I grew up doing Karate in the UK back in the '90s, before martial arts schools started pushing…read moreendless belt tests and charging families left and right. So when I came across Dante Rivera's BJJ Academy, it felt like a breath of fresh air. No sales pitch. No pressure. Just structure, discipline, and real mentorship. I had heard there were two main options locally--Silva's and Dante's. Silva's is known to be more "fun," but I wanted something with purpose. Our past experience with Master Park's Taekwondo was friendly, but confusing. Kids who could barely stay balanced were advancing through the ranks. At Dante's, that doesn't fly. I filled out the website contact form and got a quick response from Norma. When we showed up the next day, I expected the usual sit-down about pricing or discounts for paying cash (code for off the books), but that never came. Instead, Dante walked in, shook hands with every parent, and jumped right into class. What I saw was exactly what I hoped for: a balance of challenge, fun, and respect. My daughters (7 and 8) were pushed to think, focus, and move. I watched a girl struggle emotionally--Dante didn't coddle or ignore it. He guided her through, and she finished strong. That kind of moment tells you everything you need to know. There's discipline here, but it's not cold. It's real. Kids are expected to give their best. Parents were laughing as Dante cracked jokes--like threatening to lock kids in a closet or eat their feet. It's the kind of tough love that works, and the kids eat it up. After class, I asked the girls if they'd like to come back twice a week. Immediate yes. When I asked Norma what's next, she simply said: "Go home, talk about it as a family." No pitch, no hard sell. They didn't need to--the program speaks for itself. While we were there, I saw a dad bring his son over to speak with Dante about a tough class he had. Dante bent down, listened, and told the boy, "You can always come talk to me." That kind of care? You can't fake it. If you're looking for a place where your child will be challenged, supported, and treated like a real student--not just a customer--Dante's is it. We're proud to be part of this academy.

Amazing bjj school, great for all ages both man and woman. Professor Dante conducts a fun class…read morewith real life implications for self defense. Highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn self defense, stay in shape or just have fun and meet great people

Master Brian and his fantastic staff have established a wonderful learning environment of Hapkido…read morefor beginners especially children . The staff themselves are wonderfully trained, confident and teaching Martial Arts for all the right reasons. We have 2 children (10 yo Girl and 7 yo boy) enrolled in their class and could not be more satisfied. With our daughter it was very important to us that they had female instructors to act as role models; and Madison and Katrina definitely fit this role. The staff are patient and take the time to teach the how and why behind the moves. They also stress the positives of Martial Arts. This is definitely a school that creates and nurtures self confidence and self esteem, not bullying. This is not a rushed program that just turns out belts. This is the place to come to first if you have children (especially young children) to learn. They even offer a free trial and once you experience Martial Arts done correctly and for the right reasons you will be hooked. At least come and check it out to see Antonio, Gabe, and Tyler get tossed around! We love this place!

This place is really good if you are looking for to defend yourself and your friends I love the…read morestaff and the activited

Would highly recommend for all children and ages. The instructors are great and make learning…read moreserious but fun. If you want your kids/grandkids to learn about discipline, belief in there self's, and others and comment. This is the place to be.

At Innovate Martial Arts you will never find a more dedicated team than Master, Mrs. Turner, Mr…read more Walls and the Legacy students. After being in Jackson for only a couple of years and my son just starting his training, their commitment to the Jackson community (and the children and adults that train at their facility) is beyond anything we ever expected. What an amazing group who are leading by example and teaching the leadership skills to the students that come to train every day. They are setting the best example by instilling hard work, respect and compassion into our children's lives. Thank you for everything!

I truly believe this is the best Martial Arts school in Jackson. When I moved in - I had my kids…read moretry a week trial class for 5 schools. Can't speak for now but this was tied for the least cost and only one that did not require multiple days per week or an annual commitment. One school actually required a 3 year commitment with an opt out @ 6 months. At Ernie Reyes - the staff is great and conducts many family functions at a low cost. Finally, both of my kids continue to attend the school and now are up to 2/3 days per week and love it.

From the owner: fun and empoweringread more

This is the right place for you to begin your journey with the right guidance and the right people…read moreyou won't regret it

I chose Mountain Martial Arts after visiting 4-5 other martial arts training centers in the area…read more None of them could hold a candle to this Dojo in terms of authenticity to the Japanese & Okinawan traditions of karate training. The facility is top notch with a floating wood floor and all of the equipment anyone could need for training. Sensei Mark is awesome and really knows his stuff! He's been studying for over 30 years and it shows. He's also a fantastic teacher for students of all ages from small children all the way up to senior citizens. Everyone is welcome to come and train. There's even a class for people who have physical or mental challenges. It's very welcoming and warm. I've been a member here for over five years and have achieved the rank of Shodan (black belt) so I speak from experience.

Be careful. They bill you and charge your card for things they promise are fee or included. Then…read morethey keep Charging indefinitely even when you never agreed or try to get them to stop.

My daughter started classes here in June and still taking them. I am beyond impressed with this…read moreacademy. My daughter loves it here and she feels so welcome. Sensei is amazing with the kids at the same time instills discipline. I love the fact that the classes are daily and not just once's a week. The vibe here is always welcoming and the staff and parents are polite and supportive. I highly recommend this academy for martial arts.

I'm impressed with the instructor and highly recommend you sign your children up…read more Master Trainor is very patient with the students He has thirty plus years of operation Martial Arts teaches your children to have strong body and mind

i have been here for about 2 years now and all I can say is that you learn a lot for protection and…read moreself awareness of your self and your surroundings and all I can say is that this school makes you feel welcome and it makes you part of the family everyone works together to each other ability and everyone works together well. So I definitely recommend trying it out because you will love it here just as much as I do and lastly it is a really good dojo for self defense and also good for cardio

I'm sharing my experience with both billing and program structure…read more From a billing standpoint, I enrolled at a discounted rate secured through an upfront payment. On early termination, I was still required to pay a fee for months not attended, and that fee was calculated using the non‑discounted rate rather than the rate I had prepaid for. The combined effect was a higher charge applied to unused time. This was confirmed as standard policy, and no adjustment was made. From a training perspective, progression was not clearly defined. A curriculum existed but was only shared upon request, and classes did not make sequencing or advancement explicit. Without a grading system or clear milestones, it was difficult to understand how skills were intended to build over time. Overall, this combination significantly impacts the value of the program relative to its cost. Prospective members should look closely at both the billing terms and how progression is structured before enrolling.

Having just come across A review I left about a year ago, I would like to retract my one star…read morereview. I have since moved on and now train Kali and Silat which is definitely more suited for my age and physical restraints. I did have a bad experience but def could have spoken with the teachers and been put in a program more suitable. I want to apologize to Mike and Max and wish you continued success at your school.

This place is gold. If you want to train hard and change upgrade your skills and fitness it's a…read moremust. Also if you want legit training from professors/coaches who know what they are doing and are genuine this is the place. They offer specials great deals and a flexible schedule. The other great thing is the people you meet and friends you make. Also they are up front about pricing canceling etc. See ya on the mats! OSS.

Been here, almost for three years. I've trained at a lot of places. The greatest martial arts…read moreschool ever. This place is a Family. Everybody is willing to show you and help you grow as a martial artist. There are always classes going on and many people to train with. Please come.