I have no experience in martial arts or Jiu jitsu but as devoted yogi/ yoga teacher with passion…read moreand deep appreciation for movement, connection & energy exchange I was in total AWE the first time I stepped foot in Akiyama Dojo. First, the facility is pristine and absolutely beautiful. The space, the esthetic, the energy, the instruction is all high caliber. after moving with owner, Ken, the first time, I knew this Art of movement was a game changer for me. Ken's innate and experienced knowledge, wisdom, expertise & guidance and endless patience with me helped guide me toward my most empowered version of self to date. Movement is his medicine. I have come into a lot of healing through this medicine. I am NOT a fighter by any means and can't even stand the thought of combat or grappling and yet here I am delighted, absolutely enjoying learning principles of Jiu jitsu and I find myself wanting to learn more and more! Ken meets you where and who you are and guides you to your truth. Can't recommend this healing experience enough!

A family environment with no over-inflated egos, Koryukan is a wonderful place to train with…read moretop-notch instructors. Owners Ken & Mandy really care about their students and it shows! Koryukan teaches Koryu-Uchinadi, a reality-based self defense system (think traditional karate mixed with elements from all kinds of other styles like ju-jitsu, judo, muy thai, aiki-kenpo, BJJ, etc). Whether you want a great body/mind workout or self-defense training or just to work out as part a friendly, down-to-earth community, check out Koryukan Martial Arts. They have classes for kids (3.5 years+) & adults (men & women of any age or fitness ability).

Both my kids (girl, now age 10, and boy, now age 8) have been taking kung fu classes at Yang's for…read morealmost two years. Mr. Fazzio is the best and, along with the older students who are empowered to assist him in the classroom, he has helped my kids mature, focus, and find balance (physical and emotional). Plus they now have a great appreciation for Chinese history, language and culture, and I love the family atmosphere. I, too, take tai chi classes at Yang's and can attest to getting many of the same benefits (focus, calm, balance, etc.). I can't recommend Yang's enough!!

I have edited this review because I realize that it's unfair to penalize Yang's Martial Arts for…read morethe fault of something that occurred at Yang's Fitness. My review there still stands, but I have nothing but good things to say about the martial arts program for children and adults. I was a member for over 10 years as a kid and teen, and this program helped me learn valuable social skills and teamwork, and got me out of the house.

Here's the short version: if you expect more from a gym, regardless of your level, join Skill of…read moreStrength (SOS) right now. The Details: Several years ago I switched from traditional conditioning (machines, rote freeweight exercises) to functional training. If I only knew sooner... The trainer who originally taught me and my kids moved out of reach. Since then I've engaged in a pretty arduous search and ended up at SOS. As far as I can tell, it's one of a handful of gyms of its kind in the Boston area, and it happens to be at 73 Princeton St., North Chelmsford MA 01863 (https://www.skillofstrength.com). SOS does a terrific job of translating cutting edge methods to well structured and original routines that can be followed by all levels of ability. On one hand there's a somewhat more casual crowd that does a modified version of the day's program (I'm in their MOVE class) and they seem quite content. I'm absolutely, 100% all for that. At the same time, there's another crowd that's always pushing for the next level. Despite the wide ranging audience, SOS underscores the experience with some very subtle social norms - very healthy, and it creates a great vibe. My first experience with SOS was sending my high school aged son through their COMPETE program. It accomplished everything I was hoping for - measurable gains in quickness, strength, cardio, reinforcement of footwork, increased confidence, and familiarization with a vocabulary that athletes require if they're going to progress. All in a personal, incredibly positive environment. Why SOS works for me: starting in my teens and stretching into my late 30's I spent a good portion of time working with skill coaches and strength & conditioning coaches. Together, they made a huge difference in my progress. I don't play a sport anymore, but I still want a technical workout oriented toward increased fitness. SOS delivers in spades. I'm a bug for technique - I actually believe that 5 pounds done right is better than 50 pounds done wrong. As a result I'm constantly asking questions, getting terrific guidance, and no one's lost patience or interest - instead, they seem to be totally into it. SOS has also taught me additional, helpful routines for balance (which are actually fun, and this stuff is supposed be fun), and I'm still pulling myself together on their footwork drills - happily. If you have kids or student athletes who would benefit from a thoughtful, engaging workout, or if you're looking for something different and well structured, or if you simply burn for a good workout, SOS is a terrific place.

Great place to train, with great instructors. If you are looking for a place where the coaches pay…read moreattention to detail, come to SOS! You will not regreat it! Raphael

I initially found this place from a suggestion of my acupuncturist to help recover from a separated…read moreshoulder. I have to say I recovered in some pretty record time! A great place to do tai chi, meditation or any martial arts. They have kids martial arts as well as adults and the instructors are very knowledgable and offer an environment that is comfortable and easy to learn in. They offer Tai chi (many styles), qigong, bagua, nagong, dao yin (Chinese yoga), do yee (Korean yoga), kempo, Kung fu, shaolin karate, Ching I, and probably some more that I don't know about. My son does the kids shaolin and loves it! I do the qigong, Thai chi (yang and Chen), bagua, daoyin, doyee and meditation. VERY BENIFICIAL for your internal health and strength! Give it a try, first class or two is usually free to get you started.

It's rare that people find something that they are truly passionate about and rarer still that they…read morehave the ability to effectively share that passion with others. The Taoist Arts Center is a rare example of just such an instance when a passion and teaching of that passion are perfectly united. Sloane Franklin, the master instructor and owner, deftly wields a knowledge of that entertains and draws you in as the student, and leaves you rejuvinated and eager for the next class. His explanations are well-informed and articulately delivered and his deep belly laughs are contagious. As someone, who has never been terribly interested in martial arts training, I can whole heartedly endorse this center for anyone interested in improving their health and physical and emotional well-being.

I used to workout at Fitness together at Drumhill, owned by Ashling who decided to go solo and…read moreopened Zone Fitness. She is one of the best in this industry and works hard for it. Ashling's knowledge of body mechanics, exercise regiments, and nutritional guidance: helps her clients to stay healthy. If you are looking for one-one or small group training with flexible schedule then see Ashling at Zone Fitness.

I have studied here since 1984. I have lived in other parts of the United States and have studied…read morethere as well. The instructors and students here at the IMAS are all family to me. Simply put - The best place I have ever studied the Martial Arts!

I can't say enough about this school. It's great for all levels and the instructors are so…read morededicated. Highly recommend!

I've spent the last 7 years training martial arts in some form. I started with Jiu Jitsu…read more(Japanese-style) and then moved onto muay thai, from one of the premiere MMA/Muay thai gyms in Boston, where I trained for 6 years or so until I recently moved and it's just too far away. I've also used groupons for a few other studios in Boston and on the North Shore - focusing mostly on muay thai and boxing. So I've seen a number of different approaches and formats over the years. North Shore Muay Thai Academy is great because the focus is almost entirely on Muay Thai (they just added some MMA classes). There are different types of muay thai classes every day - no competition with other martial arts like BJJ. I really like that as I have limited time and have always chosen to focus on muay thai (I just love to box) - so it's been harder at other places b/c I was much more limited in classes I could attend. With NSMTA, there are options every day, which is really nice. As far as the classes go, they are divided into technique classes, bag work (cardio and technique), and sparring with pad work. I really like the variety. I'm used to basically either a teaching class or conditioning class. So if I don't feel like sparring on that day, I just go earlier and do a good conditioning bag workout. As far as the atmosphere goes, it's cool. I've been going now for a few months (usually 2-3 times a week) and really like the ppl. It's a good group of guys, everyone is nice, no one is a jerk - which is really nice. Ppl are very respectful and looking to learn and have fun - no one is trying to break noses or anything. I've been places where I didn't really like the other ppl and it's just so much more fun when you like the guys you're working with. Kru Mark is a good teacher (explains the idea behind specific techniques as well as the general idea of the movements) and really nice guy. He's there day after day and brings good energy and an enthusiasm for the sport, which is great. And with his teaching, there's always a theme as we march through techniques, which I like a lot. I like structure to learning (as opposed to each day is a random lesson to learn), and it feels like there some of that here. Also, he teaches nearly all the classes, so it's nice to have that level of instruction all the time. If you're interested in learning muay thai, this is a great place to go.