I practice Northern Shaolin with this organization, so it's only that one class that I'm…read morespecifically referring to in this review. I've practiced other martial arts in the past, and I've found my home here. The class structure is usually some warm-ups, followed by some conditioning and some drill work, concluded with a bit of forms work. There is a great breadth to the types of movements that a student learns, but they are all martially applicable. A good deal of time is spent on learning the applications to the techniques and practicing with classmates in order to become effective in their use. The one note of warning is that there is quite a bit of physical conditioning that is taught in this class, as this style can be physically demanding. Accommodations are made to suit the various fitness levels of the individual student, but you will definitely be encouraged to work hard and try your best. Chances are that you will "feel it" the next day. If are open to engaging in that level of exercise, then you'll probably have a lot of fun. If you take issue with the thought that your muscles have actually been made to do some work, then you probably won't attend more than one class.

I've been practicing Northern Shaolin with PATHS Atlanta for about a year now. I highly recommend…read moreit for anyone interested in learning Kung Fu. Class typically begin with a variety of stretching exercises and a circuit drill for conditioning. Following that we get into the substance of Nothern Shaolin. There is a heavy emphasis on forms and applications. I really like how we learn how each movement in a form could be used practically. We will also learn meditative techniques, history of Northern Shaolin and other styles, and the theories behind our martial practice. There is a lot of individual instruction in class. It is not uncommon for one student to be working on one thing while other students are practicing something else, but it never feels like you have been forgotten or excluded. Also common is that other students will momentarily pause what they are doing to offer you guidance or answer your question. The instructor is very knowledgeable, not just on Northern Shaolin but many other styles. Many times in class he will teach us some aspect of other styles for our martial education. We also are expected to learn the history of our lineage of Northern Shaolin which I think is really neat. There are two unique things about our class that I absolutely love. First, the classes are outdoors. While sometimes in extreme weather (August heat and January cold) I wish we had an indoor space, I almost always enjoy practicing Kung Fu outdoors. The second thing is the social aspect. Typically after class we go out for drinks and food. That aspect was a pleasant surprise as there I have really bonded with my fellow students and they all have interesting and diverse lives to learn about. One thing to note - I think the class structure has changed some since Phillip wrote his review. While physical conditioning is a part of class, I don't think it is as intense as when Phillip wrote his review. Still, you will get a good work-out and it will get you into shape (I have had many friends note that I look to be in the best shape in a long time.)

I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for exceptional instruction in traditional…read moremartial arts for practical, effective self-defense. I trained directly with Sensei Wayne Van Horne for many years before moving to the west coast. If I still lived in the Greater Atlanta area, I would still be training at the Yamakan dojo. In addition to being a highly qualified technician who can really do what is being taught, Van Horne is a university professor and published author - meaning, he is a highly skilled educator who knows how to TEACH as well as DO! If you are new to Ogasawara-Ha Shorinji-Ryu, it is a traditional Karatedo system brought to us by the Ogasawara family (same family tree as Ogasawara-Ryu {formal school of etiquette practiced by the Japanese imperial family} and Ogasawara Kyudo {Japanese archery on horseback}). What this means to the student is that classes are run with considerable respect to one another, intense spirit, and a comprehensive curriculum that retains the full practice of standing techniques, throwing/controlling/restraining techniques, and Kobudo (Japanese and Okinawan weapons). There is great information on the website that explores this more. My recommendation to anyone in the Greater Atlanta Area is to try it out first-hand, or better yet bring a friend too.

It show us karate and all the other forms of karate like taekwondo I give it a five out of fiveread more

This is one of the best karate places to go to I really recommend to take your kids there to learn…read moreself defense and they learn discipline teacher is really nice became like family to me

My son went to another Martial Arts school for over a year and walked away only learning a couple…read morekicks. He's been at Gladiator Martial Arts for almost 4 months and the progress is AMAZING! It is literally like night & day. I trust the instructors to care for my "heart outside of my body " knowing that they pour their all into these children.

bruce lee, christian bale (batman), robert downey jr. (iron man), jackie chan, nicholas cage,…read morecameron diaz . . . and the list goes on. you're probably wondering what those names meant. well, those are some of many celebrities who practice wingchun for those who may not know, maybe this will help.. you remember in the movie iron man, when robert downey jr.'s in his basement practicing martial arts on a wooden dummy with several arms? or what about cw's show, arrow, when oliver queen is practicing on a similar looking dummy? that's wingchun -- which is a practice of self defense using a triangle stance, while having both feet and hands face forward. before you get too impressed, I don't actually practice wingchun.. BUT the bf does. classes are twice a week; every mon & wed from 8pm to 9pm. sometimes the classes may go overtime, depending on the lesson for that evening or if the class started a tad late. the venue is actually called "marietta martial arts". the building holds several types of martial art classes. therefore, if you come in the morning or afternoon, you might see little kids practicing taekwondo or some other fighting style. you start off with nooby level and must go through training and tests before you can advance to the next level. there are NO belts in wingchun. instead, you receive little fabric badges that you can sew onto your shirt. prices range for everyone. there is a trial where you can come and watch OR you can pay to try out the class for a week, I believe? but if you do on plan on taking the class seriously, you sign a "contract" with the payment plan you believe best fits you. the longer you stay, the cheaper it is per month.

I've been doing martial arts since (1993) the age of 6. I've never been an advocate of taekwondo…read morehaving only studied ju-jitsu most of my life. However, this martial arts school has changed my life. I don't look at this as taekwondo, but more as SELF-DISCIPLINE SCHOOL! Even as an adult, I need it just as much as the children and young adults that train there. I have become refocused and driven to GOSU! (to achieve the highest level in all I pursue) The head master is extremely humble and motivating. My children will attend this academy not because I attend, nor because "karate is cool", but because I want the BEST for them. If you're looking for an activity, you can find anything in Atlanta. If you want a life changing experience, TONCHU is what you want... TONCHU is what you need...

"Taekwondo! Giyap! Haiyah!" You'll be shouting with excitement too after a class with master Song…read moreat Songmoodo Martial Arts College. Song Moo Do Martial Arts College has an excellent martial arts studio and workout facility to learn martial arts in a safe, fun, and disciplined environment. Master Song is a true professional and 9th degree black belt Grand Master who knows how to teach and train young and adult students alike. Some of the different techniques they teach include: Chi Gong Hapkido Judo Karate Kendo Kick Boxing Kung Fu Taekwondo Tai Chi Yoga Song Moo Do Martial Arts College is a very honest and professional taekwondo academy which goes beyond simply attacking and defending. Master Song teaches a holistic approach to life balance and finding inner peace while also teaching the art of self defense. In addition to punching and kicking students are taught how to use weapons such as the Bo and Nunchakus. The one negative I could see about this place is the restroom can get pretty rough and so a bit odoriferous but aside from that the taekwondo dojo is clean and well kept. The prices are reasonable and I have heard good things about their after school program and group classes. I have been a student of his private class where I have been able to train one on one with Grandmaster Song. Parking is plentiful and as a final point I want to say that Grandmaster Song is very skilled at developing discipline and helping students from all walks of life. 5 Yelp stars for sure. Thank you Grandmaster Song and have a very positive day.

I have been taking Ju-Jitsu for a little more than a month. I am an older person and was looking…read morefor a way to expand my health exercises, have fun, learn something new, mentally challenge myself and learn how to better defend myself. This experience has exceed my expectations. It takes a little time to get into the groove of learning something new. Just keep at it and you learn to appreciate the experience. Also the instructors are great. They really take the time to break down the moves, coach you through the nuances and develop a new skill. I am really pleased with the staff, the environment and the people you meet going through the experience with you..

Amazing instructors, very talented and great students…read more Never too late to start. I just started 6 months ago at 47 and can't wait to learn more Highly recommend