GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin…read moreInstitute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing.

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still…read morestay in touch 30 years later!

bruce lee, christian bale (batman), robert downey jr. (iron man), jackie chan, nicholas cage,…read morecameron diaz . . . and the list goes on. you're probably wondering what those names meant. well, those are some of many celebrities who practice wingchun for those who may not know, maybe this will help.. you remember in the movie iron man, when robert downey jr.'s in his basement practicing martial arts on a wooden dummy with several arms? or what about cw's show, arrow, when oliver queen is practicing on a similar looking dummy? that's wingchun -- which is a practice of self defense using a triangle stance, while having both feet and hands face forward. before you get too impressed, I don't actually practice wingchun.. BUT the bf does. classes are twice a week; every mon & wed from 8pm to 9pm. sometimes the classes may go overtime, depending on the lesson for that evening or if the class started a tad late. the venue is actually called "marietta martial arts". the building holds several types of martial art classes. therefore, if you come in the morning or afternoon, you might see little kids practicing taekwondo or some other fighting style. you start off with nooby level and must go through training and tests before you can advance to the next level. there are NO belts in wingchun. instead, you receive little fabric badges that you can sew onto your shirt. prices range for everyone. there is a trial where you can come and watch OR you can pay to try out the class for a week, I believe? but if you do on plan on taking the class seriously, you sign a "contract" with the payment plan you believe best fits you. the longer you stay, the cheaper it is per month.

From the owner: WingChun is a very direct and practical system of self-defense with no fancy movements and…read moreemphasizes body mechanics, efficiency, and technique. Take a two week trial and meet our WingChun family.

Both of my children have been boing to Yongsa since they opened in 2015. I was simply hoping for…read morebasic self defense for my daughter, but we quickly fell in love with the high quality instruction and the care and support they show each child. Both of my kids have achieved their black belts and my daughter is a state champion! Yongsa knows they have a great product and they don't lock you into a contract or charge belt testing fees. They don't need to!

From the owner: Karate for Kids, Adult Taekwondo, Mixed Martial Artsread more

I didn't know anything about martial arts when I choose Atlanta Budokan for my son's Aiki Jujitsu…read moreclasses. I just wanted a martial arts class in Acworth. At four years old he is a bit young for martial arts, but I have been amazed by how much he has already learned. The instructors are so knowledgable about what is age appropriate for him to be picking up, and the atmosphere of the classes is very positive. The older students are always so kind and willing to help work with him. I am excited to watch him grow and learn in such a great environment. I was so impressed by what I saw in his classes, I decided to take kickboxing myself. Like my son, I started at the "bottom" of the learning curve (but not the youngest, ha!). But just like with his class, I got such great instruction, and the support from the other ladies and guys in class was so positive, I didn't feel out of place. Instructors modified everything to my level as I was learning. I am now the most fit I have ever been in my life. And the stress relief from hitting the heavy bags if worth everything! If you are looking for Aiki or Kickboxing in an extremely family friendly environment in either Acworth or Smyrna, Atlanta Budokan is an excellent place.

My son did a trial class today and Sam made such an effort to make him feel welcomed. He made…read morelearning a truly fun experience for everyone. My daughter wants to join soon too! Thank you Sam!

Amazing place to train Jiu Jitsu - the culture that Sam has cultivated over the years sets Buckhead…read moreJiu Jitsu apart from other gyms. Sam, and by following his example, the team members at the gym, will support you and help you meet your goals. No matter who you are. For some, it's just a fun way to get in shape. We also have world champions at the gym who will help you and always look out for your safety. Sam is the Coach, but we consider it our gym. Come see us!

Great instruction from Mestre Miria. Awesome workout that will burn a ton of calories, plus you…read morewill have loads of fun.

This is the best gym around. No one teaches like Andy. Very knowledgeable and he has a great way of…read morebreaking techniques down to make them easy to learn.

From the owner: At Hybrid JiuJitsu/HartFit, we offer training in Muay Thai, self-protection and fitness kickboxing…read more We want you to learn how to protect yourself at home and on the street.