I am a student of Tosoku Martial Arts; it's difficult to imagine how one could "review" a dojo or…read moremartial arts school accurately without having invested time and effort into learning and training within it. That said, I have been a student of Aikido for more than a decade throughout New England and New York, and my consideration of Mark (-sensei) and of Tosoku is within the context that training, much of which was under a number of incredible teachers. Roughly 4 years ago, I stepped away Aikido to explore other martial styles -- western boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Sanda/Sanshou (Chinese Kickboxing). After moving to Stow, I decided to drop in on Mark's classes in response to a sign in the window of the local Karate school. Cross-training left me skeptical about some of the elements of Aikido, and I was not certain that I wanted to pick it back up full time. That was nearly 2 years ago, and I've gone to almost every class since. One of the things that is difficult to convey to a potential student of a martial arts school is whether or not the art as practiced is authentic. Mark is the "real thing": he is a direct student of one of the founder's students, trained for a number of years in Japan, and holds an advanced black belt. What is unique about Tosoku, however, is Mark's willingness to make space for Aikido to grow based on the changes that modern MMA-style training has introduced to martial arts in general. That said, this is also very much a friendly, relaxed, beginner-friendly atmosphere: there is no posturing, no ego, and safety is paramount both on and off the mat. Currently run out of the Stow Karate space, Tosoku represents the best of both traditional and evolutionary Aikido, and is a rare find in central MA.

From the owner: Come learn the modern Japanese martial art of aikido right here in Stow, MA. Mark Hatfield has…read moretrained for over five years in Japan, has been involved in aikido for more than 20, and has taught classes on three continents. Check out a short clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhY0lVYlFdA&feature=g-upl The goals of Tosoku Martial Arts are to constantly improve the effectiveness of our training and techniques, and to stay up-to-date in the martial arts landscape, while honoring the philosophy that makes aikido unique. Some of the things students get from training: Fun Self-defense Fitness Anger management Assertiveness Self-confidence

Covid hit, throughout this pandemic my family had lost four people including my father. On top of…read moreall that I struggled with self image issues and anger/ insecurity issues, coach kosta truly believed I needed to be there. Overall I must say the first day was the last time I'd attend a normal gym primarily. I take the adult Muay Thai classes and I'll say right now, all those years of hurt, sadness, and anger were all gone with the first punch, and it makes you want to come back again and again! The whole coaching staff is absolutely amazing as well as the fighters they have. Everyone wants you to be a better you!! I love coming here and look forward to someday competing with/for them. All in all, this place saved me. And I'll forever be grateful for coach Kosta, Scott & Ibere

I highly recommend Team Link Muay Thai for a multitude of reasons. The professionalism and…read moreexpertise from the humble coach's will have you walking out the door confident. Your children will KNOW how to defend themselves. Not only does Muay Thai teach you respect, it instills discipline and comradery. Ibere provides knowledge from the teachings of Thailand, enforcing proper form along the way. I haven't felt this feeling since I stopped dancing. No matter what kind of day you have, come to class and leave it on the floor. Thank you to Ibere and the rest of the coaches/ teammates at Team link. Try out Muay Thai 101 on weeknights Monday-Thurs at 7:30 ( 13 yr old & up ) Wai Kru, Muay Thai!

Have known Master Viet for many years, as friends, teammates, and instructors. His passion and…read moreexpertise shines true through the way he carries himself and his teachings. Love every opportunity I get to work along side him or learn from him. Highly recommended!

Master Viet is an exceptional coach and motivator who truly understands how to support each…read morestudent. Coming from another school, he welcomed us with open arms and made my kids feel like they had been his students from day one. After a difficult experience at a previous school that left my child feeling discouraged, Master Viet has been the complete opposite -- encouraging, patient, and empowering. He's given my kids opportunities that we didn't dream of before to compete at the highest levels of Taekwondo, including US Open, Canada Open and Grand Prix Finals. It's been a joy watching both of my kids grow under his guidance.

This a great gym if you want to learn boxing, kickboxing, grappling, etc. Mike is very…read moreknowledgeable and a great teacher. But at 53 it wasn't really about being a fighter, lol. I came in with my daughter to get some exercise and get in shape and it worked awesome. You get a great total body workout with a lot of cardio conditioning. I came in at 262 lbs. A year later I'm under 200 for the first time in years, at 196. Shooting for 180 for this summer. If you want a great workout without the drudgery of standing on a treadmill hour after hour for months, this is the place. Ed P.

We started my 5yr old son at DMA about 2 months ago and our daughter will start in the fall. So far…read morewe have really enjoyed being a part of the DMA studio. I love that Shihon Dan focuses as much on life lessons as he does on Karate. He does a great job talking to younger children about powerful topics such as honesty, respect & perseverance. We are new to Karate as a family but it's not something I can see us giving up any time soon. If you are looking to get your child into martial arts I highly recommend the DMA studios.

Other karate classes for young children that I've seen are mostly games, running around, with a few…read moresloppy kicks here and there. DMA teaches REAL karate from day one, and still manages to be just as fun for the kids without sacrificing learning actual self defense. Don't waste your time and money on schools that don't really teach your children much of anything. DMA is the best, hands down. You'll never find a more patient, capable, and FUN instructor than Shihan Dan!

I had the privilege of training at Mass BJJ Acton for almost a year before I moved out to Los…read moreAngeles. Top-notch BJJ training environment for the gi and no-gi with very welcoming instructors and classmates! Nate and Scot were both phenomenal and lighthearted instructors that took their time to really explain techniques, positions, and their decision making process. The most defining characteristics that stuck out to me was how down-to-earth and goofy Nate and Scot were during all classes. It makes you feel at ease and relaxed. No ego at all. Don't get me wrong -- they will absolutely destroy you during the advanced classes, but it was fun having the chance to roll with both of them and feeling the huge difference in skill level. All the classmates there are friendly, too! If you go to the non-fundamental classes, you'll have a great time rolling with the upper belts. The competition team was fantastic with Luis and Josh leading the way. Competition training was always fun and intense, but never out of control. Special thank you to Luis and Josh for taking time out of their weekends to come coach during competitions! You'll have a solid competition team to go compete with. If you have the chance to learn from Pat and Nick during the weekend classes, I would highly recommend it! Learning from these two high level black belts is always a good time. If you get a chance to roll with them, even better! Be prepared to be effortlessly destroyed by them. Only has a couple chances to learn from Ed before I left, but he was awesome!! 10/10 would recommend this place. I miss this academy and everyone in it! You'll love going here -- trust me! Thank you to Nate, Scot, Pat, Luis, Josh, Ed and Nick!!!

I cannot rave enough about our experience to date. Nate and Sue are lovely humans and this is true…read moreof all of the teachers my kids have had in jujitsu and kickboxing. Shout out to Scott who patiently works with my kindergartener and can level with my middle schooler. This is truly a family-friendly environment where my kids eagerly show up to classes, are treated with respect and feel welcomed wholeheartedly. The adults have yet to find the courage to try classes so a more full review will follow.