Parents want answers, refunds after Madison County karate studio shuts doors

ONEIDA, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Parents are demanding answers after a Madison County karate studio abruptly shut it doors.

Their kids showed up for practice and the martial arts facility was cleared out.

Extreme Martial Arts in Oneida proudly lists its principles across its storefront but some parents say the dojo’s owner could learn a thing or two about integrity.

“It really just hurts my heart,” parent, Hailie Chandler, said.

This comes after Hailie Chandler and her four-year-old son, Mason, showed up for a belt promotion. But the doors were locked. 

“It’s definitely upsetting. More upsetting for the kids,” Chandler said. “He was nowhere to be found. He didn’t come in for classes. He deleted his personal Facebook page. And, the webpage to the karate studio.” 

Parents immediately took to social media to voice their concerns. But that Facebook group is now deleted. And the owner’s phone number is now disconnected.

“I wanted to contact you guys because I want to make it aware to our community that this happened and I don’t want him to be able to do with this other communities in the future,” Chandler said.

Danielle W. also emailed the Your Stories team – telling us she paid for a year’s worth of classes in advance. 

“We were paid until approximately May of 2025,” she emailed, adding, “No, I do not think we will ever see any of that money again.” 

An unfortunate situation, but one that Hailie hopes will become a learning opportunity for her son.

“He has asked are we gonna go to karate? And it hurts me to tell him, no karate today buddy,” Chandler added.

Meanwhile, Oneida Police say they have received a complaint about Extreme Martial Arts, and they are investigating.