Reviews for Rifkin Professional Karate Center Columbia, MO

JD Rifkin’s gym in Columbia is as professional as it gets. My family and I have been involved in TKD for over twenty years with another organization. It was time to find a new gym and I joined Rifkin Professional after a private lesson with Master Rifkin. We are completely impressed. Rifkin is a complete martial artist with an exceptional skill-set. He is on the mats every day and teaches his own classes, beginner through advanced – he is an excellent instructor. Because of Rifkin’s own athletic abilities and martial arts knowledge, this gym offers the “next-level” experience. You will be challenged regardless of your current skills. If you are looking for the first time as a beginning student or shopping around for a new gym, Rifkin is a great choice.

Master Rifkin’s teaching does not only pertain to karate classes and training only! In order to succeed one must apply the rules in every day life! This will make you not only a comprehensively physically strong person, but also mentally. One must conquer himself first, conquer his/her mind and then the physical conquest will become possible. Such conquest must first target the weaknesses of the mind, doubts and fears. One step toward this goal is when you step on the karate floor for the first time. We all have seen the difference. Being a positive psychologist and employing many rules in every day life, I nevertheless needed to hear that support, enthusiasm and encouragement from someone else. And this person was and undoubtfully is Master Rifkin.

Thank you! Master Rifkin. For teaching so many women and children self defense. But the one thing we want to thank you most for is teaching our daughter and granddaughter to be very self assured and stronger. Thank you, to the entire team. You Rock!

Thank you! Master Rifkin. For teaching so many women and children self defense. But the one thing we want to thank you most for is teaching our daughter and granddaughter to be very self assured and stronger. Thank you, to the entire team. You Rock!

Great school. Master Rifkin is fun and approachable while still being a thorough instructor; that being said, he maintains high expectations of his students. He pays attention to what is happening in class and knows when to push students harder and when to let them digest new information. I started as a white belt last year and have made significant improvements to my flexibility and endurance.I particularly like the way he is with children. My daughter is only 5 and within one day of starting, understood what was expected of her in class. Master Rifkin is kind but direct when she needs to change something and, because he keeps the class active and engaged, she adjusts quickly. He takes time to talk and joke with the children before and after class, which I really appreciate. He’s demanding but not frightening. My girl and I both have a lot of fun. I highly recommend this school. 

When my son said he wanted to learn karate I knew nothing about where to go or who to chose. Thankfully I happened to see Rifkin Professional Karate before any other listing. I read the reviews and thought ok this is the one we’re going to check out. I felt good with that choice after just talking to Master Rifkin on the phone the first time…. I have seen my son become so much more confident in everything he does, not just karate. He’s started to figure out the “rewards” of hard work in ways my husband and I weren’t fully able to show him but most of all, Master Rifkin has taught him to never give up. That seems so simple and something you’d think my husband and I would have already taught him. We have tried trust me! My son knows he always has us in his corner to cheer him on, believe in him and celebrate when he accomplishes one of his goals but now he also has Master Rifkin. If you’re looking for somewhere for you or your child to learn karate- this is the place and Master Rifkin is the one, hands down.

Every once in a while an idea comes together to create a facility that sets a new standard for Excellence in Performance, Aesthetics, and Durability……visit JD Rifkin (Rifkin Professional Karate Center) and begin your journey!

Dearest Master Rifkin, I cannot tell you how much you and your teachings have influenced my life. After the 9-11 attacks, I felt helpless. I imagined myself under a situation where my life would be put into someone else’s hands and I had no way to defend myself. Uncomfortable with this helpless feeling, I met you at Starbucks a few months later and my martial arts training began. I hoped it was obvious that I loved our forms. They are beautiful, artistic, and skillful. Whenever I practice them people always ask me what they are and where I learned them, or even to perform them again. When performing our forms-I not only think of the skills, precision, and tactics you have instilled-I envision how you, Mr. Bosque, Mr. Dang and Ms. Nagayama gracefully and whole-heartedly demonstrate how the forms are supposed to be…..flawless. I am proud to have been a student at our school and am proud to have learned from instructors who truly cared about my attendance and progress.

Thank you Master Rifkin and Tammy Rifkin for being so supportive to all of us students, but most of all thank you for being so supportive to me and to my girl Madyson!! I don’t think I could have asked for a better school to train at and to call my family!!

I’ve lived around martial arts and boxing since I was old enough to remember, and being in Rifkin Professional Karate for the last year has been a lot of hard work, but well worth all the time and effort. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher in Master Jd Rifkin. Even when you think your at your best, he can always find a way for you to improve.

When you hear how polite and respectful your kid is and how even though he wasn’t slacking, his teacher has seen a big improvement, focus and rice to improve-you take pride but know that it’s truly who you have chosen to surround your child and trusted to teach/coach him. So job well done to Ed and I, and HUGE thank yous to his awesome fitness family and as always, Rifkin Professional Karate – U.P.M.A.A. and his Master, Jd Rifkin. As much as I and Edward guide and raise him, you all have a giant impact on him and we couldn’t imagine better role models and teachers for him

Proud to be a student at RPKC. I’d like to thank Master Jd Rifkin for everything. This last year and an half has been a blast. Now I see the difference between us and everyone else.  #DETAILS. I would have loved to see Ms. Aaliyah Potes compete. Hopefully next time!!! I  have learned so much. I need lots of improvement, but I’m loving those charging kicks. I saw alot of double kicks in this tournament and alot of schools with hands down. As I get better, my skill level will improve. One day I hope to be as good as Master Rifkin. Can’t wait for class on Monday:)

In 2007 after 8 very long years of getting my butt handed to me on the mat, I received my first black belt under Master Rifkin and became the first female to do so at Rifkin Pro Karate. I had a few friends training at the time but after visiting various schools, watching or participating, I realized the difference in training I was receiving. Kicks and punches being held to a higher standard because when you throw them correctly, you can stop them as well, especially if you realize mid kick that it has more power than you anticipated. Watch other schools, do they point/flex their toes/feet on the varying kicks? Are they’re hands down when they kick? Are the arms flailing about with no control or sense over what your body is doing? Master Rifkin notices and they do not skirt by him because proper technique will save your life. I was never treated differently as a female as well which is an invaluable tool in learning martial arts……. because Master Rifkin has a way of pushing you towards your own excellence. I earned my Black Belt and I am humbled to have had such an instructor that cared about my training to see me through. He hasn’t changed a bit in all the years I’ve trained with him and I’m sure he never will…he just cares too much. Train here first, then go out and check other places and see just how much you’ve learned.

Eva just tested for her third stripe and permission to try for her Blue belt this weekend. I have to tell you — it wasn’t looking good. In all it was OKAY, but there were wobbles and forgotten bits and such. Master Jd Rifkin asked Josh and I to stay after her class for a bit, then called Eva up to the front of the following class — the advanced class — and told them that their job was to keep her from earning the last stripe. He then told her that she could only get her stripe if she out-performed the class. Suddenly my little girl was on fire. She nailed that form to the wall with strength, determination and just… fire. She got that third stripe and is testing this weekend. I was literally shaking my head at how well Master Rifkin knows how to bring out her best. That performance just floored both Josh and me. Once again, I find myself thanking Master Rifkin for the wonderful job he is doing with her. We are blessed.

A remarkable place for kids of all shapes, sizes and abilities. Master Rifkin is demanding but fair and kind…just a great teacher. I’d give six stars if I could.

Master Rifkin works them hard and makes them earn everything. Every achievement is earned through hard work and sweat. That’s why he is the best at what he does.

….Karate has proven to be an amazing experience for them, which in turn, has blessed our family. Karate is one of the few interests these girls share, making it all the more special. Not only do they support one another, and constructively help each other perfect kicks, falls, and forms, they have taken their little brother under their wings. It’s heartwarming to see them helping him with the fine details he’s learning as a white belt. Countless thanks for the consistent direction from Master Rifkin. Always challenging them, inspiring them, and (most importantly to me as a mother) teaching them skills that will grow their confidence AND keep them safe. I have no doubt my husband will agree, this may be one of the most important decisions we will make as parents. They’re learning much more than karate.