Deshi-Do Martial Arts Oakleigh Karate & Fitness Centre - Oakleigh East (VIC)

2 /5 Cin Sab: The other kids were friendly and welcoming, which was a big plus. The environment is structured, and one of the male instructors was kind and patient. However, on my son’s first day, the female mentor was blunt and didn’t seem very warm or patient. My shy son, who didn’t know her yet, felt embarrassed and compared to others, which affected his confidence. We understand that discipline is important, and structure helps kids learn. However, it’s equally important to deliver discipline with warmth and patience, especially for children who are shy or new. Encouragement builds confidence better than pressure or comparisons. First impressions matter a lot, and we hope the program can be more encouraging in the future.

5 /5 KIM WONG: We have been coming to deshi do for about a year now since my son was 4 and it has been such a positive experience. Our son was quite hesitant and shy when he first joined and refused to join in some of the exercises but sensei Sofy was so patient and kind and made the classes fun and encouraging that after the first few classes he settled right in and now looks forward to his karate classes all the time. Sensei Perry is also such a lovely man and both him and Sensei Sofy are just very warm and welcoming. I highly recommend deshi do especially if you have young kids, my son definitely needs some time to settle in new environments and Im so glad we found deshi do as its so important to have someone understand the little ones behaviors and encourages the best in them.

5 /5 Benjamin Yeung: Sensei Perry is a true master of Karate and Kobudo. The man embodies everything it means to be a martial arts practitioner, and it shows - the guy is frighteningly fast and powerful for someone of slender build and age. I am still blown away by his age. This alone should tell you that he is for real. If you have a choice learning from someone that actually practices it for a living and has you as a student in mind rather than the many martial arts profit geared business treating you as a customer to extract as much money as possible, the choice is simple. From my time with Sensei Perry, I have come to appreciate the stark difference in his philosophy. The man genuinely wants you to grow and to realise your potential not only as a martial artist, but also as a student, as a teacher, as a family man/woman and as a human being living in this society. If you have a choice between Sensei Perry and another instructor at another school - I would urge you to observe the classes and compare. First and foremost, does the head instructor even teach the adults class? If not, then you are learning from a disciple and you better hope they were taught well. In the martial arts world, who your teacher is and your teachers teacher is everything. If your teacher isnt still learning from someone, either they finally earned the fabled 10th dan black belt or they simply stopped learning from someone reputable. Sensei Perry, is unfortunately, one of the few instructors who still maintains a strong connection to his Japanese teachers. Sadly, it is not uncommon to find Karate schools that boast a connection to Japan/Okinawa but is all but in name only. Having tried and tested various karate clubs, both big and small in Victoria, the difference in Sensei Perrys technical ability and teaching ability is like night and day. What I appreciate the most is that Sensei Perrys fees are so reasonable and was the second biggest selling point for me. Every other school charged more if I wanted to train more. Perrys school - flat monthly fee for unlimited training. What I am paying now per month is the base price for 2 classes a week for 45min - 60min classes at every other club within a 5km radius, and theyre not even necessarily run by professional instructors (kids even), let alone the head instructor!!! Needless to say, I have never looked back since joining Sensei Perry at Deshido.

5 /5 Juan Mulder: I have been going to Sensei Perry for 14 months learning authentic complete Okinawan Shito-Ryo. He is honestly overqualified, patient, kind and cares about his students. He teaches not just karate and kobudo (Japanese weapons), but how to be resilient and a fitter better human. My kids adore him and Sensei Sofi. Deshido is one of Melbournes best kept secrets! If you are wondering if you should try it, go ahead and see for yourself.