As some one who recently wanted to get into martial arts based on a combination of wanting to lose weight and childhood wish fulfillment I could not ask for a better place to train. In my first few months at FMA training in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, the instructors as well as my fellow trainees were nothing but fully welcoming. The instruction here is great. Each instructor has a different take on a move that will benefit you which makes each class unique in its own respect even if you are reviewing past moves. Some times a fighter like Shane will recommend tweaking a move slightly based on his own interactions in certain situations where as Bruno may recommend a different style of the same move. These subtle nuances allow you to see a particular move from different perspectives and makes it great for honing your skills. The instructors always give you the help you need if you are stuck on a trick which is really helpful when you are new or having trouble mastering a move. The instructors, especially Bruno Souza, really focus on the flow of Jiujitsu, not just the submissions. Bruno usually always ends a class with movement drills that force you to think quick on your feet, ingraining the moves into your subconscious so you can perform a move on instinct. He constantly reminds us to focus on connecting each movement when we are rolling (sparring) as it is essential to BJJ. The fellow trainees at FMA provide a great family atmosphere. Each person is willing to help you out if you are stuck or just free roll to hone everyone's skills. They really focus not only on getting better, but making sure every one else constantly pushes themselves to do better, in a safe environment. I don't know a single one of them that doesn't approach each submission with care when sparring with a fellow practitioner. Also, no one looks down on you because of rank and every one treats each other as equals. There is no sense of "Oh man I am a white belt, fresh meat" at all in the gym. You enter the mat as an equal and every one stays humble in victory and defeat. I have really enjoyed each class that I take at FMA as well as their seminars they host every so often. I highly recommend this gym without reservation. So what are you waiting for? Come down and start training! read more

As a female looking to get into marital arts, and most specifically Brazilian jiu jitsu I checked out a variety of schools, in my area, and a few just out of my area. In the end I went with FMA, and I am SO glad I did. Specifically Brazilian Jiu Jitsu should be researched before just signing up for any old class because it's not all the same. I researched the instructor first and his credentials don't lie. I started going to 1 class a week, between classes and open mats now I go about 11 times. It is so worth it. The staff are so friendly they make you feel right home, their knowledge seems endless. They take their sport serious and won't hesitate to share their knowledge with you any time you ask. They are very accommodating and will work with you every step of the way in your martial arts career. The instructors know what they are doing and they won't steer you wrong. Again being a woman in the class could pose a challenge to some, not at FMA, I am treated just like another student, I train to my ability, no one takes it easy, or is afraid to be my partner, and vice a versa no one tries to go so hard that it's impossible to train with them. Everyone I have trained with has been nothing but nice, the higher belts don't hesitate to share tips and things they have learned with me, and lower belts are not disrespectful because they are outranked by a woman. Everyone I have met at FMA, be in my class or not has been nothing but nice and friendly. The atmosphere in the school is excellent, which I think is an important part when you are training. If you don't feel comfortable how are you really going to train to the best of your ability? you can't, and you won't. Especially girls! all girls who want to train jiu jitsu should check out FMA, They are just awesome. FMA is 100% absolutely worth going to. I wouldn't dream about training anywhere else. read more

I would highly recommend anyone looking to get into marital arts, for themselves or for their children, look into Franklin Martial Arts. You will not be disappointed. The classes are challenging but fun. By the end you really feel like you've accomplished something. In addition to Martial Arts they offer cardio kickboxing and some other work out classes. Everyone in that class looks like they are having so much fun, I hope to one day be able to join that class. The instructors are so approachable and knowledgeable. Miss Anderson was able to answer all my questions, was polite and friendly (I know almost nothing about martial arts) and she was even able to give me a free class for signing up! The kids love going to FMA and what they are learning and taking away from participating there is so much more than a belt. They learn respect, discipline, work ethic. Not one belt has even been given just because they've showed up or had a certain amount of classes. The kids work hard to earn those achievements and the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction they have when they achieve it is priceless. I know my kids won't be taking class anywhere else. Franklin Martial Arts is absolutely going to, don't check it out just sign up, it's worth it. read more

Admittedly, I do not have experience with hordes of other martial arts schools. However, I did "interview" three of them with my son when he wanted to begin studying Tae Kwon Do. He has been at FMA for almost three years. His experience there has been everything I'd hoped, and more. He has learned discipline, his respect for authority has been enhanced, and he has learned that it takes patience and work to achieve something on his own. I have never heard any of the instructors being inappropriate, or overly hard or soft. Nor is this a place that gives out belts "just for showing up"--my son has worked hard for every belt level he has achieved. Other things I like: I've never noticed in any difference in how males and females are treated. Also, there are opportunities to join their competition team (invite only) for students who show they are willing to work hard, follow the rules, and who have aptitude for the sport. The instructor turnover has been very low, and I see many of the same kids' faces as I did the first month my son joined. This says something about retention. I highly recommend someone interested in martial arts (for themselves or their kids) check out FMA. read more

Master Souza has done an EXCELLENT job grooming a FANTASTIC group of instructors who combine their proven martial arts skills (medals in national tournaments!) with superior teaching pedagogy. In addition, they demonstrate compassion, sense of humor and a true love of their sport that is passed on to all their students. Taekwondo is a perfect sport for both those looking for an athletic challenge, but also for those looking to improve their level of physical fitness, build focus/attention skills or even just gain self- confidence. As a teacher myself, I am extremely impressed with the level of differentiation Master Souza's team provides the vast array of students (from Tiny Tigers to adults- seasoned athlete to the "child with two left feet") at Franklin Martial Arts. My daughter has been attending for over 2 years now and her younger sister was thrilled to start up recently. The new facility is beautiful and spacious- worth the extra few minutes in the car from Franklin. read more

Everything about this place is great. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and fantastic with the students. My son has been with this school for several years now, and is always happy to go to class. They teach the kids proper techniques while keeping it light and fun for them to learn. They always stress self control, discipline and respect, both for themselves and others. In addition to Tae Kwon Do, they also have Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Muay Thai, and Krav Maga, so they offer a variety of disciplines and a good schedule of class times for adults as well. I highly recommend this school for anyone interested in learning martial arts. read more

I have been attending Franklin Martial Arts in Bellingham for almost 2 years now, studying Jiu Jitsu. I know all the staff and instructors and they are all extremely talented, friendly, open to questions, outgoing and the pace and quality of the tuition is excellent and very good value for money. The FMA programs offer greatly enhanced self-confidence, skill and of course fitness. The Jiu Jitsu program is very varied and fun and there is no over-repetition, just enough to remember and become good at the moves. Please GIVE IT A TRY, it's a great school and I've never looked back.. read more

Excellent school! The cleanest gym I've been to with amazing instruction. Well worth the price. The classes are friendly and welcoming to beginners and all other levels. It has a great learning atmosphere and if you want to step up your level, they have advanced classes for that. The gym's community is also amazing. I've never heard of a student saying they won't stay late or come to open mat to help another improve. If you're up for more of a challenge the same people will roll or spar with you and test your skills. read more

My son and I have been taking classes at FMA for the past year. The instructors are so awesome! They take special care and devote some much time to their students. They have custom made a program for me to accommodate a recurring injury- they just wouldn't let me quit. I love them for that! I would highly recommend Franklin Martial Arts to anyone interested in the martial arts. read more

I love training here it's like we are one big happy family everyone who trains here and teaches is very nice. There are so many different martial arts to train at this location and they even have a yoga and cardio class for people just looking to get in shape. But they also teach self defense for all levels it's such a good atmosphere to train at. read more