this place is NOT COOL. my kid went here 1 year ago and all he did was punch air and random things!…read moreThis is carate not yoga class. Not cool

Mr. and Mrs Calahan and the experienced staff are a real class act, they care about the students…read moreand do a great job with Kids and Adults alike. The best for miles around.

We love Alan Kessler's. We have been going for a year now and my Daughter still loves the classes…read more This is a great karate center for kids and adults. For kids I really recommend the karate Pals program.

This is a great dojo! My Daughter has been taking classes here for two years. They offer morning…read moreclasses for preschool/K kids which works out great for us. The instructors are wonderful with the kids and the class sizes are small. The preschool/K class has both a karate class and an activity session (craft, storytime, food project etc.) I come from a martial arts household, my Mom taught Judo and my brother is a black belt. I wanted the very best martial arts instruction for my child. I also wanted a safe and fun dojo with a family feel. I believe I have found that with Alan Kessler's Karate Center. The dojo is very welcoming to newcomers, give them a call and ask to try a free class or two. Let me know if you have any questions!

The Self Defense is much more than a five star martial arts institute. My daughter has been…read moreinvolved with martial arts at The Self Defense Institute for over nine years and has enjoyed every minute. I have the highest respect for the wonderful and skilled schools instructors and their programs. Training at The Self Defense Institute has been been a positive influence in every aspect of my daughters life. The values of respect for family, striving for academic sucess and the actual self defense training have been invaluable to her. I could not possibly list all the ways that TSDI has positvely influenced her life, but through her years of training just to name a few, she has learned patience, compassion, self control, confidence and perserverance. She will carry these skills (as well as the memories of her friendships formed and her respect and gratefulness for her Shihans) with her always. I dont believe there is a better martial arts acadamy out there. Kudos to TSDI

From the owner: "Unleash your inner strength and cultivate self-confidence at The Self Defense Institute, a leading…read moremartial arts school in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Since 1999, we've empowered individuals of all ages, from 3 1/2 to 18 years and adults, with the skills and discipline to excel in martial arts and beyond."

I am 58 years old. I have been involved with martial arts since I was 8 years old. I have been to…read moremany schools over the years. I have been to some mediocre McDojo's and I have been taught by some of the best teachers in our area. I have to say that Pence Self Defense Academy is the best school that I have had the pleasure of attending. They have all the amenities that a good school should have but what separates them from their competitors is their uncompromising love of the art that they teach and the passion and dedication they have in passing the art along to the students. They love what they do and it shows. We have a lot of fun in the process of learning and the classes are open to everyone in a friendly and non judgemental environment. They offer anyone a free trial period. If you do not believe my review then try it out for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

Great Academy for young and old ran by incredible martial artists my grandson is7 years old and it…read morewas the best thing for him .

I've been studying martial arts for more than 35 years. I can say with confidence that Steve…read moreNugent's Karate Institute(SNKI) provides a level of instruction that is second to none. It all starts with Grandmaster (GM) Nugent by setting the tone that quality, professionalism, respect and attention to detail are of utmost importance. GM's instructors are the best around. They all have been handpicked by GM Nugent to uphold his standards. Those studying at SNKI learn effective self defense and the additional benefits that studying martial arts brings. It's difficult for most people to know how to pick a good martial arts school for themselves or their children. This problem is easily solved by joining SNKI. Among the thousands of martial arts schools which deliver varying degrees of proficiency and results SNKI is light years ahead. SNKI is literally in a class of it's own.

My son has taken lessons here for almost 2 years and absolutely loves it. It's a serious school…read morethat isn't too over the top - the kids have fun and learn a lot!

I've been to probably 100 gyms in my life and was a long time 20 plus year, member of the West End…read moregym in Lowell. MK is nice, friendly, and most of all they push you to be better. MIke is a great guy and all the people there are extremely friendly and motivating. Couldn't ask for a better spot to get fit and feel good. Highly recommend all classes.

I'm really surprised that there are bad reviews of this gym. It's really open, not super-crowded,…read moreaffordable and far cleaner than a previous Boston-area "boutique" gym I used to belong to. No Jersey-shore wannabe "trainers" trying to sell their services while you try to work out. They offer a good variety of classes, and I don't feel too intimidated, as a woman, to participate. The customer service I've received has been very courteous and professional. I'm an adult, and read contracts before signing them, so I know that if I want to break the contract, I'll pay a fine. (This is a real contract, people and the gym has every right to require it as it is a real business.) Equipment is plentiful and well-maintained, there's always parking available, etc. If you are trying to train for pro- MMA or boxing, I don't understand why you couldn't do it here... you only get what you put in. Don't blame the gym, blame yourself. Also, yes; women, EVEN MOMS do use this gym. We make up 50% of the world's population, so yes, some of us will be at "your" gym. GTFO "gentlemen".