Small Business of the Year

2024 Calabasas Chamber of Commerce

Small Business of the Year Award

LIMITLESS KARATE

Limitless Karate stands as a beacon of positivity within the Calabasas community through their unwavering dedication to empowering individuals of all ages. With an array of programs spanning martial arts, sparring, self-defense, and dynamic summer camps, Limitless Karate cultivates confidence, discipline, and strength among children, teens, and adults alike.

Their impact reverberates beyond the karate studio, as evidenced by their lively engagement at local events.  At the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival's Business Expo, Limitless Karate shined brightly, attracting attendees with their interactive booth and infectious enthusiasm.  Additionally, their spirited participation in the Chamber's Cal Cup Bowling Tournament saw them rightfully clinch the title of Most-Spirited Team in 2023!

Owners and Instructors Phil Mc Grath and Frank Russo, have a wealth of experience:

Grand Master Phil Mc Grath’s martial arts journey began at 14 years old, earning his black belt by age 20 and an 8^th degree black belt at the age of 47. 

With 37 years of fighting tournaments on and off, Mc Grath’s martial arts skill led to many titles across the U.S. and Mexico, and he has been spotlighted in Black Belt magazine for winning the Hawaii Nationals and featured in Martial Arts Training Magazine. He was rated a number one fighter by North American Sport Karate Association and Southern California Karate League.

He has taught hundreds of students over 39 years and has had and continues to have – quite a few fighters that dominate the karate tournament circuit and that are becoming fighting champions.

Master Frank Russo started his career in martial arts as a competitive wrestler from fifth grade through his senior year of high school. He has since competed on and off through the years in martial arts’ tournaments throughout California, Nevada, and Mexico. 

Russo was rated a number one fighter by the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) and by the Southern California Karate League (SCKL). His other titles include two-time International Fighting Champion, taking first place at the Ed Parker Long Beach Internationals and the Mexico Internationals held in Tijuana, Mexico. He also obtained regional and local titles at the individual and team level.

Alongside his career, Frank has been active in local youth sports for over 15 years. He coached varsity wrestling at Westlake High School and coached, managed, and directed various teams and positions for Westlake Agoura Girls Softball. Some of the positions he held on the board of directors included Director of Fields and Director of All-Stars.

Phil and Frank became fast friends in 1987 through their shared love for karate. Their dream of opening a karate studio became a reality in 2019, but just as they opened their doors, Covid-19 hit, forcing them to close for a year.

Now, they’re back on their feet and thriving! They’re deeply involved in the Calabasas community, where their studio has become a hub for martial arts enthusiasts. They take joy in watching their students grow not only as martial artists but also as individuals. Their passion for what they do is evident in everything they do, making them beloved figures in the community.