Having taken a long (10-yr) break from martial arts, I got the itch to jump back in and started…read morelooking at many schools inside the perimeter. I was primarily looking for a school that addressed three things that other Atlanta schools can't provide: 1) a diversified experience with multiple disciplines, 2) an actual curriculum that would provide structure to the various lessons, and a path to future belt tests, and 3) some sort of supplemental training that would reinforce what is taught in the dojo. I joined Evolution X and while I have not been a student for very long, it provides all of these things and more: several different martial arts disciplines; a calendar and curriculum that indicates what will be taught, and when (and when it will be repeated in the future); and a super helpful library of online training resources that covers every lesson as you advance through the belts. From a teaching and training perspective, this is a very well-managed school. On top of this, I've found that the other students are helpful and supportive - and respectful of new students (myself included) - making the experience a positive one. Net net: Josh Moree runs a top-notch school for kids and adults alike, and if you are looking to learn about multiple disciplines for comprehensive martial arts training, Evolution X delivers!

Although I do not train regularly at Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu, I have had the pleasure to attend…read morea few seminars there. I would love to train regularly with Sensei Moree but live in Roswell so doing the drive regularly would be difficult. I come from a different background in martial arts (Yoshukai), so most of the things I was exposed to during the seminars were new to me. Sensei Moree and the other students were extremely helpful and patient with me. They made me feel very welcome, which is not always the case when visiting different styles of martial arts schools. He is a great teacher and explains techniques very well. AKJ incorporates different styles/disciplines in the training- which I think is excellent. If you are considering starting training in martial arts, I highly recommend AKJ. I am confident in saying you won't regret the decision. Osu!

Amazing instructors that come from a legendary lineage of Martial artists. It's very hard to find…read moreplaces that offer multiple arts to choose from which makes this place even better! My Instructors in New York spoke very highly of Sifu Fong and his academy, so when I moved to Georgia, I knew I had to continue my training here and it's been worth every minute!

The Francis Fong Academy is a beautiful school with very attentive instructors well versed in many…read moremartial arts styles. The attitude of the instructors and students is reflective of Sifu Francis Fong, who is kind and generous with his teaching. As a life long martial artist I appreciated his amazing skill and speed combined with the ability to demonstrate and teach complex principles incorporating whole body movement, body positioning and timing. If you are serious about learning martial arts and want to train to become your best this school offers training to fully develop your skills. It is rare to have one school offer elite level training in Wing Chun, JKD, Eskrima, Balintawak, Ju Jitsu and more. As a visitor from the west coast I felt instantly welcomed and was matched with someone for my skill level. Anytime I'm back in Atlanta I will be training here.

I have been taking my kids there for 8 years. It has been a great experience training them mentally…read moreand physically. I recommend Decatur Martial Arts Academy whole heartedly.

I earned my black belt in another city, so I visited many schools throughout the Atlanta area when…read moreI moved here. Decatur Martial Arts Academy felt like the best choice, as the instructors seemed knowledgeable and genuine and the fellow students were encouraging and friendly. 5 years later and the place has lived up to my expectations and then some. Besides the people, the new facilities are great, with changing rooms, heavy bags, and 3 different mats to train on. If you are considering martial arts, the best advice I can give you (that my first master gave me when I moved) is to visit a few schools and pay attention to the vibe you get. Decatur Martial Arts will fare well by that metric and any other.

Sifu Welch is an amazing instructor. As a student of Dan Inosanto, one of Bruce Lee's top…read morestudents, he knows his stuff. But more than that, he is patient and is great with helping students learn. He uses great analogies and life examples to demonstrate the movements. I highly recommend him. And even outside of the martial arts benefit of his classes, the drills are great for coordination, ambidexterity, and reaction time.

For authentic Bruce Lee, street smart, mature and confidence building martial arts; train with Sifu…read moreSule. I'm 61 and just earned my Wing Chun purple sash ranking, and am in great health from the motivation the Welch program provides. I also take JKD, Kali, Martial fitness and Tai Chi. I choose not to experience the frailty and weakness a large portion of American elderly people sadly experience in their senior years. The learning is fun and fellow students are safe and focused upon mutual progress and respect for one another. A GREAT "family" student body. The expert styles taught here are just what Bruce Lee had intended to see with Sifu Sule's shared philosophy. My partner trains with me regularly here. She and I grow closer through every challenge and accomplishment we get from Sifu Sule. This studio is among the best which brings forth the best of us training here! Avery Cotton

I contacted Shifu Mitchell to perform a dragon dance at my daughter's first birthday. We really…read morewanted something different but exciting for our guests as well as leave a lasting impression - and Chien Hong delivered! There team of 4 (1 drummer, 1 cymbal and 2 dancers) were very professional. They arrived on time and even brought 2 sets of dragons for us to decide between: a vivid blue and a red. Based on their suggestion, we went with the blue since it would probably not frighten the young children and I am so happy, the dragon photographed beautifully! I cannot say enough great things about Shifu Mitchell and his team. They helped make our event so memborable!

I've been training at Chien Hong for a year now and have plans to be there for quite a while. I'm…read moreone of those who gets hopelessly bored at the gym, and elementary gym class flashbacks pretty much prevent me from ever going out for any team sport, ever, so martial arts is one of the few ways I can happily get a workout in. (Funny how the idea of a punch to the gut is way less frightening than the thought of hanging out in a baseball dugout, but apparently someone read way too much into Lord of the Flies as a child.) The school is run by Shi Fu Gary Mitchell, who has been training in kung fu for 20+ years. He offers traditional Hung Gar kung fu (for adults and for kids) as well as Tai Chi Chuan and self-defense, and there will also be a new Wing Chun class this fall. No matter the style, though, Shi Fu tailors the material depending on who is attending and what their level is. So, no two classes are the same: you may see elements of boot camp, shadow boxing, light sparring, etc., or you might focus on particular techniques (hand strikes, blocks, kicks, and so on). There is also a specific curriculum you have to know for your level, so you're always learning new things and finding ways to improve upon what you already know. Shi Fu is undoubtedly devoted to the art, so he has has high expectations for his students and is continually motivating us to give it our all. There's an awesome community at Chien Hong. The training brothers and sisters are super supportive and friendly, and they're always happy to answer questions and help you practice. Also, the school participates and performs in lots of activities around Atlanta--Chinese New Year and parades, notably--so that's pretty darn nifty to show off to your friends and family.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin…read moreInstitute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing.

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still…read morestay in touch 30 years later!

My son did a trial class today and Sam made such an effort to make him feel welcomed. He made…read morelearning a truly fun experience for everyone. My daughter wants to join soon too! Thank you Sam!

Amazing place to train Jiu Jitsu - the culture that Sam has cultivated over the years sets Buckhead…read moreJiu Jitsu apart from other gyms. Sam, and by following his example, the team members at the gym, will support you and help you meet your goals. No matter who you are. For some, it's just a fun way to get in shape. We also have world champions at the gym who will help you and always look out for your safety. Sam is the Coach, but we consider it our gym. Come see us!

I have been going about 4 days a week for the past 1.5 months to Team Octopus. The people are…read morefriendly and the coaches are great. I take Kickboxing with Richard and Performance Fitness with Q although the gym offers other activities like jiu jitsu and muay thai. Richard and Q are the bomb diggity! No doubt. I am super not into working out and was as weak as a twig when I first started. However, the coaches, especially Q, really pay attention to your form and makes sure it's correct. My snatches and deadlifts were janky AF before going here. The Performance Fitness class he teaches are similar to Crossfit. They consists of a combination of weights and high intensity interval training exercises. Richard's Kickboxing classes are also great and he teaches us different techniques frequently. The exercises are not mundane and you get a good cardio workout. My svelte figure hasn't emerged yet, but I am stronger now and look forward to working out. Woot! I don't even know who I am anymore.

Unethical business practices. You can't just cancel the membership if you decide it doesn't work…read moreout. They will charge you hundreds of dollars regardless of whether you use the gym or not. Then if you don't pay, they will send your account to collections and DESTROY YOUR CREDIT!!! I have had perfect credit my entire life until these people continued to charge me for a membership I cancelled. I received no communication from the company at all and had no idea they were racking up charges on my account. I didn't realize until I was getting prequalified for a loan that Chamblee Team Octopus charged my account over $1100 and then sent the account into collections! My credit score dropped over 100 POINTS!!! And I had only been to the gym one time when I initially signed up! Shame on these people. When I called the business to inquire about this issue, they cited a 60-day notice policy to cancel and said I must pay nearly $400 to get my account out of collections. SERIOUSLY, BUYER BEWARE