I had been practicing at another Aikido Dojo in the area since 2013, but recently I had been…read moresearching for a more congenial Dojo with "better atmospherics, better culture", and I still prefer one close to home. I found Cy-Fair Aikido Center, and I'm going to give them a go. Sensei Matt Poulson, who comes through the AAA/AWA heritage (The Founder M. Ueshiba - Koichi Tohei - Fumio Toyoda - Andrew Sato - David Galdamez - Matt Poulson) has good coaching skills and has been helping me to understand how what I've learned over many years at a different school fits into the context of the AAA/AWA heritage. The larger organization that Cy-Fair Aikido Center belongs to aims to be inclusive of different styles; they have students from different places. My 1st degree brown belt was fully recognized on day one of practice. Even though they use temporary mats, they are good mats, you can do hard ukemi on them, no problem, and they have a big area to work with. For those who don't know, Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by The Founder Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying (with) life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. This requires very little physical strength, as the aikidōka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.

From the owner: Children's and adult Aikido and self-defense training. We teach traditions Japanese weapons as well…read moreas empty hand techniques.

Bear Loebe's is 22.5 miles from my home (I realize most Houstonians wouldn't blink at this…read moredistance, but this is a big chunk after my already 90 mile daily commute), and it's totally worth the drive. I went there on a Groupon to try a kick-boxing inspired fitness class. I figured if I liked it, I could find a place closer to home. However, I knew after my first class that not only would I continue the class, but that I wouldn't switch businesses either. I'm really active in my day-job, but I'm new to fitness classes. Needless to say, I was full of excitement and dread when the time came for my first class. I arrived about 15-20 minutes early, and in that time the owner, his grandmother, and one of the instructor's welcomed me and made me feel really comfortable! The class was (and remains) an awesome workout. It's about 25 minutes long and it works everything in 30-60 second mini workouts. No two classes are alike, and it's super affordable. People of all different shapes, sizes, ages, and fitness levels come and workout together and it just works. I implore anyone to please come and give it a try, I love it! One last thing that I really love and respect about this business is their absolute care for their customers in the kid's classes. Obviously, the classes are for the martial arts, but building a strong character in the kids is just as, if not more than, important to the process. Teaching not only to stand up to bullies, but how to help their peers vulnerable to bullying, shyness, etc. overcome and not feel alone. I cannot speak highly enough of this business.

From the owner: Training children to be champions and leaders since 2007read more

Great coaches and environment! They have a gym culture that can accommodate everyone's goals…read moreanywhere from getting in shape, learning self-defense, or competition.

Great gym in the Katy area. Great coaches and awesome teammates. Very affordable and a laid back…read moreenvironment.

Horrible experience. Starts off like he cares but has absolutely no interest in his students. It…read moremay take a while, but the truth comes out in the long-run. Your kids could be out for a week or a month, as long as he gets his monthly membership fee you'll never hear a peep. " Hey is your kid ok? Haven't seen them in a while.?"... Nope. Classes are chaotic and undisciplined. Says "he's not there to discipline but to teach jiu jitsu". I call bullsh*t! As a teacher and coach you ARE supposed to discipline students or players that are being disruptive or not doing what their supposed to or not showing good sportsmanship. With regard to coaching, he is completely disorganized in that new students are not taught basics and fundamentals effectively before being other techniques, ie trying to build a house without paying a foundation. One would think or hope that a coach and school would care more about it's students, especial when we brought more people and families to train there. But I guess as long as they are paying their monthly fees that's all that matters. Our previous coach in Los Angeles cared and provided continued discipline with high expectations of students and parents. Miss a session you'd have a call or text to see if things were ok. If someone was late or disrespectful, push up, sit ups, drills. Our girls knew to work hard and that their coach cared about them beyond just jiu jitsu. They trained hard for him because they grew to care and love the sport... Because he cared! That is lost with "coach" Jerome. Save your money! Find a different studio.

Been training here for last months, professor Jerome really teaches at the highest level! We learn…read moreboth the sport aspect as well as self defense aspect and escapes to keep you alive! Recommend especially to law enforcement, high risk jobs where you are in the not so great places or women for rape defense or just to get in shape without killing yourself!

The coaches are incredibly knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely care about helping students of…read moreall levels improve. The academy is inclusive, always clean, well-maintained, and equipped with everything you need. Highly recommend if you're looking for a new home!

My grand daughters comes here and they just started two months ago and love it! The coach is very…read morehelpful and kind in showing them the prop way to do moves. This shows self respect, manners and anger management! So glad they joined

Good environment for kids. My son enjoys here so much even on the first day…read more The facility is clean and sanitized Great coaching and technique. We learn a lot from here.

I came into this not knowing what to expect, but the Muay Thai lesson didn't disappoint. The…read morecoaches are very professional and kind. The class is very informative and a great workout! Awesome people to train with. And the other folks taking the class are very friendly. Everyone helps you when you need it. I'll be signing up for the membership and always look forward to my next session. Great place to train!

Level Up BJJ in Texas?!? YEEEEEESSSSS!!! Let me say that the Level Up family is absolutely…read moreTOP-NOTCH!! The quality of teaching/training is second to none!! I've studied other arts and just recently began my journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu...wow!! I love it! I've been encouraging my friends to check it out and the ones who know me best can tell how captivated I am with this particular self defense martial art. If you even think that you might be, may be, just possibly a little curious...just go and talk with the instructor and see for yourself what they have to offer. Come back and respond to my post after that, I guarantee that you'll agree with me!!

From the owner: LEVEL UP Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Cypress is over 30 years in the making. An impactful martial arts…read moremovement helping children, adults and families to discover the beautiful art of BJJ in Cypress Texas