I fully admit this review is being written in my honeymoon period of getting into the gym. But here goes anyway. Two weeks ago, I was out running errands and saw the sign for Tactical Arts Academy. I also saw that it was almost exactly halfway between my office and home. So, I went to their website to see what they could do for me -- someone who's never been able to commit to exercise and who hasn't ever been able to find a fitness program they could tolerate enough. Leslie replied to my web inquiry quickly and we met the next day to discuss my situation. I told him my big fear was that I am massively out of shape. He explained that's why I was there. We discussed CrossFit and how the workouts can be scaled to meet someone's level. I decided to give it a try. My first three sessions have been one-on-one to learn how to do CrossFit safely. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't sore. Ibuprofen can fix that. But after each session, I come away feeling that I've accomplished something. Here's what I can tell you though. Leslie and Sergio, the two instructors, are beyond supportive. I feel encouraged and like I'm making headway. They're patient with newbies like me. And there's virtually no pressure. You're encouraged and pushed, but it's not boot camp. There's no drill instructor yelling at you. It's more like being mentored. And it's pushing me into fitness. There's no pressure to buy stuff. There's no long term contracts either. And heck, the gym is climate controlled and out of the elements so weather isn't an excuse. They offer CrossFit classes both at lunch and after work. Martial arts and self defense are in the evening if that's something you want to pursue as well. For once, I honestly feel I can keep up a commitment to being fit. If that keeps up, I'm going to have to ask Yelp for a one time exception to allow for a six star review. read more

I made sure to wait before writing a review to make sure it wasn't just the "i'm getting back in shape" craze of starting at a new gym. I've been working out here for the strength training classes since March, and it's been simply amazing. Bottom line up front: I've made amazing improvements in skill and strength and have lost around 18 lbs so far. TAA didn't do all of that, but Leslie and Sergio make this place a fun and engaging environment where you can achieve realistic goals. It's a great space with an open floor plan. The format of the work outs take off a lot of the pressure of trying to squeeze a bunch of work into an hour. Everyone who works out there is just like you: just trying to get back in shape - not some yelling raging meat head. I highly recommend Tactical Arts Academy for anyone who is looking for a low stress workout to get into their weekly routine. read more

TACTICAL ARTS ACADEMY CROSSFIT IS AMAZINGLY ADDICTIVE!!!! I made this Yelp account influenced by my incredibly positive experiences and love for Tactical Arts Academy's Crossfit program. It's easy to review something when you hate it, but when positive reviews are out there, it makes it much more meaningful. Please don't let my "review count" influence the sincerity of this review. With that said, I began Crossfit a little over a month ago. I was hesitant at first. As a graduate student, working out had taken a back seat in my life. In fact, prior to joining Tactical Arts, I had never really worked out on a consistent basis other than purchasing a yearly gym membership and going two times after new year's promising myself this would be the year I would get in shape (and fail). However, I was really blessed to be able to become part of the Tactical Arts family after one of my best friends, who is also a member, recommended their Crossfit program and spoke highly about Leslie and Patrick (the instructors). After some email correspondence with Leslie, he set me up with a beginners program with Patrick that met 3x a week for 2 weeks. After my first beginners class, I instantly knew Tactical Arts would be the perfect fit for me--Patrick was incredibly helpful, really intelligent, and, most of all, patient with me since I had never been exposed to many of the exercises Crossfit requires. Leslie and Patrick do a great job in watching out for proper form and will correct you to make sure you are getting the most out of your workouts as possible. SO WHERE ARE THE RESULTS? I see them everyday. I feel healthier, I am eating healthier, I see it in the mirror, and I am doing exercises with weights I had no business being able to do a month ago. I currently attend Crossfit classes there 3x a week and I look forward to those days the most (had you told me I would look forward to working out a month ago I would have laughed at you). Though there are other Crossfit gyms in Austin, I highly recommend checking Tactical Arts out first--the instructors are amazing and friendly, our members are some of the most encouraging and supportive people I've met, and best of all, we're a big family. And a quick note on the familial environment here at Tactical Arts- those who finish the workout of the day before others will often, despite their tiredness, cheer on and encourage those remaining to fight through it. Before joining I remember asking my friend what he thought of the other members there and I completely agree with him--everyone is friendly and it makes for a really positive atmosphere. Thank you Leslie and Patrick for all of the hard work you guys put into making all of us a healthier person! I recommend Tactical Arts to anyone without reservation. read more

I have been taking CrossFit classes with the guys and gals at Tactical Arts CrossFit for 3 months now and I have enjoyed every session. The trainers are approachable and helpful. The teacher to student ratio at Tactical Arts CrossFit is very good as well. The facility is comfortable and climate controlled. I tried out another CrossFit location (Crossfit Central) and I did not like a few things about that location (The gym is basically a garage with the garage doors open to along a busy street and more of a typical gym feel). When I found Tactical Arts CrossFit it was a perfect match. I would recommend anyone who is looking to try CrossFitt to check out Tactical Arts CrossFit. read more

Tactical Arts is the best gym I've ever belonged to, hands down. The instructors are top-notch and help you produce serious improvement. Given the amount of individual attention, Tactical Arts is also surprisingly inexpensive. I am new to CrossFit, but Patrick and Leslie really helped me get over the initial jitters that come when you start a new exercise program. The other folks that attend the classes were great too, they are much friendlier than your average gym-goers. You owe it to yourself to check out Tactical Arts. read more

One word. Awesome! The instructors are fun, energetic, and motivating. The crossfit workouts are intense but they work with you to keep you encouraged. The owner, Leslie, keeps working on the facility to make it even better than it is! - he's added more equipment, is open to suggestions from class members, and the instructors post pics and videos to their site so you can watch yourself working hard and improving! I recommend Tactical Arts Academy to anyone who is serious about getting fit while meeting great people and working with fun professionals. read more

I found out about Tactical Arts when searching for a new martial arts dojo, after being disappointed by the level of workouts I was getting, and just getting bored at a local gym. After visiting, I ended up starting their Crossfit classes, and I am planning to take some of their martial arts classes once my schedule permits. As far as their Crossfit classes, I have been going for 6 months now, twice a week and am probably in the best shape of my life. It's a full body work out. I had lifted weights in the past, but never received the level of guidance and expertise that I get from Leslie and Sergio. They take a lot of time to demo the right technique, breakdown movements into smaller steps... all to ensure that you are building a strong foundation, while avoiding injuries. They also emphasize and teach proper stretching before and after workouts, based on individual needs you may have. So besides being in great shape, my flexibility has also improved a lot. The classes are a lot of fun, they really mix it up, and the atmosphere in the gym is really friendly and helpful, really nice group of people that come to class each week. Diverse set of ages, male/female and skill levels. Overall, I highly recommend their Crossfit classes. Took me 2 years to stumble on to this place after moving to Austin, but so glad I did! read more

I have been taking Crossfit at the Tactical Arts Academy for about four months. I'm 58, and have worked out regularly for years, including Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, competitive tennis, weight lifting, running, hiking, and golf. I am amazed at the effect that Crossfit has had on my body. I have gained muscle, and lost fat, especially in that area around my waist that is so hard to trim down. I was so impressed with Crossfit that I dropped my gym membership of 10 years after one month of Crossfit. I especially appreciate the individualized, detailed instruction that I am receiving in powerlifting and Olympic weight lifting techniques, and the small class size. It is astounding how much you can affect your body with a relatively short, intense Crossfit workout. [Somehow this didn't get published when I first wrote it. I'm 60 now, and these guys are still great!] Ken Messner read more

I been doing crossfit with Tactical Arts Academy for 3 months. Other than adding more muscle definition, I've been getting stronger and learning skill. Leslie is very helpful with perfect form feedback on my lifts. Patrick is a great motivator and will talk you in to pushing yourself that extra mile you thought you never had, Bob is very good at giving you positive feedback. Overall I been happy with their service to me, and I'm satisfied. read more

I have been studying Pekiti Tirsia Kali at the Tactical Arts Academy for over 2 years now and have found the quality of instruction, material, and training environment top notch. The instructors are very knowledgeable and accomplished in the art, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. The focus is on quality of instruction and student development, and the school does not suffer from the over-commercialism that one often finds in other places. Highly recommended. read more

I hesitate to write reviews soon after I join something. The honeymoon period can be strong haha. But I have been with The Tactcial Arts Academy since October of 2014. This place has come to feel like my home and I can't imagine trainging anywhere else. There is a wide range of classes to choose from so you don't easily get bored. Not to mention a lot of one on one help with whatever you are working on. Leslie and Sergio have helped me with a plan and monitor my progress closely. A typical gym never worked for me because I had no idea what I was doing and no accountability. Other "bootcamp" style workouts didnt work because they were not challenging enough and I just felt like a number. Here at TAA they have brought me further than I thought I would go with my fitness, made me stronger, and they are committed to my growth. I highly recommend, whatever you fitness level is, joining TAA. I was not very fit when I started, but they got me where I needed to be. read more

I recently started doing CrossFit at the Tactical Arts Academy. Having visited a few different CrossFit boxes before I signed up, I selected this one based on their culture and mindset--one that is much more about helping you push and challenge yourself safely, than an all-out, more-is-never-enough, exercise-till-you-puke mentality. The coaches at Tactical Arts have the skills that matter to me. They know correct form for the exercises; they can explain to you why and how that form will help you avoid injury; they can explain to you how that form will increase your performance; and they keep an eye on you to make sure you're using correct form. At the same time, they do a good job of walking that line between really motivating and encouraging me, while still allowing me to ramp up gradually and build my confidence. (The more confident I am that I can do the moves correctly without getting injured, the more weight I'm willing to lift, and the harder I'm willing to try.) They are genuine in their desire to help you improve your fitness, and in their desire to keep you healthy in the process. Both coach's resumes are varied and awe-inspiring, and yet, they are friendly, warm, and approachable at all times. A bonus: they keep their gym/training space spotless. read more