I LOVE this place!
First off, I moved to Denver around 3 years ago and I have been looking for the last year and a half for a good martial art studio. Most places around there offer a free first class so you can try them out. I have been to a bunch of different places, none were terrible just not quite the atmosphere I was looking for until here!
I have to disagree with Madalynne M., I am not sure what happened with her experience, but honestly I can't see that happening now. I have been going for 3 months now, and I am greeted with a hello EVERY single day I enter that place. Students and Instructors are extremely friendly and very accommodating. I felt very welcome there, and never once has there been a class where I felt uncomfortable with the attitude or ethics of the establishment. They are not pushy at all. When I was quoted prices (which are seriously the cheapest by at least 75 dollars from all other places I have been too) I mentioned that I needed to check out my budget first, the response I got was "No problem, call back when you make a decision, or if you have any further questions. We hope to see you here, but only if it works for you and you want it." I seriously couldn't be more impressed with their professionalism.
1. Atmosphere: The attitude in this place is awesome. Everyone is enthusiastic and very very nice and welcoming. They usually spend some time ensuring that the new person knows the quick basic stance and drills, and if they forget they are more than happy to answer any questions you have. What I really like about this place is how casual it is. There is no uniform (except the little kids), there is no formal address, nothing like that. The instructors are very approachable and informative. It feels like a bunch of buddies getting together to train, all different ages, sizes, body types, plenty of both genders. I also like that you don't have to be in shape to start. The classes have a huge fitness emphasis, which is great, but they don't push or embarrass you if you can't do something. You can tell they want you to push yourself, but they don't push you beyond what you are capable of.
2. Variety: I love that they offer boxing, BJJ, Krav, and several types of fitness classes. The membership I have (which is inexpensive compared to every other martial art studio i researched) is whatever class I want, as long as it isn't more advanced than I am capable of (such as going to Krav expert when I haven't tested for it).
3. Krav: I love this style of self-defense. It is direct, and effective. There isn't any fancy kicks or tricks it is straight up self-defense. Every move has a purpose (either to get you space from the attacker, or to hurt them). This isn't training for tournaments it is training for real life. You get what you put into it. So there are some people who are crazy intense fit, there are others who are clearly there for MMA training, there are people who just go because they enjoy it, then there are people who are just there to learn the skill just in case. Whatever the reason you are there doesn't matter, everyone is just glad that you are there.
4. Cost: I have checked out several places for cost, and quite honestly this is the best deal I could find. They have a third party handling their transactions, but I haven't had a problem with them. The contracts are very similar to other studios I have checked out, only a little bit more lenient. They let you put your contract on hold if you get sick/injured or are out of town, then add that time to the end of the contract when you come back (this was a first for me to see, I LOVE this idea). They have a cancelation fee, but almost all places do so that didn't deter me. What I loved was the fact I have unlimited classes! BOOM!
To sum it up, the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, without being pushy. The classes are intense, but fun and informative. And best of all the price is right!
I think I will be a member here for quite a while! read more