Both of my young children have taken classes here over the years. You can tell they are truly…read morecommitted to helping kids with building self-confidence and forming healthy habits. It is a great family run business that has been here for years and is a part of the Medford community, I can't recommend them enough.

Very nice people you can make new friends their every one is super nice ninja is a awesome coach…read moreand friend

Best karate class I've seen! The instructors are students themselves and under the instruction of…read moretheir respected teacher Rocky, they pass knowledge on. The environment is welcoming and everyone has a place. Parents are allowed to be spectators, fresh coffee is brewing and a table full of communal healthy treats are present for all. I love it...

Prof. Rocky DiRico is an amazing, gifted instructor, as is his son, Sensei Chris DiRico. My…read moresix-year-old son has responded to both instructors and it has done wonders for his self-confidence (we are still working on self-control). I can't say enough good things about this school. The instructors are positive and spend time both on physical awareness and forms as well as having a responsible, respectable character. The classes are set up in such a way that the lower belts learn from the higher belts and everyone develops respect for each other. My son is eager to attend his classes each week.

I cannot recommend Sifu Sean enough, he truly is a gem. He has a rare gift for earning the respect…read moreof every student while remaining playful, kind, and grounded, all while weaving in discipline, physical fitness, and meaningful life lessons that go far beyond the classroom. My 8-year-old son has completely transformed after just six months of attending once a week. He is noticeably more confident, more aware of others, and far more respectful toward his teachers. What makes it even more remarkable is that he started out very hesitant, but now looks forward to every class and stays fully engaged from start to finish. Thank you, Sifu Sean, for the incredible impact you've had on him.

Sifu Sean is an amazing instructor and he cares deeply about his students and the community. My…read moreson was diagnosed with ADHD and we had a difficult time finding a martial arts instructor that could hold his attention. Sean was able to capture my son's attention and focus with his relentless energy and willingness to never let anything "slide." Bc of Eight Animal my son is more confident and much more aware of his surroundings. Thank you, Sifu Sean for all your hard work!

I started attending classes at Zhen Ren Chuan a few months ago and what a wonderful place it is to…read morelearn, grow and live. Instructor Charles is a fantastic teacher and is very intelligent. He constantly looks to explain things in different ways to aid your development and understanding while catering to the individual. He is conscious of both physical and mental abilities, injuries, capabilities, and real life circumstances. Instructor Charles looks to use these things to push you, to help you grow, to challenge you and make you look inward. Instructor Charles brings a passion to his teaching which is contagious and joyful. It is evident in both the adult classes and the junior / child classes. You see the passion in his face, in his demeanor and how he holds himself. He genuinely loves and lives what he does and what he teaches. I have never left a class with a feeling other than calm, happy or tired (expect some classes to be challenging physically while others challenge you in a different way, a more mental challenge). The classes are very good at accommodating multiple skill levels of individual. Often times you will see the assistant instructors and black belts working on one form, the intermediate students working on another and the beginners learning their first. There is truly a wide variety of people who attend the classes. Men, women, old, young, big, small... this is a welcome and wonderful place to develop ones physical and spiritual lives. My only real regret is I cannot attend as frequently as I would like. If you are considering martial arts schools in the area, you would be hard pressed to find or do better than the Zhen Ren Chuan Martial Arts Center.

Our children had the privilege of taking lessons at this martial arts school under the guidance of…read moreCharles, and we could not be more grateful for the experience. Beyond learning valuable self-defense skills, our kids gained lifelong virtues such as respect, self-sufficiency, discipline, listening to parents, and common sense. Charles is not only an outstanding martial arts instructor but also a man of great humanity. His dedication and positive influence have left a lasting mark on our children's lives, shaping them into stronger and more responsible individuals. We wholeheartedly recommend this school to any parent who wants their child to grow in both skill and character. Thank you, Charles, for everything you have done for our family.

We haven't attended any other karate classes in the area but come from Watertown each Saturday…read moremorning for my 6 year old daughter to attend. Sarah, Isaac, and Adam are very patient and knowledgeable. It is great in the winter when kids need to let out energy. We have struggled with listening / attentiveness in the past (gymnastics etc) but the skills she is learning in the class, and team sportsmanship, seem to alleviating some of these issues.

My five-year-old daughter started attending about five months ago, and she loves the class. I like…read morehow the class is set up to really be fun and accessible to young children, while at the same time they seem to be learning serious karate skills. There is a lot of running around the room to burn off energy, and games a la Dodgeball where if you are hit by a puff or foam noodle, you have to kick the kicking bag. All fun! Wonderfully well done classes. On the logistical side, I like how if you sign up for weekly classes, but can't make your usual class (usually a choice of 3-4 slots each week for beginners), you can just go to a class on a different day.

Really enjoy training at this academy. I wanted a school with a welcoming environment rather than a…read moremacho vibe, and this place delivered. The people are genuinely kind, supportive, and ego-free, with a wide mix of students. I've been training here for the past two years and learned a lot!

Fantastic martial arts gym! The instructors are incredibly skilled, patient, and motivating…read more Whether you're a beginner or experienced, this gym is perfect for learning, improving, and staying fit. Highly recommend!

I came back in February to get my body back into shape. This place is perfect for total body…read moreworkout. Also this might be the only CrossFit that includes kick boxing. The kickboxing is the most fun I have while working out but it will also include weights and cardio. I recommend this to anyone at any level of fitness who wants to try CrossFit at a reasonable price. You will not find a better studio anywhere else.

Frank is a fitness genius. Five months ago, I started a two day per week program with him. Frank…read moreidentified my physical weaknesses and strengths. His analysis and solutions were right on the mark. The improvement was fast. The workouts are fun, address all parts of the body, and are surprisingly easy. If you want to see a big change in your athletic capabilities in a short period of time, go to Tokyo Joe's. M.

Amazing school and instructors! I would recommend this martial arts school for anyone who wants…read morefitness, discipline, confidence or to learn how to protect yourself! These guys are great!

I have been going to the adult classes at the Union Square (Somerville) location for two years now…read more When I started, I knew I wanted to do some sort of self-defense (I am a woman and go out a lot alone) but I didn't want it to be militaristic in style. This dojo isn't. It's friendly and welcoming to all skill levels, and other students have moved there to escape the mitaristic style at other schools and have liked it at Villari's much more. Master Brad is friendly and kind and very knowledgeable, and he is good at making sure all skill levels get something out of the class. You can go up to two or three times a week for the same monthly fee, and they offer special seminars and tournaments as well if you're interested in that. Now a couple of years in, I feel that a lot of the techniques/my reactions are becoming automated, which is exactly what I wanted. Also, Reliable Market is just below for after-karate snacks!