Over 15 years ago I started karate at a different school. I only started because my brother did and ended up being too scared to do it alone. I fell in love with martial arts. I practiced for several years until I went away to college. When I came home, I no longer was associated with a school as my previous school closed. I remembered my favorite instructor from the previous school was Master Fairbanks, so I googled her and found she had opened her own school. I looked around at other schools, but kept finding myself back on Fairbanks page. I was nervous because it had been several years, but I went and tried a class (she is generous to let you try class before signing up. She truly wants you to be at her school because you want to be there, not because you feel forced). I really enjoyed class. She gave me one on one time to talk with her before and after class. I decided to sign up and order a uniform; I did not feel pressured at all to sign up on the spot. I wanted to. I began taking class again and was excited to come to class. It was so much different than my previous school. It was so much better. The energy was positive. The instructors were all very kind. They were strict in a "this is martial arts" sort of way, but they were not mean or disrespectful. I was not afraid to make a mistake or ask questions. They lifted me up and inspired confidence in myself. I am able to trust all of the instructors when I ask questions, they're highly knowledgeable. They also aren't perfect and if they don't know the answer, they admit it and ask someone else who does. This does not happen often though. She has several class times to choose from. She has evening options, some day options, and Saturdays. She also offers private lessons and is flexible to make sure you are able to attend. She has different class options as well for different ranks and availability. She has kids class, family class, adult class, weapons class, and other options. She also has options for different classes for pre- school and "little ninjas" which are highly recommended. She's very affordable to. She could definitely charge more for the high quality school she runs, but she's clearly in the business to share her love and skill for martial arts with as many people as possible and isn't in it for the money. I can promise you though, not a penny of your money will be wasted here. She does not force you into a contract either! You pay monthly, and there are different options such as once a week, twice a week, and unlimited. She also works with you if you're struggling and you come to her. She also gives options of different ways to pay (cash, check, PayPal, etc). She also is very understanding if you approach her and take a month off here and there or longer due to injury or other life events. She also offers deals and discounts if you are on auto pay or if you pay for a few months in advance (she does not required this and does not charge you more if you don't). She offers deals and bundles throughout the year as well (such as free uniform when you sign up and pay a certain amount of months in advance, Black Friday deals, etc.). She encourages all ranks and ages to go to tournaments, but does not pressure or force you to go. All black belt instructors she trains to be certified instructors and puts them through classes on how to teach karate and different instructing techniques and situations. She is at every clsss and her black belt instructors are very knowledgeable and high quality. Now that I am a black belt and certified instructor, I am even MORE impressed with Master Fairbanks. She knows every student by their name, knows their training level and ability, and knows how they learn best. I am amazed at how she remembers everyone and keeps everything straight. She caters to each students ability and offers flexibility for students who have physical or other limitations. She's very patient and encouraging. Master Fairbanks has a heart of gold and her and her studio raise the bar. I couldn't recommend this studio more! read more
