This is the "real deal" in Martial Arts, and a gem of a school. The curriculum is crafted to…read morebenefit people of all ages, from child to senior citizen. The staff customize your program to fit your body's needs as well as your capabilities. I've studied martial arts for most of my life, and this is the best school I have encountered. We're lucky to have it in Pittsburgh.

Oom Yung Doe is an incredible system of martial arts training. Students study 8 different martial…read morearts that are seamlessly integrated. Kung fu, udo, Kong su (similar to karate or tae kwon doe), samurai sword, 18 chinese weapons, aikido, tai chi and bagua. This gives students really balanced development and ultimately allows you to create a personal practice that is beautifully tailored to your individual needs. At Oom Yung Doe movement is a tool to win over whatever challenges you have in life, whether you want to overcome depression or serious health challenges. It is serious, authentic, traditional martial arts and the benefits are undeniable. I train primarily at an Oom Yung Doe location in Massachusetts but took some classes at this school while I was in the area. Instructors are excellent and knowledgeable, the students are fun and laid back and feel like a family, and the practice space is great. Head Instructor Patrick taught most of my classes in Boston when I started my training-- he was incredibly knowledgeable about how to work with my chronic illness and over a few months of working with him I was almost symptom free. The Pittsburgh school is extremely lucky to have him. In my two years at Oom Yung Doe I went from fainting 20 times a day and not being able to work for 9 years to being in better shape than I was as a high school athlete-- and that is just scratching the surface of the positive change I've felt. I've watched my fellow students get their weight under control, quit smoking, overcome depression, stop feeling suicidal, get past the need for various medications, heal long standing injuries, overcome social anxiety, the list goes on and on. The students are diverse in age (20's-60's), gender, race, religion, and background-- the unifying factor is that Oom Yung Doe is a place for people who are serious about making positive change in their lives. If you want to take control of your life and really change, grow, and overcome your mental and physical limitations, this is absolutely the place for you.

Shaolin Studios has been great for my son. He is slowly learning patience and self control. Master…read moreMichelle and Sensei Joe are incredible with these little kids. They are patient, understanding kind and strict all at the same time. Can't recommend them enough.

I started learning Kung Fu at SDSS a few months ago with my boyfriend, and it has been an amazing…read moreexperience. I am a beginner, and my boyfriend has been doing martial arts since he was seven, and we both thoroughly enjoy going here. We've learned so much, and we're constantly impressed by the kindness, respect and professionalism shown by the students and instructors at the studio. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking for a top-notch martial arts experience. Thank you SDSS!!

I wanted to share some of the highlights that explain why I think this karate school is great and…read moreworthy of consideration by anyone looking to pursue a martial arts education for themselves or their family. Nam's Karate has been in the Pittsburgh area since 1979. It is deeply established and rooted in the tradition, knowledge, and understanding of the art of Tang Soo Do. The Masters and Instructors are knowledgeable, personable, and driven. They take the time to work one-on-one with students and to build positive working relationships that are based on trust and enhance both growth and learning. Nam's Karate has one of the best pricing plans around. They offer several different payment options and discounts based on the program you enroll in. After completing the white belt program, students have the opportunity to attend as many classes as they like, as they are scheduled at their campus. The time slots for these classes are numerous and fit most schedules. In addition to class opportunities, Nam's Karate offers monthly clinics and workshops to help students in breaking (boards are an additional cost, but the breaking clinic is free), sparring, weapon, sword work, one-step techniques, advanced belt requirements, and more. Other offerings to encourage students to grow include: Nam's Leadership Team, Academic Achievers Team, Kick to Excellence, NMAChampionships, Tiger Demo Team, and Dream Team (the competition team). These opportunities exist so students can grow not only in their martial arts training, but also in themselves. Nam's Karate is also an incredibly family-oriented environment. Students of all ages and all abilities are welcome and encouraged to train here. Families train together, often side by side in class. Each student's reason for training is different, but all students strive to and are encouraged to be their personal best. The Masters and Instructors actively engage with students and help them in both setting and meeting their goals. Students are challenged and pushed outside of their comfort zones in a way that encourages growth and brings about confidence. Nam's Karate focuses on and thrives on community and familial values. Affordable events exist throughout the year to promote and encourage students to spend time together and enjoy one another's company both inside and outside the Dojang. Students can take part in the summer day "kamp", an annual weekend retreat, lock-in style events, movie nights, picnics, and holiday parties. At Nam's Karate, students can expect to gain many skills, but some of the most important are for self-improvement and character development. Students at Nam's Karate are held accountable to being honest, self-disciplined, and respectful individuals. They are encouraged to perform their best in all of their daily undertakings. There are so many great things that I could continue to say about Nam's Karate, but I think you can tell that it is a positive environment...I think anyone considering trying out a karate program should give Nam's Karate a call.

I purchased 2 36-month Black Belt programs (for me and my son) at Nam's Korean Karate School and…read morepaid in full at the time of signing a contract. This payment plan enticed me to save a significant amount of money on the program over time vs. other payment plan options which were presented. Two months later, due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to move 500 miles away to a different state. Although the contract stated that no refunds would be given after 3 business days, they were willing to provide a partial refund. Unfortunately, it took several communication attempts and the amount offered was negligible, not reflective of their pricing structure, and presented as a final decision with no room for negotiation. Please note that at the time of this review, I am still unable to resolve this issue with the business. For those of you contemplating joining Nam's Korean Karate School (or any martial arts studio in this area), please learn from my experience. I suggest researching the 1997 Commonwealth Fisher v. Tiger Schulmann court case (argued in 2001) which ruled that these businesses are not required to comply with the Pennsylvania Health Club Act because they do not meet the definition of a health club ("a person, firm, corporation, organization, club or association engaged in the sale of memberships in a health spa, racquet club, figure salon, weight reduction center or other physical culture service enterprise offering facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement or development of physical fitness or physical well-being.") The PA Health Club Act provides certain protections to consumers entering long-term contracts and can be found in its entirety online. It is my understanding that some martial arts studios in PA willingly comply even though they may not be required to by law. After all, the physical health benefits of martial arts are becoming increasingly well-documented, and "martial arts, such as karate," is specifically recommended as vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for adults and children in the most recent (2008) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Even at the time of writing this review, this business's own Yelp page (for the Mt. Lebanon location) lists "physical fitness" and "improving strength and flexibility" among the specialties it offers. If I had purchased a membership somewhere that elected to follow these regulations, then I would have received a fair refund under my circumstances (i.e., moving more than 25 additional miles away from the facility). Be a more informed consumer than I was. For example, as you shop around for a dojo, you may want to ask if they willingly comply with the Health Club Act. Or, if you have already entered a contract, you may want to find out whether the business is adequately bonded (which would protect you in case a business closed or filed for bankruptcy) - a question I wish I had asked prior to handing over a large sum of money. Otherwise, if you find yourself in a situation like mine, without sufficient consumer protection in this area, you may need to seek help from agencies like your credit card company, the Better Business Bureau, or office of the Attorney General. Please note that this review is solely based on my opinion that I have encountered poor customer service and unjust business practices in dealing with Nam's Korean Karate School. It is not related to the quality of instruction or environment. We only participated for 2 months, and while we were quite satisfied during that time, it was not a sufficient amount of time to provide a meaningful review on that aspect of their business. I hope this review helps others in making a well-informed decision about whether to enter into a contract with this business.

Love the School , it's like a Family. Great Masters / Staff Best investment for my Grandson!read more

Not just punching and kicking, more important discipline into teaching and exhibition of respect to…read moreeveryone.

Excellent team of instructors. My granddaughter was so nervous but learned to be her best and…read moreovercome her fears of walking beams Her cartwheels and flips are phenomenal. The team of instructors will take Perfect Ten to a whole new level of challenges and success.

My niece goes here and WOW! What a gymnist she is. She's been to several gyms before ending up with…read morethis one, and they are by far the most affordable, and she has learnt the most from this gym. I've taken their adult class this passing Monday. I still had acrobat knowledge from my youth, (front walkovers, back walkovers, back handsprings). But they teach old farts my age who start from scratch on Monday night. The class ranged from very good, to totally crap. Either way, it's a brilliant workout and I had a blast! Tho I did have a mishap. In a spot for my first back handspring in 10 years, my leg came around and kicked the trainer right in the nose. She took it like a champ! I felt horrible, and she stood up with a smile. Don't know how... cause I know that hurt! This is a competitive gym, so if you take your child here early, in a few years she/he can be competeting. And the trainers are very nice people. Their very good to the kids! My niece loves them all!

My 15 year old Son has been taking private lessons with Chris for about 8 months and the changes…read moreare dramatic in both his skills and attitude.Chris is a certified Boxing Coach with an awesome demeanor, he knows how to relate to teenagers and get the most out of them. He is very flexible with his schedule as school work and other sports seasons come and go. The Owners are 2 of the nicest people you will meet and the gym is the cleanest workout facility you will ever walk into.

Our grandson attends this academy. He loves going, and we love his enthusiasm and how his…read moreconfidence has grown. The school is warm and welcoming to everyone (both students and families). The instructor is very knowledgeable and unbelievably patient with students. He always encourages them to do their best while acknowledging both their strengths and areas of improvement. We highly recommend!

We love, love, love the Academy of Ving Tsun. Our son has been attending for years, and we've seen…read morehis abilities and confidence soar. We actually have tried other schools, and drive twice as far to attend this one. Sifu Dale is very confident and competent in his own abilities, and he patiently encourages and mentors all his students. We highly recommend this school to all of our friends, and to anyone who is looking for an excellent experience with a caring mentor.

True Authentic Taekwondo. There is no place I would rather train with than this group and its head…read moreinstructors. They always push us to be our best. No matter the challenge anything is possible with the right team and teacher and Young Brothers is the best place to learn Taekwondo. You will not only learn to defend yourself, but you become a better person and truly feel welcomed as part of the Young Brothers Taekwondo family.