The Atlanta School of Aikido is an exceptional dojo. Sensei Larry Feldman and his instructors are…read morevery proficient martial artists. More importantly, they are excellent teachers. They understand the principles and techniques of Aikido and clearly explain what they are doing. If a student is struggling with a particular technique, they find new and creative ways to break it down and help both beginners and advanced students grasp the essential principles. This is done in an encouraging and non-judgmental manner. They know that everyone who studies the martial arts will have difficulties with some of the moves and techniques. There is a lot of personalized attention. A unique aspect of the Atlanta School of Aikido is their emphasis on the development of internal power. This is the power that true masters of the martial arts over the centuries have possessed, but have taught to very few of their students. The instruction at this dojo includes a step-by-step method for both developing this power and testing it. As with all skills in the martial arts, the development of internal power takes time and work. It is extremely helpful, however, to have a clear roadmap and instructors who can guide the students along this path.

Great classes! Sensei Larry Feldman and his instructors are very proficient martial artists and…read moreexcellent teachers.

I practice Northern Shaolin with this organization, so it's only that one class that I'm…read morespecifically referring to in this review. I've practiced other martial arts in the past, and I've found my home here. The class structure is usually some warm-ups, followed by some conditioning and some drill work, concluded with a bit of forms work. There is a great breadth to the types of movements that a student learns, but they are all martially applicable. A good deal of time is spent on learning the applications to the techniques and practicing with classmates in order to become effective in their use. The one note of warning is that there is quite a bit of physical conditioning that is taught in this class, as this style can be physically demanding. Accommodations are made to suit the various fitness levels of the individual student, but you will definitely be encouraged to work hard and try your best. Chances are that you will "feel it" the next day. If are open to engaging in that level of exercise, then you'll probably have a lot of fun. If you take issue with the thought that your muscles have actually been made to do some work, then you probably won't attend more than one class.

I've been practicing Northern Shaolin with PATHS Atlanta for about a year now. I highly recommend…read moreit for anyone interested in learning Kung Fu. Class typically begin with a variety of stretching exercises and a circuit drill for conditioning. Following that we get into the substance of Nothern Shaolin. There is a heavy emphasis on forms and applications. I really like how we learn how each movement in a form could be used practically. We will also learn meditative techniques, history of Northern Shaolin and other styles, and the theories behind our martial practice. There is a lot of individual instruction in class. It is not uncommon for one student to be working on one thing while other students are practicing something else, but it never feels like you have been forgotten or excluded. Also common is that other students will momentarily pause what they are doing to offer you guidance or answer your question. The instructor is very knowledgeable, not just on Northern Shaolin but many other styles. Many times in class he will teach us some aspect of other styles for our martial education. We also are expected to learn the history of our lineage of Northern Shaolin which I think is really neat. There are two unique things about our class that I absolutely love. First, the classes are outdoors. While sometimes in extreme weather (August heat and January cold) I wish we had an indoor space, I almost always enjoy practicing Kung Fu outdoors. The second thing is the social aspect. Typically after class we go out for drinks and food. That aspect was a pleasant surprise as there I have really bonded with my fellow students and they all have interesting and diverse lives to learn about. One thing to note - I think the class structure has changed some since Phillip wrote his review. While physical conditioning is a part of class, I don't think it is as intense as when Phillip wrote his review. Still, you will get a good work-out and it will get you into shape (I have had many friends note that I look to be in the best shape in a long time.)

Well this review is based on an old training session with Manu Ntoh. For starters Manu is a very…read moretalented fighter and he has a very proven track record to back that claim. However, when it comes to teaching and accountability this is when this guy begin to suck big time. I remember when he used to teach at Obake which was located off Roswell rd at the time. When that school shut down he transferred to Alliance Martial Arts and basically brought his same system of problems with him. He was always late for classes, he did not care for students progress and neither did he give them tips to improve. Most of his students including the senior ones was very undisciplined, it wasn't uncommon for fights to break out inside the classroom periodically. And with that said with my own two eyes, I saw it happened 7 times with some guys who was here for a free trail lesson and it was always the same 3 students being the instigators. Why not cancel their membership or have them arrested? I think this dude can care less about his students progress and more concerned about how many he locks in on a 1 year contract. Well this is my two cents on his school

Coach Manu has helped me elevate my game beyond measures. Extremely thankful for him.read more

Coach Johnny creates a welcoming environment for everyone and is a wealth of knowledge. I take both…read morehis striking and bjj classes. Whether you want to train for self-defense, competition, or just get in shape, you'll be welcome here. I've been training some form of martial arts or another for more than 7 years, and I've never found such a great culture!

I have been training with the owner of this program for about 3 years, and it is so apparent that…read morehe really loves what he does. He not only teaches but goes above and beyond to support his students. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to learn self-defense or compete in sports BJJ!

I've been doing martial arts since (1993) the age of 6. I've never been an advocate of taekwondo…read morehaving only studied ju-jitsu most of my life. However, this martial arts school has changed my life. I don't look at this as taekwondo, but more as SELF-DISCIPLINE SCHOOL! Even as an adult, I need it just as much as the children and young adults that train there. I have become refocused and driven to GOSU! (to achieve the highest level in all I pursue) The head master is extremely humble and motivating. My children will attend this academy not because I attend, nor because "karate is cool", but because I want the BEST for them. If you're looking for an activity, you can find anything in Atlanta. If you want a life changing experience, TONCHU is what you want... TONCHU is what you need...

My daughter has been attending for 2 years now and we love this school. She is about to receive her…read moretiny tigers black belt. They have been supportive, fun, and excellent resource. They do everything they can to ensure that my daughter has both a positive and challenging experience. I highly recommend them.

5 stars! From the staff to the amount of activity and patience, this place is hands down the best!…read more I have an extremely active 5 yr old and 3 yr old. The tiny tigers class has helped my kids tremendously! They are learning new things; like respect, patience and martial arts all while having fun. The front desk staff are like extended family. They care about each and every child here. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for quality, loving environment for your children.

My son has been training her for several years. Great team of guys and gals. Would highly recommend…read morefor any age.

Tey and his team treat you like family. Top notch instruction. Highly recommend.read more

On Saturday (Feb 11, 2023), I left my 6 yrs old son for parents night out at Iron Dragon Martial…read moreArt ( from 6-9pm). It was our first time leaving him there without me or his mom. When we picked him up and went home, my son informed me that one of the instructor (male-adult) was not nice to him and ask him to go back in line and lose his turn. When my son refused to do so. The instructor got angry and physically hurt my son which he pinched my son so hard from his side that made my son cry so hard and loudly. My son start screaming for help. Everybody in there heard him. The owner(Luis) told my son to go sit out for not following the rules and for refusing to listen to the instructor. My son told him the instructor hurt him but Mr. Luis said "even if the instructor hurt you, you still going to sit out for behaving this way". I cant believe they have no mercy toward a 6 yrs old child. After that my son was left alone crying at the waiting room and not allowed to join the team for a period of time. I immediately called the place and asked them to talk to Mr. luis (owner) in order to understand the situation. He was the one who answered the phone. He didn't apologized and didn't want to believe me. He said he was not there at that moment. But he told me, I can come tomorrow to review the cameras with him. He told me " We have cameras everywhere". So, I believed him and went the second day but I got informed by the same person (Luis) that all cameras were not working for that night. And because my son said that, he got terminated from this school. I feel so bad we trusted them and left our son with them. I cant believe a grown up man can do that to a child. I am extremely disappointed by the owner and his wife for removing the evidence just to cover up for the instructor which i believe he is a family member. I wish no parent has to go through this. Our children are the most important thing in our life. Please, be extra careful when you leave your children at this place or with anybody else. We can't trust nobody anymore. I do not recommend this place to anybody. They are not trust worthy.

This is a great family martial arts center. Both of our boys, 4 and 6, attend and the teachers are…read morepatient and kind but also disciplined. I would recommend Iron dragon to anyone looking to start their kids in a martial arts program. The seating is a little dated and you have to bring a water bottle to every class but it's totally worth the trouble!