Last year, when we moved away from Oregon, my daughter faced some serious bullying. At one point,…read moreanother girl said to her: "After school, we're going to fight." At the time, my daughter had advanced pretty far in karate--enough that when I heard this I worried she might hurt the other girl. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "I told her: I'm not fighting you. Only cowards fight." I wish I could take responsibility for this (11 year old!) response. But it's not me. It's what she learned while studying at Aurora Martial Arts. Aurora is by far the best athletic/martial arts experience my kids have ever been a part of. The instructors and owners teach kids discipline and respect. When they walked into that building, they knew they were there to learn, have fun, and grow as both practitioners and as people. I can't say enough about Aurora Martial Arts.

Great instructors who make it interesting and fun for the kiddos. Family owned business with really…read moredown to earth folks. Highly recommended!

For year I have wanted to take self-defense classes in Krav MAga. Krav Maga is an Israeli form of…read moreself-defense that is designed for a modern world. Hands down the best self-defense program in the world. I found Krav Maga Salem online and email them. The owner and lead instructor Sheena emailed me back quite fast. She gave me all the information and invited me to come to a class, to watch or participate for free. This isn't a gym, no weights or machines. It's more like a karate dojo but so much better. It's tucked away in south Salem in an industrial/business area. So I showed up to a Wednesday night class early. Sheena came right over to me and greeted me. I had to sign a waiver to participate in class, which I did. Sheena explained that Krav Maga Salem is the ONLY place in Salem that is certified by Krav Maga international. There are only three gyms in Oregon which are certified, don't be fooled by imitators. Krav Maga instructors are certified to teach Krav Maga and the Bas Rutten Systems (famous MMA fighter). They teach Krav Maga, mixed martial arts striking and catch wrestling. The combinations of all three make for a well-rounded program. They also offer law enforcement only classes and special seminars. Classes are offered 6 days a week. They have day and night classes. Their Facebook page is updated regularly with class and other information. Krav Maga class started at 530pm and end at 630pm. There is a striking class right after starting at 630pm and goes until 730pm. The class started with a warm up drill and then stretching. Then a mixture of punching, palm strike, hammer fists, kicks and so much more. After the first class I signed up for a three mouth membership and received a free set of hand wraps. The striking class you wear boxing gloves and you work with a partner that wears focus mitt. You work a basic combination and there are more advanced combos as you work through the program. After both classes I burnt about 1200 calories. Best Work out of my Life. No gear is needed to be bought except athletic cup; this is a most and water. They have loaner gloves and shin pads. If you plan on doing the program for a while, you should buy your own gloves and shin pads. It doesn't matter if you're new or experience in Krav or any other self-defense program, this place will work for you. All students work together regardless of their experience. Everyone was really nice and supported. You feel out of place your first few class and not doing things right and need help. But everyone is always willing to offer help and advice. This isn't like normal places where you have someone yelling at you. The only people yelling are the student. There are more into positive reinforcement then belittling you. You get out of the program what you put into it. Proper form is key, speed and straight come with time. After 6 mouths of going to threes, class 2 hours a week, I have lost 40lbs. This is the best shape I have ever been in. I was able to run a 5K because of good of shape I got into. Krav is two for the price of one. Learn to defend yourself and get into shape. I would recommend this Krav Maga Salem to everyone!!

Took the free first class today and absolutely loved it. Half the class was done before I even…read morerealized it. Came into it with zero experience in training or martial arts and it wasn't a problem at all. The instructor went over everything well and I was able to go at my own pace for the more complicated things. I signed up for three months right after class, but the three class punch card for $20 is a killer deal if you're still unsure after the free class.

Great dojo for kids and adults. My 7 y.o. studies karate and…read morejudo under sensei Alan Best. Sensei best has a great balance of patience and high expectations with the kids. I've seen my young one grow in discipline and technical competence under Sensei Best's instruction. My oldest son and I attend the teen/adult Judo class and it's awesome. It's a heck of a workout. The instructors are highly proficient and good at teaching what they know. From teenage girls to old guys like me everyone is treated with respect and a growth mindset. Very kind and supportive culture which is important when you are choking and throwing your classmates.

Best Martial Arts Institute is, in my opinion, the finest martial arts studio in Lane County. They…read moreoffer a wide variety of martial arts classes, from aikido to judo to systema to the more traditional karate and taikwondo, and their instructors are without peer. Sensei Alan Best has been teaching martial arts professionally for over 20 years, and his instructors are all highly qualified. Sensei Jay Kufner deserves special note, as he teaches some of the best kids classes I have ever witnesses. Furthermore, he is able to bring his knowledge of other styles (eskrima and capoeira, for example) and incorporate them into the more traditional adult classes. Yes, the classes are hard, but in a very good way; you will sweat, you will learn, and you will have a great time doing so. If you are looking for a great workout, want to learn a new skill, or are just looking for a fun new activity, I highly recommend giving Best Martial Arts Institute a try.

The Ohana is strong at Hood's. The instruction is top notch. The students support each other and…read moretheir goals. Owner is in it for the right reasons, helping people be the best they can be!

From the owner: At Hood's MAA, we teach the effective self-defense system of Kajukenbo Tum Pai. Kajukenbo is a…read moreHawaiian-born mixed martial art (MAA) designed with street self-defense as its focus. Our art is a blend of KArate, JiUjitsu/JUdo, KENpo, and BOxing (Chinese and Western). Tum Pai (Central Way) represents the influence of Tai Chi in our art, the result of a desire to create a balanced art - utilizing both "hard" and "soft" techniques.

The ATA Black Belt Academy operating at this location is great. The owners are very friendly and…read moregreat with children. I started bringing my son in for Taekwondo lessons after Mrs. VP taught a lesson at my sons school. She also handed out free first month and uniform vouchers which was a great incentive to start. I drive about 30 min to bring my son twice a week and joined my son in the family Taekwondo classes. I thought I'd have to find a closer and cheaper martial arts school when we first started but I quickly found out that it was defiantly worth the investment for my sons future.

Karate for Kids is more than an activity, a private school, or a gym. They are a shining star of…read moreconsistency in an ever changing world. They do provide healthy activities for children and adults, but also examples of respect, discipline, and courtesy for everyone. During the shutdown they maintained an online schedule and as we all emerge they have practices in place to do so safely. They have ramped up their already thorough cleaning procedures, adjusted class sizes for extra distancing, and modified lessons reducing equipment use. They can monitor everyone who comes in and still provide high quality education. Having this opportunity gives students and parents a place to interact responsibly, and having the school open to go to gives me motivation to suit up and show up for my own benefit as well as to help other students.

Joining Eastgate Kenpo Karate for training is one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life!…read moreThe instructors are amazing. My only regret is that I didn't start here years ago! But there's no time like the present.

My son has been going to Eastgate Kenpo Karate for almost 9 years. I have watched him become a…read morestrong independent young man. The school does an excellent job teaching not only self defense, but flexibility, strength, self-confidence and team work. These skills will help children become excellent adults. My girls even enjoy learning karate along side their brother. I see their self-confidence improve every day. I highly recommend this school.

Amazing! Sensei Albert is an amazing instructor! My grandson is thriving in his classesread more

the environment is very safe and Sensei is very patient and very knowledgeable. When he explains…read morewhen techniques doesn't make sense and it's the first time I understand what he is really saying. And the words do have meanings and I really appreciate his time and effort to explains to his students. His time is valuable and it's worth it to go to Eugene School of Karate and you'll never regret it

I have been taking my kids here for 4 years now, and I cannot say enough how wonderful this place…read moreis! Sensei Elida and Sensei Jeff are amazing instructors, and Elida in particular is a great role model for my daughter's, as she teaches with an emphasis on self reliance, and confidence. My oldest daughter is very shy and has gained so much confidence from learning karate. Totally recommend!

Love this Karate Center! The Senseis are so positive and make it a great experience for all the…read morekids and adults. It really is welcoming to the whole family and has been so rewarding for my son. Having been to many of the local karate centers here, I think Sensei Elida is the more positive and encouraging, I particularly recommend this Karate Center for anyone who'd benefit from the welcoming and supportive environment there, including kids with autism spectrum, shy adults, and people who enjoy a fun, warm atmosphere.