I would and do recommend The Forge to anyone looking to start on a martial arts path. I am a student, a parent, and a coach at The Forge and being part of such a supportive, fun, challenging, inspiring group has improved my life and myself in so many ways. The combination of physical and mental challenge appeals to the novelty seeking part of my brain in a way that pure strength training never has. I have found a tangible peace and calm through the combination of striking and grappling training that is offered here that I almost can't explain but everyone I train with seems to understand because they feel it too. The sense of accomplishment earned from a challenging roll, the thrill of perfecting a technique, the peaceful exhaustion (endorphins anyone?) after classes all work to counteract the general stress and anxiety of life. Something else that really speaks to me about The Forge is the way that the classes accommodate all skill and strength and age levels. The way that Krav Maga is trained here allows each individual to know their own capabilities and walk through life with awareness and confidence. My kids are not only getting a better version of their Mom as I train, they are experiencing the same mental and physical benefits that I am through their own classes. They started in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program and we enrolled them in the kid's Krav Maga classes as well when that became available. Watching the all the kids in class increase in confidence and skill, seeing them gain greater control over the movement of their bodies, has been amazing. They look forward to each of their classes with a miniature version of the same supportive and inspiring type of friend group that the adults have come to rely on here. The environment here is so uniquely friendly and inviting while teaching serious, real world self defense strategies. Again I'll say that I wholeheartedly and highly recommend that anyone who is looking for great self defense training and an amazing supportive environment come check out The Forge Martial Arts Academy. read more