My two sons have been attending JS US Taekwondo, and we've had a great experience. They've been…read moreprogressing through the belt ranks at a good pace, and the instructors are always friendly, patient, and encouraging. We really appreciate how organized and structured the classes are. Highly recommend JS US Taekwondo!

My family loves this place! Great staff, positive learning, and the kids have a lot of fun. A…read morelittle more cost effective than most other places too.

Our family can't say enough good things about MacDonald Academy of Martial Arts! Abby started…read morekarate here back in Kindergarten, and now, as she heads into high school, we're reflecting on just how much this place--and especially Brian and Tara--have meant to her and to us. The classes were always about more than just martial arts. Abby absolutely loved not only the training but also the time she got to spend with instructors who genuinely cared about her growth, both physically and personally. The encouragement, the discipline, the fun, and the warm, family-oriented atmosphere created something really special. Throughout the years, Abby built so much confidence in herself--not just in her ability to defend herself, but in her ability to take on hard challenges in life. The support Brian and Tara offered during the Covid lockdowns especially stands out. Their care for their students went above and beyond, and we'll never forget it. We're sad that Abby is stepping away from karate right now (and we hope it's only temporary!) because we'll truly miss seeing Brian, Tara, and everyone at the academy on a regular basis. The friendships, the wonderful conversations, and the positive, supportive guidance they offer have left a lasting impact on our family. Thank you for everything you've done for Abby and for being such a blessing in her life!

Both of my sons completed their junior black belt training here. The instructors are strict but…read morekind and enforce the idea of working hard to gain mastery. They enjoyed their classes and summer camps with Brian and Tara. Although my sons have not been students there for a few years now, their training continues to pay off. Recently, our home was broken into and my younger son, then 16, was home alone and had to interact with the burglar. He remained calm and was able to contact us to call the police. He has revealed that part of the reason that he was able to remain calm and clear-headed was some of the self-defense training that he had received at MacDonald Academy. Thank you so much!!!

Bobby's been incredibly patient, engaged, and helpful trying to get my daughter into some…read moreonline/Zoom classes for karate while we're home-schooling this year. We're hoping this will help with some behavioral issues and -- if Zoom doesn't turn out to be the best platform -- we're happy there are some in-person, socially-distanced options available as well. Seems like a very professionally run business.

I highly recommend Grandmaster Moran as a karate teacher. I sought him out about three years ago…read morebecause my cousin had studied under him long ago as a child and had raved about the quality of instruction. As for myself, I had studied a number of styles of karate as a child (over a period of many years), and had achieved decent belt status at some, but never felt I really learned how to defend myself. My lessons with Grandmaster Moran over the past couple of years have changed that, and I finally feel confident that I would respond effectively if I were attacked. Grandmaster Moran is different from other karate instructors I've had. His teaching is practical. He's patient, caring, and understands karate at such a deep level, like none I've met before. I would recommend him to any adult who wants to learn true self-defense, and plan on sending my own child to his children's classes as soon as he is old enough.

We haven't attended any other karate classes in the area but come from Watertown each Saturday…read moremorning for my 6 year old daughter to attend. Sarah, Isaac, and Adam are very patient and knowledgeable. It is great in the winter when kids need to let out energy. We have struggled with listening / attentiveness in the past (gymnastics etc) but the skills she is learning in the class, and team sportsmanship, seem to alleviating some of these issues.

We have been going to Sarah's School since our son was in "Little Dragons" - the youngest class for…read morethree year olds and up. I loved how Sarah is with the children. She brings them out of their shell, and through play, engages them in learning. With the newest teacher Sensei Josei teaching each class as well, there is lots of personal attention and the kids are learning a lot of karate, but there is still always one game for each class as well as the "gathering time" where they talk about the monthly theme (like "How can I be kind?" and "How can I help my parents?". The other students are friendly and kind people, probably in part because they take these classes. The only complaint I have is that I can't figure out the system for advancement. I would like to use it to motivate my child. For example, if it is based on a series of movements, I could encourage him to practice his kata, take a video of it, work together at home. Or is it based on time spent? or is based on mastering certain other things? I don't think it should be easy to advance, but I'd like to know what the child has to achieve in order to do so. Overall, rules in general are hard to figure out (for parents). I have to rely on my child to tell me what he needs to do and not do. I guess this is an exercise of letting go and letting my kid do it without me pushing or helping. But overall the whole atmosphere is so warm and so stress-free that I think that is OK. Some other schools may be more "hardcore" about everything, but here, the children are really nurtured and I love that it's about the whole picture - not just cultivating a physical prowess but about cultivating one's spirit as well.

Shihan Craig and his staff are the best. They care about their students and family's. The Dojo is…read morewell run and classes are fun and exciting. Would recommend to any one that wants to learn martial arts.

Stay away!!! "Sensei" Craig is in it for the money and nothing else. The lack of organization and…read moreempathy displayed by this establishment is astounding. All Craig cares about is your money, and once he's got you signed, he doesn't care about you or your child's progress. I attempted to book a birthday party at his establishment, at my friend's recommendation. After I talked to Craig about the details and paid my deposit, he proceeded to ghost me when I called to talk about details. He then bad-mouthed me to other parents, saying that I was pushy and wanted to "talk too much" about my party. Sorry, I do need to know the details such as # of kids I can invite and the time before I send out an invitation. How can you take my money without giving me those details? STAY AWAY!!!!!

This is a great school if you plan to start any martial arts program. The ratio between higher…read moreranks and instructors to lower ranks is rare. That tells you something either about the head instructor and the type of student that practices here. It takes a while, but if you put your heart and mind into it, black belt is quite attainable. The facilities are good, but if I could, i would give it a 4.99 star rating because the changing rooms can get a bit crowded. But once you're on the mat, there's plenty of room for throws, sweeps and rolls. AC wold be a big plus during the summer months, but I'm sure they didn't have the most ideal training conditions during the feudal Japanese era. I mention this because some of the techniques have been handed down from that long ago.

I've been attending Theodorou Academy for just under 2 years, and have a background in Shotokan…read moreKarate and briefly in MMA. That said, you DON'T need experience to start here; my past martial arts education, while also great, was nearly the opposite of the teaching style and curriculum at this school. Theodorou Academy has a great balance: fun, varied classes that let you learn a wide variety of techniques, but with a fairly solid curriculum and underlying structure that help you plan your own education at the school and go at your own pace. There are two things I really appreciate about this place: 1) It's not competitive. Everyone at this school goes at their own pace, on their own time, as their own life allows, and that's completely fine. I like to come down as often as possible; other people only come down a couple times a month. 2) This school fosters a sense of community as much as possible. Students are supportive of each other both in the dojo and out; after each monthly belt test, there are usually a few people who go out to a local bar together to celebrate. People who have major life events while they train here are often appreciated or congratulated; if you've been gone for a while, you usually receive a jovial welcome when you get back on the mat. Overall, I would strongly recommend this place to anyone interested in the martial arts unless you are looking to fight competitively.

**Birthday party review** Invited for a birthday party and…read morethe kids had such a great time. After the party, my child was super excited and wanted to join immediately! Showed me all the moves she learned and she even broke a board! According to their site, they offer a trial 4 class period for $59 + sign up fee of $50 http://tkdwaltham.com/contact.html

I've been going to this Taekwondo dojang for five years and it's been great. I have fun training,…read morethe instructors are nice, and their teaching is great.

They know their stuff! The area is well organized and suitable for practice. A good location too.read more

I have to agree with Sharon's review wholeheartedly! I have been going to Wu Dao for almost two…read moreyears now and have had the best time. I had no prior experience with any martial arts, but Wu Dao made me feel welcome and the atmosphere has never been intimidating. It's easy to connect with other students and it's become a great community. The facility is a gorgeous big hall with an upstairs area. It has wooden floors and there are some bags on one side in the back and a stand with weapons on the other and that's it. For someone whose always hated gyms with all their machines and televisions this was and is heaven! They have pictures of the school's interior on their website if you want to check it out without getting out of the house. The instructors are great and they offer morning and evening classes. I've attended both and have always been very happy. Even though I don't have any other martial arts instruction to compare this to I know that I am in excellent hands. Structure of movement and application of forms is something that gets explained thoroughly and whenever you have a question there is a well thought-through answer. I do Kung Fu mainly for fitness, flexibility, strength, and those things, but it has also helped me in becoming more self-confident with movement in general - my own and other people around me and self-defense is certainly a part of the training. Last year and this year, Wu Dao has also brought in a Shaolin monk for a one or two-week training in Shaolin Kung Fu which was fantastic! Another bonus for me is that the school is probably one of the most environmentally conscious businesses I know. They have everything from the right light bulbs to recycled toilet paper, eco-friendly paint, bamboo and organic cotton shirts etc. and they purchase carbon offsets! How cool is that?

I cannot recommend Sifu Sean enough, he truly is a gem. He has a rare gift for earning the respect…read moreof every student while remaining playful, kind, and grounded, all while weaving in discipline, physical fitness, and meaningful life lessons that go far beyond the classroom. My 8-year-old son has completely transformed after just six months of attending once a week. He is noticeably more confident, more aware of others, and far more respectful toward his teachers. What makes it even more remarkable is that he started out very hesitant, but now looks forward to every class and stays fully engaged from start to finish. Thank you, Sifu Sean, for the incredible impact you've had on him.

Sifu Sean is an amazing instructor and he cares deeply about his students and the community. My…read moreson was diagnosed with ADHD and we had a difficult time finding a martial arts instructor that could hold his attention. Sean was able to capture my son's attention and focus with his relentless energy and willingness to never let anything "slide." Bc of Eight Animal my son is more confident and much more aware of his surroundings. Thank you, Sifu Sean for all your hard work!

Absolutely amazing environment, spacious venue, classes for little kids to older adults …read more Instructors are well versed in respective hung gar, tai chi, etc. Great school that I have personally attended for 12 years since I was 5, highly recommend.

How to improve further your stress management to perform at even higher level? Tai-Chi is a martial…read moreart, which could help you achieve this goal. You will also improve: - the health of your joints - your posture and balance - the control of your breathing as part of this moving meditation. I would kindly suggest taking one hour class daily or weekly with Mr. Stephen Wing. Stephen has been teaching Tai-Chi for fifteen years. He has been giving Tai-Chi classes five times per week. Stephen has also years of Kung-Fu practice. This teacher has been consistently patient and encouraging. As it is the case for running, Tai-Chi can be practice everywhere and with minimal gear. A pair of flat shoes with thin soles and you can rejuvenate...It is practical if you were on a business trip for example. Moreover, Tai-Chi is a low-impact sport. The DVD "Tai-Chi paradigm" will be soon released on Amazon. If you were to prefer to learn the Tai-Chi exercising sequence in the comfort of your own home, it would be an option.