I love this gym. I love the people. I love the culture. I love the community. There are a dozen…read moreblackbelt that train here regularly. World class athletes.

Awesome place. Tried it out several times and signed up myself and four daughters. I've been going…read morefor two months now. Sore in a lot of new places (the good kind of sore) but I love what I've been learning, the professors and coaches are exceptional, and the students are welcoming and extremely open to sharing and helping noobs; I'm kind of addicted now. I'm just starting as a 43 year old with a bad back but I've been managing well. There are a lot of new people are here so it wasn't that intimidating. I really like how well-designed the facility is, I love coming to train here, it's great exercise and a great mental challenge when it comes to technique. I'm very picky, I looked at several other locations and I'm glad I made the right choice.

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.

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!

We've had a fantastic experience at AKA. A neighbor has been going there for several years (she is…read morenow a black belt), so we knew they were good people. Signed my 8yo son up almost a year ago, and I joined a few months ago. The instructors are fantastic -- they really push and challenge the students, but in a very respectful way, never condescending. They will particularly challenge kids who are not listening or behaving respectfully, but again will do so in a respectful way. At the beginner level, it's mostly kids (I believe that's the case at most studios) with a handful of adults, but don't be fooled into thinking it's going to be easy! They do a great job of catering to a range of skill levels in the class. As someone in his mid-40s, I get a great workout and have increased my strength, flexibility, and stamina even in just a few months. The main instructor (a 3rd degree black belt) has an INCREDIBLE amount of energy and passion and really gets everyone fired up, and he knows every student by name, and greets them by name as they enter the studio. I highly recommend AKA, for kids and adults alike. It has been a great journey learning karate with my son and being able to practice together outside of class. Several of the adults there also have kids in the studio and they joined because they've seen the quality of the program over the years. Join AKA, you'll love it!

Sensei Chip is a wonderful instructor. I am very glad that my daughter has begun going to this…read moreclass (north location) in addition to the classes held in the south location. She has grown as an individual physically, and in terms of cognitive development (focus, concentration, attention etc) since she began learning karate from Sensei Chip in September 2013. Sensei Chip is dedicated to his children; he puts his heart and soul into training his kids and making them the best they can be. He is a no nonsense person, who calls it as it is. He does not like to waste time or fool around in his class. His honesty and diligence in training his kids is wonderful to see. I could not be happier with the classes and/or my daughter in Sensei Chip's class. He is dedicated, hardworking and it shows. Take a chance, visit his south or north location, you will not be disappointed.

Sensei Chip is a great instructor and allows all ages and abilities. He focuses on respect,…read moretechnique, and skill, not a bunch of belts that don't mean much. When you earn a belt in his class, you know he thinks you're ready. Both my son and I signed up for the class and have been attending for a year. We have both advanced and gone to tournaments (something I would have said was flat impossible 18 months ago) and done well.

Jason Claunch is an awesome instructor! He is easy going, extremely informative and will help you…read morealong any stage you are in your personal BJJ journey, whether it is just beginning, or you are trying to push yourself to the next level. He gives you great feedback, and is always available for student questions. The school itself has Jason as the head instructor, and we have one additional black belt instructor, and one brown belt instructor. You will always have awesome instruction from high level people, and there is a wide range of student skill if you are looking for somewhere that has a lot of different levels to train with. Everyone is laid back, no drama, beginner friendly, and you'll have a ton of fun. We even have a class on Sundays if you are busy and cannot make it to many classes during the week whether it is because of work or school.

Awesome group here, black AND brown belt that have all the knowledge you need for a great class…read more The classes feel very safe, no "tough guys" or big egos. I've learned a lot and I'll definitely keep going here as long as I live in Texas. First class is free- it was really comfortable since they were so friendly.

Fantastic family-focused karate academy. Encouraging and fun…read more Don't believe the review which says you can earn a black belt in less than a year. That's nonsense. There is challenge and solid training here for all who commit themselves.

I have to agree with Stacy F. I am not sure where Jen L is reviewing but its not Culin. Since I…read morehave been going here with my 5 year old step daughter, we have never once experienced "yelling and harsh talk" . We have never been "barked at". Culin karate was recommended to me and I will recommend them to any one. They entourage the parents to get involved and on the floor. What a great way to get involved with your children.

Covid ruined this place for our family. We chose to go to a Christian company that teaches the kids…read moreto defend not just attack. I think this place was great to use as fun "for show" place but my child was not taught how to defend himself and lacked confidence. After being with the new company for a couple of years now my child has grown in leaps and bounds and he is more then capable of defending himself. I think this place would do better if they did grappling and not just it's cool punches. Thank you for the time that you impacted my son.

Love working out here! I have been a member since they opened a year ago and so glad I joined. The…read moreboot camp and kickboxing classes are always fun and challenging. Something different so I never get bored! Jake is the best of the best when it comes to true martial arts instruction. He's so patient, encouraging and knowledgeable. He really knows how to break down the instruction so we understand the whys and how. He is also good with beginners and helps them modify exercises to fit their level. I feel like i'm always growing and improving physically and mentally. Love me some PAMA!

TL;DR: Martial Athletes is life-changing. The coaches are incredible, the classes are challenging…read morereal combat sports, and the community is amazing. In just six weeks, I've gained confidence, improved my fitness, and seen benefits in hiking, running, and even how I focus at home and at work. Keep reading for my full experience below. _________________ I've been training at Martial Athletes for about six weeks, attending striking with Coach Cannon, Jiu-Jitsu with Coach Freddy, and HIIT with Coach Maria. From day one, the gym has been welcoming, encouraging, and energizing. I'm a woman in my 40s with a background in weightlifting and CrossFit-style sports, and I was looking for a new challenge to get back to the fitness and confidence I once had. That mindset has helped me dive into these classes. These classes are challenging and real combat sports, not just cardio boxing. Don't let that be intimidating! Just something to keep in mind. Aside from watching Pride and UFC with my husband, I had virtually no martial arts experience before joining. Six weeks is still a short time in a martial arts gym, and my skill level definitely shows. It can be frustrating at times, but I keep showing up, and little by little, I'm improving. The coaches are incredible. They make you feel welcome no matter your skill level. They won't sugarcoat your abilities, but their feedback always comes from a place of honesty, patience, and kindness. The community is amazing, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping you grow. Walking into the gym can feel intimidating at first, but by week three you will be hooked. You might wonder, if I'm still learning and not very good, what's the point? Here's a story. I love hiking, but I used to constantly look down, never fully trusting myself on the trail. On Christmas Eve, after just five weeks in class, I went for a long hike and found myself looking up, confident, and trusting my body and my feet. I was able to enjoy the golden hour sunset and take in the horizon instead of staring at the trail beneath me. I recently ran a full mile, something that may not sound impressive, but I did it without pain. Unlike weightlifting, my training here strengthens my joints and ligaments along with my muscles, so I don't experience the usual aches. Again, I ran with my head up, chasing the horizon instead of watching my feet. Striking and BJJ demand focus. You have to pay attention, follow your opponent, and anticipate what's coming next. This practice has also improved my active listening at home and at work. I thought I was a good listener before, but now I can tell I'm much more present. Coach Cannon, Coach Freddy, and Coach Maria, you are patient, skilled, and amazing. I can't say enough about the gym and its community.

Character building for children Coach Cannon is genuinely…read morekind, patient, and attentive towards our kids' needs and interests. Working with young kids is not easy, but Coach makes class fun and challenging. My 4yo started out relatively shy, not knowing the moves or words, and within only 5 lessons, he's already more confident and enthusiastic about learning martial arts. Both of my kids really like Coach Cannon. In 5 classes, my son's learned: punching, kicking, blocks, jumps, stances, movement, combo moves, and agility practice. Trial classes are offered. We've surveyed the older kids' class out of curiosity, and I truly like that class begins (and ends) with the coach creating a connection with the kids. He asks them about their interests, school life, friendships, and promotes an anti-bullying message. Great Environment for the family Classes are available for young kids (4yo and up). There is a homeschooling class available on weekdays. Private lessons are available for children and adults. Space is clean, bright, fun and welcoming. There is a small play area for younger kids to play with blocks and lego while their older siblings attend class. Classmates are engaging and seem to get along like a team. Pricing: Fair, Accommodating Personal Bonus: Coach Cannon has Marvel gear (Spiderman and Captain America) That's pretty awesome! We sincerely recommend Martial Athletes.