I never thought I'd get into a martial art. This is no ordinary martial art, and this is no…read moreordinary dojo. I live down the street from Aikido of Amherst, and hadn't even thought to check it out, but one day, after I had vowed to myself I would do something to get more exercise in my life, a friend told me that he goes to this dojo. He doesn't just go, I realized, he drives 45 minutes, to get to *this* dojo that I can walk to. ...So I had to check it out. First I looked up Aikido, and I was amazed at what I learned. This practice has a unique and solid spiritual foundation. Yes, it is an extremely powerful defensive art, but the movements and methods do not cultivate violence within the psyche. This is how I think of it, anyway. As a life-long yogi, I know the power of postures and movements to effect the psyche. I take that part very seriously, actually. I won't say a lot about the roots of Aikido, you can look it up. I will just say that I can't imagine a defensive art more in line with my personal values; both in theory and in the daily physical practice. Long story short: I went, and I'm hooked. Hooked for life on Aikido, and so grateful to have this dojo to call my home dojo. Sensei Heath Atchley is wonderful--attentive, kind, and skilled--and the dojo environment he has fostered is truly special. It is a warm environment with friendly, sincere people, who welcome newcomers and enjoy both the art and the comradery.

From the owner: Aikido is a defensive martial art that uses fluid, circular movements to blend with the motion of…read morean attack and redirect that motion into dynamic throws or immobilizing pins. The art also utilizes deep breathing, relaxation, centering, and proper body alignment. Consistent Aikido practice improves one's physical conditioning--strength, balance, flexibility, coordination--and one's mental conditioning--self-confidence, concentration, perception, and concern for others. Aikido is a thoughtful art in that it does not cultivate aggression in order to counter aggression, and it continually reveals new and interesting things to those who practice it. Aikido is also a vigorous art. It takes your body, mind, and spirit beyond their ordinary boundaries into a new level of vitality. Aikido of Amherst provides a positive environment that is safe, friendly, and focused on the learning and development of all members. We offer classes for adults, teens, and chil

Northampton Martial Arts has been a great school which my whole family have taken classes. My son…read morestarted at a young age and worked his way up to black belt rank and continues his journey there. Master Scher is a great instructor. He is able to teach classes with multiple ranks and keep everyone challenged throughout. Unlike some schools, where belts are given not earned, students must learn the skills for each belt level before testing is scheduled. The prices are very reasonable especially with the many daily options for class times. I recommend Northampton Martial Arts to anyone who is interested in learning the disciplines of Taekwondo in a fun and positive environment.

I have been coming for over 5 years and now I help teach. You get everything you need before…read moretesting, tournaments, and every day things. Great place to enroll. All ages welcome

First of all, a disclaimer of sorts ... I am one of the long time students of Sensei Louis…read moreJumonville. I have been training with him for over 10 years and have been enjoying every minute of it. Louis Sensei is an incredible teacher. He is very detailed, yet sees the big picture. Sensei also finds time to spend with his students, during, before or after class to improve one's technique. In addition, students, including myself, also have more senior students to provide others with guidance. Hikari Dojo provides a very supportive, safe, and friendly environment to train and make good friends. Hikari Dojo has a beautiful space conveniently near freeway access. The mats are quite comfortable and clean. We have classes 5-6 days a week, allowing folks with challenging work schedules like me, to enjoy class when one can. Lastly, in choosing aikido as a martial art over others: I have briefly practiced Judo and Tai Chi in the past, but Aikido is one that moves with me as I change through the years. I started practicing aikido as physical exercise, but through the years, as my body and psyche changed, I found that aikido is still as relevant. Hikari Dojo is a very traditional Japanese dojo - which means that your spiritual growth is equally important. Through the years, with aikido's help, I connect and hear myself better, and I also connect and hear others better ... but I still have a long way to go. Aikido is a journey, not a destination, as life itself should be. - Jem S-W

Here's my disclaimer: I started in martial arts in April of…read more2001 with Jumonville Sensei, and I remain with him to this day. I plan to stay with him as long as we both can still train, because the teaching he imparts is, quite simply, extraordinary. I have had the pleasure and privilege of meeting and training with Aikido instructors from around the world. We are, after all, a Community of dedicated individuals. There are some truly amazing Senseis out there, and I would never wish to compare. I will, however, say that at Hikari Dojo, we learn in a way that is traditional yet progressive, disciplined but fun, and group-oriented while remaining very personalized. It's about as Yen and Yang as you can get! For me personally, the benefits of Aikido have been tremendous. I'm no "spring chicken," but I am more flexible and in better shape than I was 10 years ago, mentally as well as physically. I should also mention that the kid's class is wonderful. I am constantly amazed at how much fun they have while learning the beautiful movements, building confidence and developing the fundamentals of self-defense. If you've managed to read this far, you should probably consider coming in to check it out. You're obviously interested in getting into a martial art. This just might be the one for you. Who knows? You just might be my new favorite training partner! I look forward to seeing you on the mat. Tim P

Very fun and engaging classes. 3 different adult classes offered and at great schedules.read more

From the owner: Traditional Kung Fu and Modern Wushuread more

This review is long overdue. I found myself at Amherst College this summer and wanted to continue…read moretraining in jiu-jitsu. While I found other gyms nearby, I committed to NESF for a month. Training is entirely no-gi, Stacy was accommodating and very nice about me coming in to check out some of the other MMA classes. Bring cash and you will get a discount. Dave, the jiu-jitsu professor was a total badass - knows what he is doing and focuses on technique. He wants you to get it right and will push you and call you out if you are slacking off. From the skilled jiu-jitsu practitioner to the beginner, I highly recommend this gym. You will learn and improve your game. I trained with both beasts and beginners. It was a welcoming and positive environment. Training in no-gi has become my favorite was of training now. It's been 3 months training like that and my guitar-licking fingers are happy about it - Thanks NESF!! ProTip: there is a Valley Bike Station right outside the gym, easy to go in and out of the gym if you do not have a car and/or don't want to wait for a bus.

This is an excellent and professional school with highly skilled and all around great instructors…read more They know their stuff and are very good at helping both new and experienced their students develop their skills. They are quite welcoming and very reasonable with their pricing. Excellent gym for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling, and MMA!

I have attended this school before, my son does now and I hope to again. My opinion of this school…read morehas not changed much in 10 years. The people who teach and run this school are very passionate about Chinese culture and traditions. They go to China once a year to learn and deeply love Kung fu. I am Eurasian and have deeply hated euro Americans taking Asian culture and selling it as their own. I can't say that about this school because they know more about and love Chinese culture more than I do. A few years ago I had the honor of doing the website for the actor, Laurence Mason. He was one of the last people to train with Brandon Lee while working on "The Crow". He said Brandon was the most zen peaceful person he ever met but could kill everyone in the hanger in about 15 min. He said that the best teachers he ever had were "dangerous hippies" like Brandon. I agree with him and the teachers here have a very similar attitude to what he described with Brandon. They teach peace, respect, focus and how to stop a fight with least effort. Best school I have ever known. So yeah go to this school and get a copy of "The Crow".

My son has been going to this wonderful Kung fu studio for years. They have provided for him a…read moreperfect balance of discipline and hard work within a nurturing environment. I love that he gets physical exercise as well as training in breathing and meditation. The community of instructors and classmates has played a crucial role in his development from childhood to teenager, all within a caring and respectful environment.

Spirit of the Heart has been my second home for over 20 years! To me it is not just the best…read moremartial arts school I have ever trained in, but also an incredible community of people who are there to help push you to be the best you can be. Classes are always unique and challenging, and I still feel like I am learning something new every time I walk in the door. In my life I have also trained in Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, and Brazilian Jujitsu, and while there are things I have loved about all of these arts Silat, and Spirit of the Heart's method of teaching it, remain a step above everything else I have experienced. Whether you are looking for serious martial arts training, a new fitness program, or community I cannot recommend Spirit of the Heart enough.

I first started in a demonstration class at the Greenfield YMCA. I had never thought of martial…read morearts as my "thing", but Spirit of the heart has changed my mind. I've never been the most athletic or coordinated person, but the instructors here have been incredibly patient and kind. If you want to get in better shape, become more coordinated, and learn a little self defense, this is definitely the place to start!

I LOVE AMAA. It's true. I currently have four kids enrolled here, and will have five as soon as…read morethe toddler is old enough to become a little Dragon. Master Brian and Master Nancy are awesome, they have been teaching for over four decades and this isn't just another belt-factory out looking to make quick cash off of unsuspecting parents. They care about their students and teach with dedication, patience, and attention. They focus not just on form and power, but on discipline and respect. The students here either all are just really good eggs or they've picked up a lot in their learning, because they are helpful and respectful toward each other. This is most definitely a Taekwondo school worth your patronage. We love it here!

We started my 5yr old son at DMA about 2 months ago and our daughter will start in the fall. So far…read morewe have really enjoyed being a part of the DMA studio. I love that Shihon Dan focuses as much on life lessons as he does on Karate. He does a great job talking to younger children about powerful topics such as honesty, respect & perseverance. We are new to Karate as a family but it's not something I can see us giving up any time soon. If you are looking to get your child into martial arts I highly recommend the DMA studios.

Other karate classes for young children that I've seen are mostly games, running around, with a few…read moresloppy kicks here and there. DMA teaches REAL karate from day one, and still manages to be just as fun for the kids without sacrificing learning actual self defense. Don't waste your time and money on schools that don't really teach your children much of anything. DMA is the best, hands down. You'll never find a more patient, capable, and FUN instructor than Shihan Dan!