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!

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.

I do not recommend this gym for woman. To me, it felt like this environment revolves mostly around…read moreego and machismo, that's about it. It doesn't feel like they truly care about your progress. I believe male coaches here to be disrespectful toward female students. I feel that any concerns are dismissed. Although they promote themselves as a "women-friendly" space, based on my experience and what l've seen happen to other women here, I would not recommend this gym

Professor Hugo has created a true jiu jitsu community - over the years this place has become a…read moresecond home to myself and my daughter. Love the teaching style - no bs, just jiu jitsu. Train as hard or as light as you want. World class athletes with no ego. 617 is perfect for everyone - beginners, advanced, competitors, and kids. Positive attitude of this place is infectious. Osss!

I've been doing martial arts for 25 years now....and this place is the real deal. Bobby is second…read moregeneration student of Bruce Lee (via Richard Bustillo). No goons, no attitude, no "cardio kickboxing" at AMAC....just a bunch of good people training hard together and learning. Bobby focuses on the details, whether it's thai boxing, Filipino weapons, grappling, or Jeet Kun Do, the focus is on getting the basics right, this is the stuff that will keep you alive, in the ring, or on the street. As a bonus, this same expertise and effective teaching method applies to the kids classes too. Using praise and encouragement, he gets the kids to learn and have fun. After watching the kids class, I took my 10 year old son in for a trial. He loved it! I signed him up without hesitation. Now we train together at home! Highly recommend giving this place a try!

I've had a great time at the American martial arts gym. I've had fun training and doing special…read moredrills. It's fun to have a little game at the end. The instructor, Bobby, is very nice, always encouraging me and helps me out when I'm in a pickle. I've had a great time so far and hope you come and join us! -Student

Fantastic school! Extremely knowledgeable, detail oriented, nationally recognized 10th degree…read moregrand master instructor with primary focus on continuously learning and improving techniques and their practical application. Forms and katas, self defense, weapons training, and much more. I attended for almost a decade. It definitely changed my life. I highly recommend. Thanks so much Shihan Nesta!

I have studied Martial Arts at a number of different studies, and have had the opportunity to work…read morewith a number of different teachers from all over the US. Shihan Nesta is the real deal. He has decades of experience, and is recognized internationally as one of the best. He will take you through traditional training methods, as well as practical training. He has a great understanding of how to avoid injury, which makes your practice more of a lifetime endeavor. He is excellent with the little ones, as well as adults. He provides opportunities for kids to start to learn to teach, if they stick with it long enough. When my son wanted to learn martial arts, I used my experience to check out many local places. Many had issues of being too focused on tournaments, or promoting folks too easily, or not allowing for differently abled folks to be in the same class. I found Shihan's studio, and it was the perfect fit for my family. He is an excellent teacher.

This is my favorite yoga studio in the entire Boston area. I couldn't believe how spacious the…read morepractice space is!!! The teachers are so experienced and there is a lot to choose from, mostly Hot Power flows! So wonderful to feel that heat! The staff are so supportive and friendly and check in was very smooth.

THE GOOD: The…read moreteachers are mostly excellent (detailed, patient, and mindful of student's varying levels). The front desk staff is mostly helpful, cheerful, and welcoming. The studio is conveniently located near the Porter Square T stop and has plenty of nearby parking, making transportation easy. And, importantly, it's a judgement-free zone. If you need to modify your practice or take unscheduled breaks in class, no one will bat an eye. In fact, teachers encourage it. All great things. THE NOT SO GOOD: My first time at the studio, no one helped orient me to the space. I found myself asking dozens of questions, gradually annoying the front desk staff. I wish someone recognized I was new to Down Under and provided a brief tour. Down Under also seems to disregard the comfort of its students. Recently, the water fountain and upstairs bathroom in the studio were out of service. Only the basement bathroom had running water. For a hot yoga studio, providing access to water seems essential. But, during the water shutdown, the only option was to go to the basement and fill up your water bottle from the bathroom tap (which only dribbled lukewarm water). Worst of all, the water issue lasted for several days. The whole experience wasn't just inconvenient, it also felt callous of Down Under to not provide a basic thing like hydration. They could have offered bottled water (even for a fee) or put up a temporary water station with one of those large Gatorade jugs. But, no: the only option was lukewarm tap water from the dank basement bathroom. Every day I went to class, there were at least 2-3 students waiting impatiently (often dripping in sweat since the studio is regularly heated to 105 degrees) before and after practice. The Porter Square location is also just janky. I've heard staff describe it as "old school" or "vintage." These are euphemisms for what it really is: an aging space lacking amenities. I've been to the more modern and amenity-filled Down Under studios in Harvard Square and Central Square. Changing rooms, tiled private showers, pilates rooms, etc. exist at these other locations. In Porter Square? You'll have to change clothes in a curtained off area that barely provides privacy. I've had someone walk in on me while changing twice. More annoying is the fact that the changing rooms in the studio are often pitch dark. Since they are in the corner, little daylight reaches them and staff do not turn on the corner lights before or after class. So, you're stuck changing in the dark. With all the investments made in other studios, you'd think Down Under could upgrade basic things in Porter Square like changing spaces with latched doors. Nope. Yet another example of the studio's disregard of students' comfort. Still, I retain my monthly membership. Why? Well, I was initially drawn in when I read Down Under's website which proudly proclaims it is "America's Best Yoga, Pilates, and Fitness." I disagree. It's not America's best. It's just the least worst option in Cambridge.

A great studio with kind, conscientious, and helpful instructors that foster a sense of community…read more I liked that the classes were welcoming, available at a variety of times, and not too large. It was fun learning yoga and getting to meet and work out with wonderful people!

I worked here and at first I really liked it. As a fitness coach I never saw a raise which in my…read moreopinion is being cheap. if you want to keep good staff a raise is essentiAl. When a coach was out on vacation or sick the owners never wanted to teach classes in my opinion why open a gym then. I wanted to wear a mask do to Covid and one of the owners told me he didn't like me doing that. I enjoyed teaching and I liked the clients but I wouldn't recommend working here.

Incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable instructors. Well maintained dojo with showers and…read moreFREE PARKING! Classes 7 days a week, multiple times a day really accommodate busy schedules. One of, if not the best martial arts community in the area. If you want to learn Aikido, this is the place.

awesome dojo the place is non profit and totally non commercialized. its a place to learn and grow…read moreboth as a person as well as a student. Instructors are all great and friendly and donate their time. i strongly suggest you attend a class to see what its like. there is no pressure unlike some dojos where they try to "sell" you. this is simply a school where people who want to practice and learn aikido.