This is a great place to train! The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable, and tailor instruction…read moreto your level. The instructors invest equally in everyone from white belt to black belt, whether those students are competing, learning a new sport, or just trying to get fit. As a new student, I never feel pressured to purchase uniforms or equipment directly from them. From an outside perspective, academies like these can seem intimidating. However, Florian's is the most inclusive environment I have participated in over my 30 years of training in different styles and at other academies. Although I have only been there briefly, I feel part of this group because everyone goes out of their way to be welcoming. It is an excellent place for women to train together as well.

Amazing practice for young children. Our son, now almost 9, has been attending BJJ classes for 2…read moreyears now and has loved it. As parents, we are impressed with the instructors skill and methods of teaching children, and encouraging the students to respect themselves, others and the practice.

(cross-posted from my Google review)…read more I started training at the Boston Martial Arts Center in early 2007 after training elsewhere. I'm glad that I did; I've enjoyed my time at BMAC immensely. Mark Davis: Mark's technical, teaching, and interpersonal skills are outstanding. He nicely manages the tricky balance between approachability and authority; he's a super-nice guy, but unquestionably the master of the dojo. Other instructional staff: The other instructors bring a nice mix of different skill sets and philosophies to their classes. It's worth noting that several members of the teaching staff have been with Mark for ten years or more; while they are all deeply experienced, they continue to train and grow under his direction. Students: The student cohort is supportive and friendly. There's a good mix of serious and casual students; some are there virtually every day, while others come a couple of times per week. Curriculum: The formal curriculum taught at BMAC could be generally described as "traditional." This traditional material is used to teach important concepts and principles that are then translated to modern contexts and applications. Students are encouraged to experiment and make their own discoveries under the guidance of the teaching staff; the "why" question reigns supreme. Rote memorization and mechanical reproduction of techniques are very much discouraged. Schedule: Great hours! Classes are held every weeknight, on Saturday mornings, and during the lunch hour on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Classes are 45 minutes long, so many students stay for multiple classes per evening. Facility: The dojo facility is adequate. The space is large enough to comfortably accommodate all but the largest class groups. The carpeted floor gives incentive to develop good rolling and falling skills. The dojo is very convenient to both the MBTA Green Line and the #66 bus. Both stop about one minute from the dojo building.

The best thing you can ever do for yourself. Not only does it offer highly competent instructors…read morethat teach you how to use martial arts, it teaches you the history and the practicality of using it today. I've studied different martial arts and after attending this school I'm reluctant to go anywhere else. Set in a humble area of Allston, most people pass by the school without even knowing its there. To get there you have to want to find it. The school does not attract those out to earn a collection of belts or those looking to hurt people. Instead it offers a place where you can find the balance that comes with knowing how to defend yourself. It teaches you how to use your powers for good, so to speak. The instructors know their stuff and make the classes interesting without one ever being like the other. You may even find yourself coming in when you don't have any classes. It becomes an even social atmosphere with great, friendly students and teachers. They welcome anyone that may want to come in and check out a class. If you meet Mark, you probably will end your search. He's the head instructor and can tell you why Ninjutsu is the best style for anyone hoping to better themselves or stay safe on the streets. The school is reasonably priced and gives you much more than what you pay for. They offer kid's classes as well. Visit a class and you'll be back for more.

I came on a Sunday morning women's training class for my first class. There was a group of women,…read moresome with their daughters who have been consistently coming to train for a few years. The instructor showed me around to the locker room and informed me of the directions of bowing and greetings other as I got on the mat. There were a few warmups that were a little tricky to do, but with practice it gets better. After the warmup exercises, we were paired up to do some partner drills, and then ended the class with a couple of quick matches. This was definitely a good workout and helps you understand your body awareness in relation to others around you. It's a very close contact sport and definitely good a good workout. I would definitely recommend trying it out at least once and would love to back and try one of their gi classes to see the difference.

I started training in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu back in January 09. I'm so glad I chose Kimura…read moreBJJ as my training center. Jean Kleber is a top-notch instructor (http://www.kimurabjj.com/about/instructors/) with many years of bjj training/teaching under his "black belt" (pun intended). His accomplishments are outstanding and his teaching ability is second to none. He takes the time to teach you, follow your progress and make sure you're moving in the right direction. He gets to know each and every one of his students on a personal level. Since this is my first time training I can't comment on other training centers, but I've heard it countless times from existing/new members that they are thrilled to be training there because it is so much better than their past centers. (http://www.kimurabjj.com/testimonials/) I would highly recommend Kimura BJJ in Watertown if you want to take up Brazilian jiu-jitsu or one of the many mixed martial arts classes being offered. It's a great and fun experience. Highly recommend

Great dojo, highly skilled instructors. Very diverse type of Karateka attend (Age, nationality,…read moremale/female). Good beginner program for kids.

This is a great, traditional dojo offering multiple classes daily. There are evening classes…read morethroughout the week and morning classes on Saturday and Sunday. If you're looking to challenge yourself in a physical and respectful way, this is a great school to reach your goal.

This is a great oriental place! One of the best massage place in the area and would not afraid to…read moresay it in the state! I have done my search. Have had problems with my back for over twenty year now, nine car accidents plus scoliosis, after first session was flying did not feel a pain for days! People are wonderful, atmosphere is superb. It is a little treasure in the middle of Brighton Center!

Great instructors for adults and kids. My two kids take classes and have made good friends, learned…read morea ton of skills and have made good connections with people. Highly recommend this place due to the wonderful level of instruction and care given to students.

Still an amazing place to train, with great instructors and an amazing environment. My son started…read moretaking karate classes about 10 years ago and now I have been a student of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for about 7 years and love every minute of it. The academy is more of a community for its students and makes everyone feel so comfortable no matter what level of experience you have. I highly recommend JPMAA for anyone looking for a great place to train karate or Jiu-Jitsu.

Wai Kru is the real thing. You're not going to find egos, attitudes, or even showers at this…read moreplace. Everybody is there for one reason, and one reason only: Learn How to Kick Ass. This gym is as no frills as you can get. You're not going to get hot tubs, massages, juice bar, or any of that garbage. It's kind of like Apollo's gym that Rocky goes to train in Rocky III when he lost his edge. You come in, you sweat, you bleed, you may even swear, but you will become a striking/grappling machine. We fight as a team and train as a family. Instructors are all very knowledgable, professional, and friendly. Very supportive cast of characters.

Unfortunately, I can no longer give stars on quality of instruction because I can't seem to get in…read morethe door to get instruction. Since writing the review, their class schedule has changed at least three times. I updated in my google calendar each time. When I first joined, I used a Groupon and transitioned from another school to here. The deal was free gloves. The guy at the desk said he'd give them to me later. I don't have my free gloves. Saturday - I set up a time to go with a friend who was interested (and terrified) in trying it out. I showed up for a class and the doors were locked. During the week - I show up in a Gi and the gi class is now a no gi class. I show up in sprawl shorts and a rash guard, and it's a gi class. I thought if I called ahead to confirm schedules, someone would be able to help me. Each person who answers the phone says, "I don't handle that...I only teach here." "Okay. Is there somewhere I can get an updated schedule or see one? The one on the website is at least a year old." They say, "uhh. I don't know." Me: "Okay. When can I call and speak with someone who might know a bit more about the class schedule? Them: "I don't know." I'm really really annoyed.

This review is for "the Remix" class at Sweat Box. It's interesting...wierd-interesting, not…read moreinteresting-good. I bought the Living Social/Groupon thing for 5 classes here. After my first class, I'm not sure if I'll be back. Si Fu K.L. Brown (the instructor) is like a mix of Billy Blanks with his Tae Bo body but a little bit of Charlie with his angels. You start off the class with a bunch of core exercises including 100s of mountain climbers, push-ups, sit-ups, etc. In the middle of these exercises, these "angels" come out and do something like a show & tell to the class, showing off their capoeira or whatever it is that they are doing with Si Fu. It's wierd. At multiple times in the class, the other students and myself are just standing in a circle watching this show & tell. Then at the end of the class, it felt like these "angels" were recruiting for more angels. I felt like I just paid money to listen to a good Rihanna/Madonna remix and watch some girls with sweat bands pretending to fight each other. Hmm....I guess if its pretty amusing after all.

I got introduced to the class when I saw the deal on groupon. I went to all the 5 classes and got…read moreamazing workout from the Woman Basic class. I also checked out the Hip Hop remix class but found that is not my cup of tea. The hip hop class is a little weird where you spent 20mins of core workout, followed by some dances moves which is fun. But then there is ~5mins of just standing and watching the 'angels' performing. I guess I was not so interested in watching and prefer to do the workout myself. The basic class is the one to go to if you are interested in boxing training and get incredible workout. I love it so much and ended up buying more passes from them and will make this part of my weekly training. I almost wish they offer more classes like this during the week instead of once a week.

A couple of years ago, I got a Groupon for a kids karate birthday party, and it was a great deal so…read moreI went in blind. THEY DID SUCH A GREAT JOB. They had fun activities planned, everyone got to run around and get some ya-yas out, two teenage helper-coach-people were assigned to help me with logistics and cleanup, and it remains the most successful birthday party of my parenting career. All the kids signed a block of wood, and my kid got to break the board with a karate chop as the grand finale. I mean, come ON. What could be cooler than that?

Esposito's is a gym as well as a karate teaching center. My experience is with the children's…read morekarate classes (although I have been tempted by the offer for gym access for parents during the karate term...). My 8 year old has done karate off and on for several years, and is now an orange belt. The children's classes are grouped by age and a range of belt levels. There are always multiple teachers: generally a Sensei and "Delta Corps" teenagers with higher level belts so that after a warm-up with the entire group, the class is split up into smaller groups according to skill level. There are families who clearly spend a lot of time here - with adults and children taking karate classes. We are a family who just does a once a week karate class, and feel welcome. At the time of this review they are offering FirstYoga (child, parent/child) classes and TaiChi (just starting). We have done the "pizza and movie night" which facilitates a night out for Mom & Dad (while you leave your child at Esposito's). I know they have very early morning gym hours (4:30 am) by keycard. Since I am not a gym member, can't tell you more. This is a great local community karate teaching center.

Been taking classes here for about a month, and I can say Sifu David really cares that his students…read moredevelop their Wing Chun skills to the highest degree. I do wish the pace of the class was faster and more organized, where we can do some of the exercise as a group instead of everyone going off to do there own thing. The class would also be much better if there was actually an agenda, or schedule of what to cover or review for that day of class. Sifu David takes a very traditional approach in teaching martial arts, which means the process is very SLOW and requires a lot of patience. He let's you get use to the movement of the forms and techniques and gradually corrects them overtime. This is how the class is structure; 30 minute warm up with siu nim tao form, 60 minute two person drills or practicing techniques in the air, and cool down again with siu nim tao form. The place is small, but it does has a relaxing vibe going on. The people that I've met so far at this school seems pretty down-to-earth. If you are expecting to do a lot of sparring and training to compete in tournaments, then this is not the place for you. Like I said, it's a very traditional martial arts school.

I've been training here for 6 months, and I really enjoy it. In addition to the traditional kung fu…read morestyle that I'm learning, it helps keep me calm and focused on every day things, from driving in traffic to dealing with stressful situations at home. My wife has said that I'm much calmer now and she really pushes me to go to class because I come back more relaxed. I also like that I get to choose my rate of learning to some degree. I train a lot, I've learned a lot, and I'm learning as fast as I can handle. If you don't train as much you progress slower (which is sometimes good too).