I would highly recommend UMA to anyone interested in learning martial arts and the discipline and focus that comes with it. From day one everyone was so welcoming and very helpful and kind. It truly has a family like environment. You can see how much Mr. & Mrs. Olson care about their students, their curriculum and the success of EVERY student no matter what belt level. They also stress the importance of "Might for Right" when it comes to learning self defenses. They are top notch! We're very happy there.

Hi ya...good place

Truly generous in time and teaching students. I just started this adventure and Im glad I picked this dojo.

Awesome martial arts school. Great instructor. Beautiful, clean facility.

This is lengthy, but please take the time to read it. There are so many great things to say about the facility, students and training at Ultimate Martial Arts - Ham Lake. My family and I have been taking classes at UMA Ham Lake for about 6 years (and we go as often as we can). The school has space for spectators to watch up close as well as a room for families with smaller children to watch in a more closed in area with a sliding glass window. There are two classrooms. One is for the main classes or larger classes and the second is for super-kids or smaller classes. The larger classroom offers a lot of space when classes reach above 20 students. You still have space to train without the feeling of running into another student. The second classroom is a little smaller and may also be used by students to stretch or practice their training (when it is not being utilized by other classes). The students (and the families of the students) are great! The support given to other students as well as the families of those that train is amazing – much like an extended family. I have never met a better group of people/families. We all (adults and children) share in the excitement of those advancing to another belt level or when a student does well in a tournament. We all work with each other and help each other in our training inside and outside of the classroom. To watch children that are under the age of 13 show compassion and respect for others is extraordinary and impresses me. I am amazed at how they interact with newer students trying sparring for the first time. The respect the students (of all ages) give to others, the kindness they show others, and the help they offer to others, comes not only from their family values but I believe the training we all receive. Mrs. Lisa Olson is the main instructor for super-kids and occasionally subs in the main classroom. I have witnessed many super-kids students, taught by her, make it to the big classroom and continue on to become advanced students (some of those original super-kids are close to their black belt!). Her knowledge, great teaching skills, patients, and hard work shows as she prepares the younger students to get them ready for the big classroom. Lastly, the high quality instruction my family (and all students) receive from Master Instructor John Olson is incomparable to other schools. He has each student’s best interest at heart and is aware of their limitations. He pushes each and every one of us to our maximum potential – making us the best we can possibly be. The passion and love he has for the martial arts shows in his teaching and is demonstrated not only through what he teaches us, but the concern he has for each and every student’s safety. This is the only place I would want to train. With his experience in the martial arts and the instruction he gives to all of us, I feel it has added to (and increased) the skills of my children (as well as my husband and myself) as they are getting ready to step out into the world with an awareness of their surroundings, the confidence to be leaders, and the ability to set goals to achieve their dreams.

My kids all love it at UMA / Ham Lake and I love how wonderful and supportive Master Olson is. They encourage respect not only at karate, but in school, at home and in all areas of life for the children. I brought my sons here to learn self defense and confidence and am glad to say they teach so much more! My daughter just recently signed up as well and is enjoying going as much as we can fit in our schedule. I am excited to see how she will excel. I personally think if a child can get the foundation of karate, they can be good whatever sport they choose, which seems to be holding true for my boys. Thank you to the entire Olson family for the dedication, kindness, and patience you show to all of the students.

My family and I have been with Master Olson at UMA Karate since he opened the doors. Our family after 6+years of training are now Black Belts (4 members). We continue to train and see the difference quality instruction in that training can make. I have observed other schools and watched other Non Ham Lake Martial Artists. There is no comparing. Ham Lake out shines them all. If you want the best training with real world applications then Ultimate Martial Arts, Ham Lake is the place to be. I would go no where other place.

Ultimate Martial Arts Academy in Ham Lake has exceeded my expectations! What first started as a self-defense course, has become a place where excellent martial artists share their passion for the art. Students learn about relationships, leadership, hard work, dedication, commitment, and positive character development. The owners/instructors "walk the talk" and "lead by example". Proud to be a part of a superior organization!

We started with UMA in 2011 after my then kindergartner grew about 4 inches in a few months and couldn't walk through a room without tripping over himself. We thought signing him up for karate would make him slow down and be aware/pay attention to what his body is doing...it certainly did help him in many was. Jump ahead 4 years and all 3 of my kids are enrolled and are committed to UMA like nothing else in their lives. WHY? I believe it is because of the quality of instruction they receive and because of the relationships they have built with the owners. Master Olson and Mrs Olson have created an amazing studio for all of their participants. They certainly are amazing at karate and are really good at teaching people of all ages and abilities. As a parent, the "life skills" my kids are learning at UMA stand out the most to me. Every time my kids walk into the classroom, they are learning about respect, hard work, discipline, and goal setting. Being in a classroom with Master Olson has boosted their confidence, self-esteem, and has helped them see themselves as leaders. He has helped my kids set high standards for themselves in and out of the karate studio. All 3 of my kids would go to karate everyday if we could make it because they each cherish the relationship they have built with Master Olson and Mrs Olson. In this day and age, kids need to be surrounded by adults who care about them...we are blessed to have found UMA-Ham Lake because the adults in this studio truly CARE about my children. That alone will benefit them in countless ways for many years!!!

The Very Best Karate business and Family in the World. Just my opinion!

The instructors are passionate and consistent with teaching. UMA helps with respect, dedication, confidence and goal setting. A variety of classes and times are available to work with most families schedules. I am getting in a great work out on top of learning how defend myself should I ever be put in an unfavorable situation. I highly recommend UMA for adults or children of any age!

Best Karate in town