I joined for the free class. I knew I was going to be going back and committed. Since then (albeit…read more2.5 weeks), I'm sleeping better, noticing my body is starting to change, and I just feel GREAT! Professor Joseph is incredibly knowledgeable and makes class serious, but also laid back. He makes sure to check on every student. Whether there be 2 or 20 in the class. That's the sign of a good professor. I'm doing the cardio kickboxing class, and I'm hooked! I highly recommend GFV to everyone

Just started here and was a bit concerned about being new. I am admittedly fat and very out of…read moreshape and was concerned about being the floundering whale flopping on the floor getting laughed at. Everyone from beginner to the very experienced at this place is very helpful and very friendly. They understand being new is hard and they help in any way they can. I did take a few one on one lessons and then jumped into classes. It's a blast but far from easy. Expect to be a little sore and achy as you will use muscles you had no idea you had. Flexibility is important so plan on getting there a little early to stretch out before class. I've had ACL replacement, hand reconstruction from a severe shattering, and have a hip replacement and I'm 47 years old. If I can get out there and flop around anyone can.

Visited this Big Sky location to check out their pool. The indoor pool is 5 lanes, 4ft deep, and 25…read moremeters long. There isn't a reservation system at all and no lifeguard on duty which makes everything very confusing. Thankfully I arrived as a swim lesson was ending so I was able to stay in that lane until the next lesson. The water was extremely cloudy and I'm not sure if it's because it was a low lit area but it was tough to see under with my goggles. The locker room is really nice and spacious. Since I'm shopping around for a gym with a pool, options are limited but I don't see myself returning for this indoor pool. I'd love to try the outdoor pool.

### THINK TWICE BEFORE JOINING BIG SKY FARMINGTON…read more **Potential members--please read this before signing a membership agreement with Big Sky Farmington.** My daughter joined Big Sky Farmington **while she was still a minor and in high school**. A few months later, she needed to cancel because she is going away to college out of state. When she contacted the gym to cancel, instead of making the process straightforward, we were told there was a **one-year contract** and that she needed to jump through a series of hoops to prove that she was moving. That raises a very basic question: **How does Big Sky believe it can enforce a one-year contractual obligation against someone who was a minor when the membership agreement was entered into?** I'm not a lawyer, so I'm not going to make a definitive legal conclusion about the enforceability of the contract. But the fact that **the member was a minor when the agreement was entered into** is a significant issue that I believe deserves an answer--not simply a reference to the fine print. And the cancellation experience gets even more concerning. We provided documentation showing that she has been admitted to college out of state. Apparently, that isn't enough. Under Big Sky's stated "moving" cancellation policy, they are demanding things such as a new lease, utility bill, driver's license, pay stub, insurance document, bank statement, credit-card statement, etc. For students, they specifically demand **both a class schedule AND a tuition receipt**. They also say they require **25 days' written notice** and that payments will continue until they receive what they consider "sufficient proof" of the move. Connecticut's Department of Consumer Protection has also specifically warned consumers about health-club cancellation problems and says that when a member cancels, the health club must provide written confirmation of the cancellation and its effective date within 10 days. https://portal.ct.gov/ag/press-releases/2026-press-releases/attorney-general-tong-highlights-new-click-to-cancel-consumer-protections So here is my question to Big Sky: **Why is a former high-school student, who was a minor when this membership was entered into and who is now leaving Connecticut for college, being subjected to this level of resistance simply to cancel a gym membership?** This isn't about trying to get something for free. It's about **basic fairness and transparency**. **My experience has made me seriously question whether Big Sky Farmington is the right place for families, students, or anyone who values straightforward cancellation policies and customer service.**

My son and daughter have been members of the dojo since 2006. The Masters of the dojo are the…read morehusband and wife team of Dominick and Jeanene. Although my son is now away from home at graduate school and my daughter at college, they both still look forward to going to the dojo whenever they're in town. If you're wondering how joining a dojo would benefit you or your kids, the three words that come to my mind are discipline, confidence and family. My son has ADD and the one activity in which he would truly focus without meds is martial arts. Martial arts helped my daughter to overcome the insecurities with which many girls struggle as they grow up. And a big reason for their success was seeing and participating in the examples set by the kids and adults who are part of the Avon Kempo and Aikido Academy dojo family. The Bottom Line: If you're looking for a dojo in which you or your children can learn martial arts and more, Avon Kempo and Aikido Academy is a terrific dojo to join.

Our daughters have been coming here for years and we love this dojo. Not only are Masters Dominick…read moreand Jeanene very experienced and knowledgeable but they are able to teach all ages in a way that each student can understand. All of the instructors are dedicated to the martial arts and to passing on their knowledge. They teach self discipline, help the students build character in each lesson and provide a supportive environment conducive to learning. If you want to learn the true art of kempo karate or aikido under strong but humble teachers, then this is the place for you. We highly recommend Avon Kempo and Aikido to anyone considering learning martial arts.

I love the one on one time that every student gets from Dr. Pearlman. He has a very practical way…read moreof explaining techniques and using real world analogies which helps one remember the instructions easily. I look forward to each class. I am really glad I found Dr. Pearlman's class as in addition to the valuable instructions, I also get the most value for my money.

From the owner: We are always eager to welcome to our community those seeking self-discipline, self-condifence,…read morecameraderie, and other forms of empowerment against those who would oppress. *Small group adult and teen classes in the most modern, professional training for self-defense. *Unique, expert instruction in training that uses classical martial technique as a foundation for scientific self-defense. *National expert in women's self-defense and interpersonal violence prevention *Instructing the theory, principles, and biomechanics behind what makes martial technique functional

Master Sun Mi Jung has so much passion as an athlete competitor and love teaching TAEKWONDO to…read morestudents. Master Sun Mi Jung is a Champion in many tournaments like State Championship, Regional Championship, and US OPEN International Championship. I am Grand Master Pok Sun Yang. Current member of the Taekwondo TEAM USA. You can take my word to train under one of the Best Master in World. Former World TAEKWONDO Headquarters KUKKIWON National Demo Team member. I am not saying this because she was my pair partner in competition, she is truly and worth of try.

By far the BEST dojang in Connecticut! Master Mark Sawyer is a 7th degree black belt and wins…read morenumerous competitions yearly. His teaching is fantastic and the students learn so much. Students from this dojang learn not only Tang Soo Do, but also discipline and character. Would recommend to anyone looking for a great karate school. The price is also extremely reasonable and they don't nickel and dime you. School is on street level and no stairs, which is great for parents who have to bring in a stroller or wheel chair. Highly recommend!

From the owner: Come try a classread more

Love this place. Master Yu is incredibly supportive. The black belts are all very helpful and…read morewelcoming.

This place should be ASHAMED of themselves! When my husband, Michael died in September 2014 after…read morea battle with Cancer, I finally realized what a toll it had on us all. I was only 100 pounds and my son, Jamie who was just a little boy, was so heavy and I felt he needed something. So I thought Karate would help Jamie in his journey through grief. He tried it 1 day and I gave the man, Master Yu $70. The next day I gave him $330, which was a lot for me. I had no income and was in such a state. Well, the very next day I went back and said I made a mistake, Jamie refused to go and could I have my money back... He wouldn't budge and refused to refund any of the money. Looking back now how dare he do that to me! Shame on Master Yu!

This is a great place with an one-on-one personal trainer for 45 minutes sessions. The owner Billy…read moretold me they are celebrating 20 years in the Avon area, which is awesome! I've been going for close to two years and everyone has been very supportive. The trainers set up a schedule and workout regimen that matches every person's goals.

The personal attention and affirming approach given here is invaluable for beginners. Deeply…read moreappreciated. This is seconded only by the training and knowledge of the staff. I have never known how to stand correctly for some of these things. THIS is what I came for.