I have been working with Quintin Byrd since April of 2023. In that time I have taken both classes…read moreand private lessons. Quintin teaches men and women of all ages, including children and teenagers. I saw that he tailors his teaching approach to a student's age, maturity and physical ability. I am probably his oldest student at 75. As a bit of an outlier I am taking private lessons with Quintin rather than in a class though I started out that way. Quintin's approach, to me, is very impressive. He teaches how to deal with the range of confrontations from situational awareness, recognition of anomalous behavior and making distance, deescalating verbal confrontation up to the maximum danger of bringing down someone who is trying to kill you. These techniques include practicing situational awareness and making distance, subtly getting into fighting position while attempting to deescalate (if that looks like a reasonable first response), using 'light hands" when someone gets with arm's reach or head butting distance, staying off an attacker's center to make it more difficult for them to rush you. When there is no alternative to violence for you to survive, Quintin teaches you those places on the human body where even very large strong men are vulnerable such as the left side of the neck where the vagas nerve is located, and a strike there can cause an attacker to collapse. Learning Krav Mags as Quintin teaches it is not just about learning to perform efficiently Krav Maga techniques from level 1 up to 1st Dan. The key word in teaching people how to be violent when necessary is necessary. This means a student who may use Krav Maga as a lethal defense must be aware of their own inner state and their desire to satisfy their ego if insulted. He requires his students to understand the legality of their actions and how to explain to the police or in court the rationale for what they did to the other person. Quintin also made us aware that concealed carry insurance will cover legal costs for a student who uses Krav Maga to defend themself. Just because an attacker tried to kill you does not imply that he/she or their relatives won't sue you in civil court even if you are not charged with a crime or are exonerated. He made sure that we know that concealed carry insurance may save you possibly as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal costs. Good to know. This may be scary stuff to contemplate, but for me Quintin is helpful to me as a mentor and a friend. If you are going to learn Krav Maga you don't want to use it because you are in a bad mood. Your state of mind is more important than you might think for two reasons: 1) don't create a fight when you don't have to; 2) use Krav Maga efficiently even when your mind might tend to be super stressed if you are attacked. Quintin has taught me and continues to teach me that a generally peaceful state-of-mind in one's life makes one more efficient when using Krava Maga. Be it for situational awareness and making distance or to use lethal force. I find that what teaches me helps me deal with the stresses of everyday life. I am grateful to have Quintin as a teacher and, yes, a mentor.

From the owner: We are a Christian Martial Arts program that incorporates biblical principles with self defense…read moretechniques. We offer adults and kid's self defense classes along with boxing classes for all ages.

My 7 year old autistic daughter started taking classes when she was 5 years old. At first she…read morestarted as a Tiger Tots and has since earned 10 belts at Master Chang's Taekwondo. We feel like family rather than just paying customers. That makes a big difference in keeping up motivation to keep going.

We joined Master Chang's Martial Arts' North Ridge location 6 months ago, and it has been the best…read moreexperience we've had with an activity for our child. Master Y Kim is an amazing instructor, capturing and keeping the kids attention with fun exercises and learning experiences. He knows every kid by name, seems to genuinely care about their progress and is great at recognizing where kids need extra help. Ms Petra is always there with a smile on her face to greet children and parents alike, and to make sure the kids have the best time. No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to ask how you are doing. The program at Master Chang's blends taekwondo instruction with character building skills and experiences. The staff and class helpers foster an atmosphere of positivity, support, and respect amongst the kids in a fun and engaging way. My child looks forward to every class he goes to, and this is the first activity where he hasn't complained once about going, or asking when it will be over.  We recently also had his birthday party there and it was super fun for all involved, including even the parents who got to participate in the taekwondo lesson, watch a performance from the talented demo team of students from this location, and hold boards while their children broke them with the skills they learned at the party. Parents let us know how much fun their children had and commented on how engaging Master Y Kim was specifically. I highly recommend anyone to try out taekwondo classes at Master Chang's and specifically this location.

My son has been attending since 2021. This place has helped build his self confidence and self…read morediscipline. An added bonus, its a great way to get exercise regardless of outside weather. The staff is attentive and supportive of all the kids. They offer encouragement and help them achieve their goals learning techniques and learn each kata as they get promoted earning their belts. They don't just give away belts, the kids actually have earn them and truly learn.

This is a great place to learn more than just karate. It's a place to step outside your comfort…read morezone and make friends. My experience has only been fantastic with KI!

I've been with Forged since January 2008 and may be a member until I can't walk anymore. My son…read moreand wife are also members and we can't say enough positive things about this gym. I participate in the Crossfit and Jiu-jitsu program, but we' ve all done every program offered at one point or another. Many people don't know that this was the original crossfit gym in Raleigh. The combined years of experience and level of expertise by the staff is unmatched by any other local gym. In fact many of the owners and trainers from the competing local gyms got their start at Forged when it was CrossfitNC. If you're serious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Crossfit training this is the best to begin your journey. The environment is friendly, family oriented, and laidback. Doesn't matter if you're a beginner or have years of experience this gym will challenge you and instruct you at the level that's right for you. In the six years I've been a member I have personally seen many of my training partners make amazing transformations in body and mind. I've also been fortunate enough to train with some of the most respected high level jiu-jitsu instructors and competitors in the area and from all over. The kids program is equally highly regarded and the most effective as proven in competition. Come out and meet the crew if you're in the area. You won't regret it.

Never done CrossFit before and I was worried about being pushed to injury, rather than production,…read morebut that wasn't the case at all. The instructors are patient and have truly mapped out a way to help you succeed at any level.

Hands down the best gym out there. The instructors are dedicated to teaching their craft in a safe,…read morefun, and informative manner. Beginners and experienced fighters can find a home at hometown.

From the owner: An experienced and practical approach to Martial Arts in the Triangle area. We welcome to people of…read moreall levels from beginners to experienced competitors! Come see for yourself why our community is continuing to grow and support each other!

Our son is taking boot camp and tumbling skills and it's helped him with his gross motor skills and…read morepre-sports movements making him more coordinated and confident! Highly recommend for kids, teens, and adults!

Great gym with new equipment. They teach adults and kids Muay Thai or in the fitness class for…read morekids. My kid looks forward to class every week.

I've been to several gyms throughout my travels and it is easy to say, we are lucky to have Gracie…read moreRaleigh in our area. They have a plethora of knowledgeable coaches, with all different styles of rolling and body type. My kids attended the gym as well and the kids program keep engaged and disciplined. Drop on by and give it a shot!

I can't say enough about how much Gracie Raleigh has impacted my life in positive ways…read more Whether you're looking to compete, learn self defense, or just find a community of people who all want to better themselves- this is your place. The facility is always extremely clean, the staff is friendly and responsive, and there is a sense of community when you walk through the doors.