Joe is hands down the best instructor in buffalo! He's supportive and understanding and just a…read morestraight killer! Highly recommend anyone to try a class especially if you want a good sweat!

I've been training martial arts for 15 years now, this place has high quality instruction in a very…read morerelaxed atmosphere. Theres no pressure to compete, you can choose your level of involvement. The head instructor is an accomplished competitor who will help guide you if that's the direction you're looking for. If lineage is a factor for your decision, my blue belt was tied on my waist by Julio "Foca" Fernandez, a name that most aficionados are going to recognize. On a personal note, the team at BCF has supported me through 3 tournaments and a knee injury. Too me, this place is home and these people are family.

Larry Manth Martial arts have good instructors. It is expensive, but I think worth it. The lead…read moreinstructor, Larry Manth, is 25 years old, but has a lot of experience.

Seven Tigers martial arts is the best martial arts training program I have experienced. Sensei…read moreHutch is a very effective and kind teacher. His dojo is well equipped, for example, with three heavy bags, coaching mitts, air shields, and a large gymnastic mat. It is quite acceptable there to either go through the belt program progressing to black belt, or just physical training. Training is individualized or, as indicated, in small groups. Sensei Hutch is very flexible about scheduling. Fees are very reasonable. Altogether it's been a rewarding experience, good for physical and mental health.

I have taken different forms of Martial Arts classes over the years. This is, by far, the best one…read moreI have ever taken. Sensei Hutch teaches such a unique style of Martial Arts, I never knew existed. He is very personable and very well skilled in his art. And the price of the classes cannot be beat! I recommend these classes to anyone and everyone. I give this school an A+

This is a bit behind the times. The dojo is called karate joe's now and it is on the corner of…read moreMcKinley Pkwy and Brompton. I have known and trained with Joe for a long time and I have trained at a few different schools. Karate Joe's is the most well rounded school that teaches a few different styles. Shihan Joe is the real deal in martial arts instruction. I couldn't recommend him with higher regards.

I'm a black belt with 20 years experience in BJJ Dropped in last year while visiting from out of…read moretown. Had a blast training at the Friday open mat, and was really touched that a couple of my fellow lady practitioners went out of their way to make an appearance knowing I would be there. If / when I am in Buffalo or the Western New York area, this is the spot to train.

I'm a black belt and was a student for about 6 years trying to leave to train elsewhere. I wrote…read morethe owner a letter explaining I'd be ending my membership. I wanted to broaden my training and take a hiatus but still drop back in for open mats and the occasional class. Instead of acting like a mature business owner, Deacon Mike got physical and escorted me out. They come off as kind honest people until you mention training at other schools. The reason I'm going out of my way to write this review is to warn people to steer clear of this twisted academy. A couple of the many reasons I'm leaving a one star review because this school operates under an alternative agenda. They take advantage of kind people. The academy is not inclusive. I have witnessed misogynistic characteristics and anti LGBTQ comments by the owner, Mike. Two of their instructors have domestic violence history, one of which runs the kids BJJ program. To leave the school you must turn in a letter stating so. I handed my letter to leave the school to the owner, who reacted in a hot headed way. Meaning, this is when my jacket was grabbed and I was thrown out. This is after 6 years at the school. The owner pushes his religious beliefs on people, and deflects issues as somebody else's fault. He likes to label others' problems as having "victim mentality" and not his prerogative. He is immature, manipulative, and acts like he cares until you might decide to train elsewhere.

I've been going to The Lab for about three years, and it's easily one of the most effective and…read morewell-rounded gyms I've experienced. The workouts combine circuit training with real boxing, and the structure keeps things from ever feeling repetitive. The biggest difference is the coaching. They're knowledgeable, encouraging, and focused on proper technique, which creates an environment where you actually see progress. Highly recommend for anyone looking to get in shape or learn boxing!

I highly recommend Boxstar Tonawanda! I attended my first class yesterday with coach Tatiana. It's…read morebeen a while since I've attended any kind of exercise class, have never taken a boxing class and I had an amazing time! Any moves that were too difficult were modified for me and I felt encouraged (not defeated) when I needed adjustments. Everyone there was kind, encouraging and I left feeling like I had a great workout with just the right amount of soreness- no pain at all which I often experience after exercise classes. I can't wait to go back!

I'm doing a fitness challenge and came across a free one-on-one self defense lesson. Thursday…read moreafternoon, I met up with the owner, Chris, and his decked out studio and he kindly showed me some moves both on the punching bag and one on one . He also gave me some pointers on what to do if you find yourself in a bad situation in a parking lot, etc. I found the one-on-one lesson to be informative and a good way to let off some steam while gaining some coordination and muscle . He does offer group classes as well as one on one classes (included upon appointment with a monthly membership) . I would like to get a few of my friends involved in a monthly class . Chris put me at ease as it was my first time doing any karate style moves. I highly recommend this establishment!

Our kids have been taking classes as this studio for the last 5 years or so. We love it! The kids…read morelove going and have grown so much in their confidence, skills and strength. Sifu Chris and his team are so fantastic with the kids and welcoming to parents alike. Truly a kenpo karate family here and that makes it a special place. Our kids are involved in other activities as well but none feel quite the same as the warmness and genuineness we feel here. I would definately recommend you check them out if considering classes...it will be worth the visit

I decided I wanted to take a kickboxing class and groupon had a deal for this location. I went into…read morethis place and took classes alone and I've got to say, one of the best decisions I've made. It gives you a super intense work-out and I always feel so stressful and relaxed after (even if I dread coming here sometimes after a long, hard day). The teachers/employees here are super nice and they will walk you through everything. The students that join the classes are also very welcoming. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and do not be afraid to ask questions and push your limit. They're all supportive and they want to push you to succeed. They won't make you do more that you can't. Definitely give this place a try if you're trying to look for some fun way to work out! P.S., they have classes for kids too. I always see kids having a blast and leaving this place happy.

This is going to be a tricky review. Why? Because I am biased and I am a student here. I want you…read moreto join. (however only certain folk. See "Who I believe this place is for") I know that reviewing a place where one works out is vastly different than where you go eat occasionally. I've been going for about 20 months now and I feel ready to review this place. I give this place 5-stars because I have gotten clear on what I want out of this place and I get what I put in. Why I chose this particular school and am sticking with it: 1. I am a mid-30 year old working gal that has lived in Buffalo for 8 years now. I grew up in Southern California. I decided to do martial arts because it's on my bucket list. I did it for several years as a teenager and did not quite get to my black belt. In fact, I was that spaz of a teenager that joined several schools. From Tang So Doo (Chuck Norris's style I think) to Kung Fu. Instead of beating myself up for quitting I decided to finally join a school. Also, important to note I enjoy movement. So I do other things like meditating, light yoga and working out at the gym. Those things I do to help my martial arts. 2. (This one took time for me to evaluate) The area was important because I knew the attitudes would reflect a balance of goal oriented no-excuse (or very minor excuses LOL) type of individuals. Folks who work hard for their money and have the challenge of juggling-their-other-lives-but-choose-to-be-here type of folk. I've lived enough. I've gone to yoga studios, gyms etc where the community of people ranged from a low self-esteem broke hippies to egocentric hipsters. I needed to be around more balanced folk. 3. (this one came later) The community of extended family. I have no family in this area. I am on my own. At times a bit of an introvert. For awhile, I just stayed home because I just outgrew some of my younger friends who wanted to do nothing but bar sports. (you know join a sports league and go drink). Not my thing. Over the course of 20 months this place has become a family to me. I go here to sweat and gain wisdom from the other students. (I say that with sincere intent) 4. Of course...The owner. Master Patterson has the advantage of youth (yet a very experienced martial artists). He is almost in his 30's (don't quote me) This is a positive. 4a. His growing vision of the school: it reflects where current martial arts is today. This school has shifted to being an MMA school (modern kick boxing, Thai boxing and Ju Juitsu). He also partnered up with an upcoming (freaking) amazing MMA fighter. Myles "the Fury" Jury. Therefore, he teaches practical more up-to-date martial arts on many levels. Yet, still maintains respect for the traditional stuff. I am being real here. The stuff in the movies is not real. let's learn stuff we can use in real life. It's never going to be a flashy move when it comes to self-defense. You will be learning from a technical and gifted teacher. He does a good job of bridging that understanding of certain concepts IE. why we do traditional forms to its practical use of a movement that maybe you might use on the street (knock on wood you won't ever have to use it). He is also a tough but caring teacher. You'll sweat, learn and go home feeling good about yourself. At least I do. I have a very deep respect for this man and his journey of how he came to open the school. When you join, you'll everntually hear about it. Who I believe this place is for: 1. Families. This a family oriented school. One of their mottoes even reflects it: "Building a Safer Community One Family at a Time." There are a few families at this school where both kids and parents are student. I love and appreciate the school for how much it promotes family! (probably a lesson I needed to learn). A family that martial-arts-together, stays together, I say. 2. For the adults...If you're an adult in your 30's and above, you have to be wanting a significant change and be willing to allow someone else to push you to dig deep to want to improve your health. Also, allow your body and mind to go to another level of awesome. Also, be opened to the support you get from the other students. It really is a community. Recognize that martial arts is a life long journey. It can help you in other areas of your life. It can help (f you want it) in a positive way alleviate stress, create balance and mental clarity. You have to want those things for yourself. I am a pragmatic woman. When I took this as a teen, I was mega fit. I am not mega fit. However, I am loving how fit I am compared to a couple years ago. I feel great! Coming here, I would hope you have this attitude: be in it for the long haul (at least a few years). Also, there are a few (I call my elders, in my mind ;) ) that keep it real with me. It's a safe space to discharge some negative energy (if need be) and STILL have the support of good people. Come on over already and train with us. Be well!