We are new to Waxahachie and really weren't sure about any new martial arts studios. I had heard something about Ellis County and decided to give it a try. I was so impressed with their knowledge, professionalism but even more, the abilities of the students. I have been in martial arts since 1983, trained with Jhoon Rhee (Father of Modern Tae Kwon Do), Charlie Lee (ranked 3rd in the world in forms) and Ernie Reyes. I eventually got out of martial arts because of the obvious "pay the fee, buy the belt" system in martial arts today. I am a 4th degree and have been teaching kickboxing for over 20+ years. However, I wanted my own children to get a sense of the traditions, code of honor, work ethic, respect, discipline, ability and self esteem that all come from martial arts so .... I took a leap of faith and signed my children up. I could not have made a better decision! I highly recommend Ellis County Martial Arts to any parent, teacher or student looking for the TRUE martial arts system. This is it! read more

I'm a female police academy cadet with no fighting skills who needed to get defense tactic skills, and fast! I was referred to Sensei Ray by a classmate, and I have nothing but good things to say. Sensei sincerely cares about you as a person and your personal growth. He takes to the time to make sure you get the different techniques. After an introductory session, I knew I wanted to become a student of Sensei Ray, and I knew he would teach me what I needed to protect myself and make it home. I signed up for his karate classes and enjoy being taught law enforcement defense tactics. It's the best money I've spent because I'm growing my whole person. I see the increase in confidence and self esteem. Also, all of the black belt classmate are very helpful. It's a very loving, caring environment. You cannot go wrong, going here! read more

Ellis County Martial Arts has been a wonderful place for my son to learn karate at. The teacher is patient and good with the kids. The focus is not on "competition skills" but on real life skills, in self-defense and in self-discipline. My husband especially appreciates this since he spent a number of years in karate and is a law enforcement officer as well. My 7 year old son has also become more confident and has a better positive attitude at home, at school, and with his friends. I especially love that Mr. Ray expects the kids to be respectful and good citizens both in class and outside of class, like at home and school. My son loves going to karate and he loves Mr. Ray! I recommend Ellis County Martial Arts to every one we know! read more

My kids and I have been learning from Sensei Ray for 8 months now. The amount of real world martial arts we have been taught is amazing. The reason I say "real world" is because ECMA does not teach tournament fighting which most karate dojo's do. I am not interested in my kids fighting for fun, I am only wanting them to be able to defend themselves and loved ones in a real world altercation. My kids are 7 and 8 and already have much more confidence than before. Plus they can kick the ceiling now. :^) I myself am 43 and have enjoyed learning from not only a great martial artist " Senei Ray" but from a great person. Also, with the great workouts we have I have lost 13lbs, which my wife loves! read more

After more than 10 years in law enforcement in a large city and having served in numerous units, I came to ECMA looking for additional training in areas I personally felt deficient. I have not been dissappointed. As Mr. Ray has an extensive background in law enforcement and private protection training, he has been able to build upon my current training and teach me similar and more efficient methods. I have studied privately under Mr. Ray for approximately 3 months and am in his debt for the personal interest he has taken in my goals and my safety. I am so impressed with his teaching that I intend to enroll both myself and my daughter as full time students. read more

How great is ECMA? We drove 30 miles one way twice a week just to take Karate there. The chief instructor and his assistants take a unique and personal approach to teach each child so much more than just karate moves. And they pack a lot of material into the 30 min class. In just a short few weeks, my 6 and 9 year old both showed more coordination, discipline and cooperation with others not to mention increased confidence in themselves. ECMA is a terrific, non-competition based martial arts school that will be a game changer for your child as well. read more

My Son has been going to Ellis County Martial Arts for little over three years now. And I can honestly say I'm completely happy with the instruction and training syllabus Mr. Richard Ray has put together. I can see he truly has a passion to teach and a desire to see his student's excel. There is No Do it because I said in this dojo, Mr. Ray does a great job explaining the techniques and the reason behind them, not to mention the history as well. I've recommended ECMA to friends and family, and will continue to do so. read more

My boys absolutely love it here. We originally tried them out because they had a 6 week program plus a free uniform. This gave us the time to decide if karate was right for our kids. I love the way Mr. Ray treats the children and holds them accountable for their actions. My boys have become more focused and disciplined in class, as well as at home and school. Great place if you want to learn self defense and not karate as a sport, and they don't charge ridiculous testing or belt fees. read more

If you are looking for a place that focuses on competitions then this is not the place for you. If you are looking for a place that will teach your children proper karate and self defense as well as respect then this IS the place for you. Two of my children attend here and they have learned so much. They look forward to their lessons and never complain about going. I researched many places in the area and nothing compared to ECMA. We made the right choice! read more

We chose this dojo because of the privacy of the instruction (students receive instruction and training in a private room with a closed-circuit monitor for parents) and the price. We have come to realize that the instructor, Mr. Ray, is very highly qualified and quite patient with students. I highly recommend Ellis County Martial Arts! My wife and I are even considering taking karate classes after completing an anti-victim course with Mr. Ray. read more

My son has been going to ECMA for about 8 weeks and I have seen a tremendous change in his overall character. He has gained a personal confidence about himself and his overall skill has improved. I love the discipline they provide at ECMA and classes start and finish right on time. By far this is the best place for any child to attend if they want to take Martial Arts!!! read more

I decided to join this particular dojo because Mr. Ray doesn't mess around with frivolous and unnecessary karate moves. He focuses on what would be used in self defense, in real life. To me, that is the most important thing I was looking for. Now that I have joined, I feel like I've joined a family who have raised me confidence up ten-fold and I've only just begun!! read more

My son has been attending classes at ECMA for a few months now and REALLY loves it! His self confidence has greatly improved as has his respect at home with both me and his siblings. Mr. Ray and his group of competent instructors are firm in what they teach, but teach it on a level that he understands. I can't say enough good about ECMA! read more

My three kids have been taking classes here and have grown in confidence and maturity. The teachers and Sensai Ray have been so helpful and always ask parents if we have any questions. They are patient with everybody but still have great expectations for their students. We are so glad to have found these classes! read more

My kids have been taking Karate here for the last two and half years. They've grown immensely both physically and mentally. Which spurred me to start taking classes my self and Mr Ray and staff have always been patient and supportive with the kids (and adults). I couldn't be more pleased. read more

Mr. Richard Ray is the best. My son attends his class and loves it every week. I am very happy with the flexible schedule options and the amount of students that are in the class. Its not too crowded or understaffed. I feel my son is getting the most out of the class that can be given. read more

I have known Sensei Ray for 20 years. He is an excellent teacher and martial artist. He is very considerate, patient, and truly cares about his students. I am very fortunate to have trained with Mr. Ray and have learned a great deal. I would highly recommend him to anyone. Darryl Koym read more

Ellis County Martial Arts is wonderful. My daughter loves going and Mr. Ray and all the other instructors are great. We love the teaching which has everyone helping everyone. Quite a great treasure we found. Highly recommended to anyone. read more

This is a wonderful environment for our daughter. She has never stuck with a sport like she has here at this dojo. She loves all the instructors, and so do we. They have been absolutely wonderful. This place is highly recommended by us. read more