I practiced Shaolin Kung Fu with Sifu for a number of years. The months leading up to my green…read morebelt test were met with a different test called life. As life had different plans for me I was not able to test. At the very beginning, Sifu had us write a paper on a specific topic about kung fu. I laughed a bit inside because who writes papers in a kung fu class. Little did I know that I would reach far deeper into myself, not to come up with comical kung fu paper, but to discover more about myself. I told Sifu I wanted to write about Bruce Lee and his influences from Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Tai Chi. Sifu paused and explained that Jeet Kun Do is a slight departure from traditional kung fu. He said if I could break each aspect down and explain it then I would have his blessing to write the paper. He pulled me aside after class when he handed back the papers and said that I have an introspective energy that could be put to good use in his class and to focus. Fast forward years and belts later and I still remember the energy I cultivated. I do not live anywhere close to this school anymore but what I would do to return! If you come to class expecting the instructors to show you forms and mimic then you're not in it for the right reason. Any circus animal can learn tricks. However, we are humans with mighty amounts of chi. Use it during class and practice and you will discover another you. I am from the class of Mr. Diaz and Mr. English. I ran into them at Chili's once in Addison and they progressed wonderfully. I think both of them were already instructors back then. It has definitely been a long time since I have seen them. This school comes highly recommended from me. Sifu treats everyone the same and so do his instructors. The classes are thorough and he explains a lot so pay attention. Well worth it to push you to become a better you!

This is a great place to learn martial arts. I have been training at White Lions of Shaolin for…read more quite sometime now and to be able to learn Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Choy Li Fut kung fu at one school is a blessing short of a miracle :) The atmosphere is great and the school is filled with loving and kind people. Sifu Giatrakis is not only a very skilled martial artist, but he is also a great friend. I am thankful to have him as a teacher. You can also enroll in his college class at Brookhaven community college which is where I got started about 5-6 years ago. For more info visit the website www.wlions.com One more thing, I feel that I must comment on Kendra's comment. Sifu Giatrakis did not teach Choy Li Fut, Tai Chi, or Wing Chun back in 2003-2007. As a matter of fact the school was not even called White Lions of Shaolin. You were taught "Long fist" from a completely different system, which is not part of the Plum Blossom Federation. The system that you were taught moved to Plano several years ago.

Amazing culture. They keep everyone accountable but at the same time provide a lot of…read moreencouragement. I started with a free trial but they provided great training. Highly recommend this gym!

Signed my son up for classes here. Didn't think he would like getting punched but little did I know…read morehe loved it after the first class. The kids class is from 5 years old to 12 years old. On Monday they work on techniques and on Wednesday they get to spar each other for an hour. Teacher Mona is super friendly and approachable. Teacher Aris makes it really fun for the kids. The atmosphere is not intimidating but very friendly.

My kids had a ball at this free beginners workshop at premier Martial Arts. Staff were extremely…read moreprofessional and friendly. The instructor was good with the kids. I like how they let the kids try it out to see if it's a great fit before you sign up and pay.

Premier Martial Arts offers amazing kids classes (as well as adult classes) they help teach your…read morechild self discipline, leadership skills, and so much more. Karate is such a fun activity for kids to get out their energy. PMA has amazing teachers and classes!

Cmon, the Legend Carlos Machado in Texas? This is the source of BJJ right here in the USA. Not only…read moreis he a master at BJJ, but a great teacher who cares and is an amazing human. I can't say enough great things about this academy. Just go!!!

I was able to attend an open mat on New Year's Eve. I saw a post on instagram and reached out via…read moretext. I heard back quickly and was able to attend. It was a great open mat, I wish I was able to stay longer. Everyone was friendly and welcoming, the level of Jiu jitsu is very high at this academy. Got beat up a bunch and enjoyed the learning experiences. Thank you to Michael for beating me up but also taking the time to teach me as well - inside camping lesson both during the round and after. There aren't many academies that have a master walking around and mingling with their students. I was so lucky to be able to talk with master Machado and take a pic with him. He is a true legend and is such an ambassador as a master of Jiu jitsu. Thank you for the hospitality and rolls!

Sensei Duval is awesome! Very professional and does an excellent job with kids.read more

This is an excellent old school, traditional, full-contact Kyokushin Karate dojo. Sensei Duval…read moreHamilton's philosophy is to train you hard to reach your maximum potential. "The way you train is the way you'll fight." Also, great camaraderie and positive attitude. Highly recommended.

When I trained here, it was a pleasure to work with them. Master Ron and Tabitha are highly-skilled…read moreinstructors and wonderful to be with. The skills that they will teach you are valuable. Also, every now and then they offer specialty course; such as disarming an attacker who wields a knife, etc. I attended one of those courses and it was great! I recommend that you give them a try. They'll also give you an excellent workout in the process---get you a six pack =)

If you are wanting to get into shape and always wanted to box (or whatever fighting style), this is…read moreyour place!! Quaint gym with friendly folks. They have a number of packages and classes to fit your schedule/budget. Why spend more at other gyms with trainers who don't even have 1/4 of the history or credentials?! Come train with the Elite! Except from their site*** Training is available in Boxing, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, Kung Fu San Soo and Modern Arnis and self-defense, control and Law Enforcement techniques. This training includes punching, throwing, kicking, takedowns, locks, chokes & traps, striking, stick and knife weapons and gun defense.

My son has been working with the instructors at Master Lee for a year and we are so incredibly…read morehappy with his experience. The instructors are fantastic with their teaching of taekwondo skills but also make the class fun. Master Lee is very engaged with the students and is incredibly encouraging. He is approachable and communicates well about his studio. Master Lee also brings in the older students at the end of the younger students class to let them participate and interact. This studio has such a family environment and we tell all of our friends about it!

Since starting Taekwondo with Master Lee my son built so much confidence…read more Master Lee and his team are very professional also have good sense of humor with kids! My son is learning a lot and can't wait to go to the studio every week! Highly recommended.

My grandson has always wanted to learn martial arts and is staying with me for several weeks this…read moresummer. I began looking for activities for him to do during the day that kept him in learning mode and constructive with his time. His desire to learn martial arts and this place having a summer program we're a perfect combination for us. We arrived for the class that they said would be most appropriate for a beginner like him and found a very welcoming environment. The owner David could not be a more perfect and welcoming person for the new visitors. He very quickly came to the door and greeted us as well as introduced my grandson to the other kids and introduced us to the other parents Guardians Etc. David's wife was there at the time and also worked very hard to make us feel as comfortable as possible. They quickly got my grandson in the studio and working out with the other kids who were as welcoming as mr. David and his wife. Between mr. David and the more advanced students they got him assimilated into their program and had who is really a typically pretty shy kid enjoying himself immensely. I considered it the best compliment to this studio when we got in the car afterwards and my grandson asked when he could come back

From the moment you step in NDMA you're gonna feel at home. Mr. David is the best instructor EVER!…read moreBesides teaching TaeKwonDo, also he teaches self defense and teaches the kids about being confident, respect, how to be a leader and be a team player. For having hundreds of students he knows all of their names by heart. I love also how he includes parents in the self defense. Ms. Bonnie is a sweetheart as well. She's very informative, she'll walk you through anything and everything. They also offer birthday parties and adult self defense. It's very affordable too. I highly recommend North Dallas Martial Arts! Thank you Mr. David and Ms. Bonnie! I would give them 100 starts if I could!

I reached out to Nick for a drop in the day before I wanted to go. He responded with lightening…read morespeed and set me up immediately. Being an experienced crossfitter that has dropped in to many boxes I always appreciate speedy responses and getting all waivers and payment out of the way ahead of time. He set me up for the 530 pm class the next day but my schedule changed and I was able to go earlier. I changed my reservation online. When I arrived I was greeted by Nick and he even remembered that he originally scheduled me for 530. Love that attention to the details. The class was faster paced and kept moving which I appreciate. I would say that you should have the fundamental understanding to drop into any box, but definitely needed when the box keeps things moving quickly or you will get lost easily. I would definitely return on my next trip to Addison. The location was pretty convenient to my hotel and it was spacious. All in all it was a welcoming environment and I left being thankful that I could squeeze in some fitness on my business trip.

Did a drop in for the week and LOVED the programming, the owner, Nick, coaches and members were…read moreall super friendly. Gorgeous new location as well!