I spent the day with my mom yesterday and she asked if I lost weight. This is the first time in…read moreabout 3 years since she thought I looked skinny instead of repeatedly asking if I were pregnant (emphatic NO). I also hadn't lost a single pound. Her comment yesterday made me think back to when I was in the best shape of my life. That was 8 years ago when I trained here with Ali. I was 91 pounds and had the toned physique of a ballerina. After I received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, I started living a very sedentary lifestyle. I decided to get back into martial arts but wanted to learn new skills. I joined Roshankish to study Muay Thai and Krav Maga. I loved every minute of it even though it kicked my behind. Not only was it a wonderful workout but I learned important every day self defense skills necessary for a woman my height (under 5 feet tall) and weight. I got into amazing shape so quickly. I was so toned from all the drills. My classmates were always very supportive and encouraging. Just when I thought I was going to drop dead from exhaustion, they provided me that much needed boost to keep going. Plus, there's no better feeling than being able to hit someone legally. There were people of all sizes, shapes, ages and experience levels. Most had no experience and just wanted a fun way of getting in shape and relieving stress. Everyone was very welcoming and helpful. Despite having a martial arts background, it wasn't necessary since I actually had to unlearn certain skills. For example, Muay Thai has a strong focus on low kicks and punches. Therefore, don't let lack of previous experience deter you from trying this place. Krav Maga is the best way to learn important self defense that's applicable for this crazy world we live in. I no longer live in MA and miss this place and the people so much.

Lol idk how the classes are but they aren't gonna get me in the door with a sign that calls me a…read morelonely, lazy gamer with no social skills. You're telling me I can pay $40 to have someone judge me? No thanks, I can get that for free literally anywhere

I've been going to Xtreme Ninja for 3.5 years now - 2 years for ILoveKickBoxing and 1.5 years for…read moreMuay Thai. I started going when I started grad school as a way to focus on both my mental and physical health. In addition to physical changes to my body, I've also noticed that I have a better time focusing and have a lot more patience for whenever I do something. The instructors are great and the owners are some of the nicest people you will meet! Even if you are a beginner and have never tried anything like this (which is how I was), don't be afraid to try it especially when I transitioned from kickboxing to muay thai. Everyone there is extremely supportive and will always encourage you to do better not only on the mats but in everything you do in life. Another added bonus is that you get to meet and train with amazing people!

Both of my young children have taken classes here over the years. You can tell they are truly…read morecommitted to helping kids with building self-confidence and forming healthy habits. It is a great family run business that has been here for years and is a part of the Medford community, I can't recommend them enough.

My son has been going to Sigma almost since it began. We started with one class a week, which…read moremorphed into every day. He now wants to go on Saturdays! It's great to see him gain confidence and respect as he continues to advance through the program. The community he has built with the senseis and classmates will last a lifetime.

Sigma is awesome. The instructors are super friendly and helpful. They are seasoned professionals…read moreand everything is at your own pace. A great variety and mix of people from different ages, experience levels, genders and goals---and it all works together awesome. And the facility is super nice. All new and high end everything.

I've been taking Tang Soo Do with Master DiScipio for over 4 years. Each class is a challenge and…read morehelps me stretch beyond my comfort zone. Who would think I'd be able to do jump kicks in my 40's? He is a wonderful instructor. I've seen him work with everyone from children to adults and he adjusts his teaching style to benefit all of us. I highly recommend Salem Street Studio and Master DiScipio. Under his guidance, I've just taken my black belt test. Not bad considering I stopped in to just take a 6 week class and look at me now!

Great structure with caring instructors. My children flourished both physically and mentally during…read morethe three years they attended class here.

I visited Mass BjJ back in December and was treated like family. The owner Mike allowed me to drop…read morein from my school in Los Angeles to do fundamentals as well as his advanced classes. Great instructors ready to help and answer in questions. Also, got to roll with two of his high competition brown belts who showed me how much harder I'm going to need to work to get to their level. Was a ton of fun and brown belt Jeff sent me off with some details I was able to bring back to my school on passing guard and entering into x guard. Picked up a dope great hoodie that I constantly wear. I'll be back and better. Thanks, Mike! OSS

I've known Mike (one of the co-owners and instructors) close to four years now. I was attending his…read moreclasses and rolling with him at Boston BJJ. Mike is extremely technical practitioner and attentive instructor. That's why I was bombed when Mike left BBJJ to open his own school. I was occasionally stopping by Mass BJJ - Arlington to attend his classes. What I noticed right away was the energy on the mat. Combination of great instruction and determination from students was creating great atmosphere for training. I was always welcomed and left the mat with new detail or technique. In two years it only got better. I am a member of Mass BJJ - Arlington now. The school is some 18 miles away from my home, but it's definitely worth the commute and I can't be happier with my choice.

Twenty years in, and after a substantial hiatus due to a job that wouldn't let me get to this…read morestudio in time for class, I'm back here. These instructors, and these classes, are fantastic. I love how everybody here is friendly, supportive - but also won't coddle you along if you're just stuck in a rut of self-pity. The beginner class is usually divided into four sections: 1. warm up, where you actually stretch out just about every part of your body. Great if you've been sitting at a desk all day. 2. basics, where you work on some basic aspect of kicking, punching, or stances. 3. forms, where you do what would be kata in standard karate; this is my favorite part. The class usually splits into several groups at this point, depending on experience. There's almost always at least one or two beginners in the back working on Long Fist I, so don't worry if you don't know what you're doing - you're not alone! 4. self-defense, where you work on drills to deal with things like wrist grabs, punches, and kicks. I have *used* these (alas) twice, and in both cases, the hours of drilling I did took over while my brain was locked up. Instructors Mark, Karen, and Jonathan are fantastic, and I was classmates with Instructors Melissa and Jason until I had to drop out. They're terrific people, and there is none of the "buy-a-belt, learn to master the soooper seeeekrit martial arts" vibe I've gotten from other dojos. You sweat, and you learn, and everybody's supportive of that. They are also supportive of the fact that people may come in with pre-existing conditions, and will not make you do the idiotic "push through the pain" thing when you're actually hurting yourself. (I've had teachers who did this, and am very grateful not to be putting up with that anymore.)

This is a fantastic place, and a wonderful community, both for kids and adults. The instructors are…read moreexcellent teachers, but what I love most is their commitment to each student. For adults, they meet you where you are in terms of fitness and knowledge, from absolute beginners to students who been practicing for years, and they then figure out how you can improve from there. For the kids, I have never seen a team of instructors invest such attention and care to every child in every class and then achieve success through positive encouragement. I've been a student myself for over ten years, as has my child, and I'm still learning and growing. Can't recommend highly enough!

During my glory days in Tae Kwon Do at age 12, I really loved the physical activity and stress…read morerelief that came with punching and kicking. So recently I've been looking to get back into martial arts. I found Oom Yung Doe on Yelp because of its great reviews and its proximity to my house. I'd never heard of this form of martial arts, but the website claimed I could take a complimentary introductory lesson. Why not? I called on Sunday afternoon and was signed up for a free class the next day at 8 PM. That was quick. Not knowing what to expect, I showed up to the small studio in workout clothes, looking very out of place among the robe-clad martial artists. I signed a liability waiver and was led into the practice room by the instructor, John. There were a few people practicing individually in the room with wooden swords and fans. I had no idea what they were doing, but they sure looked cool! Where were the other students in this introductory class though? John starts by explaining the many benefits of practicing Oom Yung Doe. It focuses on connecting the mind and the body. He used to have asthma and back pain, and now they're gone. It improves your strength, flexibility, and focus. With regular practice, people start excelling in other parts of their lives as well (high GPA,s promotions, the works). Sounds great! Turns out I'm the only one in the class. Unexpected, to say the least. And pretty intimidating. But John was very supportive and great as leading and explaining each movement. We started out with some breathing excercises, then moved to some strength and flexibility movements, punches and kicks, holding positions, and finished with some self defense training. At the end, he did two full forms, a beginner and a dragon form, to demonstrate what you will work toward. He's been practicing for 7 years so is very committed and pretty incredible at it. The entire lesson took almost an hour, and it was completely free. The individual attention and professionalism was so impressive. From experiencing this class, I'm wondering if this form of martial arts is for me. I'm definitely lacking some of the strength, focus, and flexibility required, but I'm sure those are all things you work toward. I'm also not sure I'd be able to work it into my schedule, as John told me that they encourage people to come at least 3 times a week in order to improve. The introductory month is $150, which includes 3 private lessons and unlimited classes at the studio afterward. I liked seeing the space, learning more about the practice, and witnessing the personal connections the instructor has with the others practicing. It seems like a great environment to try something new and improve your physical and emotional well-being. I very much enjoyed the introduction and encourage anyone to try it out. What do you have to lose? (Except maybe your dignity.. if you care about looking like an idiot as you tremble trying to hold difficult positions or unsuccessfully fend off a fake attacker.)

Starting training in traditional martial arts is the best thing i've done for myself. The…read moreinstructors here are patient, knowledgable, and warm. Movements are challenging but results are almost immediate, no doubt there was a huge improvement by the end of one month. Just like all exercise , consistency is key and instructors are good at reminding you of this without being intrusive or self promoting. This place makes me feel i belong there and i am so glad i've brought it into my life

Outstanding program for young kids my grandaughter Ariella loves it she is 7 and just earnt her…read morepurple belt .The trainers are professional patient and caring ,fantastic all round highly recommend it.

I visited almost a dozen martial arts schools before committing to North Shore Martial Arts. Having…read moredone martial arts for most of my life, I was pretty picky about the school I was going to start at after moving to the area. NSMA is, without a doubt, the finest institution for martial arts study in the greater area. The quality of instruction is not only very high, but also varied. The different instructors add depth and breadth into the curriculum and the students themselves add to the wonderful martial arts community. Come for the instruction, stay for the people.

Rising Storm Training Academy is a wonderful place for kids to learn the art of Martial Arts. Newly…read moreopened and offering great session times for working parents! Nathan, the head instructor and owner, has a real skill for teaching and engaging kids that can lose focus. The rates are very reasonable to. He offeres a free introductory lesson to try out. My son is having a super time and learning the art so quickly directly because of Nathans teaching.

From the owner: We are a full time Martial Art School…read more Offering professional instruction in Rising Storm Kempo Karate. This program teaches traditional techniques along with kid safe awareness. A big draw to our Academy is the fact that we incorporate ground defenses in our training as well. This is taught through fun and exciting exercises for kids, teens, and adults. The instructor was also nominated into the World Martial Art Federation 2010 Hall Of Fame for "Outstanding Youth Instruction."

I have been a student of Master Zhang for nearly 10 years. I have really embraced TaiChi and would…read morelike to truly master Xinyi and inner spiritual health. He provides not only context and authenticity to his teaching, he adjusts his teaching to the needs of his students. So whether you are just trying out martial arts for health, or looking to truly become a master, Master Zhang has the skill, patience and aptitude to guide you in your martial arts journey.

I have been studying tai chi with Huan for almost four years. He teaches the traditional Yang…read moreStyle (85 movements) as opposed to the shorter forms that are around today. Because tai chi is a martial art, Huan teaches applications also. This is something that is not always taught to the beginning student of tai chi. Huan learned from masters in China. He is part of the wonderful lineage of this moving form of meditation. Stop by and see how tai chi can change your health.