Seven years ago, my daughter was begging to take karate. I had no idea what I was getting into, nor…read morewhat to expect. Seven years later, Ewell was instrumental in nurturing a shy 5 year old girl into a confident, respectful, champion of the underdog young lady. She is now a black belt that earned her belt honestly through hard work and determination. If you are looking for a quality program that feels like family, then look no further. If you want a school that expects you to earn your belts, then you have come to the right place. If you want a sensei that truly cares about their students, then you have found him at Kickstars.

My daughter has attended the school since she was 3. The instructor's are amazing. She loves the…read moreschool so much! They teach self discipline and implement a good work ethic. They also have a competition team as well. She is starting that this year. All the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Love this place!

Jerry is a great instructor. The building needs some improvement and the first time the kids went…read more(before class) I thought my kids aren't going here.. the building needs too much work. Then I stayed for the class and let the kids do their thing. BEST decision ever! Jerry is the best. He not only instills karate into the children but he also teaches them wrong from right and creates a bond with each student. I love that he prays at the end of each class as well.

Extremely professional and friendly environment!! Incredible classes for all ages. It doesn't…read morematter your skill level, Grandmaster Vazquez has the ability to teach individuals and meet them at their skill level from beginner to expert. Learn self defense, get fit, and have fun all at the same time!

What can we say about RTMA? Well, it is this simple - if you want to be as good as you can get at…read moremartial arts, if you aren't willing to settle with going to a "belt mill" studio where your earning belts is more a function of the checks you write than the skills you have developed, then this is where you should go. Be warned - it is fun, but you will work for it. And the better you get, the harder you will work and the more will be expected. This is how it should be - and you will feel better about yourself for it. The instruction and facilities are all first rate, prices are very reasonable (especially compared to some of the other studios around Richmond), no contracts, and you will truthfully learn some martial arts stylings (Atemi Ryu Juijitsu) that is not offered anywhere else in the area. So if you want to be the best you can be, want to go to a martial arts stchool that still treats it as a discipline and an art and not a sport, then do yourself a favor and try out RTMA.

I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a student of Grandmaster Dong's teachings. I started…read moretaking classes because my daughter was, and I thought it might be good for my health and fitness. Initially, during my first class, I remember thinking, "nope, this is not for me!" I felt way too uncoordinated and clumsy to do any of it. But I was encouraged to hear from the other students that they felt that way at first too, but then they started to get the hang of it. And so I kept coming back and I got the hang of it too. Eventually, my husband, our daughter and I all earned our first-degree blacks belt from Grandmaster Dong's School. Our daughter got hers first, when she was 16. And the confidence she gained from her sticking it out, even when she didn't feel like it and accomplishing her goal--and honoring her commitment--was life-changing for her. I use what I've learned from my training in every day life. I have become much stronger and my balance is much improved, and I move around much more efficiently and am quick on my feet. My reflexes are faster. I have also had use my skills to actually defend myself recently, and I was able to do so effectively and automatically, without hesitation. Everyone needs to know how to defend themselves, especially women. But what I have gained from training goes far beyond the utility of self-defense. I'm stronger overall mentally and physically. One example is last summer-my husband and I decided to take a surfing lesson. He was 50 and I was 48. Surfing is not easy! It requires a significant amount of strength and stamina to pop up, balance and stand (or crouch) and actually stay upright and ride a wave. Well I was able to do it on my first attempt. If I had not been doing martial arts regularly, there's no way I would have been able to get myself up on the board at all, let alone remain upright all the way to the shore without breaking a hip. Unfortunately I wasn't able to do it again after that. Beginner's Luck? Most likely. But I know I definitely had the strength because of the years of training at Grandmaster Dong's. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to come here.

Both our son and daughter attend Dong's Karate. They have grown so much through these classes…read more There is not only an expectation to learn and understand the taekwondo forms and philosophy but to also become caring, empathic human beings, embrace discipline and build self-confidence. What a well rounded program.

Signed up for a private lesson with my nephews and nieces just for a fun experience and the kids…read moreloved the drills and skills and instructors/gurus so much that it is now their regular extracurricular (Kids are 4/8/10). The team here is really fantastic!! The kids love it and are getting so strong and confident!! Cannot recommend highly enough!!

The kids classes are a perfect balance of fun and hard work. The kids learn so much more than…read moremartial arts and muscle control -- particularly teamwork, self-control and mindfulness. The kids are taught to be (and are) super supportive of each other on and off the mat. Chris and his helpers are wonderful teachers who are invested in the kids. In addition, the summer and break camps are excellent and offer a safe environment for organized play that leaves my daughter happy and tired.

great vibe - students were very welcoming and respectful to someone who doesn't train there on a…read moreregular basis Head instructor is very conscientious and very willing to help If you are looking for Gracie Combatives, Gracie Bullyproof or the Master Cycle curriculum , I would endorse this place without hesitation

Kids class unimpressive. Too much time spent sitting around having discussions. My child was very…read morebored. Instructor uses her pre-teen children to practice techniques with class and neither advises on proper execution. The oldest prefers to admire his reflection in the windows. Rates are cheaper than most martial arts school but if you ask me it's a waste of money.

Excellent instructor Has great attitude,work with each…read more child with respect easly to get along with. My son love the class.

I highly recommend the Yorktown location. I love this location because I feel it's more of a…read morebuilding up confidence environment with a balance of discipline in mind. I do not care to go to the Hampton location. Certain coaches I feel the delivery of instruction is about being in power instead of genuinely teaching and building their students up. I am very pro discipline and teem building being prior military....our kids need discipline! I understand expecting discipline and helping the next generation not be so soft. It's why I signed my kid up for Karate. But with leadership, there comes balance in leading without being so power hungry. Some of the talking down to students is not necessary. Expectations to do their best is necessary but some need to work on their delivery to get the level of respect they feel they deserve. To lead you must know when to fallow.

I was in Richmond visiting my sister and wanted to get some training in while I was up there. I…read moreusually train in Miami, so I reached out to Mongrel BJJ through their website just to see if I could drop in. Frank actually called me himself and we started texting from there. He made it easy and told me to come by. When I showed up, JB took care of me right away. He gave me a full tour and made me feel like I had been there before. The space really impressed me. Two large mat areas with plenty of room to move, heavy bags set up, and a full strength and conditioning area in the back. They even have a massage therapist right next door. It is honestly one of the nicest setups I have seen. JB ran the class I attended and he stood out immediately. Super personable, remembered my name, and just had that easygoing presence that puts people at ease. You can tell he has a deep well of experience, but he carries it in a grounded way. He represents what you hope to find in the jiu jitsu community. The training environment was great. Everyone was friendly, joking around, and still serious about getting better. I never felt out of place or pressured. The adult gi class had a good mix of skill levels, and the techniques we worked on were practical with smart variations that I can actually use. After the instruction we got some solid rounds in and I left feeling like I had a real session, not just a drop in workout. What really stood out to me was that the day after I trained, Frank texted me to ask how everything went. That meant a lot. It showed me they are not just running classes, they actually care about the people who walk through the door. I will absolutely be back the next time I am in Richmond. Whether you are brand new or have been training for years, this is a place where you can grow and enjoy the process.

If you want a family atmosphere this is the place to be. The kids the kids Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moreclasses are outstanding the coaches take their time to teach your children the right way of doing things. JB the owner and main instructor is a great leader and wants everybody to grow in the sport of Brazilian jiu jitsu and you will do whatever it takes to help you along your journey. What better way to release your negative energy in such a positive place. My daughter and I go there for a few years now and love the vibe that this place presents. Thank you JB, Chris, Nick, Tim, the awesome twins, sorry if I'm forgetting the other and storages names just so many to list. I can't say enough about this place it makes me feel as I'm home.IZZO