Since March the business has been offering classes via Zoom, and in-person via sign-ups. I enjoyed…read morethe classes with my kids and their instructors so much I joined! Supportive environment where everyone can grow individually, or as a team!

Great program. The Instructors and owners are outstanding with the kids. My daughter has been going…read morehere for 3 years. This is not a "pay and get your black belt no matter what program" this teaches the discipline to the kids. I would suggest getting your kids in at an early age. Of course older kids, teens and even adults take class here. You have to be dedicated to bring your child here at minimum three days a week. Again, great instructors, great operation here.

This is the first organized sport my son of 6 has been interested in. We both really like the…read moreteachers. They have positive attitudes, mixed with the perfect amount of authority. I have a friend who is in the adult classes, and seems to enjoy it as well. They offer a discount if there's more than one family member chooses to join. We've been through one testing process so far, and I really enjoyed the formality and seriousness of it. Not something I expected for some reason. My son has participated in a tournament as well. That was really neat. A cool demonstration in the beginning. Very well organized. We saw all levels of competitor. Overall, this is a great place to have your child, or yourself, learn more about dedication, loyalty, leadership, and motivation. I would definitely give it a try if you get a chance. Oh, only drawback is the timing of classes for the Tigers. I can't make. Very many classes considering how early they are. However, that's understandable as many children's bedtime are quite early.

Our grandson attends this academy. He loves going, and we love his enthusiasm and how his…read moreconfidence has grown. The school is warm and welcoming to everyone (both students and families). The instructor is very knowledgeable and unbelievably patient with students. He always encourages them to do their best while acknowledging both their strengths and areas of improvement. We highly recommend!

We love, love, love the Academy of Ving Tsun. Our son has been attending for years, and we've seen…read morehis abilities and confidence soar. We actually have tried other schools, and drive twice as far to attend this one. Sifu Dale is very confident and competent in his own abilities, and he patiently encourages and mentors all his students. We highly recommend this school to all of our friends, and to anyone who is looking for an excellent experience with a caring mentor.

Perfect environment for both adults and children to continue or begin their martial arts training…read more Real-world training by knowledgeable and patient instructors. Take a class with your kids, you'll all have a great time while building self-defense skills and confidence.

This school is one of the most positive environments I have been in. Nothing here is given to you,…read morebut the instructors will spend time with you and help you earn each skill. There are children and parents in the classes and the instructors are able to explain everything clearly to both. This isn't a typical rush them in/out school, the instructors are great, detailed, positive, and passionate about their art. It also provides not only a self defense skill, it is a awesome work out! After taking this for about 5 months I can tell you that my flexibility has increased as well as my confidence. They have introductory plans for new students and it's worth a shot, you got nothing to lose!

Went for an intro class with my kids, and I really appreciated the level of teaching, camaraderie,…read morefamily legacy, etc. Don't be fooled by the location and smaller gym size. My kids loved it as well; in fact, they wanted to switch from their current gym due to the challenging intensity, personality of the instructors and warmth of the current members. I have trained at many other gyms in kung fu, kickboxing, jujitsu, and at the NYAC judo club.

Wow! I love this place! I get to learn Judo and practice with safe, careful , skilled training…read morepartners. Master Kim is truly a hidden gem. If you are able to get to this location on a regular basis and add this to your schedule you WILL learn how to throw people. Master Kim specializes in Judo, Jiu-Jitsu & TKD. There are kids classes but the adult classes are packed too. Come check it out! You won't regret it!

I am learning so much. Great small classes. Welcoming. All adult ages and skill levels. Group or…read moreprivate classes available

I wanted to share some of the highlights that explain why I think this karate school is great and…read moreworthy of consideration by anyone looking to pursue a martial arts education for themselves or their family. Nam's Karate has been in the Pittsburgh area since 1979. It is deeply established and rooted in the tradition, knowledge, and understanding of the art of Tang Soo Do. The Masters and Instructors are knowledgeable, personable, and driven. They take the time to work one-on-one with students and to build positive working relationships that are based on trust and enhance both growth and learning. Nam's Karate has one of the best pricing plans around. They offer several different payment options and discounts based on the program you enroll in. After completing the white belt program, students have the opportunity to attend as many classes as they like, as they are scheduled at their campus. The time slots for these classes are numerous and fit most schedules. In addition to class opportunities, Nam's Karate offers monthly clinics and workshops to help students in breaking (boards are an additional cost, but the breaking clinic is free), sparring, weapon, sword work, one-step techniques, advanced belt requirements, and more. Other offerings to encourage students to grow include: Nam's Leadership Team, Academic Achievers Team, Kick to Excellence, NMAChampionships, Tiger Demo Team, and Dream Team (the competition team). These opportunities exist so students can grow not only in their martial arts training, but also in themselves. Nam's Karate is also an incredibly family-oriented environment. Students of all ages and all abilities are welcome and encouraged to train here. Families train together, often side by side in class. Each student's reason for training is different, but all students strive to and are encouraged to be their personal best. The Masters and Instructors actively engage with students and help them in both setting and meeting their goals. Students are challenged and pushed outside of their comfort zones in a way that encourages growth and brings about confidence. Nam's Karate focuses on and thrives on community and familial values. Affordable events exist throughout the year to promote and encourage students to spend time together and enjoy one another's company both inside and outside the Dojang. Students can take part in the summer day "kamp", an annual weekend retreat, lock-in style events, movie nights, picnics, and holiday parties. At Nam's Karate, students can expect to gain many skills, but some of the most important are for self-improvement and character development. Students at Nam's Karate are held accountable to being honest, self-disciplined, and respectful individuals. They are encouraged to perform their best in all of their daily undertakings. There are so many great things that I could continue to say about Nam's Karate, but I think you can tell that it is a positive environment...I think anyone considering trying out a karate program should give Nam's Karate a call.

I purchased 2 36-month Black Belt programs (for me and my son) at Nam's Korean Karate School and…read morepaid in full at the time of signing a contract. This payment plan enticed me to save a significant amount of money on the program over time vs. other payment plan options which were presented. Two months later, due to unforeseen circumstances, I needed to move 500 miles away to a different state. Although the contract stated that no refunds would be given after 3 business days, they were willing to provide a partial refund. Unfortunately, it took several communication attempts and the amount offered was negligible, not reflective of their pricing structure, and presented as a final decision with no room for negotiation. Please note that at the time of this review, I am still unable to resolve this issue with the business. For those of you contemplating joining Nam's Korean Karate School (or any martial arts studio in this area), please learn from my experience. I suggest researching the 1997 Commonwealth Fisher v. Tiger Schulmann court case (argued in 2001) which ruled that these businesses are not required to comply with the Pennsylvania Health Club Act because they do not meet the definition of a health club ("a person, firm, corporation, organization, club or association engaged in the sale of memberships in a health spa, racquet club, figure salon, weight reduction center or other physical culture service enterprise offering facilities for the preservation, maintenance, encouragement or development of physical fitness or physical well-being.") The PA Health Club Act provides certain protections to consumers entering long-term contracts and can be found in its entirety online. It is my understanding that some martial arts studios in PA willingly comply even though they may not be required to by law. After all, the physical health benefits of martial arts are becoming increasingly well-documented, and "martial arts, such as karate," is specifically recommended as vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise for adults and children in the most recent (2008) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Even at the time of writing this review, this business's own Yelp page (for the Mt. Lebanon location) lists "physical fitness" and "improving strength and flexibility" among the specialties it offers. If I had purchased a membership somewhere that elected to follow these regulations, then I would have received a fair refund under my circumstances (i.e., moving more than 25 additional miles away from the facility). Be a more informed consumer than I was. For example, as you shop around for a dojo, you may want to ask if they willingly comply with the Health Club Act. Or, if you have already entered a contract, you may want to find out whether the business is adequately bonded (which would protect you in case a business closed or filed for bankruptcy) - a question I wish I had asked prior to handing over a large sum of money. Otherwise, if you find yourself in a situation like mine, without sufficient consumer protection in this area, you may need to seek help from agencies like your credit card company, the Better Business Bureau, or office of the Attorney General. Please note that this review is solely based on my opinion that I have encountered poor customer service and unjust business practices in dealing with Nam's Korean Karate School. It is not related to the quality of instruction or environment. We only participated for 2 months, and while we were quite satisfied during that time, it was not a sufficient amount of time to provide a meaningful review on that aspect of their business. I hope this review helps others in making a well-informed decision about whether to enter into a contract with this business.

Shaolin Studios has been great for my son. He is slowly learning patience and self control. Master…read moreMichelle and Sensei Joe are incredible with these little kids. They are patient, understanding kind and strict all at the same time. Can't recommend them enough.

I started learning Kung Fu at SDSS a few months ago with my boyfriend, and it has been an amazing…read moreexperience. I am a beginner, and my boyfriend has been doing martial arts since he was seven, and we both thoroughly enjoy going here. We've learned so much, and we're constantly impressed by the kindness, respect and professionalism shown by the students and instructors at the studio. I would recommend this studio to anyone looking for a top-notch martial arts experience. Thank you SDSS!!