Absolute gem of a place to train. Stopped by to see if I could train a day or two while visiting…read morethe area from out of town; their morning crew and training vibes were so awesome I trained with them the entire week - even bought some merch to wear once my trip was done. Not only recommend this place to anyone looking for a solid gym to learn, but will be coming back if I find myself in the Charlottesville area again!!

My and my freaking awesome amazing boyfriend who's so good at jiu jitsu went on Saturday and it was…read morereally fun.

There is a great team that leads the Laughing Dragon studios. The facilities are not great but it…read moreis right out of a Bruce Lee film where the technique takes center stage over the looks of the place. Our kids love the lessons and I am impressed that it isn't a belt-driven system. We have friends whose kids are testing for belts constantly while at Laughing Dragon it is about form, style, and the Shaolin method. I am impressed.

From the owner: The mission of Laughing Dragon Kung Fu is to combine practical self-defense skills with a total…read morebody workout and inspire a lifelong love of Chinese martial arts. Our training is available to anyone interested, provided they have a sincere desire to learn and are of good moral character. We offer free trial sessions for every class!

I have been attending ATA in Charlottesville for a few months now. I was surprised at how…read morewelcoming everyone seems to be. Coming in as an adult with little experience from my youth, I felt that everyone had a hand in any success I was experiencing. You will never find instructors as professional as Mr. and Mrs. Cirone, as they both not only seem to have a load of qualifications, but also are great at teaching you the skills you need and communicating with both adult and child in a way that makes sense whether you're starting as a white belt, or you have been a black belt for a while. When you join ATA, you are joining a family and the support for success is fantastic!

From the owner: Taekwondo for ages 3-Adults Leadership Life Skills…read moreDevelopment- Confidence, Respect, Goal Setting Internationally Certified Instructors Licensed by the worlds largest martial arts organization, the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) Cardio-Kickboxing Krav Maga Self Defense Physical Fitness

This place is awesome. I have been wanting to try BJJ for a while and I finally decided to, I am so…read moreglad I picked Gracie Charlottesville. The community here is great and very helpful for all skill levels. Their facility is brand new, big, and has really nice amenities (shower, sauna, lockers, changing room, etc). If you want to give it a shot they also offer a completely free 1 week trial. Definitely recommend this gym!

Update! Their newest hire who is currently running the kids classes (including one for 4-6…read moreyear-olds), upcoming women's classes, muay thai, and other things, is Kristen DeBruycker who trained directly under THE Pedro Sauer and has trained in Thailand. Absolutely incredible instructor. Amazing school and soon to be the best!

Master Ma is the most dedicated and caring tkd instructor anyone could wish for!! So lucky to have…read moresuch a master teaching in Cville.

This is such an amazing TaeKwonDo studio! Master Ma does an amazing job at instructing my kids not…read moreonly taekwondo, but also how to be responsible, respectable and aware children. He has an amazing ability of getting them to work really hard but still have a good time. It's crazy that his studio isn't full of students all the time. We were thinking of just trying it for 2 weeks during the free trial, but his prices are fair and my kids were too excited about going the 3rd week that we couldn't just stop. Now we're 9 months in and they're still loving it! Thank you!

This is one of my favorite places to be awsome instructors. if you have a problem and are confused…read morethey will help you personally.

My son has been at UpLevel since he was 6, he is a blackbelt now and absolutely loves it. It is a…read morefamily studio that encourages all students. He has a great group of support and our entire family feels welcome.

We have had an excellent experience at Mountain Kim. As an educator, I am very picky about who…read morequalifies as a good instructor. Both the instructors at Mountain Kim are amazing with the children. They are extremely encouraging and kind. They have great instructional methods to make learning fun and to keep the children on task. I can't say enough good things about Mountain Kim! It is well worth the money.

From the owner: Martial Arts, Gumdo (Sword), Kick-boxing, Day Camp, Birthday Party, After School Programread more

I cannot say enough good things about this school. I went to 7 Tigers when I was studying at UVA…read moreand this school became like family to me, a home away from home. Tom Henzey really cares about his students; classes are fun, educational, and a great workout. Warm, friendly atmosphere. I am so grateful for my experience at 7 Tigers.

If you want your kids to learn respect and discipline this is the place for you. They really do…read morecare about the wellbeing of your kids here.

One day my husband came home and told me that the judo class he signed up for my son has kids that…read moreare "the type I want my kids be friends with", and that got me to go there and see for myself. Every kid came from all backgrounds and diversity, from different ages will come in with their uniform, bow once they go on the mat, and take turns practicing with their partners. They're the most respectful 5-6 year olds, teenagers, and young adults I've seen. We've only been there since September, but our son has grown and matured. He demonstrates their philosophy: courage, integrity, and perseverance. That's what I want for my son, I want him to grow up and become a problem solving adult that can persevere even when he faces challenges and bigger enemies. He shows respect to his teachers and his coaches are the type of adults that he looks up to. Judo is a better type of martial art especially for kids since they're minimal injury comparing to something like taekowdo. You or your opponent wouldn't hurt each other's head, and that's important especially for students who need their IQ on par. I highly recommend this place. P.S. In response to another review I read here, I think every one takes dark humor and tough love differently. Coach Laffon looks intimidating sometimes, but if you get to know him, he's the type that will back you up when you need him. It's hard to judge someone from a one time bad interaction, or the interpretation of it. The worst people on earth is never the type that can say no to your face. Sometimes the straight forwardness is much more appreciated than the fake smiles. That's also what I want my son to experience. You will meet tough love in coaches, teachers, bosses, and those of your senior. You need to learn humility and respect and how to interact with them. They're not bullies, if they don't like you they won't waste their time on you.

I've been coming here on and off for a little over four years now. I took a break last year when my…read moredaughter had a knee injury from flipping over a scooter. Since February we've been coming back consistently training 2-4 times a week. I'm always trying to keep in shape and trying to lose weight. I failed. In the last 14 weeks I gained 6 lbs as I was eating more.Through the muscle gained and fat lost, I lost a pant size! Today I am a size 0 (banana republic). Never thought that was possible.

These guys are excellent! Black Belt Success Academy staff are very well trained and positive. This…read moreis the best place for your child and they have incredible martial arts program for adults. They teach real practical self defense as well. This is your best choice in town!

Our family loves BBSA! We have grown individually and as a family since joining. The instructors…read moreare fantastic, knowledgeable, patient and great teachers.