If I could give zero stars I would. I took my son to this place once. I had signed him up through a…read moreschool offer and for 50 dollars, he received a month trial. On the first (and only visit), a man had me sign a $170/month contract for the next year. During this time my son was throwing a fit wanting to get a sword and leave, my husband was not with me, and I had no money or checkbook on me. I told the man I wanted to talk with my husband about it, he replied that the offer was only good for that night. (Okay well why did I sign him up for the one month trial, to only have one day trying it?!?) I then told him I had no money or checkbook. He told me all he needed was my account number. So feeling pressured and stressed out I gave him my account number and signed his paper. Well, my son only wanted the sword and outfit, and we have NEVER gone back, yet they still charged me $170 out of my bank account 3 months LATER!! I called to complain and ask why they would charge me without follow up contact on why I never came back!? They responded saying that they tried to call once or twice. Which my phone showed no record of that. They also said the only way to get out of my contract would be to sign a 90 day notice, in which I would have to pay the $170 for those 3 months. When asked to speak to someone higher, they gave me some out of state number and a wrong name at first, and I have not been able to get in contact with that person ever since.... I just can't see how they can justify charging someone $220 total for one visit, and no follow up. I also would like to know why in the world I was even being shown or told about a contract on my FIRST trial visit. You didn't even give my family time to TRY this place out before making sure you collected our money. VERY DISAPPOINTED in their service, and the way they handled things. you lost my future business, My son was just too young to be committed to something like this, I'm sure he will be more interested in the future and we will put him in training, it just won't be yours. You might want to handle your business honestly next time. **UPDATE have been charged a total $390 and still unable to reach an actual person that can help me!

Awesome workout and awesome instructors! You definitely get your money's worth!read more

Aikido tends to get a bad rap and for good reason with all the videos out there that are simply so…read moreunbelievable. Many are hilarious as to the nature of the fakery/malarkey involved in showing the techniques. That addresses the fakes. On the other side of the coin there are the videos that appear to be fake or choregraphed also yet, these videos are not. Due to the way Aikido is practiced/utilized it is rather impossible to show on a video the pain being inflicted from using an Aikido technique. The manipulation of the wrist and joints on the human anatomy usually happen too fast for even the best camera person to film. For this very reason it often appears as though people are just all of a sudden flying through the air. i have seen some of the fakes. There are none at this school. Aikido, real true Aikido works...if properly used. If one wishes to properly learn it then this is the school to attend. The first class is free and i believe it is so because after seeing and FEELING a proper Aikido technique firsthand one will absolutely not be able to dispute the effectiveness of this martial art and one will be highly motivated to return for instruction. There is a reason that Aikido is not allowed into tournaments and this school will show and teach one firsthand what that reason is...that being Aikido will physically devastate the person it is being applied on to. This school is the real deal. If one is afraid of pain do not come to this school. If one wishes to learn how to dispense pain and how to submit and control an opponent then by all means this is the school for you. The instructor often states that they train for pain, he is not kidding. In this day and age learning and possessing these skills are not only a very good thing, they could save your life or the life of one you love. What have you got to lose? A couple hours of your life? Take the free class, i did and then i signed up. If it were not real i would absolutely not keep going back. i am a former soldier and i was a bouncer at night clubs/bars for eight years. i know blowhards and posers, there are none at this school.

From the owner: Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido focuses not only punching and kicking opponents,…read morebut rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. What is important is a skilled Aikido practitioner to be skilled enough to redirect his attacker's energy while keeping them in a constant unbalance. Aikido is a self-defense training art. Seven Good Reasons to Join Us 1. Excellent Cardio & Strength Enhancing Workout 2. Outstanding Self-Defense Training 3. Improve Mental Focus & Concentration 4. Increase Self-Confidence 5. Self Discipline 6. Adults & Youth are Welcomed 7. Weapons Training Real World. Real Street. Self-Defense

I have trained in martial arts for about 30 years. I recently moved to Bowling Green and wanted…read moresomewhere to train with my son. We tried out the class for a week and I was impressed with the higher level students in his classes. Just as important, my son enjoyed the classes and was excited to continue. We have been training her for a few months now and I can say, from my experience, there isn't much more you could ask for out of a karate school. Definitely has an old school mentality, but has done a good job keeping up with the times and making martial arts available to anyone willing to try. The students involved are all welcoming as well, and it makes for a great atmosphere for training.

From the owner: Teaching martial artsread more

Great Teacher, Great Studio and Family Fun!…read more Mr. Thornton is a really good martial arts instructor. He is a 7th degree black belt and 8 time world champion with many lessons to share. He is fun to spar with and learn from. He has a good sense of humor and makes you feel like family. Mrs. Thornton is a 5th degree black belt and is also a fun instructor to learn from. She has a playful sense of humor and is very knowledgeable. She also runs the Little Ranger program for the kids under 5 years of age. In my opinion this is one of the best gifts you can give your children. It's not all about just fighting, but also learning perseverance and discipline, while also boosting confidence. We should all want our kids to have the best tools to navigate this life. If you've been thinking of getting your kids or yourself into martial arts, this would be a great place to come. They also give a free trail week if you want to see if this is for you.

I have known Jessie since the early 1990s. Not only is he a fantastic martial arts teacher, he is a…read moregreat person. Jessie and his wife Joy have dedicated their life to teaching TKD in the community and if you are a parent of a kid looking for a great place to teach them some discipline and get great exercise, this is the place. This is a first class facility and you can be assured you or your kids are in good hands here. They not only teach TKD/Karate, you will also learn discipline, respect and self restraint. There is no better gift that you can give your kids than the lessons that will be learned here at UKS Ringgold,

I grew up in that dojo. And this is my honest-to-God say on it. The senseis who financed the dojo…read moreonly cared about the money. As for the one's who actually taught the students, I've learned a great deal from them. They were just as inspiring as their lessons were demanding. Without these few instructors and the classmates I grew up next to, I don't believe I'd reach this caliber of human excellence. The dojo may be gone, but we still carry the torch in our souls. We still carry the strength we found along the way.

Refuses to pay employee after they resigned. We have several pictures and testimonies from parents…read moreand employees who removed their children due to unsafe environment. Evidently has influence with higher powers that be in Knoxville as many safety issues at this business have been 'overlooked'.

We started our son at KAMA just to see if he'd like karate as an activity and he did. We've kept…read morehim at KAMA, however, because of how awesome Master Butturini and his instructors are at teaching the students not only karate, but respect for self and others, confidence, and how much character matters. Those are all things we teach our son as well, and it's awesome to see them reinforced at an activity he loves. We were thrilled when KAMA started an after school program, and happily switched our son over to it.

This school is fantastic! They work with kids/adults to achieve the discipline, strength, respect,…read moreconfidence in the martial arts. All the Teachers are very attentive with each student and provide positive feedback. They have glass around the Dojo so you can watch the classes. Everyone has a great time. For ALL ages

My son has leariso much there. They emphasize respect and valuing others In everyday life. Mr…read more Taylor is hands-on and invests his time, talent and experience into every student. The staff have embraced his passion and truly care about each person who comes through the door.

Highly recommended school! Martial Arts training provides more than fitness, self-defense…read moretechniques, and competitive training. It also builds good character, cooperation, and confidence. Our whole family has benefitted from our son being a student at American Martial Arts Academy.

From the owner: Martial arts instruction, After School karate program, karate summer camp for kids, mixed martial…read morearts (MMA) training