I have been involved with the leadership at Warrior Success Academy for nearly four years, as I earned a black belt in American Freestyle Karate at their sister school, Forest Superkicks, last summer. I have been attending Warrior Success Academy since the summer, going multiple times a week for Krav Maga self-defense lessons, and Crossfit Kickboxing workouts and training. I think Warrior Success Academy is tremendous. You are guaranteed to get a workout, learn new things, and meet great people, in an environment that encourages you to push and do your best, but does so in a friendly, personable way. There's no body-shaming, name-calling, or yelling. An average class (Krav or Crossfit Kickboxing) is about an hour in length. In a Krav core class, you start with about five minutes of cardio before transitioning into an easy-to-follow lecture where the instructors practice moves in front of you that you will learn to do yourself. You will partner up, shadow box, hit pads, and go through minute-long "stress drills" to push your cardio and awareness. You will also learn some classroom-like tips on how your mind and body react in a sudden attack situation. The Crossfit kickboxing classes contain about an hour's worth of fast-paced cardio exercises, muscle-strengthening exercises, combat sparring (shadow-boxing and pad-hitting) and stretches, set to invigorating music and kept to a timed-sequence program (i.e. 30 seconds exercise, 15 seconds rest, 30 seconds exercise, for 5 minutes, then start a new exercise, etc...). You will likely work nearly every part of your body (legs, arms, shoulders, back, abs), and come down with stretches where you will surprise yourself with your flexibility. I'm biased, of course, because I've been involved with the leadership for years, but I think Warrior Success Academy is a terrific institution. The instructors may come across a bit sales-y at first, because this is how they make their living, but they are encouraging and more than willing to volunteer their time to teach you at whatever level you need to be taught. And there's no expectation. I never had martial arts experience before the summer of 2015. I had never done Crossfit kickboxing before last June. Your classmates will include lifetime martial artists, the fit and trim, and those who walk in off the street. If you give it a go, you are almost guaranteed to get in the best shape of your life, and you'll do it with encouragement and a smile on your face. I think Warrior Success Academy is worth your time and money. It's been a boon this winter (when it's cold and dark and you don't want to go out), but it's a great way to stay in shape and stay active year-round. read more

I started at the academy in 2019 when I saw a post about a women's self defense class. Let me tell you that was life changing by attending the first class. The academy has taught me more than money can buy. 1) Each class is well structured, provides group and individual instruction, and not only strengthens you physically but mentally. 2) They offer private lessons for individualized goals. 3) I have many physical ailments that require modification and adaptation and they constantly work with me to show me how I can do everything even with those issues. The material they cover 4) The seminars and special classes they offer give you detailed real life situational scenarios that strengthen the group class teachings and open your eyes to true self defense 5) The disciplines they offer all intertwine, strengthen each other, and help you develop in multiple areas of self defense training (I am currently ranked in six different disciplines and absolutely love learning in each style) 6) The instructors genuinely care for you as a person, they put their time and effort into you and give you individual attention. You are not just a number to them, you are part of the Warrior Family. Take the first step, sign ip for a free seminar or class and trust me you will be hooked just like me! See you on the mat! - Heather Henningson read more

If you are looking for a place to round out your martial arts training or to get in shape while learning a new skill, I can recommend Warrior Success. The instructors are not only knowledgeable in their current discipline but also all hold high level belt rankings in a wide range of other martial arts which really helps bring things full circle while training. I've learned so much self defense, I've lost weight, and I've made wonderful friends training here. I respect instructor (and owner) Clif Abercrombie. He loves what he does and it shows in his instruction. He and his staff carry a lot of enthusiasm, so every class is super charged and fun. Ms Koehnke will push you to achieve your best and Ms Maupin is a constant encouragement. I'm a better person for having trained here and I encourage anyone interested to at least check it out. Note: Classes sometimes run a bit long (because the instructor is just having so much fun and is so excited to teach the material) so it can be tough if you are on a tight schedule, but at the same time, you are getting more class for your money. Some of the gear can be expensive on the front end. read more

I really like the instructors and the atmosphere. I am very new (just joined). Have yet to do any workouts but am hopeful that I will enjoy them and learn good solid self defense and have fun too. I was a bit disappointed in my first appointment/orientation. I thought I'd be there for an hour or so and would be doing a full class. I knew there was a 30 day free membership, so I was not expecting to have someone sit down with me and try to get me to sign up my first time there. I think that the person who contacted me should have told me how long to expect to be there and what we would do at the first appointment- it consisted of some paperwork, going over goals, weighing, pictures, practice showing some techniques, then....the blast to sign up. I was there for about 2 hours and hadn't planned to be. Also if I had known what to expect, mentally I would have been more ready to talk about money and weigh my options. The approach felt a bit cheesy to me, honestly. read more

This a great place to get fit and have fun. Not only is this a great place to learn self defense, its also a great place to learn a lot basic like skills. They teach things like self awareness, courtesy, goals, and integrity. I've enjoyed the time there and have had some of the hardest workouts ever and they have been rewarding. There is one down side: The instructors are great people who want to see you succeed, however, they are instructors first, and salesmen second. They will try to sell you all different kinds of programs and equipment. make sure you know what works for you when it comes to physical fitness and money. go in there with an open mind but also, develop some negotiation skills beforehand. you have the power to customize your own program and price. They are willing to work with you and want your business. Think critically and be inquisitive about the program details and what will work for you. read more

I walked in to the academy today to just check it out and was welcomed with smiles and hello's like I have never gotten before. I felt like I was Norm walking into Cheers! Jessica spent so much time explaining everything to me and made me feel very comfortable in an unfamiliar setting. The one on one time helped me understand the mission and vision of the program and how the instructors are there for me anytime anywhere. I am so excited to say i have joined after one visit and look forward to my future successes with the program. Thank you for such an inspiring and motivating first day. read more

Today my 9 year old son who does Karate in Salem, Va had the opportunity to work with the instructors Master Abercrombie and Mrs. Maupin today. Not only were they helpful with their language but also engage my son into the group dynamic. They also engaged his friend he brought along. To those looking to add to their Martial Arts Science or just looking for place to begin, I would recommend Warrior Sucess Academy to anyone. read more

I love the Warrior Success Academy. The instructors challenge you to reach your goals and encourage you along the way. Progress isn't measured against others but against what you can do. Fellow operators become like family. Mr. Abercrombie and Warrior Success Academy have changed my life in a wonderful way. read more

I just joined the academy last week. The instructors are all very well trained and knowledgeable. Everyone has been very welcoming and encouraging. It is a great organization to be a part of! If you're looking to get in some good workouts with good people this is the place! read more

I started with a free self defense seminar in January 2018.I've had some unusually stressful times in the last year and a half half. Krav Maga has been very therapeutic! I'm getting fit and learning to apply life skills at the classes..I'm an operative!! read more