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.

Best karate class I've seen! The instructors are students themselves and under the instruction of…read moretheir respected teacher Rocky, they pass knowledge on. The environment is welcoming and everyone has a place. Parents are allowed to be spectators, fresh coffee is brewing and a table full of communal healthy treats are present for all. I love it...

Prof. Rocky DiRico is an amazing, gifted instructor, as is his son, Sensei Chris DiRico. My…read moresix-year-old son has responded to both instructors and it has done wonders for his self-confidence (we are still working on self-control). I can't say enough good things about this school. The instructors are positive and spend time both on physical awareness and forms as well as having a responsible, respectable character. The classes are set up in such a way that the lower belts learn from the higher belts and everyone develops respect for each other. My son is eager to attend his classes each week.

I cannot recommend Sifu Sean enough, he truly is a gem. He has a rare gift for earning the respect…read moreof every student while remaining playful, kind, and grounded, all while weaving in discipline, physical fitness, and meaningful life lessons that go far beyond the classroom. My 8-year-old son has completely transformed after just six months of attending once a week. He is noticeably more confident, more aware of others, and far more respectful toward his teachers. What makes it even more remarkable is that he started out very hesitant, but now looks forward to every class and stays fully engaged from start to finish. Thank you, Sifu Sean, for the incredible impact you've had on him.

Sifu Sean is an amazing instructor and he cares deeply about his students and the community. My…read moreson was diagnosed with ADHD and we had a difficult time finding a martial arts instructor that could hold his attention. Sean was able to capture my son's attention and focus with his relentless energy and willingness to never let anything "slide." Bc of Eight Animal my son is more confident and much more aware of his surroundings. Thank you, Sifu Sean for all your hard work!

I started attending classes at Zhen Ren Chuan a few months ago and what a wonderful place it is to…read morelearn, grow and live. Instructor Charles is a fantastic teacher and is very intelligent. He constantly looks to explain things in different ways to aid your development and understanding while catering to the individual. He is conscious of both physical and mental abilities, injuries, capabilities, and real life circumstances. Instructor Charles looks to use these things to push you, to help you grow, to challenge you and make you look inward. Instructor Charles brings a passion to his teaching which is contagious and joyful. It is evident in both the adult classes and the junior / child classes. You see the passion in his face, in his demeanor and how he holds himself. He genuinely loves and lives what he does and what he teaches. I have never left a class with a feeling other than calm, happy or tired (expect some classes to be challenging physically while others challenge you in a different way, a more mental challenge). The classes are very good at accommodating multiple skill levels of individual. Often times you will see the assistant instructors and black belts working on one form, the intermediate students working on another and the beginners learning their first. There is truly a wide variety of people who attend the classes. Men, women, old, young, big, small... this is a welcome and wonderful place to develop ones physical and spiritual lives. My only real regret is I cannot attend as frequently as I would like. If you are considering martial arts schools in the area, you would be hard pressed to find or do better than the Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts Center.

Our children had the privilege of taking lessons at this martial arts school under the guidance of…read moreCharles, and we could not be more grateful for the experience. Beyond learning valuable self-defense skills, our kids gained lifelong virtues such as respect, self-sufficiency, discipline, listening to parents, and common sense. Charles is not only an outstanding martial arts instructor but also a man of great humanity. His dedication and positive influence have left a lasting mark on our children's lives, shaping them into stronger and more responsible individuals. We wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent who wants their child to grow in both skill and character. Thank you, Charles, for everything you have done for our family.

We have been going to Sarah's School since our son was in "Little Dragons" - the youngest class for…read morethree year olds and up. I loved how Sarah is with the children. She brings them out of their shell, and through play, engages them in learning. With the newest teacher Sensei Josei teaching each class as well, there is lots of personal attention and the kids are learning a lot of karate, but there is still always one game for each class as well as the "gathering time" where they talk about the monthly theme (like "How can I be kind?" and "How can I help my parents?". The other students are friendly and kind people, probably in part because they take these classes. The only complaint I have is that I can't figure out the system for advancement. I would like to use it to motivate my child. For example, if it is based on a series of movements, I could encourage him to practice his kata, take a video of it, work together at home. Or is it based on time spent? or is based on mastering certain other things? I don't think it should be easy to advance, but I'd like to know what the child has to achieve in order to do so. Overall, rules in general are hard to figure out (for parents). I have to rely on my child to tell me what he needs to do and not do. I guess this is an exercise of letting go and letting my kid do it without me pushing or helping. But overall the whole atmosphere is so warm and so stress-free that I think that is OK. Some other schools may be more "hardcore" about everything, but here, the children are really nurtured and I love that it's about the whole picture - not just cultivating a physical prowess but about cultivating one's spirit as well.

We haven't attended any other karate classes in the area but come from Watertown each Saturday…read moremorning for my 6 year old daughter to attend. Sarah, Isaac, and Adam are very patient and knowledgeable. It is great in the winter when kids need to let out energy. We have struggled with listening / attentiveness in the past (gymnastics etc) but the skills she is learning in the class, and team sportsmanship, seem to alleviating some of these issues.

BMAC doesn't do a ton of marketing, but make no mistake, this is the place to train Jiu Jitsu if…read moreyou live in in the area. Several factors make BMAC stand out: -Every single person there, your training parters, are all simply awesome people. Everyone is there to help everyone else learn. There is zero ego at this gym, which is pretty rare. It's an extremely positive environment, while still being high intensity. That culture is set by Sensei Marcelo and Sensei Alex, and that permeates the gym. Whether you've been grappling for decades, or you've never stepped on the mat before, you will be welcomed at this gym if you have a good attitude. -The instruction is top notch. Sensei Marcelo is a life long martial artist. He's committed his entire life to the study of the martial arts, and decades in jiu-jitsu. You won't find a more experienced teacher in the area. His philosophy is holistic. Meaning, he doesn't simply teach for "competition rules," he also teaches the original point of jiu-jitsu, self defense. -There is more than Jiu-Jitsu. There is Muay-Thai as well, and a fitness area with rings, kettlebells, ropes, etc. The place has it all. Can't say enough good things about BMAC. It has everything: Gi, No-Gi, Muay Thai, great teachers, and great people, and an attitude of respect permeates the entire gym. Just don't expect fancy amenities like some fancy corporate gym. People come here to TRAIN, push themselves, and get better. It's not a fancy spot, but it's *the* spot if you have a great attitude and you want to find out what you're capable of.

Really enjoy training at this academy. I wanted a school with a welcoming environment rather than a…read moremacho vibe, and this place delivered. The people are genuinely kind, supportive, and ego-free, with a wide mix of students. I've been training here for the past two years and learned a lot!

Frank is a fitness genius. Five months ago, I started a two day per week program with him. Frank…read moreidentified my physical weaknesses and strengths. His analysis and solutions were right on the mark. The improvement was fast. The workouts are fun, address all parts of the body, and are surprisingly easy. If you want to see a big change in your athletic capabilities in a short period of time, go to Tokyo Joe's. M.

I came back in February to get my body back into shape. This place is perfect for total body…read moreworkout. Also this might be the only CrossFit that includes kick boxing. The kickboxing is the most fun I have while working out but it will also include weights and cardio. I recommend this to anyone at any level of fitness who wants to try CrossFit at a reasonable price. You will not find a better studio anywhere else.

Amazing school and instructors! I would recommend this martial arts school for anyone who wants…read morefitness, discipline, confidence or to learn how to protect yourself! These guys are great!

I have been going to the adult classes at the Union Square (Somerville) location for two years now…read more When I started, I knew I wanted to do some sort of self-defense (I am a woman and go out a lot alone) but I didn't want it to be militaristic in style. This dojo isn't. It's friendly and welcoming to all skill levels, and other students have moved there to escape the mitaristic style at other schools and have liked it at Villari's much more. Master Brad is friendly and kind and very knowledgeable, and he is good at making sure all skill levels get something out of the class. You can go up to two or three times a week for the same monthly fee, and they offer special seminars and tournaments as well if you're interested in that. Now a couple of years in, I feel that a lot of the techniques/my reactions are becoming automated, which is exactly what I wanted. Also, Reliable Market is just below for after-karate snacks!

Great Karate dojo (Burlington location) run by Grand Master Steve Nugent, who teaches discipline…read moreand respect to both kids and adults with a perfect approach. Excellent mix of starring and techniques during classes. I'm a regular student since Sept 2017

I was looking for a martial arts school for my 5 year old. I found Steve Nugent's Karate Institute…read moreonline and it seemed an interesting approach, at least from their description there. I tried to sign for a class in Cambridge, but I could not do it online since they had not updated their website to include Cambridge. I called and left a message. I received a call two days later from Steve who said that I could show up at their Cambridge location at 1640 Cambridge St on Sat @ 9.30, and take a look at the class and If we liked it I could register. I showed up there, but I was not allowed to enter in the building because Steve needed to call them first and let them know about any new students or visitors. I called Steve and left a message again explaining the situation. He never called back. I would call this at least irresponsible behavior, especially if you are the owner of a business.