My daughter and I spent nearly two years training at Hive Martial Arts, drawn to the supportive…read morecommunity fostered by Mr. Froeming and other members, which quickly felt like family. With over a decade of experience coaching all ages--especially youth--I also served as an assistant coach and videographer at Hive, supporting the school in any way I could. Unfortunately, a recent incident with a confrontational parent, Andrea Deshone, exposed serious gaps in the school's approach to conflict resolution. After a class, Andrea aggressively approached me over a complaint from her daughter, Stella, an instructor at Hive that day. Instead of addressing her concerns professionally, Stella went to her mother, who then confronted me. Despite my calm requests for space, Andrea refused to back away and even stepped closer when I expressed that I felt threatened, effectively cornering me. She got so close that I could feel her breath and spit. Mr. Froeming and another student approached, and I pleaded for help, explaining that I felt attacked and trapped. It can be as frightening for a man to feel threatened by a woman, knowing that defending oneself could have serious consequences. Unfortunately, this nuance was not acknowledged here. A trusted adult student witnessed the exchange, observing that I had simply asked a question of the only instructor in my group. Later, this student confirmed to Mr. Pallesen that I had done nothing wrong. Despite this corroboration and texts supporting my account, Mr. Pallesen never acknowledged this and chose not to address the issue. Initially, he agreed to mediate, but after I submitted a personal account explaining the incident's impact on my CPTSD--which affected me severely for two weeks and still affects me--he declined to read it and suggested I pretend the incident hadn't happened. When I asked if he would take the situation seriously if the genders were reversed, he confirmed that he would, highlighting an inconsistency. In our exchanges, Mr. Pallesen shared his own experience with Andrea, recounting how her family aggressively confronted him in 2017 about his treatment of children, saying, "What the f--k happened? Why are you treating the kids like this?" According to him, this intervention forced him to self-reflect, helping him save his business. He also explained that Andrea's family threatened him with a bad review, which he acknowledged could have impacted his business. This may explain his reluctance to address my situation directly, but I genuinely hope he learns from this experience as he did with his previous encounter so he can grow as both an instructor and a leader. This experience reflects broader concerns about leadership and standards at Hive. During one leadership lecture, Mr. Pallesen stated that "both political parties are basically the same," a comment that bothered one student, Beth, so much that she responded, "That is the definition of white privilege," highlighting a lack of sensitivity in a group that includes people of color and people of the LGBTQ+ community. While Mr. Froeming and most of the community were wonderful, the lack of professional support from leadership ultimately left my daughter and me feeling disconnected from a place we once considered family. I share this review in the hope that Hive Martial Arts can reflect and grow, strengthening its community for all.

Great school with amazing teachers. My son has been going here for five years. I would never go…read moreanywhere else! I will follow this dojo anywhere if they ever move! Best dojo ever!!!!! :)

I am writing to express my most enthusiastic recommendations for the Unified Martial Arts Academy…read more Upon my reflection of my nearly nine years at Unified Martial Arts Academy earning a Black Belt. I can confidently state that becoming a student at the school was one of the most productive and positive decisions I have made. I started as a student in my early thirties. Many adults feel uncomfortable about beginning a commitment well into their career since they have not been in a "learning" environment for a long time. That is a big mistake. Personal growth and knowledge should never end, no matter what your age. The benefits I have received at Unified Martial Arts Academy are many and it is a classic case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. The diverse training program put together by Sensei Albert makes every class interesting and exciting, so that there is never any excessive repetition. One of the things that makes the program special for me is that it incorporates physical, mental, and spiritual elements. I have taken many lessons learned at the unified martial arts academy and incorporated them into my everyday life. Finally, the key ingredient of what makes Unified Martial Arts Academy unique is the spirit of the teacher Sensei Albert. He teaches in the way you learn and will take the time to make sure you fully understand the training. He puts heart and passion into every class. Sensei Albert is the proprietor of the school and has practiced karate for many years. and he teaches every class. Also, the bonding that comes through sharing the spirit and training of the other students meeting shared challenges is not found often, but it certainly exists at Unified Martial Arts Academy. I hope others take advantage of all the special benefits of martial arts training provided and taught by Sensei Albert. It is a great program that offers physical fitness and self-defense tools wrapped in a fun and motivating environment.

Very welcoming and is like a second family. I don't think I will ever come across a better dojo…read morethan this one.

My daughters started going to this School more than five years ago. The instructors are excellent,…read morepatient, and kind. Recently they both received their black belts. I cannot explain how powerful this experience has been for them - it has made them more confident, attentive, disciplined, and courageous. This is not a belt-mill, where the school basically just pushes kids through the system to charge as much as they can as quickly as they can. Every belt level, and every stripe on each belt is earned through hard work, dedication, and testing. Enrolling was inexpensive, and we were never pressured into any program. We chose a program after it was obvious my two daughters were really having fun and learning a ton. Eventually, the girls decided that they wanted to go for their black belts and I couldn't be prouder of them. The new studio is quickly taking shape, and the owners and staff are extremely dedicated. The head instructor, Stan Riser, is an amazing human being. While he demonstrates a great sense of humor - his instruction is serious and his teaching methods are beyond reproach. As the girls rose in belt levels everything got more intense, interesting, and more fun for them. UMA Centerville participates in many tournaments throughout the year (and encourages their students to compete) and some of my most amazing memories are of their performance in these competitions. We tried two different schools before we found this one, and we are lifers - the girls still love to go as much as their schedules allow. I would encourage anyone who is thinking about having their children, or themselves, study martial arts to come in a watch a class or two and see what you think. I believe you will be impressed.

From the owner: Ultimate Martial Arts Karate and Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a family friendly school offering karate…read moreclasses for ages 3 to Adult and Jiu-Jitsu for ages 7 to adult. The Superkid classes for ages 3 to 5 years old focuses on listening skills, coordination and basic self-defense. Karate classes focus on discipline, self-defense, weapons and sparring. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling martial art for ground self-defense. Anyone can try a class for free! Give us a call or stop on in to get more information.

Poor communication and poor customer service. Owner called and yelled at me when I inquired about…read morepausing membership. He immediately cancelled the membership but charged me an additional month. We did NOT use their service during that month. Others have confirmed this business has done this to them. Owner displayed a threatening tone. I now wonder if my child was safe there.

Excel Martial Arts historically has had some of the best Instructors in the business that can keep…read morecolored belts energized and excited to train. However, once reaching Black Belt...the advanced training simply isn't available and isn't a focus of the school owner. Ever since COVID and Excel's downsizing remodel which reduced the training space by more than 50% and the flexibility of the training schedule (does not put into consideration students-athletes that compete in other school/club sports), the classes simply haven't been the same. Membership prices are all over the board and inconsistent across families. Overall ownership and day-to-day operations (or lack thereof) lead to a poorly run business that continues to fail on delivering against the basics such as communication and customer service that everyone should expect. There was a time years ago this could have been a 5-star, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. Sad.

I started up at Kitsune Karate in their beginner adult Karate class 3 years ago and I have loved it…read moreever since. The instructors are extremely knowledgable and care about each individuals growth, no matter what the level. The perfect amount of fun and a good workout, Kitsune Karate hosts several events and seminars throughout the year featuring world-class instructors ensuring the students get the best possible learning experiences. Can't recommend it enough!

Look out Rocky, I got pink boxing gloves and am ready to rumble…read more I Love Kickboxing: My friend asked me to come to a class with her so I signed up online for the 3 classes plus a pair of REAL boxing gloves for $19.99. After class 1, I was hooked. I signed up for the 35 class package and am so glad I did. I can say that even after my entire body was sore for 5 days. What's cool: -Many class times throughout the day -Teachers are SO NICE and helpful. On your first (and for me subsequent) visits, they show you how to punch, kick, etc. correctly. So important. -Great cardio while boxing as well as killer (in a good way) ab and all over toning. -Dress in a tshirt and sweats-any body type, size can feel comfortable here. -They tell you to work at your own pace/there's no intimidation at all. Bonus: I love taking pictures of me looking tough in my boxing gloves. Gives the family lots of laughs.

I returned this morning for 8 a.m. kickboxing after an 8-month hiatus. What a difference! They put…read morein new floor mat on the outside perimeter of the studio and installed wet wipe dispensers for people to clean off their bags after class. It seemed like a whole new place. The kickboxing classes provide a great workout. The first fifteen minutes are a killer core/cardio workout, and the bulk of the class has repetitive punch and kick sequences. While you are working out, the instructors provide helpful tips on how to get more out of the exercises. This is not a real self-defense class, but they do advise you on how to improve your form and keep your face protected. The classes radiate positivity. From what I can tell, the instructors have all gotten themselves into shape and pulled their lives together through the kickboxing classes. The ads intimidate you with glowering sweating ripped bodies, but the actual class has adults of all ages and all states of fitness. The instructors double as cheerleaders (or drill sergeants) for the group, and they make sure you pull through, one way or another. I stopped going earlier for two reasons: I found the marketing at the end of every class a little annoying, and the workout space felt really unclean. I didn't want to touch or lie down on the almost-greasy floor. The base of the bags were slippery when you do triceps dips. Even with students doubled up on punching bags, some classes were so crowded that they turned people away. And as the class progressed, the overpowering aroma of humanity made it difficult to focus on the workout. Get a bag near the emergency exit--they do open the door for air. Perhaps I should have complained, but I also thought that it was so obvious that they were probably sick of the complaints that surely came from other people. So, today I was reminded of the positive points, and I was very heartened to see the new flooring and the wet wipes. I'll use up the remaining classes in my membership and consider renewing. The 8 a.m. today was pleasant and not crowded, but the after-work sessions can be both crowded and hot from the previous classes.

We signed my 4 year old up with their holiday special. It has been a game changer for my son. He is…read morelearning more than just karate skills but has become more responsible and respectful. You can tell that they are out for educating the kids. The love my son has for karate shows every time he runs into the mat room. The staff are very supportive and responsive. We feel at home there and are excited for our other child to be old enough to also start.

The Dojo has been a great learning experience for both of our kids, giving them better discipline…read morewhile getting in a good workout. The staff are really in tune with each student and provide solid guidance. We've also started to develop a community with the other families that go to the Dojo.

This is a great place to learn self defense quickly and effectively…read more Rick Faye is a great instructor. He is personable, friendly, accommodating, and interested in the wellbeing of his students. There are no belts here. Most of the people here are completely fatal so everyone is polite. This is a teaching environment where people joy in helping others to learn. Many of the people here have been in special forces, work in SWAT, or extensive other training, so the whole Karate Kid Black Cobra syndrome of sport fighting is missing. Students here are not looking to prove something, so bring your humility and positive attitude and it will be returned to you. As mentioned on the webpage, arts that are in the school's repertoire include Muay Thai, Kali, Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Grappling, and Panantukan/Boxing.

I attended a seminar here and was very impressed with the staff. I like the facilty at my regular…read moregym more (MMAA), but they had some different and interesting stuff here. I plan on attending more seminars here as Rick Faye does a great job of bring some of the world's greatest instructors in, like Guro Dan Inosanto. It's a very welcoming environment!