We LOVE this place. I am so thankful that this place exists for my son who is doing Martial Arts sometimes 10+ hours a week. The leadership is great as they have young black belts (who are extraordinary) teaching most of the classes with Master Paulson mentoring as well. I am looking forward to watching my son progress, learning valuable skills and further developing his character in such a positive way. p.s. Mommies & Daddies have the opportunity to workout there too with some very serious cardio, strength, & martial arts classes offered. They have a new SPIN room with many SPIN bikes and a very cool instructor. Prepare to sweat! read more

I have had the privilege of being under the instruction of Dan Paulson for the past three years. I am also one of those "middle aged" women mentioned in Gregory J's sarcastic review. I walked in three years ago to my first fitness class thinking that I was in pretty good physical condition, but was looking to add to what I was already doing on my own. I quickly learned that Master Dan's classes were unlike anything that I had ever experienced or could anywhere else. Under his training I went from being a mediocre runner to a competitive distance runner in my age division. I am in better shape at 45 than I ever was in my 20's and 30's. Last year I decided to try Hapkido after watching my 12 year old son and my husband train at Martial Art Concepts since 2011. They are both getting ready to test for their black belts which have not been bought...they have been earned through blood, sweat and years of training. I was concerned that it may hinder my running, but it has done the opposite. I have become more limber, less prone to injury and faster through using the techniques instilled by the instructors at Martial Art Concepts. The program that they provide is un-matched in any surrounding community. In response to this type of martial arts not protecting your children, I can say that because my son was taught to fall correctly, it saved him from a severe injury when he was 10. While riding his quad in the desert, he went over his handle bars at a high rate of speed and because he knew how to fall correctly, he walked away with only a few scratches. My son had done taekwondo before he became a student of Hapkido under Master Dan. He was afraid, unconfident and insecure. Dan encouraged my son with all positive re-enforcement in ways that we were unable as parents to turn our son into a strong, mighty warrior of a young man who now is a defender for those who cannot defend themselves. He is a well respected boy at school and has pushed himself beyond what we ever thought he was capable of because of what he has learned at Martial Art Concepts. Dan Paulson's character shows inside and outside of his studio. His students, parents and instructors adore him and he shows the same attitude towards them. He leads by example in all aspects of his life. His classes may not be for everyone. They are not "easy", you will be challenged and pushed past your comfort zone, but you will be changed forever. I am eternally grateful for all that I have gleaned from Dan and continue to owe him everything for the athlete that I am today. read more

Let me start with one caveat: I'm an instructor at Spin Zone: an indoor cycling facility also located in Martial Art Concepts. I became an instructor 2 years after attending Master Dan Paulson's fitness classes. The above review by Gregory, just for the record is way out of line - I was there. Martial Art Concepts is an amazing experience for all ages. Dan Paulson is a fantastic instructor who is very well respected worldwide. He has taught me so much about martial arts, fitness, nutrition and well, life. The kids, young adults and adults alike who call Martial Art Concepts home will stun you. They posses incredible physical ability, are respectful, strong-minded and ready to share what they have learned with you and your family. I've never seen the likes of the individuals who have been molded by the hands of Dan Paulson - absolutely amazing. Come in and check it out for yourself BUT leave your ego at the door because we all have a lot to learn. read more

Owner/Instructor Dan of this "Dojo' fundamentally lacks respect for perspective students/ and Masters of different styles. Additionally he teaches an Olympic sport used for scoring points rather then an actual Martial Arts that would be effective in a life and death encounter. Plan on spending huge fees for belt tests. Depending on your fitness goals or as a starting point for small children if driving is an issue, this may be a good fit to get their energy out, however they would be being taught by an Instructor Dan who values criticism instead of positive reinforcement. However they would be learning incorrect form if the goal is to protect them. The upside is this dojo, of sorts, is it's good for cardio, although the the TKD fit class consisted of only middle aged women, ; similar to running or jump rope, and depending on your goals and target age group this is a good place for Moms to socialize/gossip before the sport class, which I would liken to tae bo. If you can manage to grab your assailant Hapkido may be effective. The variation of "Tae Kwon Do" taught involves kicks using only the flat of the foot, many round houses, incorrect back foot to a 45 degree angle posture, and wasted energy through unnecessarily hopping up and down and bringing both feet off the ground leaving you in the air and off balance. A good way to judge a style as a sport vs effective is to observe how they teach you to stand. Both feet to the front in Half Moon Stance creates stability, and to the side allows people to easily push or punch you over. This "style" is good for the lungs, and even though my energy outlasted the other students, I felt more of a workout from surfing. Expect a lot of hopping up and down like a rabbit; I recommend looking to find another style that allows you to use energy wisely to provide added endurance in combat. The Hapkido class is hard on the joints, even though mine are conditioned, I would recommend people stear away from it, if they are middle aged or suffer from tendonitis/or any other skeletal or muscle condition. This instructor doesn't have perspective students sign a waver. This style also involves throws. Grabbing and lifting an opponent while flashy, expends a lot of energy and depending on the body mass of your assailant results in lack of efficacy depending on your size and weight. Additionally I don't personally feel wrist lock pain so a portion of the population may not be effected if you were to use that class of techniques. The Assistant "Instructors" don't observe tap outs in this class. Expect unnecessary Ego. This stems from Dan who still acts like he has something to prove, because he does. :D Dan has studied 35 years of a sport, which unfortunately doesn't qualify you for anything more then the title of instructor of a sport. In Hapkido he may be a Master, but I would liken his ego to that of the Evil Master whose scorpion dojo the Karate Kid faces. Fear and humiliation are Dan's primary motivating factors, in my opinion, rather then the optimism and the deep respect of Karate. Unlike the Scorpion Dojo, there is a mixture of positivity but not enough to counter act Dan's negative smack talk and strutting. For an older man claims the title of Master, he still hasn't learned Patience. Having studied 4 styles myself I feel qualified to give an accurate review. I have trained 8 students, and studied under the exemplary Grand Master Kim from Korea in Korean Tae Kwon Do; Master Garvey and Master Perry who both who studied in the Shoal-in Temple. I have studied various styles for 17 years. I informed this 'Master' Dan that He didn't have sufficient humility to be my Master. Even if money was no object, I would consider training at this establishment a last resort. It would be nice if the Instructors held the Values they Champion. read more

MAC is a wonderful place for getting fit, for learning self defense in addition to making great friends. I have so much respect for Master Paulson and all the Black Belts at MAC. P.S. Those "middle age women" in there could probably round house you a broken rib. :) read more

Martial arts concepts is a great place for fitness! I've attended the fitness classes and spin for over two years now. The fitness classes are incredibly challenging but Dan is great about modifying to work with your fitness level or physical challenges. The spin classes offer incredible cardio workouts that are great for runners looking to cross train or anyone hoping to burn some serious calories! Some of the body composition changes that have come out of these classes are newsworthy! Overall, this is just a great environment to get into shape! I haven't signed myself or my children up for the martial arts classes yet solely due to time constraints/too many commitments but I absolutely would not hesitate to do so. Dan is a respectful, kind and motivating person and it's a pleasure to be a part of this place! Ps the prices are great too! read more

Our family loves this place! There is something for everyone and all of the instructors are amazing!

I tried to join this place, first I called, no one ever returned my call. Then I went over there in the afternoon, the place was locked, but then some trainer came out and barked at me telling me it's a private closed gym and if I wanted to join I'd have to setup an appt. Not exactly friendly, and definitely not very professional minded. I ended up joining Anytime fitness. read more

Martial arts concepts has a lot to offer; fitness classes, martial arts, spin and a very cool gym. My wife introduced me to martial arts concepts a year ago after she started attending the fitness classes. It's a great, family oriented facility that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking to challenge themselves in a positive environment. Ps I read the review by this Gregory guy and I think it's obvious to anyone he's taking out a personal grudge on yelp. I wouldn't pay him much attention. read more

Martial Arts Concepts is an amazing studio. The atmosphere is so positive. Master Dan Paulson is a gifted instructor, who really knows how to teach and inspire. The black belts were kind, humble, and helpful. My son has taken classes there for four years, starting as a high school freshman. He has grown and changed so much during that time, gaining self-control, self-esteem (for learning new skills and surpassing his personal best, not because everyone gets a ribbon for showing up), respect for others, in addition to the martial arts skills that he learned. If he wasn't going off to college, he would still be going there. If you are looking for martial arts for boys or girls, this is a wonderful place to train. read more