If you have a child 5-10 years old and youre looking to introduce your child to basic martial arts…read moreand displine Pai's can be a fairly good option to instill a good foundation for your child. However if you are looking for anything else stay very far away from Pai's. The pai's business model is based completely off the ignorance of the laymans. Pai's TKD is what's know in the martial arts community as a "McDojo" a school that is interested far more in churning out black belts for a price than they are in providing a legimate martial arts experience. Look no further than their black belt club program, they are very interested in locking their customers into 4 year contracts as it is the only way they can ensure a steady income. Tae Kwon Do as a martial art although having some legimate factors, it is completely ineffective as a self defense system and as a competitive martial arts (I.e. K-1 kickboxing or modern MMA). The pai's know this, as does everyone who has legimate combat sport experience as why they are incentivised to lock their new customers into contracts as their are many many better options on the market. If you are looking for a legimate martial art look for one that focuses on technique, resistance training and active resistance I.e. sparring. Even though sparring is a factor at Pai's, it is a very watered down system under World TKD Federation which boils down to glorified foot tag. It is ineffective in preparing individuals for the chaos that is involved in a real life situation. Ask yourself of the instructors that are present at the school, could they handle a punch in the face? Would they know what to do if someone bigger than them grabbed them and didn't let go?  Would you trust your physical safety to obese men, frail women and 17- 20 year old children? If you do chose to enroll your child at Pai's be very wary of the "STORM" and "SWAT" programs. This is the pair's way of having free labor. Your child can quickly become an indentured servant, espically if they grew up at the school. The yes sir, no sir mentality is instilled from day one at the school, if the pai's become their employers it is extremely hard to say no to them. Enroll you and your child in a legimate martial art and school that focuses on technique and active resistance training such as; jiu jitsu, wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, judo, or muay thai. A martial art that will provide you with legimate skills and actual confidence that comes from defending yourself against a resisting opponent. Not the type of boxed confidence that comes from a new belt every 3 months after remembering a form and paying X amount of dollars.

I joined Pai's TKD right after my dad died. I was almost 40, out of shape, low self esteem. They…read moreworked with me, as they do others, to teach self defense, tools to use in life - without realizing it. It's more than forms, sparring, nunchucks and self-defense. It's about leadership, mentorship what you've learned. On a personal level, Pai's TKD helped me rebuild myself from the inside out at a time I needed it most. It's 2016 and I am currently working on my 3rd Degree black belt.. I wasn't too old to start.. I CAN do it and I keep doing it. I have the focus and determination to make it happen. I have another family that cares about my well being. I've also seen kids grow up - and they are respectful, on the right path in life. They have a great foundation to be our community's leaders. I can't say enough about how much this school has done - not only for me, but for so many. I am only 1 of the thousands of stories. A Black Belt is a White Belt who never gave up.

Extremely friendly staff and masters. Very helpful to beginners. Many senior rank judokas to…read morepractice against. All ages from 7 to 70 are present at the classes. Relaxed environment but still in keeping with the discipline and respect that comes from judo. Much of what I have experienced is a "learn by doing" atmosphere, which I personally find extremely helpful. However, all of the senior ranks are willing to step out of randori (free practice) and show you a specific technique if you ask. Even while practicing with a senior rank, I have asked to stop and be shown a technique and they have happily helped me. All of the instructors are registered with The Kodokan Institute in Tokyo, Japan and it shows. Not as focused on competition as some schools and clubs, but there are members who compete. It is a small school and there are really just, changing rooms, an office of sorts, and the mats to practice on. Not a very flashy place, but it is made up for in the welcoming environment and great teaching. Pricing is good ($80 a month) which is competitive for any other school in the area. Judogi are available at the school until you buy your own, which you can do through them. At the time of my joining they offer two free lessons (no commitment) and 1 month free if you join the club. They also offer membership with USJA (United States Judo Association) wich is a national dues fee of $50, but will keep you on record as a judoka and keep a record of ranks earned. Practices are held three times a week so there is plenty of time to fit it into your schedule. I am a PhD student at RPI and I still have been able to find time to make it over at least once a week. A kata class is held on fridays for senior ranks as well. Go. Its worth a look if you are even remotely interested in Judo. The friendly staff is wonderful with kids, and the professionalism and level of skill from the masters is worth the time of anyone wanting to learn more about the sport.

I went in there to check it out, as I am a martial artist who is interested in becoming more…read morewell-rounded and am open to learning styles different than my own. During the course of the conversation, the master asked me if I had any martial arts experience. I answered yes. He continued to ask questions; I would have preferred to keep it to myself, however, I answered him. It came out that I am a 4th degree black belt. He found out that I had "only" been training for 15 years, and he wasn't even polite enough to attempt to hide his shock or disgust, even when I explained the belt progression timeline of my martial art to him. His disdain for a martial art that wasn't judo was palpable. Just because a belt system is faster doesn't mean that it's inferior, and as fellow martial artists, we should be attempting to treat one another's arts with respect, or be open to learning about them and their differences. The kicker was when he was explaining the schedule to me, and said, "You can join in tonight if you'd like. Oh wait. A lot of the guys come in on [this night of the week]. You probably wouldn't want to train with them." This was said in a patronizing, condescending tone. Basically, he was assuming a female martial artist wouldn't want to train with men. I can only hope that he doesn't treat all female students at the dojo with such disrespect. While it may be a great environment to train and learn judo, if this master was any indication of the values and tenets they teach to their students, then I'd give it a hard pass and find a place that teaches courtesy and respect to ALL (not just people who agree with us), as well as teaching in a way that promotes both physical and mental strength for women.

Former military. Please stay away from Pai's Academy of Taekwondo. My son's have been attending…read moreclasses there for about a year now. First, they will nickle and dime you to death. We were just charged $200 (they wanted to charge us $400) for not giving them a 60 day notice that we wouldn't be continuing with their program. After our kids tested for their yellow belts, the instructors pulled everyone aside and lugged out bags of sparring equipment that were $220 per kid. They didn't ask or preface that. We didnt appreciate that at all. Our kids are into taekwondo, but there are other places around. We'll find a place that cares more about martial arts than money.

Have been attending adult classes at Pai's TKD in Clifton Park now for a few months;…read more- the instructors & staff are incredible, - the classes give a real good workout, - the other students are very welcoming, - everyone has a great energy of wanting to be there to work hard and conduct themselves respectfully. Excited to see my fitness continue to improve & learn more of the Tae Kwon Do martial arts!

This place is horrible. I wanted to learn Wing Chun for so long and having a place right around the…read morecorner was awesome. Went her it started out okay. It was a small class. Most of the time the instructor was too busy and relied on another student to teach his classes. Also I was a strict beginner no experince or physical ability and everyone else in this class was there at least a year so the stuff they were doing was not basic and very hard for an newbie to get the hang of. All in all he ws teaching intermediate Wing Chun to someone with no beginners knowledge and it was very frustrating. Never got refunded for leaving class due to his refusal to teach to my ability and not the class ability. He might be the best Wing Chun person in the world but has no ability to teach.

personalized training approach to individual's development. small friendly adult classes for work…read moreadults.

Breakthru boxing is such a blessing! I've been to many different group fitness classes and used to…read moreregularly attend commercial boxing gyms in Boston, but nothing compares to the care and passion that Coach Curtis has. His lessons are deliberate and intentional, designed to build strong foundational skills and understanding. Not only do you get a great workout, but you actually build knowdledge of the sport and some fundamentals of exercise science. Beyond just fitness guidance, he is a positive presence in the lives of his students. Curtis is always holding us accountable throughout the week and encouraging us to be our best selves. The community that he has built is truly special. Highly recommend this gym to anyone who is willing to be challenged and can appreciate a good workout.

I've boxed at several gyms in the area, but my time at Breakthru has been the most fun,…read morechallenging, and fruitful by far. Coach Curtis is great with all levels -- from very beginner to expert. His classes seamlessly combine fitness science with foundational skills so that you not only get a great workout but you learn how to box/kickbox properly. If you're looking for a community, this gym has it; if you're looking to learn how to defend yourself, this gym has it; if you're looking to get a really great workout, this gym has that too. Curtis' pedagogy sets you up for success, and if you put the effort in you will get your return tenfold.

What better way to start off the new year than by KICKING my way through 2023. That's right... I…read moresigned up for a 6 week (42 day) weight loss/kick boxing challenge. I started off with a free consultation with the manager, Karen. She was beyond informative and friendly through the whole consultation. Showing me a step by step process of how the center and challenge works. All the way down to nutritional details in order to eat healthy during the challenge. I immediately was sold! Upon signing up, I received boxing gloves, heart monitor, water bottle and bag for my equipment. SUPER RAD! I started off with an introductory course with Olivia who immediately made you feel at home. Step by step through stances, jabs, etc. this prepared me for my first actual class. I went to my first class this morning. With about 15 students in the class and all different demographics, there is no way you would feel out of place! And wow... everyone is so friendly. I may have wanted to pass out from working my butt off for 30 min straight but man oh man it was worth it!! There's still time to sign up for this challenge and if not, they seem to always have cool stuff going on!! I'm so ready to "kick" butt this year and reach some goals!!! Let's go!

For people new to Brazilian jiu jitsu: In September of 2008, I decided to get off the couch and…read morestart up a martial art for fitness, self-defense and all around improving myself. After exploring a few places, I walked into Victory BJJ and took a Saturday morning class. Victor was running the warm-up drills for the students with a watchful eye and walked me through the safety rules before smoothly involving me into the class. I was hooked. Immediately. That was six and a half years ago. I've been attending his classes three to five times a week ever since. Victor has a clear and precise way of teaching that is easy to watch, grasp, feel and understand the complex moves being taught. We drill the moves in progressive steps and eventually put them to use in the sparring phase of the class. Victor is also a very, very good grappler and creates a technique-intensive and professional atmosphere that welcomes everybody. There's no "bro culture" and the people at the gym are genuinely interested in helping each other get better without tearing people down. The kids classes are absolute marvels to watch - they get so excited at doing things right and venting energy productively! - and the adult classes are not quite as outwardly exciting, but are great places to vent energy and develop our puzzle-solving and athletic skills. Most weekday classes are from 7:00 pm to about 8:30 or 9:00 pm. For experienced people: Berimbolo and vale tudo coexist here. More of the latter than the former, but Victor will subvert the new sports bjj stuff we throw at him and take our backs while laughing quietly. Very experienced, exacting teacher with a good sense of humor.

I've been training at Victory for several years and it's the best place that I've trained at in the…read morearea.