🥋 Free Trial Lesson Available — Let your child experience a real class for free — then decide. Limited spots per week.
Kids Martial Arts in Santa Barbara — Build Confidence, Discipline & Bullyproof Skills
Hapkido Martial Arts · For Kids Ages 6–12 · Santa Barbara Dojo
The Confident Kid
Program
Confidence. Discipline. Respect. Bullyproof.
A 4-week martial arts journey that builds unshakable confidence, real-life skills, and a strong, kind character — starting with a free trial lesson.
This is for your child
Every parent wants their child to walk through the world
with confidence.
You've seen it — the hesitation before raising a hand, the voice that goes quiet when it matters, the way a hard look from another kid can shrink them. You wonder if they'll find their footing, make real friends, stand up for themselves.
What if your child could walk into any room knowing they belong? What if they had the discipline to focus, the respect to lead, and the skills to be truly bullyproof?
That's exactly what we build — one class, one belt, one breakthrough at a time.
Built on 25 Years of Teaching Kids
For a quarter century, Santa Barbara Dojo has helped kids discover their strength, their voice, and their confidence. The Confident Kid Program distills everything we've learned into a focused, four-week experience designed to bring out the best in your child.
25
Years Teaching Martial Arts
10K+
Students Trained
4
Weeks to a Confident Kid
1
Free Trial to Get Started
What's Included
Everything in the 4-Week Confident Course
A complete experience — on the mat and off. No experience required.
Official Martial Arts Uniform
Your child receives a full uniform (dobak) to wear with pride — included from day one.
2 Classes Per Week
Twice-weekly Hapkido training sessions tailored for kids, building real skills week over week.
Saturday Workshop: Bullyproof
How to deal with bullies — de-escalation, boundary-setting, and standing tall without fighting.
Saturday Workshop: Make Friends
How to communicate confidently and build real friendships that last.
Saturday Workshop: Better Learner
Focus, discipline, and study habits that lead to better grades and a love of learning.
Saturday Workshop: Amazing Skills
How to do amazing martial art skills — kicks, rolls, and techniques that build real confidence.
Parent Mastermind
A guided group for parents to share strategies and learn how to continue the growth at home.
Companion App
Track progress, see class schedules, and follow along with your child's journey anytime.
Real Families
Hear It From Our Parents
Don't just take our word for it — watch what The Confident Kid Program has done for real families just like yours.
From the Parents
"You're about to meet the confident version of your kid."
“This place is amazing! We started taking our son there for karate (he is 7) and he LOVES it! They teach in a supportive but disciplined way about integrity, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit - all things I want my child to embrace! Then I noticed they have adult classes. I signed up for their program. First of all, you aren't joining a gym - you are becoming part of the family. The other people who work out there are SO friendly - there is no intimidation or attitude here! Sometimes the start of class includes quick introductions to folks you haven't met before! Second, kickboxing is FUN! I do NOT think of myself as a kickboxer but I go slowly to try to learn the right way and the teachers are supportive and patient with my lack of coordination - ha! Finally I also love the resistance bands class (usually sore the day after so I know it is working!) They have a good schedule that should work for most and again great staff and environment - highly recommended if you want a fun, supportive and challenging fitness routine!”
Kimberley Y.
“LOVE this place. Family owned and operated makes it even better. Our son takes Hapkido here, and they treat every child with respect and compassion. I think they are great. I especially love”
Tori F.
“Master Garret is the best! He has tons of patience for his students and top notch positive mental attitude. I see a change in my son's overall attitude since he joined a year a ago and I plan to have him take his training to black belt and beyond.”
Robert J.
“While our 6-year-old son is most excited about breaking boards and practicing takedowns, we appreciate the life skills he is developing that extend outside the dojo. We have observed improvements in his self-confidence and focus, and routinely reinforce dojo values such as integrity, courtesy, and self-control in our dinner table conversation. Thank you to Master Austin, Sensei Isabelle, and the team.”
Rich G.
“At first, my kids were nervous about trying something new, especially since it was their very first class. Master Austin and his staff were kind and patient, always positive and welcoming to everyone. Both my 3 year old and 6 year old were engaged as they learned basic skills like how to kick, and they left their class excited and proud stepping out of their comfort zones.”
Regina S.
“Our 5 year old son has learned so much from his Sensai at Santa Barbara Dojo. This is an outstanding school, committed to boosting a child's self confidence and discipline, both on and off the mat!”
nicole b.
Meet Your Instructor
Master Melodee Meyer
Master Melodee Meyer is a 7th Dan Black Belt and Grandmaster with the Global Hapkido Association. She is the founder of Santa Barbara Dojo and the creator of The Confident Kid Program — a martial arts and life-skills journey designed to help children build real confidence, discipline, and respect.
With more than 30 years of teaching, she offers a safe, supportive space where kids discover their strength and their voice. A bestselling author, speaker, and Hall of Fame inductee, Master Mel is a trusted guide — empowering children to become capable, kind, and bullyproof.
She is also the proud grandmother of five.
The Program
Four Weeks. Four Pillars.
A Confident Kid.
The Confident Kid Program weaves Hapkido martial arts training with life-skills workshops — so the confidence your child builds follows them home, to school, and everywhere they go.
Confidence
Real skills, earned on the mat. Your child learns to trust their body, their voice, and themselves — and carries it into every room.
Discipline
Focus, follow-through, and the habit of showing up. Martial arts turns discipline into a feeling kids are proud of, not a rule they resent.
Respect
For instructors, for peers, for themselves. Respect is the foundation of everything we teach — and it shows at home and at school.
Bullyproof
Practical tools to handle pressure: how to stand tall, use a strong voice, de-escalate, and know when to ask for help.
Program Investment
$249
Includes uniform, all classes, workshops & parent mastermind
Better Together
Bring a friend. Save $100.
Enroll together with a friend or sibling — you each receive a $50 credit applied to the Confident Course. Confidence is even better built together.
$50
For You
$50 credit added to your account when your friend's child enrolls.
$50
For Your Friend
$50 credit applied to their Confident Course — a welcome gift for joining with you.
How it works
- → Book free trials together — bring a friend or sibling along to the same trial lesson.
- → Both receive a $50 credit automatically when you mention it at enrollment.
- → Already enrolled? Refer a friend from your member dashboard — $50 credits apply when they join.
Free Trial
Come In for a Free Class
Weekday evenings — real availability from our booking calendar. Pick a time and come try it free.
Downtown
Tue, Sep 29
10:30 PM
Wed, Sep 30
10:30 PM
Mon, Oct 5
4:30 PM · 5:30 PM · 8:00 PM · 8:30 PM · …
Goleta
Tue, Sep 29
10:30 PM
Wed, Sep 30
9:00 PM · 9:45 PM · 10:30 PM
Mon, Oct 5
9:00 PM · 9:45 PM
Granada Hills
Tue, Sep 29
9:30 PM · 10:00 PM
Wed, Sep 30
9:00 PM · 9:30 PM · 10:00 PM · 10:30 PM
Thu, Oct 1
10:00 PM
Paid Course
Next Course Starts
The 4-week Confident Kid Program begins on Saturdays. Enroll to secure your child's spot.
Downtown
No course dates scheduled yet — check back soon.
Goleta
No course dates scheduled yet — check back soon.
Granada Hills
No course dates scheduled yet — check back soon.
The Experience
How it works
Three simple steps from curious to confident.
Book the Free Trial
Reserve your child's free trial lesson in seconds. No cost, no commitment — just a chance to see if martial arts is the right fit.
Come in for the Trial
Your child steps onto the mat, meets Master Melodee, and experiences a real class. You watch them light up — and decide together.
Join the 4-Week Course
Enroll in the Confident Course — uniform, twice-weekly classes, four Saturday life-skills workshops, and the parent mastermind. Watch the transformation unfold.
The trial is completely free — come in, let your child experience a real class, and decide together if the Confident Course is right for your family. No pressure, ever.
Your child's first step is waiting
Confidence starts with one free lesson.
Don't wait for your child to "grow out of it." Give them the skills now — and in four weeks, you'll watch them walk a little taller.
Next trial starts October 3rd · Only 14 spots remaining · Santa Barbara Dojo
Not Ready Yet?
Not Ready Yet?
We'll be running another Confident Course soon — but spots are limited and they fill fast. If you want to be the first to know, get on the list now.
No spam. Just a personal heads-up when the next course opens.
Questions
Everything you need to know.
From the Blog
Raising Confident Kids
Program
Why Martial Arts Builds Confidence Like Nothing Else
From shy to self-assured — here's why martial arts is one of the most effective ways to help a child build real, lasting confidence.
Read moreGetting Started
What to Expect at Your Child's First Martial Arts Class
First-class nerves are real — for kids and parents. Here's exactly what happens when your child steps onto the mat for the first time.
Read moreLife Skills
How to Raise a Bullyproof Kid
Being bullyproof isn't about fighting back. It's about confidence, boundaries, and knowing what to say. Here's how we teach it.
Read moreStart with a Free Trial
The Confident Course
starts here.
Free trial first — enroll only after your child loves it.
- ✓Official martial arts uniform (dobak)
- ✓2 Hapkido classes per week for 4 weeks
- ✓4 Saturday life-skills workshops
- ✓Parent mastermind — strategies & home guidance
- ✓Companion app to track your child's progress
6 taken · 14 spots open
Next trial begins in 4 days