There is a great team that leads the Laughing Dragon studios. The facilities are not great but it…read moreis right out of a Bruce Lee film where the technique takes center stage over the looks of the place. Our kids love the lessons and I am impressed that it isn't a belt-driven system. We have friends whose kids are testing for belts constantly while at Laughing Dragon it is about form, style, and the Shaolin method. I am impressed.

From the owner: The mission of Laughing Dragon Kung Fu is to combine practical self-defense skills with a total…read morebody workout and inspire a lifelong love of Chinese martial arts. Our training is available to anyone interested, provided they have a sincere desire to learn and are of good moral character. We offer free trial sessions for every class!

We are incredibly grateful to Senseis Dave and Ellen and to the entire school for creating such a…read morewonderful environment for our children to learn, grow, and thrive. It has been a truly wonderful place of learning--not only for our children, but for us as parents as well. Our children have thoroughly enjoyed being part of such a welcoming, positive, and supportive group. We have seen them grow not only in their karate skills, but also in confidence, discipline, respect, and character. A sincere thank you to Senseis Dave and Ellen for their dedication, guidance, and positive influence on our children. We feel very fortunate to have found such a great community. 1,000% recommended to any parent looking for a place that will help their children grow into confident, respectful, disciplined, and upstanding individuals!

My son has trained at Charlottesville Shotokan Karate Club for three years, and it's been such a…read morerewarding experience. Kids and adults train together on the same dojo floor - the kids mostly have their own program, but there are also times when everyone works together, which gives the kids real role models to look up to in the senseis and the adult students. What really sets this club apart, though, is the community. The owners are an amazing couple who've built a genuine sense of friendship among the families here - it's never felt like just a place to drop your kid off for class. There are outings and several parties throughout the year that bring everyone together outside the dojo, and the whole atmosphere is warm and open. On top of that, the pricing is very reasonable - it's hard to find activities in Charlottesville for kids at this price point that offer this much value. If you're looking for a traditional martial arts program that builds real skill and discipline alongside a real community, I can't recommend this dojo enough.

If you are looking for a clean, friendly, and welcoming dojo that inspires students to exhibit and…read moreexercise the core principles of karate, American Freestyle Karate is the place to come. If you have a little one looking to start on their karate journey, the Little Dragons class is the place to be. I cannot speak more highly of the lead instructor, Karen Early. She is nothing short of amazing with the kids. With wit, humor and extreme patience she can take a room full of three-year-olds and have them listening and looking like pros. I was shocked to see the one star review, why it's not 5 and why more families haven't rated is beyond me. This place is awesome! Highly recommended.

My daughter was injured within 10 minutes of her first lesson, no warm up or stretching before…read morestarting class. I was promised a refund and it took over two months of phone calls and visits to the business to get it. Her medical bills were very expensive and she suffered for weeks in pain. The Owner / instructor was rude, and unprofessional. I'd recommend you go anywhere else but this place, especially if its a child your taking for instruction. If I could give it less than one star I absolutely would.

it's a community, not just a building. They care about you and your family. I am always welcomed…read morewith a smile. I look forward to going every day. kickboxing has changed my life. I love working out but kickboxing has become a part of my life now, not just a workout!

We LOVE BMK!!! We regularly attend this location for our weekly classes, the Lil Dragons for my 4…read moreyear old and the Core for my 8 year old. I have seen vast improvement in my 8 year old son's level of self control and respect since starting karate about 3 months ago. Ms. Driver and Mr. Ryan truly care about you and your children and have a genuine passion for karate and the values it provides. I wouldn't trade these guys for any other dojo around! If you are thinking of trying it out either for yourself or your child, they usually have some kind of trial promotion. That is what we did for my 8 year old son and ended up falling in love with it and enrolled my 4 year old daughter as well! If you come here, you will not be disappointed! We love the main location too, we attend it sometimes on Saturday mornings for make up classes or booster classes but, in my opinion, it doesn't compare to the awesomeness and tight-knit group/family feel that the Harmony Square location has! We love you Harmony Square BMK!

I enjoyed watching my son grow in Little Dragons so much that my daughter and I joined as well. My…read moreyoungest son has now started also. The different class times offer flexibility for a busy family and the variety of techniques and formats are great

Great karate dojo. Self defense and practical applications. Master C and his team run a GREAT…read moredojo. Keeps the kids as well as the adults engaged and has fun while learning. Great place for the entire family!

Great family atmosphere. The instructors are very knowledgeable and do a great job teaching people…read moreof all ages.

From the owner: Here at Ignite, we teach life skills through martial arts and gymnasticsread more