Training under Sensei Jim Risinger at Rising Sun Martial Arts Academy has been a powerful…read moreexperience for me. Sensei Jim teaches far more than martial arts techniques. Of course the training is solid--forms, structure, discipline, and real skill--but what makes his school special is the character and mindset he builds in his students. He brings patience, humility, and deep respect into every class. What I appreciate most is how he meets each student where they are. He takes the time to guide people step by step, helping them grow stronger in body, steadier in mind, and more confident in themselves. His teaching carries real life lessons about discipline, awareness, and staying centered even when things get difficult. Because of Sensei Jim's guidance, I've gained more than martial arts training. I've gained focus, patience, and a deeper respect for the path of continuous improvement. If you're looking for a martial arts academy that builds skill, character, and community, Rising Sun Martial Arts Academy under Sensei Jim Risinger is the real deal.

Ive been taking tai chi at Rising Sun Master Jim Risinger for a time. Instructor is incredibly…read morepatient and excellent at breaking down the slow flowing movements, since starting Ive noticed significant improvement in my balance,flexibility . Classes are perfect mental reset . Highly recommend this for anyone looking for low ompace way to improve physical and mental well being.

Today was our first time here The visit was to introduce my…read more3yr old granddaughter to martial arts The class for her age group was small and the teachers were friendly, approachable and kid friendly The games to introduce martial arts was age appropriate and kept the students motivated I gave an average rating due to being the first visit

We are very pleased with the caring professional teachers here. Our daughter is shy and she is…read moredoing great learning karate. We can't recommend this business enough!

The School is Called H.A. Hong Academy. Best place in town to take your children for Tae Kwon Do…read more My children have been attending the H.A. Hong Academy for a year now. The academy is run by the Hong Family. They are amazing. Master Dana, Master Steve and Master Hong are extremely patient and experienced. My children always look forward to attending class. You are made to feel as part of a large family, not just as a student that just comes to class. The children are recogonized for school academics and for achievements at home as well. Listening to their parents and chores earns honor as well. This is a wonderful school that teaches the children more then just self-defense. Their pricing is reasonable as well. They always have specials so you may try out the Academy to see if your child will like it. This is a very good school. Easy drop off and pick up as well.

The family who runs this school really knows their stuff. If you look closely the athleticism of…read morethe teenage black belts who have worked with the Hongs for several years is higher then what you will see at many other schools. Master Hong is very good at taking soft kids and turning them in to confident teenagers who know they're not made of glass. This tae kwon doe school is the real deal. The black belts it produces can compete in the muay thai and full contact karate enviroment. Or with a year or two of Boxing and wrestling be competant in MMA.

Small classes are nice because it gives the teacher the ability to help every student that needs…read moreit. My child has been coming for a few months and enjoys it. Highly recommended for beginners.

First time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I…read morehave ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying thisFirst time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I have ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying this once you walk in the door you'll agree.

Over the past 20 years, I have seen Master Parson advance from 1st Queue (Brown belt), to the…read moreMaster level (8th Dan) he is today. He is a highly respected martial artist on an international scale. Having more than 30 years as a martial artist myself, I will tell you he's one of the best natural fighters I've ever seen, and his ability to instruct foundational techniques as well as advanced fighting skills is 2nd to none. He's top tier in the American Kenpo Karate Federation, and so are those Black Belts he's instructed. If you are a parent seeking a martial arts program to instruct, guide, inspire, as well as teach your kids how to legitimately protect themselves, Master Parson's program should be highly considered. If you (YOURSELF ) want to learn a genuine, no-nonsense style of self defense, I encourage you to attend his classes. And yes, he's a personal friend whom I'm very proud of; not just because of his fighting abilities, but his passion to teach those skills to anyone whom enters his Dojo. From beginners to advanced level fighters, his door is always open.

My younger two children have been attending Gracie's Bullyproof program for the past few months so…read morefar (as well as did a summer camp with them). They have been enjoying it very much and learning a lot. Jeff is very patient and keeps the atmosphere fun for all the kids. The facility is very clean and well maintained.

I was only able to attend 5 of their Woman Empowered classes before leaving for college but I had a…read morevery positive experience. The instructors were super friendly and helpful and all the students were supportive. I had no experience with Jiu Jitsu prior to these classes, so I appreciated how thorough the instructors were with their instructions and demonstrations. I would definitely recommend trying this out if you're looking to gain some self defense skills!

We have been at Atascadero Shotokan for a number of years and are very happy. Our son has grown and…read morelearned so much. We love the traditional aspects of karate being taught as well as subjects like self defense. Couldn't recommend enough!

My son has been training since he was freshly out of diapers, when we relocated to the area we…read morevisited all local schools. He was a green belt in his last Asian fighting art, we choose to go back to white belt because of the high quality of institution + culture of the school. I can not think of a higher complement to a school then the willingness to start over. We do not regret our decision, very happy with Patrick + team.

We tried out their classes for free for a week. No one was at the front counter to greet us or help…read moreus get a waiver, explain anything to us. We waited a good while before someone greeted us but then told us that they weren't in charge. Since nothing was explained to us, we didn't know what to do or where to get supplies like gloves when all the other kida did. The teachers tried to help the kids and were involved. Overall the class was fine, but not the best fit for my kid so we ended up not registering.

We are so grateful for our son's experience at The Pit! As a naturally slow-to-warm-up kid, he has…read moregrown in confidence through consistent participation. The values of respect, hard work, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude are deeply ingrained in their class. Their instructors emphasize unity with reminders like: "if someone falls, help them up" and "big kids look out for the little kids." Every child is given the spotlight, fostering a sense of achievement. The Pit is also very dedicated to community by hosting gatherings and participating in community events. We highly recommend their programs!

Signed up my shy & somewhat timid 4 year old son at AKS in Morro Bay. I must say, one of the best…read morechoices I could have made for my lil guy. It has helped with his shyness, given him confidence and even a sense of pride in accomplishing his first Orange belt. Sensei Brian is great with the kids. With varying age levels to accommodate even the youngest potential Karate Kid, he gives each class it's own fun spin & the fundamentals of what Karate requires. How he manages to get a group of 3 & 4 year old kiddos to stand at attention & do some moves that EVEN I WOULD STRUGGLE WITH, lets me know that he is a professional at what he does and has a great passion for it. I would highly recommend this school for youngsters, & the young at heart, alike.

Great fun and great people. I originally came to the adults class to get some good cardio and cross…read moretraining.. I ended up finding a new and amazing sport in martial arts. I love it. Everyone is welcoming, patient and fun. I really recommend this for anyone looking for a new challenge and a great time.