Get to Know More About Our Instructors

Master Instructor, Owner, and All-American Karate Champion Master Lazaro Garcia has been in the Martial Arts for over 38 years and has been teaching for over 34 years

MASTER LAZARO GARCIA

Master Garcia started taking karate at the age of 12 years old and received his (Senior) black belt at the age of 14 years old, the fastest anyone could receive a (Senior) black belt in the 80s at such a young age. Master Garcia received the highest black belt honor in the country that a student can receive in 1983 during his black belt graduation that year from Legend and Taekwondo Godfather Grand Master Jhoon Rhee, Master Angel Gonzalez, and Master Regina Gonzalez. Master Garcia was named Black Belt of the Year and later that year was featured in the Miami Herald Newspaper, Channel 7 News, and Channel 51 (Telemundo). Master Garcia started teaching at his Master's school and became one of the best Instructors in the Martial Arts Industry. In 1991 his Master's school switched to mixed martial arts and started training under the Gracie curriculum (Brazilian jujitsu). Master Garcia has also trained with the Valente Brothers (jujitsu). Master Garcia has competed in several tournaments such as Battle of Atlanta, US Open, Diamond Nationals, AKA Grand Nationals, and many more which he won several first places. Master Garcia became one of the best tournament fighters in his division in the 80's.

Master Garcia was teaching Martial Arts for many years at his Master's school and decided to open his school and live the dream of having the best school in the country. After many years of waiting to open at a shopping center and not having the financial funds needed to open a Martial Arts school, American Karate Academy opened its doors in 2017. Here is when the American Karate Academy was established. Master Garcia was fortunate to have learned Martial Arts and become an excellent instructor from the best instructors in the world throughout his Martial Arts career. Having such great mentors in his life and the Martial Arts, Master Garcia wanted to share the same great traits he received and pass them on to his students. Master Garcia's old school and new school teaching methods, dedication, love, personality, and temperament have made him one the best children martial arts instructors in the country. Master Garcia has a Master's Certificate in Business and was a former Firefighter Paramedic. Master Garcia is also a Certified Muay Thai Instructor, Certified Boxing Fitness Trainer, Certified MMA Instructor, and Certified American Sports & Fitness Martial Arts Instructor. American Karate Academy is a Mixed Martial Arts school that teaches: Taekwondo, Karate, Muay Thai, Boxing, Kickboxing, Self-Defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, Anti-Bullying, etc.

Master Garcia has received several awards for his recognition for outstanding martial arts teaching and his dedication to community involvement. His unique style of teaching kids and adults with passion, love, dedication charisma, personality and old school new school methods has been acknowledged by the community and his peers. Master Garcia has also been recognized and rewarded for superior show of support to the martial arts community.

SENSEI GABRIEL GARCIA


Sensei Gabriel has a great personality for teaching kids and adults. He has a great temperament to connect with students of all ages. He is very liked by all of the students and parents at American Karate Academy. He is very knowledgeable in the Mixed Martial Arts and is a great asset to Master Garcia and the staff. He also has great traits that are very difficult to find in person such as loyalty, honesty, and punctuality.

SENSEI ALAIN GERMAN

Sensei Alain is a black belt in taekwondo and is a great instructor to all student ages. He has very good skills in mixed martial arts and he can transmit those same skills to all the students. He is very liked by both students and parents and has the great temperament and personality that American Karate Academy embraces and teaches at the academy. Sensei Alain is a great asset to Master Garcia and the American Karate Academy.

Assistant Instructors

American Karate Academy Assistant instructors.
Kaleb, Lucas, Johan. 

Why the Miami Community Loves

Our Martial Arts Classes

Jessica M. recommends American Karate Academy

via Yelp

Fantastic karate school. My son loves this school. Sensei and his staff are great. My child has flourished and grown in the past 7 months. He works hard to learn the exercises and the moves. I have to say one of my favorite things about this school is that my child has to show hard work, understanding, and effort to progress and receive his next belt. No participation trophies here; only hard work and practice. I also appreciate the COVID precautions in place, especially since social distancing is hard under these circumstances. Can't wait to see my kiddo continue to grow and learn karate.

Gabriel M. recommends American Karate Academy

via Yelp

My son LOVES going to AKA. Master Garcia and the Senseis add to his focus, discipline, work ethic, and drive. His mental and physical state are at a new level based on the AKA team's contributions.

Barbara F. recommends American Karate Academy

via Yelp

This is a magnificent place for children and adults alike. The owners are truly marvelous and kind-hearted people and also expert martial artists. My 5-year-old daughter is loving every class and it's all she talks about. We are in love with this place. Great family environment and a good mix of skill and discipline with fun and allowing kids to be kids. Don't look any further. I wasn't sold on the Martial Arts idea and resisted putting my daughter in it, but boy was I wrong. And I chose the perfect place for my daughter's growth. This academy is of great value and has excellent prices. We will be part of the family for a long time!

Don Morrison recommends American Karate Academy

via Facebook

Awesome instruction!!! My kids have learned and grown so much since attending. Thank you, Mr. Garcia!!!

Jennifer Segarra Fernandez recommends American Karate Academy

via Facebook

My son was dealing with an issue in school and he needed to build confidence and learn self-defense. We found them on the Internet and went during Christmas vacation. When we walked in we knew we found the right place for Jorge. Mr. Garcia was very personable. he sat down and heard our story. Then what impressed me was when he took my son, sat with him, and spoke to him one-on-one. He showed him a few moves.

That day we signed him up, brought his uniform, paid for his classes and the rest is history. Jorge is happier, confident, and ready to take on the world! Thank you Mr. Garcia for bringing sunshine to Jorge again. Also, he has wonderful assistants such as Mr. Gabriel, Mr. Alex, and Mr. Eddy. his staff is terrific.

Do yourself a favor and sign up your son or daughter to learn karate with Mr. Garcia. You won't regret it!

Program & Pricing FAQs

My child isn't athletic. Can he/she still participate in martial arts?

Absolutely. Martial arts teaches kids to be coordinated, flexible and strong. Kids who don't naturally have these qualities develop them. Kids who do have these qualities develop them even more.

Are these martial arts classes fun?

Yes! After all, these are children we're dealing with here. And kids love their fun. We do a variety of games and activities that have kids laughing and smiling. We work hard here - but we play just as hard.

What's a good age for a child to start martial arts?

Honestly, practically every age is a good age to start! We have young children, as well as teenagers. We also have specific programs for adults. So no matter what age - we've got you covered.

Can martial arts cause injury?

Because we place such a huge focus on safety and injury prevention, we're proud to say that injuries are very few and far between with our program. In fact, because martial arts gets you in great shape, and makes you strong and flexible, people often see LESS injuries in their lives.

Do you have to be in good shape to take martial arts?

Not at all! In fact, many people use martial arts as a way to get in good shape. They come to us out of shape, and quickly become athletic and limber.

Is martial arts violent?

No! Because self-defense technique is taught in martial arts, it's often thought of as violent. However, the philosophies behind martial arts revolve around peace and harmony. The moves are more of a way to become connected with your body. We teach diplomacy and friendship. However, if a violent situation ever arises in your life, you'll have powerful tools to defend yourself and your loved ones.

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