GJJKY is a great place to learn self defense, meet new people and work on bettering yourself as a…read moreperson.

I dropped into a couple gyms in Kentucky. Overall, I've dropped in at over 10 gyms and this gym is…read moremy favorite so far. It is very similar to my gym of 9 years and that's probably because they're both Pedro Sauer Association gyms. If you are part of PSA, you'll understand. Even if you aren't, you will learn some high level jiu jitsu and have fun doing it over here. This school has multiple instructors, and they are all highly technical and their classes connect which gives you a great learning experience if you're a beginner or an experienced jiu jitsu practitioner. I reached out online to inquire about dropping in since I was in town. They answered me back quickly with the class times. Upon arrival, The owner, Professor Scott Smith (4th degree Black Belt), welcomed me and introduced me to some of the staff and other members. I was able to take classes under multiple instructors and it just blew my mind on the details of each technique taught. In regards to the facility, there is a huge mat area and everyone can comfortably train. When you walk in, there's the front desk and a lounge area. They have changing rooms for males and females and two restrooms. They keep the facility clean and sanitize the mats after each class session (morning/evening). Do yourself a favor and check out this gym if you want to learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu!

My family has been part of this Jiu-Jitsu community for the past 5 years, and the experience has…read morebeen nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning, we've been challenged to grow, encouraged when things felt tough, and inspired to push past our limits. Over time, we've gained not only strength and endurance but also confidence, discipline, and respect for the sport. It's not an easy sport by any means--it demands focus and commitment--but the rewards are absolutely worth it. Mr. Aaron Burgin, the owner and instructor, is a huge part of why this gym is so special. He is incredibly kind, patient, and intentional with every student, whether you're brand new or have years of experience. His teaching style is admirable--he balances encouragement with accountability and makes sure every student is learning the right techniques while also having fun. He has a way of meeting students where they are while still pushing them to their full potential. The culture here is also worth mentioning. It truly feels like a family environment where everyone supports each other. My kids have gained not only skills on the mat but also life lessons about perseverance, humility, and respect. For adults, it's an excellent workout and stress reliever, and for kids, it's a safe, structured, and uplifting environment that builds both character and physical ability. If you are looking for a place to train, grow, and be part of a positive and welcoming community, I cannot recommend Mr. Burgin and this Jiu-Jitsu program enough. It has been such a blessing to our family, and I'm confident it will be for yours too!

I had my first official class and it was a fun experience everyone there is nice Master Aaron is…read morevery kind and helps people at their own pace and the other people that is also learning they are also kind and help you out as well.And I can't wait to spend more time at the dojo and get to know the people there more I say that it will be the best experience to learn and grow at Oldham County Martial Arts Academy and you should check it out and I'm sure you will also enjoy your time there I know I did.

My son has been coming here for about a year now for youth BJJ classes. We came here after trying…read moreseveral sports, but not finding something he loved yet. The classes we go to are three times a week at 5:15. It's very convenient. The classes are taught by Nathan, Max, and a few helpers. They are awesome. They're patient, kind, but direct with their teaching. My kiddo has learned so much and has finally found an activity he's really enjoying and builds his confidence. The cost is competitive and reflects the quality of the class it is. 100% recommend!!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Muay Thai Kickboxing…read more Boxing Self defense Fitness Core has it all. 10+ years here

My son is 12yo and just started Tae Kwon Do. I wish I started earlier but it's never too late! We…read morehad a trial class at 2 studios in town and he picked VMA because he felt comfortable with the instructors. There are many things I am happy with since he started: he has grown confidence, strength, awareness of body and mind, respect for authority, and self-discipline. I highly recommend VMA from their instructors, to the team comraderie, and the new "bigger" facility!

Fantastic learning environment! Great instructors and family friendly. Good for the whole family.read more

I have been going to Satori for Kali/Escrima classes for about a month now, and I love it! I have…read moreno previous background in martial arts, but I had no problem jumping in with the other students. Arlo teaches in a way that beginners and black belts can train side-by-side and everyone will have a great time and learn a lot! I always feel challenged, but never frustrated. Arlo has created a very safe, fun, and accepting environment where everyone can feel relaxed and ready to learn. Everyone leaves their ego at the door. (And ladies, don't worry, it's not just dudes. There are many kick ass females who train here!) And for only $50 a month for a single style of training--what a bargain! I can't recommend this place enough.

From the owner: Satori Integrated Martial Arts teaches a variety of martial arts including Jeet Kune Do,…read moreKali/Escrima, Hapkido, Jun Fan Gung Fu, Capoeira and Archery.

Kids are loving the Dojo's summer camps, EXTRA programs, plus regular classes. Thanks for all your…read morestaff does to help all kinds of youth and young adults learn about their inner strengths, how to balance and integrate opposite impulses and commit to personal goals. Great job.

Mister is not into competing against others.He is a gracious winner and loser.He prefers…read morechallenging himself.St. Matthews Martial Arts encourages and appreciates this attitude. It is not high energy,flashy,or corporate martial arts studio around town.It is not a "belt factory" as some studios are known. The staff is very low key,kind,and encouraging towards the student. They emphasize respect,self control,honor,discipline.The classes are broken into age groups.They also offer weapons classes and sparring classes after a certain degree of ability has been achieved. My friend has achieved a blue belt and has taken courses in using the sai and tonfa weapons.The instruction includes the history of the weapon and the defensive-not offensive-uses of the weapon.Currently,he is learning the fan weapon. If you take one weapons class,you desire to take the next out of curiosity of the use of the tool. They offer sparring classes after achieving blue-belt status.The classes offer a chance to improve timing,coordination,and movement with limited contact and opportunities to practice what you learn during the week in a short sparring match. After the basic classes for the younger set,ages 4-11,there is an obstacle course set up to improve quickness and agility and then a game of dodge ball to work on movement and quickness.The kids love it! St.Matthews Martial Arts doesn't require a contract.You can pay by the moth or three months.There is no charge for the sparring classes but you do have to buy any protective gear you don't own already.The weapons classes have an additional charge mainly to cover the expense of the weapon. If Mister wasn't already so far ahead of me belt wise,I'd consider joining.Buddha knows that I could use some discipline in my life.

Most of the Kung Fu schools I have found have been scams. Everywhere you go, people who run these…read moreschools are willing to take your money, but fail to teach you anything useful. Not Guardian Kung Fu. When I started at Guardian, I was about to go off to college and wanted to try out the women's self defense program. Because I had very little time, Sifu Wright made sure that every second was spent learning something valuable. I only had five weeks of training, but what I learned saved me from a dangerous situation. Now I continue to learn more from Sifu Wright and Guardian Kung Fu when I am home from school.

From the owner: Adult Only. Personal and physical development. Martial arts and Real self defense are a great fun…read moreexercise. Effective and fun learning environment. Call today 812-372-7100 and Leave a message.

I have been studying with Bill Durbin, the Soke, or Headmaster, of Kiyojute Ryu Kempo, for 27…read moreyears. He runs his classes like clockwork, is very approachable and loving, and has been training and teaching since 1970. His Karate for Kids classes are well-attended and he knows how to properly teach kids, unlike many teachers who teach mostly adults. Bill has trained with the best of the best and has written many books on the subject of martial arts and self defense. Most of these are available on Amazon or Lulu.com. You can find out more at kiyojute ryu.org.

Best martial arts dojo around. Great instruction and a very positive vibe for students…read more Mind/body/spirit training for anyone that is interested in learning traditional martial arts. I've been training here for over 25 years and highly recommend!

This is my first experience with Pilates and I absolutely love it! I am rehabbing from a fractured…read morehip in late 2016--after almost 9 months on crutches (that caused 2 broken ribs to boot!), surgery, and tons of physical therapy, I was stuck in my recovery. A friend of mine who loves Pilates suggested I give it a shot and I am so glad that I did. I've been going twice a week since August and it has made a HUGE impact for me. I am starting feeling more balanced, developing a strong core, and having a lot less pain with daily activities. I won't lie, it's not cheap (these are private lessons) but it is 100% worth it to me to find something to help me quite literally get back on my feel and get moving again. There are 3 instructors and I've had them all. They all know a ton about body mechanics and can tailor your workout to address whatever issues you are having. They are also just nice people who made me feel very welcome even though I have serious weight issues and got very deconditioned during my recovery from my injury. They share notes on my sessions so there is great continuity no matter who I am seeing that day. The nitty gritty: The studio is well-equipped. There seems to be no end to the props and tools they find to help you get the most out of your workout. The studio is on the 6th floor across Michigan Avenue from the south end of Grant Park and there's a huge east-facing picture window with a spectacular view. Day or night, it's amazing. I drive to the studio and have not had any trouble finding street parking on either 11th or 9th streets (pay box is $4/hour). They use a convenient online appointment system that allows you to buy packages of classes, see your upcoming schedule, and make new appointments. In short, this place is the best. If any of this review resonates with you then you owe it to yourself to check it out. You won't be sorry.

TLDR: If you are weak and stiff, Briana can help…read more I used to be a frequent and enthusiastic yoga practitioner, until I got a chronic health condition that affects my joints. No more downward dog. After years of intermittently managing the illness, plus two kids and all the stresses associated with (*ahem*) "adulting," I finally decided to stop neglecting my health and get some help, before I lost more strength and joint function in my arms and wrists. I found Roots of Integrity because of its South Loop location. The studio is cozy and has a gorgeous view of the lake, which makes workouts feel very vital. I started with an intro/mixed package with Briana, and she worked with me to determine that Pilates was the right place to start. As an instructor, Briana is attentive, patient, knowledgable and a consummate professional. I enjoy our sessions, and after a few months, I have considerably more strength and extension in my arms, a noticeably stronger core, and--bonus!--my butt looks better. If you have challenges with your joints or musculoskeletal system, I highly recommend ROI's individual Pilates sessions. It is a significant investment, but the combination of physical support from the apparatus and psychological support from Briana will make the impossible feel possible.