Google reviewers rate the Ham Lake self-defense school 4.9 out of 5 based on 40 reviews, with the owner responding to half of them. Customers frequently praise the patient instruction, flexible scheduling, and welcoming atmosphere that serves both children and adults. Recurring themes include improved student discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills, along with fair pricing and individual attention. The provided excerpts contain no low-star reviews to identify specific criticisms.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 40 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 40 Google reviews (32 with written comments, 3 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 50% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 11, 2024.
Service: Karate School serving Ham Lake, Minnesota.
Data from Google, last updated November 2, 2026.
Star ratings
40 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars3895%
4 stars00%
3 stars13%
2 stars13%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 32 written reviews
100%praise
Praise30100%
Complaints00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
6topics
Staff & attitude930%
Would recommend723%
Quality & results517%
Honesty & trust517%
Price & value310%
Communication13%
What customers talk about
We read 32 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We are very happy with the instruction and professionalism at UMA.”
“…y also adds on to more 1 on 1 time, if you’re on the fence about it, I recommend checking this place out!…”
“Master Olson is such a great role model and any other teachers that step in also do a great job!”
“…job, they maintain the importance of defense through out class and I honestly thought my daughters attitude would have come out by now :p ; but hands…”
“Master Olson is fair, honest, skilled, and disciplined.”
“Grand Master John Olson is phenomenal with communicating before, during, and after the trial.”
People customers mention
Olson10 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Ultimate Martial Arts - Ham Lake is the best! Our son has been attending since he was 4. He is now 8 years old and still loves karate. It has been really fun watching him improve and keep moving up the ranks. He's thrilled to have his name on the wall as a future black belt. Master Olson is such a great role model and any other teachers that step in also do a great job!
J
Jenny Meade6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jenny has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We take our 4 year old daughter to Karate here and she can’t wait for class every week. Lots of individual attention, a great way to learn skills, self-defense and discipline.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you very much for your review!! I'm glad you all are enjoying it and seeing the benefits of the program!! Welcome to our karate family!
A
anthony kelly2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews anthony has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Yes this is a great place for everyone. My 8 year old daughter did a trial for a few weeks as she is a dancer not a fighter. But she eneded up loving the instructors and that led to her loving karate and the whole idea behind it.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you so much!! Welcome to my karate family I’m happy to have you!
T
Tricia Krone11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tricia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The instructors are knowledgeable and patient. Great inclusive atmosphere. Kids and adults are welcomed. Correction comes without judgement. Fair pricing. Wonderful experience. Thank you ultimate martial arts for welcoming us into your community!
J
Jessica HertelLocal Guide · 160 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jessica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did the web special and then signed up for a year of karate. My child has improved in all aspects after starting karate, smaller classes usually also adds on to more 1 on 1 time, if you’re on the fence about it, I recommend checking this place out!
S
Shana HoeykensLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Shana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I love their set up inside! It is not only a big area, but is has excellent seating for viewing as a parent. I love the class flexibility/variety of different class days and times! If something comes up one week in our normal schedule we are able to switch a day! The two coaches both do a great job, they maintain the importance of defense through out class and I honestly thought my daughters attitude would have come out by now :p ; but hands down she loves it and she can’t wait to go back after each class! We just finished our trial and will be signing up for regular classes!
Response from the owner · 4 years ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and review. I appreciate at it very much!
B
Brave Season DesignLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brave has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are very happy with the instruction and professionalism at UMA. Our son is learning a lot about discipline and respect. We have also seen his confidence increase!
Response from the owner · 4 years ago
Thank you very much for your review!! I appreciate it!
R
RHite081 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews RHite08 has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
