As the parent of a special needs child, it has been difficult to find activities for her to…read moreparticipate in. Sadly as she gets older, it becomes more apparent to other peers that she is different and is often treated as such. She strives so hard to be a part of a team and participate with peers but often can not achieve the same pace, especially in organized sports. When we joined CMAA, she immediately took to it. It is a team environment but she is free to move at her own pace. Everyone is at a different level of their journey so there is no ahead or behind. Everyone from instructors to staff to students have been more than welcoming and not one time has she ever been made to feel she is different. She takes great pride in her accomplishments and is so proud to achieve each next step. She has made major strides in all forms of life while studying at CMAA, everything from physical improvements of balance and control to mental improvements of discipline, control, and socialization. She takes pride in the many things she learns about respect and discipline and uses these in everyday life. I cannot say enough about how great this has been for her and her development. It is teaching her skills to not only defend herself but more importantly how to succeed in her life. It is a great environment for any kid of any age to start. You will see the difference it makes right away.

I cant say enough for the people here. I mean, they are super nice, super friendly and very…read moreprofessional. Problem we had is the value aspect. The cost is $200 a month and there is no lower cost option. My son came for karate once a week which means we were paying $50 for each 30 minute session. That's just too much. No value there. So we ended up walking away :(

We are at the Peaceful Dragon 4-5 times per week for Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and seminars on Chinese…read moremedicine and philosophy. Our 10 year old has been going for 5 years and is now working towards his junior black sash. Our 7 year-old just started, and wants to take classes every time they are offered. Both are members of the Leadership Club and are currently reading "The West Point Way of Leadership" as part of their training. I have been taking Tai Chi and Kung Fu for a year now, and have lost 20 pounds, plus have gained much greater strength, stamina, flexibility, and confidence. Classes are more than what you might pay at a strip-mall martial arts school, but you are getting a richer, more vibrant community and a more robust training.

I cannot speak enough praise for how much I love the peaceful dragon and the family that has come…read morewith it, for how much it has changed my life overall. I have severe anxiety to name just a few of my struggles and yet the people here have managed the challenging feat of balancing: (1) Pushing and encouraging a person to move forward just as far as you don't think you can go, without pushing you to your breaking point, (2) all while supporting and encouraging you along the way in a compassionate way; until little by little you are doing things you never thought you could do. The peaceful dragon has always pushed me past my comfort zones, and has never let me get away with living my life saying "No, I can't do that." And more than anything they've never given up on me or let me give up on myself. Every year I grow a little more and walk out with a more enhanced perspective on life. I genuinely don't think I'd be where I am today without their gentle guidance and encouragement and that is worth the tuition it costs to attend a school that will build you up into a person you and others around you can be proud of. This year, is my second year and I am in awe beyond words for how many who have come before me to whom I aspire to, people who have been here 20, 14, 10 even 7 and 5 years. Some began as adults some grew up practicing here from the time they were children now headed to college. It has to be so amazing to be able to watch your students grow and transform. I can't help but look up to all of these people who have loved, supported and adopted me and others like me as family in the 2 years that I've been here and that was without me having any history in martial arts under my belt. I hear some people gawk at the price. I make less than 9k/year and yet I still have found ways to attend. I know some people who have given up (literally) everything just to come here with no regrets. And so I've always believed that people find ways to afford things that matter to them, if something matters to you enough you'll find a way to make it happen. To that end it's not about the money. It's about keeping a tradition and a school alive. Money is a tool needed to grow and maintain the school whose rent we all share. If you walk into the school you'll see pictures of the peaceful dragon being built; and if you listen to the teachers who have been there for 14 or more years you'll hear them talk about when they were all out practicing together in parks. You can't know what it's like to have a roof over your head to practice until you've had to practice without one. How many people can say they started out learning in a park only to see those funds reinvested to build a bigger and better building made just for them and future students like them to practice in. How many schools can say that their students grow on to become teachers with them or others if they so choose to walk that path? How many people can go to a school where the students grow to become teachers, and where each member is not just a 'member' but a part of a family? And how many schools have teachers where teachers, students and their families are recognized and honoured for all that they do to keep the spirit of the martial arts tradition and school alive? That is genuinely a combination of good leadership and community. For *me* to be able to practice in a school like this one among family like this one is a privilege and a honour. To be among people who have been training here since before there was a building to practice is equally a privilege. I love my school, and I know that not only am I lucky to attend a school that offers all that it does but that my continued success as a student is dependent on the success of my school. If you decide to be a student and are locked in on "why can't I have dirt cheap prices", I do hope that you're able to grow from a "me-first gimme gimme what can I get at bargain prices" mindset to a how can we help each other, how can I help my family succeed mindset, because the two are interdependent. I went in with a me-first mindset and I've come out with a sense of connection and otherness that I wouldn't have otherwise had without this school. I could go on but I'll stop and hope that that leaves anyone who might read that with enough food for though.

Friendly, inclusive traditional karate instruction with a convenient location near Uptown,…read moreOakhurst, Plaza-Midwood and Eastland. I started adult classes after a brief time training in another style. The teacher and students have all been very welcoming and patient. Highly recommend if you are looking to learn a martial art for fitness and/or self-defense! Their kid class look great, too. First class is free, so check it out.

From the owner: Specializing in: - Self Defense Instruction & Equipment…read more- Martial Arts Instruction

Incredibly welcoming for first-timers. 11 year old daughter…read morestarted here a year ago and loves it...used to go to a strip mall martial arts and realized that it was just exercise and not truly self-defense. Hayastan is different. This place is hands on and the kids learn true kickboxing, grappling and jiu jitsu. Perfect spot for your children to grow confidence and learn actual technique.

Hayastan MMA has been a great place for my training and fitness needs…read more Kevin and the staff here are focused, driven, and strive to improve themselves and their curriculum on a daily basis. Whether you're looking to simply start training, or seeking to jump into an amateur or professional MMA career, the team at Hayastan have the expertise to deliver quality training and instructions in a safe and professional manner.

S(h)ifu Delmar Minor is so awesome to his students. He really cares and knows his Kung Fu. I…read moreremember him before he had his own school. He has grown tremendously. I am so proud of him. He is also great with kids. If you want to learn a martial art, this is the guy. I have learned a lot from him. Thanks Delmar. You're excellent for the community.

We love Premier Martial Arts South Park. Mr. Robbie and Mr. Frank are the best instructors & our…read morethree year old loves tiny champs. 10/10 recommend trying!

From the owner: Premier Martial Arts South Park NC offers a blend of karate, kickboxing, self-defense, and krav…read moremaga in our martial arts classes. Our certified, professional instructors are trained in modern teaching techniques to help all our students find focus, confidence, and discipline. We are proud to serve the Charlotte community and surrounding areas with our adult and children's martial arts programs. We help you tap into the power of martial arts to challenge your mind and body. Our students see the positive impacts of martial arts training in their leadership abilities and character development, as well as physical and mental health. Contact us to sign up for an introductory lesson and start your martial arts journey today!

Looking for something different instead of the same old routine? Or maybe you have always avoided…read moreexercise before, like me! I finally decided to try this Tai Chi class. It is a wonderful way to get in better shape. But the side benefit is that it really helps lower stress (and who doesn't have stress nowadays?) Great experience!

From the owner: Take a Free intimate class to learn the ancient arts of Kung Fu, Tai Chi as well as the healing…read morepowers of Meditation & Yoga.

Instructors are really great! They really watch your kids form and correct when necessary…read more Extremely hands on. They know the names of every single child and their parents. They even provide feedback when they get a chance during class changes. It's a community type of atmosphere if you allow yourself to engage and participate. My kids where not very motivated in the beginning but after awhile they really started digging it. Pricing might be an obstacle for lower income families. I made the financial sacrifice because my son needed something like this after being beat up in school. Coming here really boosted his self-esteem and confidence. Again, such awesome instructors and helpers. A great investment on your child/children for sure.

Mr and Mrs Granieri as well as Mrs Lopez welcomed us from another MA discipline with wide open…read morearms. My son has continued and expanded his "whole body learning" both in direct TKD skills and cardiovascular health, but also character development. My daughter participated in private lessons and received timely support by way of the Granieri's encouraging message of self-worth, self-identity, and self-defense. When other activities (baseball!!) take us from our normal participation levels, there is never judgement, only welcoming arms when we settle back into routine. My children are 14 and 11. There are many students in that age cluster. The location is easily accessible off Route 51 near the Arboretum, and the class schedules allows for flexibility to your week. We are completely satisfied and look forward to continued growth with URMA!