In a word: Empowering. I'll admit that upon first hearing that my wife had signed us up for this…read moreclass, I was apprehensive that it would be an uncomfortable experIence. IDK Perhaps it was just the name. C.O.B.R.A. sounded so macho. But with all the dangers in the world today, it seemed prudent to take a self-defense course. Any apprehensions I had were immediately dispelled the moment we met Theresa Norris. (Apparently no relation to Chuck Norris. However, it is said that the dark is afraid of Theresa Norris. So who knows for sure. ‍ ) But seriously, Theresa is just awesome! She is smart, skilled, professional, warm, friendly, witty, and just an overall class act. We learned so very much from her in a relatively short amount of time. One of my (many) favorite parts of each class was reviewing what we'd learned previously. It was fun to "test" on what we'd retained and (sometimes even) practiced between classes. Invariably one or both of us had forgotten a certain move or two. Theresa was always happy to show us and let us practice again--until we had it right. Sometimes it would come down to just not having 100% understood the move to begin with. So review time was very beneficial. Another part that I really liked was learning interesting human physiology traits. For example, learning how we humans have comparatively little strength in our arms once they are just behind our body's centerline. Facial pressure points were interesting to learn about as well. The only part of each class that I "didn't like" (but thoroughly appreciated) was the scenarios where Theresa was the "attacker" and we were the "victims." I'm just naturally kind of a jumpy person. When we'd start each scenario, I was always anxiously thinking, "Oh no, what is she going to do this time--and can I really fend her off/disarm her?" Even though I knew it was all just for practice, it was still a bit unnerving to imagine it as real. (I guess that was all part of what she described as "constantly pushing those fear buttons.") But thanks to Theresa's teaching, we were able to defend ourselves virtually every time. If you're still reading this review at this point, I'll just close by saying that this C.O.B.R.A. class is a must for every woman and really anybody who wants to give themselves a fighting chance should danger find them. Honestly, I felt so empowered after the very first class. And each successive class gave me just that much more knowledge, practice, and confidence. Loved this class!!! Money sooooooo well invested.

I have wanted to do a self defense training class for the staff at our company for several years,…read morebut I could only find martial arts classes. I was so excited when I found Gig Harbor Self-Defense. COBRA training was perfect for us and Theresa was awesome! She even came to our location which allowed us to take less time away from work. The class was very hands on and Theresa was extremely knowledgeable. She made it fun and relevant with real world scenarios. Our staff loved the class and it was a great team building experience that made all of us feel so confident. It also was great for all levels of physical ability. I plan to take my college age daughter to classes when she is home this summer.

This gym has a lot of potential, but ownership is disappointing. Communication from the owner is…read morepoor, instructors and staff are often not paid on time, and concerns are frequently dismissed. The facility needs serious maintenance--several issues feel unsafe and have gone unaddressed. Overall, it seems profits are prioritized over staff well-being and student safety. Proceed with caution.

The good is bjj is great. The bad is their bang muy Thai is a joke and need improvement. I would…read morenot trust my child with them or their muy Thai skills and knowledge. The instructor Mike is average and his female assistant Madison is below average. She needs to look for another job. Hopefully not a cop or CO. THer Customers service is average. Overall only go there for Brazilian jujitsu.

Great introductory course for those that want to be more aware and practice hands on skills. Two…read morehours was the perfect amount of time for this course. The class started right into some hands on stuff...bring a water bottle it can be a workout! The practice sessions really made me more aware of the areas I need to improve in. I'm ready for level 2!

I have been attending NOVA Self Defense regularly for the past three months. Saturday mornings are…read morenow one of my favorite parts of my week! Evan and the assistant instructors are very good about giving constructive, targeted feedback. I feel that I have learned a lot of new things and had plenty of opportunity to fine-tune the basics, which has helped me build up my strength. In class, we learn to protect ourselves and fight back. When we learn new techniques, Evan breaks down the psychological aspects before moving into the how-to, enabling a full understanding of the why you are learning this. The real-life scenarios continue to be a helpful, and above all, safe way for me to try out what I've learned. Some of the other reviews have mentioned the work out at the end of class. This is no joke. The workout is the best! We do circuit training with some combative stuff thrown in, like palm strikes, elbows, and knife-dodging. Evan encourages you and will even work out with you. I'm not even a fitness freak (ugghhh I hate the gym), but this workout rocks. For those who are feeling iffy about the class and the amount of combat that takes place, please be assured that Evan always encourages you to find a way out of a physical altercation. This is an attitude that I have always appreciated because at the end of the day, I'm a lover, not a fighter. This class is just teaching you what you can do if you are left with no choice or caught off guard.

This Martial Arts studio is fantastic. We started our son at 4 years old. It has been a good…read moreexperience for listening, being active, memorization, coordination, and discipline all while being a fun environment. We have been attending for nearly a year and it continues to be a good experience for my son. Highly recommended for an after school or summer activity. I would recommend for boys or girls

This training has been incredible for my two boys. The routine, discipline and morals that are…read moretaught are so much more than just moves/sparring. The techniques learned are applicable and logical. It's life skills that will be a valuable asset for life.

These guys are awesome and family friendly. If you want to go harder and train w higher level…read morefighters they're here too.

You can't get any more real here!…read more Master Saohin has held the PABA Champion in 2 different weight classes. Muay Thai Champion in Bangla, Thailand as well as S1 Championship in Phuket Thailand. Master Saohin holds a combined Boxing and Muay Thai record of 88 fights with 70 wins, 47 knockouts, and 18 losses. Master Souhin has also fought for the WBA World Championship two times, WBO World Championship one time, and challenged many title holders of WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, WBF IBO, OPBF and fought Lumopine and Rajadomnern Champions in Thailand. Not all fighters make great coaches, but Master Saohin excels at both. He's taught in Thailand at Tiger Muay Thai, but also he taught Muay Thai and Muay Boran. His Muay Thai style is strongly influenced by his boxing, which I love. He's also a Muay Boran instructor. He just traveled back to Luktupfah Muay Thai and Muay Boran academy in Bangkok to renew his certifications. Anytime I train with him, I learn new things. He brings a different perspective to the sport and movement that is priceless. Besides being a really great instructor/teacher, he's also one of the kindest people I know. His heart does nothing but grow for Muay Thai. In his teaching and everything else, his love for the sport shines through in all of his actions.

I love this lineage of capoeira angola! In particular, I…read moreappreciate Contramestre Galo Preto's thoughtful and challenging coaching. I like that he often teaches through play and movement over verbal instruction. He really listens to people's needs and ideas, and it's evident in the encouraging community of students and families.

"this is a really great learning experience! and all the teachers are really nice and helpful! all…read moreyou need to do is focus :) it's a great art and it's a good option for anyone looking for this!" -direct quote from a youth class student

Master Ramirez, including Master Eddie were so good in teaching the fundamentals of Taekwondo…read more Sadly we moved out of state and our new Masters are impressed with my daughter which resonates how good she was taught. Would recommend Twin Tigers 100%!

I highly recommend Twin Tigers Taekwondo! They have a great program! We initially started with the…read moreintroduction 4 week course to see how our son would do, and he loves it, so we signed him up for more! we travel from Olympia to take his class! Price is reasonable as well! Master Ramirez is wonderful with all of the children teaching them confidence, discipline, and respect. He motivates the children with a kindness and patience while making classes fun and engaging! We will continue training with Master Ramirez.

My boy is 7 years old, and he was asking for months to do "karate." I finally relented, and WOW! He…read moreloves it. Goes twice weekly, and I am so happy for him. Master Charnley is firm, but humble and so kind. Even in the family class, he takes the time to work on each person's technique. He cares about the child's behavior at home, too. Even has them memorize home rules before they can advance. Highly recommend.

I am a mother of 5, grandmother of 6.When the kids all moved out, rather than being sad about my…read moreempty nest, I decided to do something good for myself. My close childhood friend gently encouraged me to start a class with her that initially I thought was an exercise class... There IS exercise involved, but so so much more. I began taking taekwondo here at Korean Martial Arts Family Centers in July of 2012. It keeps me off the couch and My husband doesn't have to carry my laundry baskets anymore. I love my dojang and can hardly wait for the days I get to go. My instructors are all amazing and very patient with me and the other class members are kind to me and it has actually turned out to be very fun.