GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin…read moreInstitute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing.

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still…read morestay in touch 30 years later!

The Atlanta School of Aikido is an exceptional dojo. Sensei Larry Feldman and his instructors are…read morevery proficient martial artists. More importantly, they are excellent teachers. They understand the principles and techniques of Aikido and clearly explain what they are doing. If a student is struggling with a particular technique, they find new and creative ways to break it down and help both beginners and advanced students grasp the essential principles. This is done in an encouraging and non-judgmental manner. They know that everyone who studies the martial arts will have difficulties with some of the moves and techniques. There is a lot of personalized attention. A unique aspect of the Atlanta School of Aikido is their emphasis on the development of internal power. This is the power that true masters of the martial arts over the centuries have possessed, but have taught to very few of their students. The instruction at this dojo includes a step-by-step method for both developing this power and testing it. As with all skills in the martial arts, the development of internal power takes time and work. It is extremely helpful, however, to have a clear roadmap and instructors who can guide the students along this path.

Great classes! Sensei Larry Feldman and his instructors are very proficient martial artists and…read moreexcellent teachers.

Our 12 yr daughter has been a student in the adult class at the Stone Mountain location since March…read more2026. As a facilitator, Master Kim is one-of-a-kind. He instills respect and integrity while making the practice fun...and nurturing a sense of community. It's been beautiful to witness our kiddo's determination, resiliency, pride and curiosity for the culture, sport and art!

Taekwondo Generations was my birthday present to myself on my 40th birthday. Having been very…read moreinvolved in Taekwondo in my youth I was searching for a dojang that embodied the core values of Taekwondo that had become so important to me as a young man. Values such as self-discipline, humility, hard work, and most importantly the community you find in a great Taekwondo School. Taekwondo Generations is the embodiment of those values! Coming back to the sport in my 40's (it was well over 20 years since my last class when I started at TKD Generations) has been its own lesson in discipline and humility but I have enjoyed every minute and am so glad to have found my new Taekwondo do home. Master Chong and His wife have been so great to me as I have gotten re-acclimated to the sport. They are always encouraging and supportive both in and out of class. I have now been at the school since we opened and have re-earned my second-degree black belt and am continuing to train on weekly basis. I can't imagine a better place to be practicing this sport I have loved since I was a boy. I have also had the pleasure of joining the staff of Taekwondo Generations and I can attest to the fact that Master Chong holds himself first of all but our staff to the highest standard for teaching and working with our students and their parents to see each student reach their own best. He brings out the best in everyone around him every day. Lastly the recent addition of and additional Master, Master An to our full time team has added another layer of world class instruction to what I believe was already one of the best schools in our state. I am honored and humbled to be part of the Taekwondo Generations family both as a student and an instructor. Join us on the mat to learn the worlds most practiced martial art from the best. Thank you Master Chong!

I completed the Krav Pro 6-week challenge and joined the high intensity training program…read moreimmediately. During the challenge, you can chose to attend the self-defense classes if you like at no additional charge. Sticking to the nutritional guide helped me develop better habits; combined with the HIT classes, I honestly couldn't believe the results. What I really like about this gym is that they change up the workouts daily. You'll never repeat the exact same routine twice. And if I'm traveling, I can always come up with something on my own. The instructors are great to work with and understand the importance of being good at motivating people. I've lost over 20lbs in the three months since I joined and look forward to each of the 30-minute sessions I attend 3-4 times every week. And, if $100/month seems a little steep, it keeps me accountable. I paid $10/month for a gym I never visited for years. For about $8/workout, I've been very happy with my results!

I personally do not recommend they were so interested in the money but not really wanted you to…read moreshow up for your class

My daughter has been going to Master Won's Taekwondo Education for several years now. It is always…read moreclean and organized. Classes are always well taught by experienced instructors. They offer day camp programs for Cherokee County school vacations. My daughter loves them and always has a great time.

Amazing instructors that come from a legendary lineage of Martial artists. It's very hard to find…read moreplaces that offer multiple arts to choose from which makes this place even better! My Instructors in New York spoke very highly of Sifu Fong and his academy, so when I moved to Georgia, I knew I had to continue my training here and it's been worth every minute!

The Francis Fong Academy is a beautiful school with very attentive instructors well versed in many…read moremartial arts styles. The attitude of the instructors and students is reflective of Sifu Francis Fong, who is kind and generous with his teaching. As a life long martial artist I appreciated his amazing skill and speed combined with the ability to demonstrate and teach complex principles incorporating whole body movement, body positioning and timing. If you are serious about learning martial arts and want to train to become your best this school offers training to fully develop your skills. It is rare to have one school offer elite level training in Wing Chun, JKD, Eskrima, Balintawak, Ju Jitsu and more. As a visitor from the west coast I felt instantly welcomed and was matched with someone for my skill level. Anytime I'm back in Atlanta I will be training here.

Great concept, very unethical business practices. I wish I could have stayed as it seems it would…read morehave been a great way to get in shape and join a community, but it's not worth it. They'll start you off with $180/month but have a clause in the contract that gives them the right to charge you $1000/month without your consent. That is ridiculous! I called to get this situation rectified and to get this clause out of the contact (that I didn't even know I was signing--they generate a signature to contracts without your consent), but the owner never responded. I guess he was hoping he'd get away with it!! Shameful!!! Also, it's ALL locations that are owned by the same guy. Not just the Sandy Springs location. AVOID THEM ALL!!!

This place is a hidden gem…read more First off all, it really is hidden. If you don't know to look for it, you'll drive right past. Once you turn into the parking lot, the gym is down a hidden stairway on the left. As a member, you have a choice to sign up for boxing, strength & conditioning, Muay Thai, kickboxing, or jiu jitsu classes. The trainers push you hard, in the best way. By and large, they move around the room keeping an eye on everyone...making form corrections and gently encouraging to push yourself further. They are accepting of members of all shapes and sizes, and seem to take in consideration the physical and strength abilities of each individual. There is a great variety of DBs, KBs, BBs, and cardio machines (much bought in the past year) to use on your own and on your own timetable, if you choose. You also have the option to take classes at any of the other five locations, for added variety. The Sandy Springs location has the added bonus of having a dry sauna for post-workout "cooldown". The truth is that I have gym at home with much of the equipment found here, but I will never be able to get the results I get by coming to this gym. Having a trainer (most have been there several years) to push you past your preconceived limits is priceless. Add to that a great group of other participants (all on various journeys of their own) to offer additional encouraging words or fist bumps. I feel that the monthly fee is pricey, but I believe it's still in line with what most other gyms of this type charge. And the fact that they have continued to purchase new equipment (small and large), shows that they are willing to continuously invest in what they have to offer. Ultimately, Team Octopus - Sandy Springs has become a home-away-from-home. I, regularly, look forward to seeing the trainers and my new friends there...and to seeing the physical and mental limits that I'm able to push (or be pushed) past. After some soul-searching, I decided recently that there was no better investment than my physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and purchased a lifetime membership. T.O. may not become as integral part of your life, but it just might. Give it a chance, it might change your life.

Overcharge you and make you sign contracts they don't honor, The owner is complete douchbagread more

Edit: they continue to find new ways to harass me. They are threatening legal action…read more Bad reviews happen to businesses who don't provide good customer service. Scaring people into removing their reviews is a terrible practice. I bet that for every negative review you see there are 10 who were too scared to post. --- Despite being blocked & them thinking the review was deleted (it's not) they continue to find ways to demonstrate how horrible they are. No wonder my friend who is a trauma survivor was scared and petrified to speak up about their awful business practices. I would go into more specific detail, but then they will know who they are & will harass them as they harass others who speak up about how they treat people. Disgusting.