Took my 5- and 8-year-old to Six Blades Jiu Jitsu Nova for a free trial. The environment is…read moreno-nonsense and clearly built around serious training-- which as an Army veteran is something I personally respect and felt at home in, especially given the military-style banter. That said, I didn't find the tone ideal for younger kids. There was language and phrasing ("kick his ass!") that I didn't feel was appropriate for children, and I was disappointed by comments made toward boys being beaten by girls ("You'll walk home if you lose to a girl")--not exactly the message I want either of my kids internalizing. The instructors are absolutely skilled and committed, but they treat the kids like mini adults, which may work for some families, but not ours. We ended up going with another gym that's more youth-focused, closer to home, and offers more affordable memberships with military and family discounts. I think Six Blades would be great for adult students or older teens looking for high-level instruction, but it just wasn't the right fit for our young kids. Edited for further context: For further context, what the owner describes as "jovial" banter included quotes from coaches during the kids' training session: * "Kick his ass!" * "Whoop his ass!" * "You better not lose to a girl!" * "If you lose to a girl, you're walking home!" * "Pay attention, dammit!" "Banter" implies the kids could respond with witty comebacks--but what would they realistically say to grown men in a position of authority? They simply complied. That said, I truly appreciate the owner's openness to constructive feedback. It makes me feel more confident in my decision as a parent. For now, we'll stick with the more "budget" and kid-friendly option -- at least until my children are old enough to clap back at demeaning and misogynistic comments with confidence and humor that comes with maturity.

My son has been training at Six Blades three times a week for seven months. He's had the best…read moreexperience! The instructors are extremely skilled at jiu-jitsu and are natural teachers. The kids children's classes are full of super sweet kids and friendly parents. The community is very welcoming and I'm so grateful to have found it.

I am 27 and had never done karate before. I had always wanted to try it but was afraid I was to old…read moreand starting to late in life. I was wrong. Sensei Roberto is amazing teacher who is patient and understanding every step of the way. I not only learned technique but practical application to help me defend my self, if I ever needed to, in many different situation. Not only was Sensei Roberto fantastic but so where all the other students, always willing to take extra time to work with me. If you are new to karate I greatly recommend this dojo. If you have been doing karate for a while and are looking for a new dojo I still recommend this dojo. You get traditional Okinawan karate with a wonderful skilled instructor. I absolutely loved this dojo. I recently had to move which forced me to find a new dojo, other wise I would still be there!

Sensei Roberto is a great sensei, funny, and really care about his students. Love going to this…read moredojo, all the teachers and students are very friendly and always happy help lower rank students.

The quality of instruction, as outstanding as it is, is secondary to the quality of character of…read morethe family that teach there. Their consistent emotional investment in their students' development as whole people, not just martial artists, speaks to the sincerity of their efforts. There is an intentional culture of excellence throughout the school that is supported by encouragement tailored to the age and development of the students. Both of our children have been with the school for several years, even through covid and having to relocate. While we miss the luxury of training in person, the instructors went to great lengths to continue classes online, and have transitioned to a hybrid model with great success. We enthusiastically endorse Yong In, and would encourage anyone interested in training to take the time to meet the Lee family in person and let them prove us right.

(dictated by Sebastian who is 7 years old)…read more Fun before class because there're balls. And fun class. Good teacher because he teaches new stuff sometimes. I like it with two languages.

I have been training with Master Dyer for over a decade and cannot say enough about him as an…read moreinstructor or as a person. He has taught me, my wife, and both of our daughters. In the process we have all improved greatly physically and mentally. The principles you see come through on the studio's website are not just hyperbole. He lives the principles he teaches. He is an amazing martial artist but more than that he is an amazing teacher. He can break down the complicated into small practical applications and explain the "why" behind them. His personal training background is great for both someone looking to martial arts to improve mobility and fitness, but also to someone looking to understand why an old kung-fu form's supposedly impractical movement actually makes sense in the context of a fist fight. I would also like to add a personal note that I have made so many friends through martial arts. Most of the friends I have made as an adult have come through martial arts connections. If you train with Master Dyer you will improve in all aspects of your life. I have. And I hope you find the same community I have through martial arts.

From the owner: Martial Arts/ Tai Chi and Meditation classes in Springfield.read more

My son (9 years old) comes here four day a week for instruction. I'm constantly impressed by the…read moreinstruction he receives. The instructors are very consistent. The ratios are low. There is a seating area for the parents, if you choose to stay. They also have picnics for holidays. It gives the kids a chance to show off and there is a pot luck most of the time, too.

From the owner: taekwondo, fitness, lose weight, karate, after school program, fun activity, birthday partyread more

Aaron Mleziva is an awesome trainer. His experience and knowledge immediately makes you feel…read morecomfortable during his concealed carry training. That's a big deal when training with weapons. He doesn't tolerate carelessness and makes you respect the gun. He also created a training that was part book and part field training. I am extremely grateful to have had him as my trainer. Thank you for teaching me how to protect and challenge myself, while respecting the weapon. I recommend him to everyone! Especially women :)

Great experience overall, Aaron is an amazing instructor and taught my family and I a lot. I…read morecouldn't recommend his class enough!