I've had the distinct pleasure of training with Gene Smithson of Austin Systema and Tai Chi Chuan…read morefor over 5 years now. There are a lot of martial artists and a lot of martial arts schools in Austin and specifically in Northwest Austin. But among all that I have ever encountered, Gene is unique. He's a straight shooter, telling you exactly what he thinks. He's kind, patient and amazingly perceptive, but he's also not afraid to push you (and himself) to reach our full potential. He holds several black belts in different styles of karate but also has extensive experience in Jujitsu, aikido, Tai Chi and Qigong, just to name a few. But where the magic really happens is with the Systema component of his martial arts school. Systema is a Russian Martial Art and compared to most is very free-form, very free and incorporates very healthy movement and breath work while focusing on maximum efficiency while using the least amount of tension possible. Many martial arts are destructive to the body over time whereas I'm convinced Systema is improving my body as I age (I'm 53). I've worked with a number of martial arts teachers over the years and I've never encountered anyone quite like Gene; he's truly one of a kind. If you are looking for classes for yourself of your child (he takes kids as young as 8) and you are looking for martial arts classes in Northwest Austin, I would look no further than Austin Systema.

Austin Systema & Taiji is a rare find. I've been involved in martial arts all of my life. I've…read moretrained in about 5 different styles. This school is the perfect combination of incredible martial arts and a wise and talented teacher. Systema is unlike any art I've studied. There are basically almost no actual techniques. Instead, we focus on breath, relaxation, posture and spontaneous movement. We learn to respond naturally to whatever threat is present but, more importantly, how to respond naturally in our lives. Systema is more than a martial art, it's a way of of life. Taiji (or "tai chi") is a beautiful and graceful art that creates incredible peace in the body and mind. It's a perfect compliment to systema. Also available is Brazilian jiu-jitsu for those interested in the grappling arts. Again, a great compliment to systema training. Oh... And on Wednesday evenings there's even a breathing, stretching and massage class! All classes are included for everyone. Come to as many or as few as you like. Lastly, Gene Smithson, the instructor for all classes, is the reason that all of this works so well. He is a deeply dedicated teacher for both adults and children. His patience with each student at whatever level they're at allows us to advance quickly as a group. Everyone that comes consistently has improved greatly in the time I've been training. I've been to a lot of martial arts schools over the past 40 years and this school has my highest recommendation.

Finding a place where your child feels comfortable, supported, and excited to learn is…read morepriceless--and that's exactly what we found here! The instructors were so patient with him and gave him the space to open up while gently encouraging him along the way. Seeing the difference now is amazing--he looks forward to every class and comes home so proud of himself! What I love most is that they're not just teaching Tae Kwon Do. They're helping the kids build confidence, discipline, respect, focus, and good habits in such a positive and encouraging environment. The instructors truly care about the kids, and it shows in everything they do. We're so happy we found this place!

First the good:…read more Master Yang and Master Higgins are outstanding instructors! They obviously have a love for Tae Kwon Do and for teaching in general. You and/or your child will likely learn a lot under their teaching. They will dedicate time to you and/or your child to help you along in the process. Now, for the disappointing: When you sign up, it appears you are signing a contract, which is completely understandable. As it turns out, not only are you signing a contract, you are applying for a loan, which will go on your credit report. Keep this in mind, as signing up (unless you are paying cash for everything up front) will likely impact your credit report, as it did ours.

I've been a member of Fighting Fit / Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do for nearly two years, and I can…read morehonestly say that joining this gym was the best decision I made upon moving to Austin. I've always loved training in martial arts because it's a great way to get in an excellent workout all while focusing on continuous self-improvement, but I never imagined how much I would enjoy the community-focused gym environment at Fighting Fit. The coaches and fellow students are some of the friendliest and most welcoming people you'll ever meet, and there's something for everyone. For those wanting to meet their fitness goals and live healthier lives, the Fitness Kickboxing and Boot Camp classes are a fantastic workout, and the gym has a really active private Facebook group and frequently holds team challenges and other fun activities to keep you engaged and feeling like a part of the community. Coach Forrest and Coach Sarah even offer nutrition coaching to fully round out their holistic approach to helping members meet their health and fitness goals. Those interested in advancing their martial arts skills should also feel right at home. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy the Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. I highly recommend checking them out no matter your previous experience -- the coaches and other students will work with you at your skill level, and you may even decide to start training for competition like some of our members. Learning from Coach Corey has been the highlight of my year, and I've genuinely loved going to class to learn and practice techniques with my fellow classmates (as well as to spar with the more advanced students). While I'm moving out of state and unfortunately can't pack up the gym and all its members in a box to take with me when I go, I will never forget my Fighting Fit family! I highly recommend this gym for anyone looking for a new one to call their own.

Can't get out the house? Dont live in Austin TX? Need guidance from people who really care?…read more Sifu (Teacher) Forrest of Austin Impact Jeet Kune Do invited me to a scheduled Zoom meeting this morning to learn about their "smartly" developed "1 Year "Athletic Muscle" Roadmap" program. I must say I am very excited about joining this well thought out and scientific based commitment to bring me personally back to my goals of desired weight, speed, functionality of my younger years. This not a hype program where one ends up in traction after 2 weeks. It is designed to start you on a path that is comparable to your commitment. I would suggest that everyone with a weight loss and workout dream, that has been shot down by life's twist and turns, get on Sifu Forrest's next call. You will be impressed by this functional and life changing plan to get literally moving from the darkness wanting, back to the light of having. https://www.austinimpactjkd.com/ https://www.facebook.com/AustinImpactJKD

My daughter started at HK Taekwondo as a Tiger (5 years old) and over the last five years has…read moreearned her Red Belt. HK Taekwondo has been the one to take her through this entire journey so close to reaching the top. HK Taekwondo is probably the best experience I've not only had with a martial arts studio, is has been and still remains one of the best family owned businesses I've ever had experiences with. Master Kim and his Teachers are firm, consistent, teach discipline but not through aggression or anger rather sternness and firmness at a level the child can comprehend and understand. I believe this is why over the last five years, I have seen other kids also grow up in the same program. If you want to start this journey as adult or with your child I very much highly recommend this school. PS - I also know this school follows guidelines and teaching standards for a path to the Olympics.

Most of the high reviews are from years ago…read more Master Kim, the owner, is missing and rarely interacts with students. The instructors are hit or miss. If you get one of the 2 that actually teach they have different approaches that contradict each other. A 3rd teacher is a student that has no business teaching. He has no leadership ability and the students have no respect for him. At one point in 2022 their main instructor at the time went on vacation and then was out sick for an extended time. During that time, the owner, master Kim was still no where to be found and the classes were taught by students. When the instructor came back most of the classes were a disobedient mess. No one was prepared for that round of testing so they had the students repeat the previous test since they went 2 months without learning anything. When you look at the calendar it is packed with classes, but that is not up to date. They teach multiple experience levels at the same time in a relatively tiny studio. There is no common space, for parents, gear, backpacks or shoes. Just a narrow walkway with a row of benches right off the mat. Students get close enough to hit spectators. Kids are stacked too close to each other and run into each other while practicing forms. There is so much confusion about which class is at each time, you almost always end up with lower belts in the advanced class. They take 30 minutes to warmup, split into groups, maybe do 5-10 minutes of Taekwondo, and then spend the last 15 minutes of class playing a kids game like tag or jump rope. The week before each test they realize how under prepared most students are and suddenly get serious. They need everyone to sign up for the test because it is a revenue generator. You get to the test, where master Kim makes an appearance. His rambling and confusing comments drag the event beyond the expected time, usually running an hour late for 1 hour time blocks. The test devolves into him referring to everyone as "you" since he doesn't know any of his students names. He starts teaching a class during the test. It is really more judgement on the poor quality of instructors rather than the students trying to pass. The parents sit there asking themselves where this level of instruction has been the prior 3 months. Ultimately the students try multiple times, take breaks to have 1 on 1 training sessions before they try again. Eventually after enough attempts most of them pass. I wrote this review while sitting at a belt test, watching multiple students fail even though they required a testing form to be signed in advance by an instructor, acknowledging they were ready. Master Kim determines if the kids pass the test, but the instructors somehow have no idea what his standards are. In the weeks leading up to the test, us and other families were requesting help on specific aspects of the test but the help provided by the instructor (who is actually a student on the performance team) was minimal and provided no constructive feedback. Over half of the students failed and the owner told those families that he would personally guarantee to work with them for 2 weeks and they would retest and pass. From Friday to Tuesday master Kim forgot about the promise he made. It turned into assigning a different instructor to work with them which turned into students (who were not instructors or black belts) working with the kids for about 15 minutes in one of the classes. The most frustrating part of the re-test was an instructor telling the kids if they worked "this hard" before the original test they would have passed the first time. Absolutely disconnected, if the instructors were consistent every class, rather than just the week before a test, their students would have actually been prepared. But keep letting the kids run around playing tag with pool noodles.

I have experiences with other gyms, both as 'home' gyms and as a visitor. My focus is on Gi…read morejiu-jitsu and while the schedule here is geared more towards the No-gi side, the quality of instruction is very high. The classes I've attended the most are the morning classes Professor Davis definitely has a lot of high level moves and concepts but breaks it down so that it's scaffolded to all levels. He's literally said 'you can stop here if you're comfortable.' He's also very accessible, both as an instructor and just as a human being. There isn't a rigid formality here so if you have a question or are frankly, lost like I frequently am you can just stop and ask for help without being afraid of being 'that guy.' I had to pause due to surgery/recuperating and it was as easy pausing my billing and being told if I needed more time to just let them know. I'm looking forward to get back on the mats and start training again-where I'm definitely going to have to ask a lot of questions.

Hand down one of the best BJJ gyms I've been a part of. Very friendly environment and encouraging…read more Plus Professor Davis is a legend. He's excellent at breaking down moves and explaining how everything fits together. The facility is very nice as well. There's a shower and the mats are very clean too! Pro Tip: Come to the 7 am class. It's less crowded and the training partners are great. See you in the mat! 10/10 Gis

Still a solid 5star place for kids JiuJitsu!! My son has…read morebeen going to johns gym from past 4ish+ years, and we absolutely love it. As any other parents would want, we too wanted a best coach for our kid, and James is the coach for kids jiu jitsu, and we couldn't ask anyone else other than him to be our kids coach, he genuinely cares for each and every student, he's % unbiased, and somehow manages to give each and every kid his attention/time, he's very passionate and knowledgeable about what he teaches. Kylie is the one who sits at the front desk, she's super nice, friendly, welcoming and attentive. Overall, if you're looking for a jiu jitsu coaching for your kid, look no further, give it a try!!

Unexpected fee after cancellation + refund refused…read more We enrolled our son, Talen, at Johns Gym in Austin and withdrew/cancelled his membership in April as a result of a blood clot and condition that does not allow him to box anymore. After the cancellation, we were still charged an additional fee. We contacted the gym right away to request a refund, but we were told we missed the reimbursement/refund window, so a refund would not be provided. I understand businesses have policies, but this felt frustrating and unfair given that we had already withdrawn him. I'm leaving this review so other families clearly understand the billing and refund timelines before signing up. I'd appreciate the gym revisiting this situation and making it right.

I recently enrolled my 3.5 yr old in the Little Champion's class. Classes usually include 5-6 yr…read moreolds, depending on focus, they can be younger. My daughter really enjoys her classes and I like the fact that they are only about 30 minutes long. I like Mr. and Mrs. Miller. The seem very family-oriented. They hold various classes on different days of week. This offers you the chance to attend numerous times a week. I think you get your money's worth this way. I also like the values they teach the children. Never use your TKD to start trouble, have a big heart, never give up.....I am a fan!

Apparently they can't rely on their core business of providing real value for money as they want to…read morecontinue to charge for months following cancelation and have hired people specifically to fight for this unearned income. Beware.

Jason Claunch is an awesome instructor! He is easy going, extremely informative and will help you…read morealong any stage you are in your personal BJJ journey, whether it is just beginning, or you are trying to push yourself to the next level. He gives you great feedback, and is always available for student questions. The school itself has Jason as the head instructor, and we have one additional black belt instructor, and one brown belt instructor. You will always have awesome instruction from high level people, and there is a wide range of student skill if you are looking for somewhere that has a lot of different levels to train with. Everyone is laid back, no drama, beginner friendly, and you'll have a ton of fun. We even have a class on Sundays if you are busy and cannot make it to many classes during the week whether it is because of work or school.

Awesome group here, black AND brown belt that have all the knowledge you need for a great class…read more The classes feel very safe, no "tough guys" or big egos. I've learned a lot and I'll definitely keep going here as long as I live in Texas. First class is free- it was really comfortable since they were so friendly.