My 8yo daughter has been doing TKD AT Master Hwang's World Class Tae Kwon Do for a year and a half…read more She has grown by leaps and bounds in discipline, maturity, and endurance not just with TKD but in other areas as well. I can see the pride she has in what she does, and the instructors are very patient and encouraging. The staff are all welcoming and helpful. We live in Great Bridge and drive all the way to Western Branch because we love Master Hwang's and we trust our daughter is getting the best experience there.

A Review From a Parent and a Student This review is not…read moresimply based on emotion. I am both a parent who sent my children here and a student who personally participated in the classes for the final four months. When we first enrolled, I had a positive impression and even left reviews on Google and Yelp after parents were encouraged to do so. However, my experience changed significantly over time, and I no longer believe my original review reflects my experience. After taking the classes myself, I found them heavily centered around the instructor's personal style and lengthy discussions, with too much class time spent talking rather than training. I also repeatedly saw leadership students being corrected during regular classes. More importantly, I experienced a clear difference between the values being taught and the behavior I witnessed. When I raised a concern about how the instructor's wife treated my daughter, I was told that it never happened and that I had misunderstood. I was also lectured about respectful communication, while being told that I was "writing a drama," or words to that effect. Afterward, she tried to greet my eight year old daughter, who clearly refused. While a child's reaction alone cannot prove what happened, as her mother, I could not simply dismiss the situation as a misunderstanding. The instructor continued to defend his wife's position and then canceled our membership by text on Sunday morning after the belt testing. I was also disappointed by how another instructor's departure was handled. After years of teaching the students, parents were not given a proper explanation or opportunity to say goodbye. That instructor was a friend of mine, and because of that relationship, I overlooked several issues and chose not to create conflict. After our membership was canceled, I requested a refund for the remaining period and asked for my children's birthday and promotional photos to be removed. I was later told the refund would be calculated and the promotional materials containing my children would be removed. Based on my firsthand experience as both a parent and a student, I would not send my children here again. Parents should look beyond the presentation and carefully consider the teaching style, communication, and how conflicts are handled before enrolling their children.

Can't say enough wonderful things about this place! The instructors are amazing, they bring so much…read moreenthusiasm and knowledge to every class. My son has loved every single class and I really credit them with helping build up his confidence along with physical skills. Studio is bright and clean and the location is very convenient right on Great Neck behind the Starbucks. The pricing is very reasonable also.

This is by far the best place to enroll your children or self in martial arts in all of the…read moreVirginia Beach area. Both of my sons, throughout years of dedication and focus, received their black belts in Taekwondo. Mr. Burns does a phenomenal job making each individual student of his a better version of their self. Both of my boys are more confident, disciplined, and respectful thanks to the hard work they put in at Great Neck Martial Arts Academy.

I couldn't be happier with Master Hills Martial Arts…read more Master Hill and Tiger Moe are two amazing people. They really know how to work with their students so they get the most out their classes. They are very patient with children and also provide a fun environment for them to learn and socialize with other children. My son attends the red dragons classes (Mon, Wed, and Sat) and they are very reasonably spaced out throughout the week so that he fully grasp what he is learning in his classes. So far he has taken four classes and I noticed he has really been focused on doing better in karate and he is interested in continuing. He really enjoys the interaction between the instructors and being able to have fun learning karate. Also offered is cardio kickboxing, which is done while my son attends his class so we both are getting our workout on! And they have workout machines if you would like to workout while your child is in his or her class. There are also classes for older children and adults. I am thinking about a self defense class for myself. Overall excellent place, with excellent instructors. You will not be disappointed!

Definitely take advantage of the one-week trial if you have a little one it helps you to see what…read moretype of program they run! The owners are very friendly and informative. They take pride in teaching "intellectual" martial arts with children. I was too busy watching The classes to take a lot of pictures but I will upload later. The studio is very clean and tidy. They have water and snacks and juices For guests and folks in between classes. Classes are offered from four years old all the way to senior. I was also pleased to see that they offer a pay by session kickboxing class for women. It's a great way to get in shape and get some discipline and focus at the same time. Give them a call and get kickin in 2020!

Did the kids class growing up and it made me disciplined and ambitious despite being a lazy kid, I…read moredo the Combat Submission Wrestling / MMA class to this day, best coach in 757.

As a 47 almost 48-year-old with no martial arts experience I was a bit apprehensive about starting…read moremy journey. After a bit of research, it was suggested to train in Muay Thai at my age, after further research, and visiting and speaking with head instructor Wahsei I made the decision to train at Eastern Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. I have been only training, for a little over a month and I am really glad I started Muay Thai and chose to train here. Head instructor Wahsei is extremely patient no matter what your skill level is. He is extremely knowledgeable in a multitude of martial arts and spends a lot of his own resources to attend further trainings and seminars in order to improve upon his own training and teachings. A great example of this, is when I had some issues getting my foot work correct during a drill. Instead of trying to keep the drill up and causing frustration for myself, he switched to two different drills that covered the same exact principle but was easier for more to conceptualize. The students in the classes are very patient as well and are very welcoming. You can easily tell they are well trained, disciplined, and follow the golden rule. If they see you struggle with a concept or drill, they will stop and help you within the moment to get you back up to speed. They understand they were beginners once as well and are always willing to help you. Not a lot of people have that mentality. The facility is well equipped, extremely clean, and always being updated. I have really enjoyed my time here so far. I am starting to feel better about myself and have been getting into a routine for a healthier lifestyle. If you are thinking about a martial art, whatever skill level you are, do not wait (I wish had not) and stop by or contact Head Instructor Wahsei.

Master Hunter and his staff are so attentive and caring with all of their students…read more The facility is top-notch and well-maintained. The instructors are highly disciplined and professional at all times. The staff take their time to ensure that students and their families stay informed about policies and feel comfortable at all times. There is no push for students to advance faster than they feel comfortable. I love the different class times that are available and the breakdown of age groups. You will enjoy the family environment. It is a multicultural learning experience that my family has enjoyed fir decades.

Our daughter started attending classes at Tiger Academy Martial Arts approximately 2-3 months ago…read more It was a decision that came with a lot of deliberation. We have had some incidences on the bus, some things at school, some things at aftercare. All things that definitely upset me as a parent. Things that made me just want to shrink myself and put myself into her pocket so I could pop out when necessary. I know that's just not possible. After these Incidents we talked to officials at all places. They try their best at all these places. Unfortunately they just cannot be everywhere all the time to keep other children from acting like arses. Witty comebacks and telling the teachers, officials etc is just not enough in today's climate. We came and checked out Tiger Academy of Martial Arts. Staff is super pleasant and attentive. We did the two week trial. We watched the classes and talked to our daughter. We decided to sign up for classes. A couple of weeks ago an incident happened at school during lunch. Two children (one a play date friend) one a classmate. One pushed her. One was talking rude and accusing her of cheating at thr game they were playing. Let me tell you what happened: She not stood her ground. She calmly spoke to both children. She called the one on his language and cheating accusations. Calling him on havingngame rules he told no one. She calmly talked to her friend who pushed her and told her flat out. Not to touch her physically because no one has the right to do that to anyone. What happened was a shock to me. Both children actually responded in a positive manner. They were all able to move forward. When she came home and told me about the incident I have never been more proud of her. She told me that stood up for herself because of Tiger Martial Arts. She said what she learns in class helped her feel confident enough to handle the moment. Between the student creed, classes the amazing Sensei's and staff , home practice and friendship and family atmosphere, we have definitely landed in the right place. What our daughter was able to do in the moment rl is priceless. It's a step towards a positive correct direction of not taking any shit off anyone. I highly recommend checking them out. It could change your kids life.

My daughter has been attending this TaeKwonDo academy for a little over a year, and the growth I've…read moreseen in her--both on and off the mat--has been incredible. What started as an activity has truly become her passion. Mr. Baker is extremely knowledgeable and intentional in the way he teaches. He creates an environment built on trust, respect, and high expectations. He is firm with his students, but that's part of what makes his instruction so impactful. Life isn't all sugar cookies and rainbows, and he understands that he's not just teaching kicks and forms--he's helping shape character, resilience, discipline, and confidence. I've watched my daughter grow in focus, accountability, perseverance, and self-belief. She walks a little taller now, carries herself with more confidence, and takes pride in her progress. I am so grateful she has found something she truly loves and a mentor who is preparing her not just for the next belt, but for the real world. Highly recommend to any family looking for more than just a sport--this academy builds strong kids from the inside out.

My daughter has been a dedicated student at Virginia Tae Kwon Do for several years. During this…read moretime, we have invested not only our time and money--$110 per month plus testing fees and gear--but also our trust in the leadership of this school. She progressed from white belt to black belt through hard work and discipline. Unfortunately, that same level of discipline and professionalism has not been modeled by the school's leadership. The head instructor, Mr. Baker, regularly brings his personal political views into the classroom environment. He has shared disturbing anecdotes about immigrants and political talking points that are completely inappropriate for a space where he holds authority over young students. This is especially harmful in a diverse class that includes Black and Brown children, some of whom may be personally affected by the issues he references. I respectfully asked Mr. Baker to keep politics out of the classroom and to be mindful of the impact his words could have on children. He agreed, and he said that he wouldn't bring it up again. However, we soon found out that he was continuing to discuss his views. We tried to address it again. Rather than engaging in a thoughtful dialogue or committing to maintaining a neutral, inclusive environment, he told me that our daughter's membership was canceled within minutes of our follow-up conversation. No regard for her years of dedication or accomplishments. Just immediate dismissal. It is deeply disappointing that a student who put in the work to reach black belt status is now forced to find another school--not because of poor behavior or lack of commitment, but because the instructor prioritized pushing his personal agenda over providing a respectful, inclusive environment for all students. I sincerely hope Virginia Tae Kwon Do reconsiders how it handles both parent concerns and the power dynamic that exists between instructors and children. Martial arts should teach integrity, respect, and self-control--not fear, division, or ideology.

I had the opportunity to meet Master Son and learn more about his program. He is extremely…read moreprofessional, experienced, and truly passionate about helping students grow both in Taekwondo and in life. His background and dedication to teaching really impressed me, and I believe this will be an amazing place for both kids and adults. We're very excited for the grand opening!

East Side Muay Thai is the best Muay Thai gym in the Hampton Roads area! Conveniently located in…read morethe Strawbridge Marketplace Shopping Center. This gym provides a great environment for all levels of traditional Muay Thai with Intro Classes, Kids classes, Advanced Classes, and Fight Team Level! Anyone from no experience to advanced is welcome to class and the community at East Side is wonderful! No big egos and the head coach/owner, Jose is mindful of partner pairing with someone that will take care of you. Everyone is nice and supportive for class making you feel comfortable to train! Kru Jose is an amazing head coach who has a passion for Muay Thai and an impressive portfolio of experience within the Muay Thai community! Jose coaches all classes and provides detailed instructions for class by a combination of learning styles for everyone. What I like the most is that there is accountability and structure for the class to elevate your level of training, and motivate you to push yourself to be better each time. The other coaches Summer and Zedd are also amazing at teaching and supporting the gym! Summer leads women's classes on Saturday mornings and supports intro/advanced classes too making a great impact on women who also train at the gym. The gym has a history of successful active junior and adult fighters with championship titles! The gym is clean and spacious with a full-size boxing ring as well! If anyone is looking for a gym that will teach you the fundamental techniques of traditional Muay Thai and provide a great atmosphere/community this is the gym for you!

Welcoming , clean, and professional. Learning a lot and looking forward to more. Classes for all…read moreages