Love the variety of techniques and exercises. Instructors are very professional and patient.read more

I first discovered Kodokai while searching for a dojo that offered training in a two-sword style or…read moreKenjutsu. After joining, I also started classes in Palace Hand, quickly realizing that both styles benefit one another and eventually even adding Karate to my repertoire to engage my mind and body. Sensei Branchaud and Sempai Kim have reputable credentials and are truly great teachers, constantly pushing their students to become better and improve their skills in every class. Here they offer Karate, Palace Hand, Sword, Weapons, and Zen Meditation classes straight from Okinawa, Japan. Kodokai is a great place to have fun and get into shape, or even just lose some pounds while gaining knowledge, respect, discipline, and self-defense against one or multiple attackers. I have definitely lost weight and have gotten into much better shape since I have started my training. When it comes to training you might expect the drill sergeant type of method that is common in most dojos offering monotonous routines, but it is not like that here. This is self-defense training not sport competition training. They offer self-defense classes for kids, teens, adults, and private lessons. All training is done among students from beginner to advanced ranks without limiting anyone's training in order to accommodate a lifelike scenario since no attacker is the same. I have gained skills that can be utilized to protect myself, friends, family, and possibly another person who is being attacked or needs a helping hand. My work schedule differed from my class schedule and they were able to work with me to create a schedule that would work for both of us. It is a relaxed environment with great people who are fun to learn with and are very open to welcoming new participants to our dojo. There is an extensive amount of knowledge that is taught here much more than I can explain. If you are looking for authentic martial arts offering practical training this is the first and last place you will need to check out. It might be hard to find at first but it is located on Eddie Dowling Highway in the Plaza at Park Square in the back of the building (across the Street from CVS).

Absolutely Amazing! Very professional and Practical! Dans extremely good with children. I have seen…read morechildren that have anxiety over come it and now spars and does technique with confidence and a smile. Which is the complete opposite of of the child who started in the beginning. It's amazing to watch these kids come out of there shells. I could sit here all day and give you a millions of reasons/stories of people I have seen grow and overcome personal struggles. I have been to many different martial schools but this one right here is one in a trillion. If you looking for a adult class or kids class look no further. Theres also nunchucks/weapons for yellow belts up two times a week which the kids love but the ED Parker/many lessons Dans teach seal's the deal for me! This place has been my family and I'm forever grateful. Ty, for all that you do Sir

From the owner: We specialize in creating a safe space within yourself, by being able to defend yourself on any…read moresituation possible. We work with all ages starting at about 5 years old, and work with special needs individuals, in either group or private settings. We achieve all of this in a fun family environment, but we understand what we teach is serious and do so with discipline, confidence, respect, and kindness, without killing your wallet, You do not buy a belt from us, you Earn it!

I originally met Sensei Gagne 31 years ago. I have been privileged to be taught by him and his…read moreinstructor Sensei Coffman. There are no harder working traditional karate instructors anywhere I have ever seen. Believe me, I have looked. But it is more than that. They are also decent, compassionate and most importantly humble men. I have the highest respect for both of them. With all that said, this is REAL karate. The strikes are true and effective. You will actually learn to defend yourself if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance. Interestingly I learned that I did not really know how to fight as well as I had thought when I first started. Something you don't come to understand until you meet someone like Sensei Gagne and his years of expertise and dedication to the art and craft of Karate. I highly recommend that if you are interested in learning martial arts that you take a look at the Okinawan Temple. I would also suggest that you take a look at other schools in the area and watch really carefully too. You'll see that was is being taught at the Okinawan Temple is much much much more effective, even to the untrained eye. We, all of who have taken Karate with Sensei Gagne, are honored and privileged to be taught by one of todays greats in martial arts. I can not recommend the school enough. One last thing. I, myself, have never had to use what I have been taught to any other degree but as to diffuse a situation. Much of that I attribute to the confidence gained from Sensei Gagne. I have, on occasion, had to use some force. But it was minimal as the opposition quickly learned that I actually had some knowledge of fighting. That I can only credit to Sensei Gagne and Sensei Coffman.

I first started training at the Okinawan Temple Karate Studio in 2003 when I was 16 years old. This…read morewas my first experience in a professional martial arts setting. Let me preface this was a personal background: My plan was to join the Marine Corps shortly after High School. I felt that martial arts training would instill discipline, help get me into shape, and prepare me for the combative aspect of joining the Marines. I did not realize HOW MUCH the training I received at the Okinawan Temple would carry into my military career, not only through boot camp and Infantry training, but to a combat deployment to Fallujah, Iraq in 2006. "Muscle memory" was something I was already familiar with as a student under Sensei Gagne's direction. Having a "combat mindset" and "situational awareness" were all terms and mindsets I had already embraced, thanks to my training at the Okinawan Temple. Since having trained at the Okinawn Temple, I have never had to utilize my karate training against someone outside of a monitored atmosphere. Not once. I've had people get in my face and attempt to get me to throw down, but when they look me in the eyes, they see something they've probably never truly seen before: Confidence. Fearlessness. Inside, I'm shaking, because that's what adrenaline does to the body, but outside, I'm cool as a cucumber, thanks to Sensei Gagne's training. Even after several years of being outside the loop, my body KNOWS what to do, thanks to the muscle memory type of military training that Sensei Gagne instills. It is really incredible. Sensei Gagne's leadership abilities are unquestionable and top notch. I have seen him work with young, young children, all the way to senior citizens. Sensei Gagne is patient, compassionate, and humble; all qualities of a true warrior. He will never show frustration, anger, or impatience. He works with men and women of all backgrounds, skill sets, and levels of athleticism. If you enter his dojo with an open mind, you WILL take something away. That's what kept me going back 3 - 4 days a week for almost two years straight. I kept learning more and more, not only about the martial arts, but about my own body, the human psyche, and what happens to us when we are in high stress situations. You will NOT find "Angry Old Men" or Black Belt Bullies at this Dojo! Some dojos are indeed run by huge weight lifters with a "martial arts" background. They have their pack of higher level students that they use to beat on the new students in an attempt to break them. The Okinawan Temple is a dojo built upon RESPECT and HUMILITY. Sensei Gagne is NOT a bully, nor would he ever allow bullies to be promoted within his ranks. We trained HARD. We were training for real life situations against potentially life threatening attackers. But never, not once, did I feel that the higher authorities within the dojo were out to break any of us. Never. The leadership encouraged us to work at our own pace, and we did. But when you look up and see a 40-something-year-old-man sweating right through his uniform, giving 150%, striving to reach a new level of athleticism and discipline, well, you can't help but want to fall in line right behind that attitude, whether you're 70 or 17. The martial artists that I've met at the Okinawan Temple are truly inspiring individuals. People who want to learn how to "beat someone up" or "do back flips" do not last very long. They do not fit in with Sensei Gagne's level of practicality and the way he trains his students to be prepared not only physically, but mentally, for life threatening situations. Go sit in on a class. Watch the discipline and the hard work Sensei Gagne's students put in. You will see an elite level of martial arts mastery that is incredibly hard to find in this part of the country. This truly is a place where highly trained, disciplined, humble warriors are created. This is not a day care for kids or play time for adults; you go there to train. Sweat a little bit. It'll do your body good.

My son has been training here for over a year. This is not just a dojo, but also a community. The…read moresenseis really care about their students. From day one they call every student by their name. They work with every student on an individual level - challenging some, building confidence in others - knowing just what the student needs at that particular time. This dojo has taught my son so many things in just one year: coordination, confidence, self control, pride in accomplishments, how to accept criticism, how to win and lose, how to follow directions, how to stand up for oneself or others, patience, persistence, and flexibility, balance, and strength. They develop the whole person. He has had so much FUN learning those things. Martial arts has really become a part of our son's identity and a great source of pride for him. This is not a dojo out to take your money and do the minimum. They do not have contracts. You just pay as you go and it is worth every penney. This dojo has already had such a positive influence on our son's life! Just check it out! Update: My son has now been there over two years. We are still very happy with the personal care he gets. He has had so much fun training and competing in tournaments (and winning some, not others), learning martial arts forms, weapons, and discipline. He also loves playing dodgeball (with soft foam balls) and other games the senseis use to train the younger children. We love the drop off movie nights where the senseis watch the kids, have a movie night and have a pizza party while the parents go on a date! The kids love seeing their karate friends and senseis in street clothes! There are so many nice families here. I also love the convenience of running into Dave's for a few things while my son is training! Very convenient!

The best thing I've ever done for my son is to send him to consider kenshu ryu. There's a community…read moreof teachers there that support and love and courage their students. While also providing a quality martial arts curriculum. Also by comparison their prices are some of the best I've ever seen.

Our son started training at Mastery a little over a year ago and it has been one of the best…read moreinvestments ever made! When we started, our son struggled a bit with sportsmanship. Losing at anything was a very hard thing for him. Focus was also extremely difficult. We didn't realize the impact of his training with Mastery until he participated in a Mastery competition shortly after he started. He tried his absolute best and did great...however, he did not win any medals. Instead of getting frustrated or reacting negatively, he fist bumped the winners and congratulated them. We left soon after with him smiling, laughing and simply happy! This meant so much to us! We have watched so much growth since and are incredibly proud of how hard he works! Mastery is so much more than "just" martial arts. They teach core values that our children aren't learning outside of our home. From birthday parties, to summer camp, to family events, to tournaments and so much more....we have developed amazing relationships with other families and our son has created lifelong friends that have the same mindset and determination as my son. We are grateful for this special experience for our son and look forward to his journey to black belt with the Mastery team!!

Horrible experience. Major money grab. We were at the Cumberland location on a trial. We were…read moretrying to watch our child and they were in or faces with an iPad trying to sell us something. A tournament maybe. It happened each time. Barely could get a word in edgewise to say we're not members. Absolutely horrible experience. We found a different studio that is incredible. It is filled with other parents who had similar experiences at Mastery. Definitely a major red flag. Stay away, they care more about the money than the skills they teach

Fantastic self defense classes for students at every level! Joe and Alex are progressional,…read morededicated and fun. Students range in age and experience and everyone leaves their classes knowing that they have learned new skills or perfected what the already knew. I couldn't recommend this place more!

From the owner: Small Circle Jujitsu, Self Defense, Grappling,…read more Yoga Classes, Weapons Defense, Mixed Martial Arts, Women's Self Defense

USA KARATE SMITHFIELD is the perfect place to learn, grow, have fun and to meet wonderful students…read moreof all ages. It is a privilege to have a caring, dedicated team of professionals lead you on a wonderful new path of self-discovery in Martial Arts. The location is easily accessible, class times are convenient and the facilities are excellent. I would encourage parents to enroll as well, as a journey shared with your children is a wonderful way to strengthen family relationships. Age is no barrier and it is never too late to learn... Thank you, Shihan, Sensei's and Fellow Students.. Judy Simon - Student

From the owner: Bushido Martial Arts & Fitness is a martial arts school offering modern and effective martial arts…read moretraining in Smithfield, Rhode Island. We offer award-winning martial arts programs, a staff of qualified instructors, convenient class schedules, a positive family-oriented environment, affordable tuition with convenient payment plans, and a complete line of martial arts supplies. In addition to American Kenpo Karate classes for children, teens, and adults, we also offer classes in Krav Maga, Kickboxing, Fitness Boxing, and more. Contact us today for more information!

I've been coming to Pilates Point Studio for years and finally doing what I've been meaning to…read moredo...write a review! I love my pilates instructors, both Krista and Sarah! I love the scheduling and flexibility of getting on the reformer for a duo lesson. The studio is clean and equipment is top notch. I started coming to pilates to help with lower back pain, and I can speak to it actually working!

Come try Zumba with me! Mondays at 7pm or Saturdays at 9:15am!…read more linktr.ee/kellycaldy