Testimonials

What Others are saying

My family and I have been training at CMA for a little while now and I cannot recommend them enough. From the moment we walked through the door, we were greeted warmly by the instructors and felt a sense of belonging.

The facility itself is clean and well-maintained. Kyl and his team are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about what they do. They create a positive learning environment where everyone is encouraged to push themselves and reach their full potential.

The classes are well-structured and cater to students of all skill levels, from beginners to the more advanced. The instructors take the time to explain each technique, ensuring that everyone understands and can execute the movements correctly. They also provide personalised feedback and guidance, which has immensely helped me improve my skills.

One aspect that truly sets CMA apart is the sense of community – everyone is friendly, respectful, and supportive of one another.

CMA also hosts various events and workshops, allowing students to learn from guest instructors and gain valuable insights from different perspectives. These opportunities contribute to the overall growth and enrichment of everyone involved.

Overall, CMA is truly exceptional. It provides a safe and welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and skill levels to learn and grow. If you’re looking for a place to train and develop your martial arts skills while being surrounded by passionate individuals, I highly recommend giving CMA a try.

Sarah Thomas

Brazilian Jiujitsu at CMA is not just another activity for my kids, 12, 15 and 18yrs.

It has become an extended village of support, comeraderi and events both  social and sporting.
They each now have an extra group of humans fiercely loyal to them, supportive of them (both on and off the mats) and willing to be there for them no matter what.
The coaches are awesome, know their stuff and are highly regarded and respected whilst still being approachable and present whether you’re 5 or 50.
You only need to scan through Kyl Reber’s posts to see his philosophies extend off the mats and into daily life and are exactly what I want my kids to strive for in life too.
Such an inclusive group, I haven’t witnessed any bullying in our 2 years of regular attendance. The respect shown on and off the mats is complete between ALL people regardless of sex, age, race, physical/mental ability – everyone is valued and treated equally.

My only negative is that we didn’t discover them earlier!

Suzanne

On the 22nd of January I took the first steps in to my very first personal training session with Kyl. I could barely walk up a flight of stairs without being so out of breath that I couldn’t talk. I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able make it through the session. Having about 50 kg of excess weight to lose, means moving around as quickly and freely as most others is not quite as easy for me. Kyl has been up to the challenge though and in just over 2 months I have lost 15 kgs as well 58 cm all over. 2 months ago, I could only just manage a brisk walk for a 1 min 20 seconds and was doubled over because I was so out of breath. Now I jog and my “brisk” walk from 2 months ago is now my strolling pace. I run up the stairs in my house now and my breathing is barely altered at the top. I’ve been climbing those same stairs for 6 years and I have never not been out of breath until I started training with Kyl.

He has been training people for 25 years. A veteran in his field. He knows how to adapt and create a training session that will push you, challenge you and improve you in every aspect of your health and fitness. He nurtures your mindset and makes it very clear in your mind that he is in your corner backing you every step of the way to achieve and even excelled past what you want to achieve. If you’re currently doing what I did and researching personal trainers, trying to find the right mix of genuine passion for the job, you and your goals then I can say with absolute certainty that you need look no further then Kyl and Chikara Martial Arts.

If you want to get serious about reclaiming your health and fitness goals, you need to have a chat with Kyl. I guarantee it will be the greatest gift you can give to yourself.

Kimberley Brown

We enrolled our youngest son hoping he would gain discipline, strength and skill. Our eldest sons condition was rapidly declining when Kyl approached us about allowing him to train too. Hesitant, as he was in the process of being fitted for a wheelchair, we agreed to give it a shot. Not only have we watched both of our sons develop in confidence, responsibility, discipline and respect; we have been in awe of their physical achievements. The persistence of Kyl and his team has allowed our son to avoid a wheelchair and all other mobility aids. Kick boxing has improved his coordination and gross motor skills so much that he was graduated out of physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Our children have flourished emotionally, their improved behaviour and confidence is a testament to the sense of belonging and support they receive from the team at Chikara. I continue to recommend joining the Chikara family to any parent seeking to improve their child’s behaviour, coordination and cognition.

Mitch and Kate Cook

Chikara Martial Arts has been working at Corina SHS for the last four years teaching Years 10 -12 for one lesson a week. Students elect a sport and Chikara Martial Arts has proved to be extremely popular. The instructors, in particular Chris and Kyl, have worked closely with the students, both male and female, teaching them a variety of skills which has helped to improve their confidence and self-esteem. They are friendly, personal and related well with all students regardless of age, gender or ability. I have been extremely impressed with their professionalism and their encouragement and motivation of students. All lessons are interactive, hands on and challenging but student are never made to feel uncomfortable or out of their depth. I would highly recommend Chikara Martial Arts for schools to include in their program and look forward to many more years of a partnership with our school.

Carolyn Heaton

Corina State High School

In the short time since I started training I have met and trained with legends that I had only read about or seen on TV. Men like Soke Bob Jones and Soke Richard Norton, the men who created the style. To be able to speak with them and listen to how and why it all began and to learn about their lives and from their experiences is an honour and a privilege. One that very few Martial Artists of other styles will ever have. Men like Kyoshi Kyl Reber, Kyoshi Brad Ross and Kyoshi Bruce Maile. Men who have taught me what it means to be not only a true Martial Artist but how to be a better man. I am eternally grateful to call these men friend and brother.

Ian Dale

Training at Chikara Martial Arts has taught me that I have the ability to achieve anything I set my mind to. It has taught me to have confidence in myself and that no matter how many times you think you have failed at something, never give up because eventually you will surprise yourself by doing what you set out to do and more.

Megs Kloske

When we first started with Chikara Martial Arts, karate was going to just be a sport to help our 8 year old son with his coordination and listening skills. However, it quickly became more than that. Zen Do Kai has made a huge difference to his self-confidence, focus, concentration skills and self-esteem. Whether someone is 10, 20, 30 or older, you learn a lot about yourself, your abilities and respect for others. You realise that even if you fall, you have the strength to get up, and even if you fail, you become a stronger person from it. It's been very inspirational to watch young people giving it their all, being challenged by their teachers, supporting each other in the training, and reaching places that they never thought they could be.Thank you to all instructors, especially to Kyl, Linda and Jono. Thank you for the beginning of what will definitely be a longer journey for the little guy.

Alicja Judd

Jake & Mia

We cannot recommend Chikara enough. This place is not just somewhere to get fit but a community. The “shed” as it is commonly referred to has become a safe place for our kids and the head instructor a trusted and respected role model. Since starting school in 2013 our son experienced issues with certain children. We had encouraged him to try various self-defence classes and he finally agreed to give Zen Do Kai at Chikara Martial Arts a try. After the first class, not only was he hooked but so was his little sister. The changes in him have been nothing short of amazing. His self-confidence has grown, he is more disciplined and he has more respect for himself, his peers and authority. The Owner and Head Instructor, Kyoshi Kyl is a part of the daily operations of the Club (and it is a Club) and he has brought the best out in our children.

Simone

Whether your goal is to test yourself in the ring, learn a new skill or just drop a few kilos,
we can help you reach that next level and push you beyond your expectations.