It's a great place for those who think they can achieve their better self. Expand their bodies and…read moreminds into something they would other believe impossible. The instructors are patient and understanding to your needs. You give your best then you accomplish what only a few dream of becoming, being the best.

MVCK is an excellent Dojo for the entire family. My wife,myself and my four kids attend class here…read more Master Armstrong is a very talented teacher and wonderful with kids. He instucts his students in a fun, respectful manner that teaches them to discipline there body and mind while learning useful self defense techniques as well as competitive sport karate instruction. There is also a great core of Black Belts that assist during class making sure the students are always getting one on one attention during class. Whether you're a beginner looking for a great teacher or an experienced martial artist looking for a new dojo to train at Mountain View Karate Centers is the place to come.

I can't say enough good things about this martial arts center. From the moment you walk through the…read moredoors, you feel the positive energy and sense of purpose. It's more than just a place to train; it's a community built on respect, discipline, and personal growth. The instructors are knowledgeable and genuinely invested in every student's progress. They take the time to break down techniques in a way that is easy to understand, whether you are a complete beginner or have years of experience. What really stands out is how patient and encouraging they are. They push you to improve, but always in a way that builds confidence rather than intimidation. The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive. Students of all ages and skill levels train together with mutual respect. There's no ego, no pressure; just a shared commitment to getting better every day. You quickly notice how motivating it is to be surrounded by people who work hard and cheer each other on. The classes are structured, challenging, and fun. Every session leaves you feeling accomplished; physically stronger, mentally sharper, and more focused. Beyond learning practical self-defense skills, you gain discipline, resilience, and a real sense of achievement as you progress. The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and organized, which shows how much pride the owners take in their school. Safety is clearly a priority, making it comfortable for both adults and parents bringing their kids. If you've been thinking about trying martial arts, this is the place to do it. Whether your goal is fitness, confidence, self-defense, competition, or simply trying something new, you will find the support and guidance you need here. Joining this center isn't just signing up for classes; it's becoming part of a team that wants to see you succeed. I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't regret it!

My child is a current student and has been for 6 months. In that time, my son has gained a great…read moredeal of confidence, self worth and mental happiness. The instructors are fantastic, and if you ask questions they are answered. My son is in Blsck Belt Club (accelerated training to move towards their black belt). It's a hands on class for all students, where the studentsare the equipment, as it is a martialartsprogram. Proper behavior is expected, from students to adults. This class, like any other martial arts class, demands discipline, while training mind and body. I am very pleased with my child's progress and safety while attending class, and he enjoys coming each day.

I go here it is a fun place Mr Winkler makes things so much easier I love this place please come.read more

Safety and cleanliness are the last 2 things care about there. The mats had hair, dirt, and other…read morethings from earlier classes in the day or from the previous day. The least welcoming and friendly environment of any gym I have come across in my travels.

From the owner: Self defense training specializing in Brazilian Jiujitsu and combat grappling read more

the management of the YMCA downtown Hickory is alarmingly poor at organization, communication,…read moreconsistency and customer relations. The 'new' gym is hideous. in contacting the management,, the person couldn't have cared less, she was condescending, flippant, she didn't listen to what I was saying and she was dismissive. it was clear her missive was to get me off the phone. The staff is put in a terrible spot. they aren't being communicated with from management. people are wandering around lost in the facility because of the lack or non existence of staffing. Rooms aren't available when you talk to one person but another person says they can unlock it. they are RUINING the experience of going to the gym. They are of course charging full price for a lot less than 100% availability of what we had prior. She uses the phrase ''sorry you feel this way" clearly its NOT a feeling, its cognitive thought, something they do Not understand at the Hickory Foundation YMCA. id be embarrassed to tell anyone I was management at this place. No-one cares, its apathy to the Nth degree and it starts At The Very Top who refuse to interact with membership because well, they just do not want to hear it.

This Y is an incredible organization that supports the whole life. They have first class staff and…read morea wonderful and safe facility. Lots of programs from 6 weeks to elderly programs. The facility is a little dated but leadership and maintenance do an excellent job keeping it refreshed. They are through a campaign to raise money to completely renovate. I highly recommend this YMCA for you and/or loved ones. This Y is a great source for interaction and healthy living.

It was AMAZING it was fun and it heled out ALOT! And the machines are so useful, and they have…read moreevery machine you can imagine!

It must have been a bad week for Xcel fitness with me. Having just moved to the area i visited…read morethree Gyms. The first day i went to Xcel and a very pleasant woman showed me around and outlined the various plans. I liked the variety of machines and cardio equipment . While the locker room has a strange layout it didn't matter as i seldom use it. In her spiel and on the web site they pitch their Personal Training ability and how they guide you. So when i signed up i specifically asked how PT works. Well, actually they don't have PT themselves but instead they have independent contractors who work for them. In order to get PT i have to call one of their trainers and organize it myself. This seemed very odd but the woman then handed me two cards and suggested that i call them. Okay, i thought it odd but i took the cards. I then left and called both trainers and left messages with them...twice. 4 days later i still hadn't heard back from either of them. So, i went back to the gym in the morning. The gym was essentially empty so i asked the guy at the front desk if he could walk me through a simple circuit using the machines. He told me sure and that he would be right with me. I wanted to get started so i said i would start on Cardio and when he had a chance just come grab me....50 minutes later i was still on the treadmill and i had watched this guy walk by a few times and chat with friends and wipe down a few machines. Twice i waved at him and he gave me the "be there in a second wave." Finally i finished my cardio and went back to the desk and now he was gone. So I left. 3 days later and still no word from the trainers I went back in and talked to the front desk yet again. I explained the situation and pointed out that no trainer had called me back . The woman at the front desk asked who i called and i literally pulled the two cards sitting on the desk and showed her. She said looking at one card "Oh he doesn't work here anymore"...huh? them why is his card on the desk...That seemed to baffle her as .much as it did me. The other trainer "she hadn't seen for awhile" Huh? She said there was a trainer hanging out there she could call. To be honest I had had it . I explained that on my last trip I had tried to get help for 50 minutes and was ignored. She seemed uninterested. Finally, i decided i would just cancel my membership. Of course , having been a member for a week, and having no trainer call me and be given a card from a guy who didn't work there at all anymore and having been shuffled off by the front desk guy on the last trip she still would have to charge me 75 dollars to cancel. Seriously? To be honest i would have paid 100 to get out of this disorganized mess. Clearly, misinformation and false promises meant little to these folks so it seemed an expensive yet valuable lesson. I ended up joining Spa Athletic where the owner took me on a tour and had a personal trainer call me to set up an appointment an hour after joining. Like i said maybe it was just a bad few days at Xcel but i find it hard to believe that i'm the only one who experienced this. Again, its a nice workout space but thats all i could see going for it after my experience .