They aren't kidding when they say things like "ego free" or friendly. Definitely want to sign up…read morewith them. Went with my teenage daughter and she was into it too. I'm glad they exist!

I highly recommend Lightning Hand Academy because they teach techniques that can be used for…read morepractical, real world self defense, it's a great workout, and the school has very good, supportive community feel. Full disclosure - I studied with Lightning Hand regularly from early 2016 until August 2017. In July 2017 I met someone in Washington, dated long distance, then moved so I wasn't able to make time for martial arts. I thought I had written a review for LHA 4 years ago and just found that I had not, so I figured late better than never! I was primarily interested in practical self defense and a good workout. I was afraid of making the mistake of "studying the wrong martial art". The Wing Chun approach seemed practical to me - techniques are all standing up, emphasis is on close range & punching technique, early techniques are very simple which makes them faster to cement into muscle memory. Wing Chun doesn't do high kicks, which are flashy but high risk and in my opinion unlikely to be used in a real life self defense situation (by the time you know someone intends to actually attack you, not just posturing, they are inside kicking distance). LHA's class approach creates a good training loop in my opinion - warm up, discuss ideas and theory, practice smaller skill subsets - agility or striking drills, then integrate smaller skills into practical fighting application by sparring, repeat. Enough variety in techniques and drills to keep you from getting bored, but also comes back to basics frequently to make sure they are solid in your muscle memory. There can be BS (or fear of BS) around martial arts, but I felt LHA was a very low BS environment. All humans have egos, so Ray would regularly talk to the benefits of overcoming your ego, because it gets in the way of learning. Students are expected to teach each other by being good training partners, and held to this expectation. I was once corrected by Ray in I thought a very skillful manner. I was doing a drill with someone that is supposed to be about sensing and technique, but I was using muscle to overpower my partner. Neither of us were learning what we were supposed to be. Ray came over and swapped my partner out, and did the same exercise with me. He was pushing me all over, but I could feel that he was using better posture and technique, not muscle force. I was tiring quickly and he was barely exerting effort. He asked if I still feel strong. This was pointed enough that I understood his meaning clearly - knock it off! But also conveyed one to one so I was not embarrassed in front of the class. I got really clear from this teaching moment that I was responsible for helping others learn and resolved to be a better training partner. COVID has made a lot of things difficult, but I believe LHA is still operating, doing remote training. There is a lot in Wing Chun you can learn practicing solo with minimal equipment - forms teach correct movements, you can practice striking with a wall bag full of rice that will cost less than $30. The best training experience will still need another person, but maybe you can recruit a friend or significant other to train with you? If you're feeling cooped up and would like to try learning a new skill, there is no time like the present!

As a black belt myself, it is very important for me to have my kids attend a martial arts school I…read morehave faith in, and I am thankful we found Dragon Star Kung Fu. From the very first class and on, we felt comfortable and welcomed. The instructors and the other families at the school are friendly and treat everyone like family. I feel the instructors provide a good balance of structure, technique, life lessons, discipline, and fun in their classes. Our daughters have been at Dragon Star Kung Fu for almost two years now, and they've told me they plan to earn their black belts and beyond!

What a great environment for kids and adults to learn self-defense. My children and I are taking…read moreclasses, and we have learned so much over the years. It is a great school! Highly recommend!

The focus at the Mountain Warrior academy is on functional self defense, but even more so on…read moreintegrity and your overall health as a person; the teacher is lives his kung fu, and is a passionate advocate for working toward your best potential. Sometimes the lectures on "applying kung fu in your daily life," are more inspiring than the workouts and technical training! On of the things I like is how strong the school community is, and how welcome new students are made to feel. A culture of mutual respect is fostered by the teacher, and carried through by the students. Four stars. It's a unique school that puts your growth as its highest priority.

From the owner: Martial Arts Training, Kung Fu, Escrima, Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing, Boxing, Wushu Forms,…read morePadded Weapons and Performance Team Training and Nutrition

An amazing place to learn a relaxing, rejuvenating, and practical martial art…read more All new students learn the full 108 forms of the Yang style, moving at an individual pace that is both challenging and rewarding. This alone takes months to learn/memorize and can take even longer to perfect, but the rewards of increased balance, strength, and body awareness are quickly seen throughout the learning process. The instructor takes a very individual approach to helping each student, leading class as a group and breaking off different tiers of students for more detailed instruction throughout each class. He is also very good at helping people understand the practical application of every move in the form. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in learning an extremely practical martial art that can be practiced for one's entire life!

Jeff is a very knowledgeable Tai Chi master and a highly skilled and patient instructor who…read morebalances the art with having fun. Highly adept at teaching beginners and advanced students even at the same time. I have been going to his sessions almost weekly for about a year now. Every week I come.away learning something new and feeling like I have improved on what I already knew. I have been to a few Tai chi schools over the years and I recommend his school/practice highly.

As a student, I am thrilled to recommend this school and its staff. I have trained at several…read moreschools over the years and this one stands out for several reasons: 1. It is very welcoming and supportive; the community is strong and friendly. Some schools are very businesslike, or don't encourage students to be friends outside of class; this one is the opposite! 2. The style is very eclectic. You will learn to punch and kick, but you'll also learn to use weapons and to move in several different distinct ways. This style of martial arts has a lot to learn and challenges my mind and body every class. 3. Speaking of challenge, this class is a full body workout. I never step off the mat without getting really sweaty. The teachers make time to encourage you to drink water frequently during class. 4. This school and community are extremely inclusive. There are at least any many women and trans students as men; frequently men are in a drastic minority. There is no "bro"/macho culture here as there is in many other schools. While it is somewhat expensive for the number of classes (2-3/week at least as a beginning adult student) you get access to compared to some other schools, the pricing is not a secret (it is shown on the website and the staff will be happy to talk with you about it), I feel it is worthwhile based on about 10 years of training in other schools (even ones that cost less and had 10 classes a week).

I have trained at One With Heart since 2019 and the community and the excellent teaching keep me…read morecoming back! I love the workout I get and even if I've had a bad day, I always feel better after class. The school was also a great source of stability and community for me during the pandemic, and I will always appreciate the strength I gained from my teachers and classmates during that time. Highly recommend checking out an intro!

Myself, my 75 year old father, and my 4 and 6 year old girls take lessons here with Mr. Alex Clark…read more It has been life changing. Dad was barely getting out of bed and now is out walking 3 miles and is recovering his more youthful self. My daughters have so much fun, have learned so many life skills, defense skills and how to just be good people. They love and respect Mr. Alex and Mr. Ryan. I myself can't get enough of the place..lol. I go as many days as I can. I have back, neck, and knee injuries I have been struggling with from the past and practicing Kempo with Mr Alex has done more for me than any physical therapist could. I was barely able to do a pushup when I started and now 9 months later can do 42 in a row! There is a real family feel to this Dojo. Not a big corporation. Love it!

Our son just started his first lessons at this studio. It is wonderful! The owner is very…read morepersonable, the cost is afforable and month to month. We looked at bigger karate studios that rope you into an expensive 6 month commitment, then nickel and dime you all the way. Our son loves these classes and for a small amount more per month, also gets a private lesson from the owner per week. He is not only building strength and self-confidence, but learning the art of karate. We recommend this studio to anyone. The kids have a great time too! Pam L.