This is by FAR the best place for anyone looking to learn martial arts. My son started when he was…read more3 years old (they have since changed the minimum age requirement) and now is getting ready to test for his black belt at almost 11 years old. He went from white to black in the little lions program and then white to (soon) black in the junior program. I have nothing but amazing things to say. The instructors really care about the kids. They don't just know their names, they know their interests, personalities, siblings names, friends. They take the time to really knew each student. They do not push kids through the belt levels either. They make sure each child is really ready to move up before they invite them to promotion testing. My son has ADHD and really struggled especially when he was little. My husband and I agree that a major reason our son is now disciplined, respectful, and can focus better is because of Master Yang's. I even tried Krav Maga and made some great friendships during my brief time in class. Pregnancy and knee surgery kept me from going back but my son continues in their taekwondo program. This studio is more than just a place to learn martial arts, it's a place that teaches a lifestyle, character development and perseverance. Master Yang's quickly became like a home to us and we have loved every minute of our experience. I am beyond thrilled that my son wants to continue beyond his black belt at Master Yang's because I could not bear the thought of leaving our 2nd home. I strongly encourage anyone considering martial arts for themselves or their child to give Master Yang's a call. You will not be disappointed.

Any Martial Arts is a great activity for young and old. Here's where the problem lies with this…read morecompany. You get talked into a 4-7 year contract, with no way out except for injury. So if you or your child decide at any time that this activity is not for you, Too Bad! U still are responsible for that bill for the next 4-7 years rather you're in class or not. OK, I get that this is a contract and you have to pay your bills. What I don't get, is that Master Yang claims to b about community. When I spoke to his Director Ashley, about my financial problems that I started having, she just nodded me to death, said she understood. As I had to leave the class indefinitely because my electric was getting disconnected, numerous car repairs, and well, just a lot of life hitting me at once. This company does not care if u will b without heat, a vehicle, a job or anything else that makes it a lil easier to get thru life. They want their money, even if you're homeless. They hold one charity event a year n claim to b about community. But yet, they can watch a member of their community fall, n proceed to burden them even more financially by sending a 4000.00 bill every month with a 20.00 late fee added every month. I should mention, joining this class is what contributed to my financial problems. As they convince you that u can not proceed in class without certain equipment, or u need certain equipment, or they're changing the uniform. They want u to buy, buy, buy every month there's something else u have to have for class. If u r not fully buying whatever n whenever they tell u, than u can't participate in class. They help u get into a finacial hole, but don't help u get out. I'm not asking for charity, I'm not even asking for food that I have little of to feed my family. I have no school stuff for my middle schooler, n they want me to pay a now over 4000.00 bill eventhough I've been trying to get out of this contract since April. It just goes to show, business is business, when it comes to money. Even to the people that claim to b there for community. I would just say, if your gonna join any Martial Arts, don't sign a contract, because they will not let u out of it unless your dying, n that's questionable.

Extremely friendly staff and masters. Very helpful to beginners. Many senior rank judokas to…read morepractice against. All ages from 7 to 70 are present at the classes. Relaxed environment but still in keeping with the discipline and respect that comes from judo. Much of what I have experienced is a "learn by doing" atmosphere, which I personally find extremely helpful. However, all of the senior ranks are willing to step out of randori (free practice) and show you a specific technique if you ask. Even while practicing with a senior rank, I have asked to stop and be shown a technique and they have happily helped me. All of the instructors are registered with The Kodokan Institute in Tokyo, Japan and it shows. Not as focused on competition as some schools and clubs, but there are members who compete. It is a small school and there are really just, changing rooms, an office of sorts, and the mats to practice on. Not a very flashy place, but it is made up for in the welcoming environment and great teaching. Pricing is good ($80 a month) which is competitive for any other school in the area. Judogi are available at the school until you buy your own, which you can do through them. At the time of my joining they offer two free lessons (no commitment) and 1 month free if you join the club. They also offer membership with USJA (United States Judo Association) wich is a national dues fee of $50, but will keep you on record as a judoka and keep a record of ranks earned. Practices are held three times a week so there is plenty of time to fit it into your schedule. I am a PhD student at RPI and I still have been able to find time to make it over at least once a week. A kata class is held on fridays for senior ranks as well. Go. Its worth a look if you are even remotely interested in Judo. The friendly staff is wonderful with kids, and the professionalism and level of skill from the masters is worth the time of anyone wanting to learn more about the sport.

I went in there to check it out, as I am a martial artist who is interested in becoming more…read morewell-rounded and am open to learning styles different than my own. During the course of the conversation, the master asked me if I had any martial arts experience. I answered yes. He continued to ask questions; I would have preferred to keep it to myself, however, I answered him. It came out that I am a 4th degree black belt. He found out that I had "only" been training for 15 years, and he wasn't even polite enough to attempt to hide his shock or disgust, even when I explained the belt progression timeline of my martial art to him. His disdain for a martial art that wasn't judo was palpable. Just because a belt system is faster doesn't mean that it's inferior, and as fellow martial artists, we should be attempting to treat one another's arts with respect, or be open to learning about them and their differences. The kicker was when he was explaining the schedule to me, and said, "You can join in tonight if you'd like. Oh wait. A lot of the guys come in on [this night of the week]. You probably wouldn't want to train with them." This was said in a patronizing, condescending tone. Basically, he was assuming a female martial artist wouldn't want to train with men. I can only hope that he doesn't treat all female students at the dojo with such disrespect. While it may be a great environment to train and learn judo, if this master was any indication of the values and tenets they teach to their students, then I'd give it a hard pass and find a place that teaches courtesy and respect to ALL (not just people who agree with us), as well as teaching in a way that promotes both physical and mental strength for women.

Fantastic Kukkiwon certified family of schools. Great atmosphere for adult classes and children's…read moreclasses alike. Many students and instructors are generational, meaning either their parents or their children have also attended. The grandmaster of the Albany schools is a 9th dan that is currently sitting as a vice president of the Kukkiwon NYS branch. I have trained here since 2014 and could not recommend the Pai's community more.

my kids love do tkd and want to get the black belt and the instructors are so good to my childrenread more

Every child should be enrolled. Best investment ever ! Our experience has been amazing.read more

Former military. Please stay away from Pai's Academy of Taekwondo. My son's have been attending…read moreclasses there for about a year now. First, they will nickle and dime you to death. We were just charged $200 (they wanted to charge us $400) for not giving them a 60 day notice that we wouldn't be continuing with their program. After our kids tested for their yellow belts, the instructors pulled everyone aside and lugged out bags of sparring equipment that were $220 per kid. They didn't ask or preface that. We didnt appreciate that at all. Our kids are into taekwondo, but there are other places around. We'll find a place that cares more about martial arts than money.

This place is awesome. If you want to really learn self-defense...like REALLY learn it....try some…read moreof the Krav classes. Instructors are friendly, knowledgable and badass (in a good way). Krav Maga is not a "pretty" martial art...it's practical. It's an Israeli system that focuses on street fighting skills and realistic, life-threatening situations (which you certainly hope to never be in). They also have fitness classes that focus less on the self defense and more on getting in shape. Either way, if you're a regular here, you'll get in shape. There are plenty of classes to choose from so any schedule can be accommodated.

I trained here across an entire summer and boy did I go through a transformation. Marc's 12-week…read moreHIIT program truly makes you stronger and physically feel great. This is not like all the CrossFit hype and gimmicky gyms out there, this is pure physical improvement, strength and preparation. The group training classes are energetic and can be very challenging if you push yourself, but the beauty of the workout is that you can take any of the exercises at your own pace. I loved that people of all physical levels can be in the same class and really get a great workout. Additionally, their Krav Maga self-defense offering is the best upstate NY has to offer. Marc D. is a former Army Ranger and has been training law enforcement, athletes and people of all ages for a very long time. He truly is an expert in his craft, not to mention quite a funny, personable guy. Their active shooter training program over the summer with the Saratoga County Sherrif's department was incredibly informative and I obtained many helpful tips that I can quickly apply in a life-or-death situation. If you want to transform your body, as well as, learn the best self-defense training out there (i.e. Krav Maga), definitely check out K2Strong. Russ and Marc are genuine local businessmen who provide a great service and are building a quality community. It's a breath of fresh air from the Planet Fitness and Crunch gyms that are so ubiquitous upstate NY.

Kirby did not stop payment on my credit card. I had to cancel my card . I told them numerous times…read moreto discontinue payment.

I have only a small amount of experience with this gym from a class back in 2014... but that…read morelimited experience was extremely positive, and were distance not a factor, it would have encouraged me to continue training there instead of finding something else more local. The instructors are extremely friendly and encouraging, and the schedule is pretty accommodating for most people. I enjoyed that there was open mat time after class, which is a very major part of learning bjj, and I felt welcomed from the moment I walked in the door. The class I attended was gi. I can't comment on whether no-gi is offered. The listed cost is about the same you'll encounter at any other gym, so there should be no surprises there. As with most gyms, EFJJ offers a free class to try them out and get a feel for the people and environment. Looking at their website, I guess they're also doing a 2-week-free promotion right now, which is fairly generous. I would encourage anyone getting into bjj for the first time to try a couple gyms and pick one that suits your learning style. EFJJ would be up there on my list of places to try out.

My only regret is that I did not start taking classes here sooner! :(…read more I have been wanting to try aerial yoga for a long time but kept putting it off because I was not sure if it was for me and if I would be able to keep up with the class. When I finally decided to give it a try I bought the intro package of 4 classes (2 regular and 2 aerial). I took 2 Forrest Yoga classes with Camille and absolutely loved them (however, I did decide to stick to the original plan and continue on with aerial yoga classes only)! I took one beginners aerial yoga class and then an aerial strength TRX class and realized that I totally can keep up with the class and it soon became one of my favorite work-outs! Being in the area on weekends only, I try to always make it a priority to take Jessica's aerial yoga core strength class and Meg's aerial barre class. Both Jessica and Meg are absolutely amazing at what they do and passionate about it. Jessica takes the time to make sure every member of the class feels comfortable with everything we do involving the aerial swing. I always feel like the class is a great mix of core work and some relaxation moments (the inversion at the beginning and end of class and the peppermint pillow at the end :) ). Meg's upbeat personality always makes the class a joy to be in! Meg focuses a lot on posture while working on core as well. You may not feel like you are doing a lot in the moment throughout small movements, but you are sure to feel it afterwards! I have also taken one class with Audrey, who was subbing one morning and LOVED it. I got an AMAZING core workout and only wish I had the opportunity to make it to more of her classes! I highly recommend taking classes at Good Karma! The instructors and classes are amazing and the price is totally reasonable! It is also super easy to sign up for classes using the MindBody app on your phone! :)

I came here with my friend to do a vinyasa class while in town. While I have no complaints about…read morethe instruction or the actual yoga, the atmosphere of this studio is very unusual. It's in a sort of industrial warehouse space. Very high ceilings and little sound proofing between the studios. While I was attending the class, I was really bothered by the amount of noise coming from a group of teenage girls who I think were doing aerial yoga in another studio. Really killed the vibe of the vinyasa class especially during the relaxation portion in the last 10 minutes. Also, this studio is very dog friendly, so folks with allergies please note this. Especially in the entry way, there were a couple dogs including one that appears to belong to the owners. Not sure I'd come back here which is not something I say lightly about a yoga studio.

My children have just started with Sensei JP & to say I'm impressed is an understatement. He's…read morepatient, calm, has a peaceful demeanor & is funny to boot. The dojo "has a great vibe" in my sons words & I can't wait to see how the kids learn to appreciate the art. Thank you, Sensei JP.

About the Dojo: This Dojo is great. About a year ago I was looking for a martial arts school in the…read morecapital region. My issue at first was that I could not find one that really seemed to take pride in the discipline. In other words, A lot of the places around here just want money and will have you sign long contracts and push "belts" at you. Saratoga Budo is not like that and I just pay monthly and train 3+ days a week. The other aspect I like is that this school is small, so we are all able to get training from a 3rd degree black belt, which does help our progression move along quickly. About the instructor: Sensei JP is extremely patient and understanding. I have been training with him for about a a year and I must say, it has been the best decision of my life. I have learned so much from him and his teaching style helps me strive to become the best. I have learned how to become more confident while also learning how to improve my spiritually as well. I sometimes make mistakes with how I approach a "move" but he never makes me feel like an idiot for not mastering it right away and is always able and willing to help. His teaching stye leaves open the opportunity to "self-learn". He does not force you to do things a certain way and allows you to figure out alternate ways to do things. Coming here is the best part of my week and I find myself constantly thinking about how I can improve and what I can learn. If you are looking for a jujutsu school I would recommend Saratoga Budo to anyone. You have nothing to lose. If I wasnt in grad school and didnt work full time, I would probably train more than I do. I came in not even knowing how to "roll". I progressed in such a short period of time all thanks to the masterful way Sensei teaches. 2019 update- still going strong. This place is still the best.