Okinawa Karate and Cultural Center

"I have been a student of Master Folta's for at least 17 years, and I am pleased to highly recommend him and his dojo (school). I first encountered Master Folta when my wife had signed my teenage son up for "Traditional Karate - Uechi Ryu" through the Fairfax County Parks. Her choice of class, based on convenience, turned out to be extremely fortuitous. I could tell quickly that Master Folta was an excellent instructor. My son begged me to join him, but I wasn't sure, as the style was different from Tae Kwon Do. However, once I saw a black belt exam under Master Folta, I could see the logical progression of training and skills offered by the traditional style of Uechi Ryu. I signed up, and I've been with Master Folta ever since. I have studied martial arts off and on since I was in elementary school, and I eventually reached 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do before leaving that school in part due to poor instruction at the upper ranks. Through all those experiences, I had learned to quickly distinguish a great instructor from a poor one and a great school from a poor one. I had a mental list of criteria for what defined a great school, and Master Folta's Academy exceeds all of them: 1) Quality of instruction - Does the instructor notice and correct minor and seemingly innocuous errors in technique. Not only does Master Folta do this, but he teaches his students to see things for themselves. 2) Ranks are earned, not given away - Under Master Folta, one does not gain a rank by going to a certain number of classes or being at the school for so much time. Master has clear requirements for each rank, and one must demonstrate those requirements in front of a test board before being promoted. It is a tremendous source boost of self-esteem when one receives a rank that one has truly earned. 3) Values - This is more than just promising to use karate only for self defense. It is about learning to set and meet goals, developing character, and improving one's health and well-being. Indeed, Master Folta will insist that when one is doing these things, one is practicing Karate. 4) Culture - I sincerely believe that one can not truly study martial arts without learning about the culture from which it came. Master Folta has been amazing at sharing Okinawan culture with his students, and his students enjoy rich cultural experiences that few other Karate students get to enjoy. The opening of the Okinawa Cultural Center furthers connection between his students, Okinawan Culture, and the the Okinawan community in the DC area. Master Folta organizes gatherings to celebrate traditional Okinawan festivals, such as his recent "bonenkai" or "forget the year" gathering. 6) Heritage - A teacher's bona fides are always important, and Master Folta learned from Uechi Kanei Sensei, the son of the founder of Uechi Ryu. Master Folta's training comes from the very origin and heart of the style, and he works hard to adhere to the traditional Karate as practiced in Japan. Master Folta maintains close relations with the Uechi family to this day. 6) Family - Do students just show up to class, or is there something more? Master Folta encourages his students to be part of something larger than just the class. Students become close friends. We have a group that goes out regularly after evening classes for fellowship and fun. Most rewarding is that I have seen students grow up and have been invited to their weddings. My son? He graduated high school, went off to college, and then off to chase his fortune. He eventually moved back to the area a couple years ago, and he went back to study with Master Folta. Even after all these years, I am blessed to be able to take classes with my son."

"Our family's journey in Traditional Okinawan Karate with Master Folta has been transformative on both personal and communal levels. Master Folta's dedication to preserving the authenticity of Okinawan Karate is matched by his ability to work seamlessly with students of all ages and backgrounds. Having studied Karate as a teenager, I realized a lifelong goal of earning a black belt in my 40s under Master Folta's mentorship, showcasing his deep understanding of traditional techniques and philosophy. Beyond individual achievements, Master Folta has fostered a close-knit community within his karate school. Our daughters earned their brown belts under his patient guidance, highlighting the supportive environment he cultivates. This sense of camaraderie extends beyond the dojo, creating a community that values discipline, respect, and personal development. If you're seeking not only a traditional martial arts education but also a supportive community, Master Folta's karate school is the ideal place. His expertise, passion, and inclusive approach make him an exceptional instructor, creating an environment where individuals and families can achieve their goals and thrive together."

"My two sons took karate classes with Master Folta for many years. He is the most amazing instructor you can wish for. His influence on his students are way beyond karate. Discipline, respect, responsibility, leadership, and many other important character skills are big part of his classes. He has high standards and pushes his students to be their best. He deeply cares about all his students and treats them with love and respect. We love Master Folta and are forever grateful."

"We recently signed up both our children (ages 8 and 10) at Okinawa Karate and Cultural center and could not be more pleased. Master Folta strikes an amazing balance of patience, motivation, education and discipline. They are learning so much and I’m already seeing changes in their confidence. Looking forward to seeing where they go from here:) I’m"

"Master Folta is a fantastic teacher that really cares about his students' progress and their wellbeing, and is very enthusiastic about imparting authentic traditional Uechi-ryu karate from Okinawa, Japan to every person that comes to train."