GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin…read moreInstitute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing.

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still…read morestay in touch 30 years later!

Awesome studio for self defense, fitness, and martial arts ! Choe's HapKiDo teaches respect, and…read morediscipline, and all in a family atmosphere. 5 STARS !!!

So awesome! If you're not taking class here you need to try it out! The community of people is one…read moreyou will not find anywhere else!

it's a great place to learn and build confidence with the immense knowlwe of self defense and I am…read moreexcited for my peers who encourage me to do better everytime

I personally do not recommend they were so interested in the money but not really wanted you to…read moreshow up for your class

Ultimate karate and fitness is the best karate school I have been to. I've been going here for 12…read moreyears and it is a family here. I wouldn't be the successful, well mannered man I am today if it wasn't for this dojo. This dojo is where great people are made.

My kids have been taking karate from UKF for over 3 years and I couldn't be more satisfied. They…read moreare in the best shape of their lives, they learn valuable life lessons, and have learned more about self confidence, self respect, and discipline than they ever could at school. They of course also learn about self defense and everything that is associated with martial arts, but the life lessons will last longer than anything else they have learned. When they first started, I thought karate was all about learning to defend yourself and how to fight. I was wrong.

LOVE this! Started this for my 13 year old son and now am…read moredoing it for me! Absolutely love the fitness classes (bag class; HIT class) and the Krav Maga instruction, the experience (ALWAYS something new!), and the end result (confidence; total fitness; self defense). Highly recommend for anyone ranging from a couch potato wanting to get into shape to an elite athlete that wants to learn self defense capabilities. Kids, teens, and young adults to any age where you don't mind punching a bag and rolling around during sparring. LOVE it!

Our 12 yr daughter has been a student in the adult class at the Stone Mountain location since March…read more2026. As a facilitator, Master Kim is one-of-a-kind. He instills respect and integrity while making the practice fun...and nurturing a sense of community. It's been beautiful to witness our kiddo's determination, resiliency, pride and curiosity for the culture, sport and art!

Taekwondo Generations was my birthday present to myself on my 40th birthday. Having been very…read moreinvolved in Taekwondo in my youth I was searching for a dojang that embodied the core values of Taekwondo that had become so important to me as a young man. Values such as self-discipline, humility, hard work, and most importantly the community you find in a great Taekwondo School. Taekwondo Generations is the embodiment of those values! Coming back to the sport in my 40's (it was well over 20 years since my last class when I started at TKD Generations) has been its own lesson in discipline and humility but I have enjoyed every minute and am so glad to have found my new Taekwondo do home. Master Chong and His wife have been so great to me as I have gotten re-acclimated to the sport. They are always encouraging and supportive both in and out of class. I have now been at the school since we opened and have re-earned my second-degree black belt and am continuing to train on weekly basis. I can't imagine a better place to be practicing this sport I have loved since I was a boy. I have also had the pleasure of joining the staff of Taekwondo Generations and I can attest to the fact that Master Chong holds himself first of all but our staff to the highest standard for teaching and working with our students and their parents to see each student reach their own best. He brings out the best in everyone around him every day. Lastly the recent addition of and additional Master, Master An to our full time team has added another layer of world class instruction to what I believe was already one of the best schools in our state. I am honored and humbled to be part of the Taekwondo Generations family both as a student and an instructor. Join us on the mat to learn the worlds most practiced martial art from the best. Thank you Master Chong!

Great concept, very unethical business practices. I wish I could have stayed as it seems it would…read morehave been a great way to get in shape and join a community, but it's not worth it. They'll start you off with $180/month but have a clause in the contract that gives them the right to charge you $1000/month without your consent. That is ridiculous! I called to get this situation rectified and to get this clause out of the contact (that I didn't even know I was signing--they generate a signature to contracts without your consent), but the owner never responded. I guess he was hoping he'd get away with it!! Shameful!!! Also, it's ALL locations that are owned by the same guy. Not just the Sandy Springs location. AVOID THEM ALL!!!

This place is a hidden gem…read more First off all, it really is hidden. If you don't know to look for it, you'll drive right past. Once you turn into the parking lot, the gym is down a hidden stairway on the left. As a member, you have a choice to sign up for boxing, strength & conditioning, Muay Thai, kickboxing, or jiu jitsu classes. The trainers push you hard, in the best way. By and large, they move around the room keeping an eye on everyone...making form corrections and gently encouraging to push yourself further. They are accepting of members of all shapes and sizes, and seem to take in consideration the physical and strength abilities of each individual. There is a great variety of DBs, KBs, BBs, and cardio machines (much bought in the past year) to use on your own and on your own timetable, if you choose. You also have the option to take classes at any of the other five locations, for added variety. The Sandy Springs location has the added bonus of having a dry sauna for post-workout "cooldown". The truth is that I have gym at home with much of the equipment found here, but I will never be able to get the results I get by coming to this gym. Having a trainer (most have been there several years) to push you past your preconceived limits is priceless. Add to that a great group of other participants (all on various journeys of their own) to offer additional encouraging words or fist bumps. I feel that the monthly fee is pricey, but I believe it's still in line with what most other gyms of this type charge. And the fact that they have continued to purchase new equipment (small and large), shows that they are willing to continuously invest in what they have to offer. Ultimately, Team Octopus - Sandy Springs has become a home-away-from-home. I, regularly, look forward to seeing the trainers and my new friends there...and to seeing the physical and mental limits that I'm able to push (or be pushed) past. After some soul-searching, I decided recently that there was no better investment than my physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and purchased a lifetime membership. T.O. may not become as integral part of your life, but it just might. Give it a chance, it might change your life.

My daughter has been going to Master Won's Taekwondo Education for several years now. It is always…read moreclean and organized. Classes are always well taught by experienced instructors. They offer day camp programs for Cherokee County school vacations. My daughter loves them and always has a great time.