parents, we do everything we can to build our child’s confidence, but true self-respect goes deeper than positive talk or surface-level praise. It’s about helping children understand that they deserve to feel […]
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As parents, we all want to make the right choices for our children—choices that help them grow, develop confidence, and build skills for the future. If you’ve been considering martial arts but find yourself unsure, you’re not alone. Many parents wonder: Will my child really benefit from karate class, or is it just another activity […]
Building Strong Minds and Strong Bodies Through Martial Arts At Competitive Edge Karate, we believe martial arts is about more than learning how to punch, kick, or defend yourself. Our approach goes deeper, shaping the way students think, act, and respond to the world around them. In today’s environment, young people face constant challenges—from peer […]
Back-to-school season can be a time of high expectations for students. While high expectations can be a positive motivator, they can also lead to stress, anxiety, and even feelings of inadequacy if not managed effectively. It’s crucial to strike a balance, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages growth and resilience rather than solely focusing […]
