Outstanding Muay Thai gym!…read more I've been coming here for about a month now. I try to come every day for all the classes they offer. I'm obsessed with both Muay Thai and training here. The classes are intense, physically demanding (in a good way), and the instruction is top notch. There is always something exciting to learn and the coaches do a fantastic job getting the point across and making sure everyone is on the same page and up to speed. They care about your development and well-being and I never feel stupid for asking questions or speaking up if I don't understand something. I look forward to every day and every class. I want to give a shout-out to Shawn. He was been extremely patient with me (a newbie) and has shown tremendous courtesy, respect, and grace for someone new and trying to learn. He really knows his stuff and I'm impressed with his professionalism. I look forward to training here for a very long time. I found a good group of guys in this gym, both coaches and other trainees. Everyone seems to want to help one another. I am thoroughly impressed and glad I started coming here. Thank you Ambush Muay Thai for the opportunity to train here. Even though I have a long way to go I give it my all every time I show up. -Jason Otto

They keep it real. But really it's one of the Muay Thai schools that have really good instructors…read moreand curriculums. The class times and schedules are really good. And the prices are pretty acceptable. They also have punch cards instead of monthly if you are busy and there is no BS contract fee!! My personal favorite is the Sunday morning class for drills. Theres usually something different going on in that class. Plus there's a small window for open gym after that class time.

(There is also a Kid's Kung Fu program now - at both school locations)…read more I enjoy the classes and the people and have made many new friends, including friends with the instructors and job leads. The instructors are great and come from a variety of martial arts backgrounds. They respect the students and instill confidence in your ability as a student to learn the style and as a student you have confidence in their ability to teach. Of the three styles I have taken Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) has proven to be the most fun and is at the same time challenging enough so that you can't get bored. The classes are usually a mix of starting with your forms (there are 2 for students) or punching exercises as a warm up and then moving into practicing what is required for your student grade by either working with students of the same grade or higher ranked students. You also get to practice the other stuff you have previously learned by working with the newer students and nearly everything has an application in the real world of defense. Do we not spar (unlike other styles, such as Tae Kwon Do), Ving Tsun is not a "sports" martial art, it is for self-defense, you defend yourself and stop the other person before they can hurt you (in the real world, not in class) so there is no gentle, safe way to spar (Google Wing Chun if you have doubts). There are also few forms; actually there are 3 empty hand forms, 1 wooden dummy form, and 2 weapon forms, and students only learn the first two forms until the end of the student grades. Not that there isn't plenty of stuff, do such as Chi Sao and Lat Sao, both of which require a partner and help built technique and reactions, while "teaching" your muscles how to react (check out Wikipedia for more information).

This is a fine martial arts studio that provides you just that, the ability to study a…read morewell-designed martial arts system meant for practical applications, not performance arts. You will build upon your reflexes and ability to deflect and deliver strikes with each passing class, and if you work hard, you will feel it. I've joined as a student of Sifu Jeff Webb, the head of the National Ving Tsung Organization, to learn as much as I can during the time I have remaining in Texas, before transferring to a student of his in the North who is now also a Sifu (instructor or master, I'm not quite sure really which term is most appropriate). Thus far I have learned a great deal, and observed the high level of skill possessed by each of his students ranked from low and high, with the higher ranked students also working as assistant instructors to provide valuable input and more skilled training partners to guide your development. I attend classes in both the North and South locations to experience a broader range of instructors and training partners to build upon my understanding more comprehensively. Classes consist of an initial period of taxing and difficult form practice that appears hella easy when done well, followed by exercises with a partner that exhibit and employ the techniques learned in the forms, generally taking up much of the class. Very straightforward, but not at all simple, with only heavy effort bringing about real improvement. Ving Tsung/Wing Chun, made famous by Bruce Lee and Ip Man, is a center-line striking style created by a woman for close-quarters combat that requires one to be relaxed excepting the points of impact, allowing strength to be overcome by angling and reaction time, making strength all the more powerful once the style is understood, something my boxing and other training is making difficult as I'm relatively rigid and tense, so this style is helping me to learn fluidity and to better employ my power at appropriate times rather than wasting energy when it isn't essential. Yoga oddly enough I approached as a strength and stamina-building exercise, so it has done little to improve my flexibility, just power and reaction time, as I am not zen enough apparently. The wing chun perspective I will transfer into my legal studies and eventual practice, as it is an expansive philosophy useful elsewhere in life that helps you not waste energy, and have the push-through when it counts. One of the key precepts of the system constructed by Sifu Webb is something to the effect of "If the way is open, move forward", something entirely in tone with the Norse ideology of the Vikings, and I appreciate this. The studio is absolutely worth checking out if you are serious about your training, and definitely is not a lunchtime cardio or high-flying acrobatic activity, it is a place to go to learn a fighting style with hard-working and committed fellow students and teachers that follows a logical progression and isn't going to waste your time.

We have been coming to this location (NW Austin/Research Blvd) for 4 months now & in that short…read moretime there has be a significant change in not only all of our daughters' confidence levels but also in their focus & accountability at home and school. They always look forward to class & wish they were coming more than twice a week, this alone speaks volumes to the awesomeness of these instructors. It is like winning the golden ticket to find ANYTHING that all of my girls even agree upon more or less love. The instructors here don't just talk the talk, they truly walk the walk & are fully vested in the well being of their students. We had originally bought Groupons for the girls to try the school out, especially with the needs of our oldest who is visually impaired, and it was the best decision. Our daughter is the first blind student Mr. Maldonado or Ms. Azzarito has taught and it didn't deter them in the least. She received a lot of initial one on one time until she felt comfortable & confident enough with her basic forms & moves to join in the main class. They continue to find adaptions as needed for her but expect no less than any other student in class Mr. Maldonado is amazing with his students both big & small, he is quick with praise while still teaching with a firm hand. His upbeat energy resounds with the class & is highly contagious. Ms. Azzarito is incredible, she has a passion for working with people and goes above & beyond with the kids. We had an issue arise with one of our girls and Ms. Azzarito sat down with her to not only help her see how her choices & actions impact her directly but also those around her. They discussed cause & effect, better choices and Ms. Azzarito held her accountable, following up with her & making sure she has the support to help continue making smarter decisions. Ms. Bardin never fails to have a smile for you & has the patience of a saint. My 8 year old loves to ask a million questions & Ms. Bardin always answers every single one. Thank you!

Mr. Maldonado and Ms. Azzarito are wonderful teachers and really care about their students. You can…read moretell because they remember their names (way better than I could), make sure that all new students feel welcomed and accepted, and they make the kids feel good about themselves and their abilities. They make classes fun, but maintain discipline, and I am constantly amazed at how well they are able to work with all different personalities of kids. I could go on and on about their self-defense techniques, their concern with behavior in class AND at home, and the many times when I see the little students all the way from toddler to school aged reciting the Tiger pledge and speaking confidently and in unison. It really does choke me up to hear it sometimes. :) I hesitate posting TOO good a review because I want to keep them all to myself, but they truly are wonderful people, and the more kids that learn from them, the better this world will be!

Absolutely the best! I have had my 6 year old daughter in numerous different types of…read moreclasses/activities.... dance, soccer, cheerleading, swimming, etc. She has a short attention span and is easily bored. She is usually the child in the class that is distracting all of the other kids from what is being taught. Not here! Greg Fisher is an awesome teacher. He has tons of patience, yet he expects and yields respect and good behavior from the students. He is super high energy and keeps the kids engaged. This is truly someone who is doing what he is meant to do. We love Impact Martial Arts and can't recommend it more!

I joined their 3 months bootcamp and i couldn't complete the programme. After 3 months, they kept…read morecharge me $59 a month. When i asked them, they told me that the programme is for a year and i already signed and can't cancel. It's been more than a year and they still charge $59 a month. I'm trying to reach someone but nobody answer the phone! Don't believe them!

I've been training here since August 4, 2025, that's the first day they opened. I have trained at…read morefive or six different jiu-jitsu schools in Austin prior to this school. I have been in the martial arts for 25 years and was an amateur fighter for the Marine Corps MMA team in 2008 for context. I'm now a 41 year-old, fat old blue belt, I'm retired. This is just a hobby for me. I train the 6 AM classes with Professor Luke Griffith primarily. The owner, Professor Gordon Ryan is there several days a week for the early classes as well. Professor John Danaher currently teaches the 7am Advanced Gi class. The No Gi Pro Classes start at 9am and they have no Gi classes all day from there. I do my best to attend the 930am on Saturday and Sunday when I have the energy, that is taught by Professor Helena Crevar, or by Professor John Danaher when she is out of town competing or doing seminars. The facilities are perfect. I have zero complaints there. The showers are amazing. The mat space is perfect and there is a spring board underneath the mats for more cushion and absorbing falls and throws. The coaching staff is world class. Everyone is the best in their division in the world. Which is crazy and unheard of. But most importantly, they are patient and kind throughout their teaching. I have trained with professional fighters before in the past at other gyms, just because someone is a pro doesn't mean they are good at coaching or that they have the patience to teach. I'm very appreciative for the amount of patience these instructors have for myself and my training partners. I would be here even if my coaches weren't world champions. Their patience and professionalism is what keeps me coming to class every day. I'm a big guy, so it's hard to find a uniform that fits me comfortably but for some reason the company they are working with (Breakpoint) has been a perfect fit for my body type. I'm very fortunate for that as well. The gi they sell is a pearl weave so it won't shrink from washing or become too stretched during training. It's a good quality gi. I'm very impressed with it. The cost for training here currently is very competitive compared to the other schools in the same location and area of Austin. Almost all the schools in Austin are moving to the $250-$400 range. There is a school right down the street that is charging $400 a month. So this school is actually more affordable than local alternatives at the moment. I really appreciate the schedule that is available to me as a student. I love that I can train seven days a week. I really feel like I'm getting my money's worth here. I can't think of any cons or disappointments in training here. Every day is a blessing and I'm very fortunate to have this opportunity.

Well, the head coaches are Gordon Ryan, John Danaher, and Gary Tonon. Luke Griffith teaches quite a…read morebit too. It's got a nice vibe, there's always random people from out of state or out of country who came to Austin just to train here. A lot of local school head instructors train here too It's very high level, but there's a ton of white belts too Facility is very nice, especially the bats and bathrooms If there are cons it would be the price, but then again it's a lot cheaper than attending a seminar from one of the coaches I also don't love how gi based it is, would've expected a lot more no gi classes . But if John and gordan say I need to train in the gi, who am I to argue

I came here to speak with the Sensei and observe Imwama Aikido with Christopher Fields; as I was…read moreconsidering to join his dojo. [the building holds segregated styles and disciplines of martial arts in different rooms/ It's not just all Karate] Christopher is a great instructor who is a true trained and masterful teacher of Imwama styled Aikido. The students respect his teachings and show honor in the dojo. Something that everyone should respect. The groups here range in all ages and techniques, I witnessed him teaching young boys and elder men in the same techniques, as the class learns all equally. I enjoyed his enlightened humor to break the sometimes quiet seriousness of the dojo during training while still keeping focus and allowing all the students to understand that its okay to make a mistake or ask questions. I appreciated the email communication and personal interaction with Christopher and I look forward to possibly joining his dojo soon.

The head instructor's technique is very effective. The senior students take care of and help the…read morejunior students. Everyone is having fun. I started training at Austin Iwama Aikido in March 2015 and am very thankful that a school with this caliber of instruction (clear and precise) and a Sensei with this lineage exists here in Austin. If you're interested in Aikido, I strongly suggest observing a class.

We LOVE Premier Martial Arts in Cedar Park!! My son started in 2022, and it's been one of the best…read moredecisions we've made for him. He has had a number of instructors, and they've all added to his coffer of martial arts knowledge on his way to his black belt. The current lead instructor (Mr Mike) is a dedicated fourth degree black belt who is pouring into these students with skill, knowledge, and relational currency that is paying in dividends. I have seen so much growth in so many students at the dojo this year. It's been a great confidence booster too! Honestly I've been pretty enamored with all the instructors we've experienced over the last (nearly) two years. We began our journey into PMA as a means to add more physical activity and discipline into our kid's lives, and it has been exceeding our expectations ever since. If you are looking for a way to incorporate exercise that is accompanied by fun (first and foremost), friendships, and future awesomeness, this is the place for you (yes they have adult classes too) and your family!

We love Premier! I have yet to find another place that takes 3 year olds and they are amazing with…read morethe way they encourage the littles yet set boundaries! As a teacher/mom I couldn't be more impressed

This is a review of the kid's birthday package here…read more When my son told me that he wanted to be a ninja, the Asian parent in me started questioning my child-rearing abilities. Why not aspire to be a noble Samurai? What would Confucius say? After some talking, I discovered that what he really wanted was to be a Ninjago. Whew! Now, this a modern science problem--how to turn a kid into a Lego. The suburban mom in me combed the Internet for the perfect ninja birthday party theme. We came upon this location and I called to schedule a birthday party. I spoke with Martin, who was very helpful. He gave me a tour of their large, clean space and help me customize the birthday package. He was extremely helpful. We decided to have a bounce castle to pen the kids as guest were arriving. After all the kids have arrived, Martin and his team started with a short safety course to use when being approached by strangers. Next, swords were brought out and the little ninjas were trained in Kendo. Finally, they got to put on headgear and there was a sword fighting tournament. The parents and I were amazed at how Martin was able to capture and hold a bunch of 5-8yr olds attention for over and hour. We were really impressed and the kids are still talking about the party a week later! The most memorable part for my son was the fact that got to be the co-teacher and show off his moves by breaking a wooden board. He was very proud! Sword training-complete! Now, how am I going to find a place that teaches the ninja art of poisoning?

Awesome instructors that are great with the kids. They do a great job still instilling a sense of…read morepurpose and respect, while keeping the classes fun and engaging. They allow the students to advance at their own pace and offer ways of students expanding beyond the traditional martial arts forms. Can't recommend them any more highly!

My son attended this gym for 5-6 years; he loved it. Mr. M is energetic and motivating, and the…read morestudents are kind and warm people when they're not sparring with you :) You see so many friendly faces each class, and with the gym expansion, this is a huge gym! They have Christmas parties and summer parties - there are some really good cooks among them for potlucks - and it has a strong family atmosphere. Unlike many gyms in town, there's no long-term contract. You pay month to month. You can get really involved, like being part of their tournament performance team which combines choreography and costumes, or just come to class and get some exercise and earn your belts. I took my daughter when she was 7 to a different gym just to observe, and during that class the instructor made two kids cry - needless to say she did not go there. At Austin Karate Academy, that will never happen. You'll see smiles, laughter and sweat. By the way, read the so-called not-recommended reviews, because although they're written by non-active yelpers, they look legit to me.

AKA is the best! Regardless of your age or skill level, Austin Karate Academy will welcome you with…read moreopen arms, and give you a heck of a workout! I've had to dig deep and push myself harder than I ever have before, and I've made a lot of great friends along the way. Especially as a young adult, there are a lot of distractions in life, but the instructors and students have helped me develop my focus and better myself as a person. Tang Soo!

GM Lee is very skilled. His black belt instructors are well-versed in working with both children…read moreand adults. There is a family atmosphere which encourages all to learn as their own speed.

This is a family owned, martial arts studio run by Master and Mrs. Lee. At the time of this…read morewriting, Master Lee is a 9th degree Black Belt. The studio is always clean and well ventilated. Master Lee expects respect from ALL. He especially expects it from children to their parents. I believe that they have a special for first month sign up that includes the martial arts outfit, belt, and monthly fee. Monthly fees from then on are $85 per person. You pay that for being able to attend up to 3 times a week. That is considerably less than many martial arts studios in Austin. From personal experience: my son started Austin Kuk Sool Won at age 4. We stopped for one year due to income, but then returned shortly after that. It has taken over 5 years for my son to become brown belt. He has about 1.5 yrs. to go to achieve black belt. This studio does not "give away" belts. They are earned. The students take great pride in their accomplishments. Children are tested longer between belt colors so that they really grasp the concepts, forms, and techniques. When you reach a higher level belt, you are able to use: Nun Chucks, Knives, Swords, Bow & Arrows, and Staffs. The studio has day and evening classes. Special classes (for advanced belts) are held on Saturdays. This is a family atmosphere studio. Many families (parents and children) attend together. Master and Mrs. Lee make martial arts fun. The students learn to count in Korean, learn a little about the Korean culture, and learn to respect others a bit better. Our family highly recommends Austin Kuk Sool Won.