I've had the distinct pleasure of training with Gene Smithson of Austin Systema and Tai Chi Chuan…read morefor over 5 years now. There are a lot of martial artists and a lot of martial arts schools in Austin and specifically in Northwest Austin. But among all that I have ever encountered, Gene is unique. He's a straight shooter, telling you exactly what he thinks. He's kind, patient and amazingly perceptive, but he's also not afraid to push you (and himself) to reach our full potential. He holds several black belts in different styles of karate but also has extensive experience in Jujitsu, aikido, Tai Chi and Qigong, just to name a few. But where the magic really happens is with the Systema component of his martial arts school. Systema is a Russian Martial Art and compared to most is very free-form, very free and incorporates very healthy movement and breath work while focusing on maximum efficiency while using the least amount of tension possible. Many martial arts are destructive to the body over time whereas I'm convinced Systema is improving my body as I age (I'm 53). I've worked with a number of martial arts teachers over the years and I've never encountered anyone quite like Gene; he's truly one of a kind. If you are looking for classes for yourself of your child (he takes kids as young as 8) and you are looking for martial arts classes in Northwest Austin, I would look no further than Austin Systema.

Austin Systema & Taiji is a rare find. I've been involved in martial arts all of my life. I've…read moretrained in about 5 different styles. This school is the perfect combination of incredible martial arts and a wise and talented teacher. Systema is unlike any art I've studied. There are basically almost no actual techniques. Instead, we focus on breath, relaxation, posture and spontaneous movement. We learn to respond naturally to whatever threat is present but, more importantly, how to respond naturally in our lives. Systema is more than a martial art, it's a way of of life. Taiji (or "tai chi") is a beautiful and graceful art that creates incredible peace in the body and mind. It's a perfect compliment to systema. Also available is Brazilian jiu-jitsu for those interested in the grappling arts. Again, a great compliment to systema training. Oh... And on Wednesday evenings there's even a breathing, stretching and massage class! All classes are included for everyone. Come to as many or as few as you like. Lastly, Gene Smithson, the instructor for all classes, is the reason that all of this works so well. He is a deeply dedicated teacher for both adults and children. His patience with each student at whatever level they're at allows us to advance quickly as a group. Everyone that comes consistently has improved greatly in the time I've been training. I've been to a lot of martial arts schools over the past 40 years and this school has my highest recommendation.

I started attending Tukong Martial Arts this past summer and have been training for about four…read moremonths now. I wasn't sure what to expect coming in, but since the very first day, all the instructors, as well as my fellow student peers have been incredibly welcoming and encouraging. The school holds itself and its instruction to a high standard. It is evident that all the instructors at the school have a true passion for martial arts, and I thoroughly enjoy Master Ali's style of teaching. As an avid learner, the instructors' enthusiasm and expertise make it easy to not only learn something new every class, but also enjoy the training as well! There is so much knowledge and room for growth in Tukong - whether you're looking for self-defense techniques, weapons work, or philosophical teachings you can find it all here at the dojang. If you're looking to not only grow as a martial artist, but also join a family of warriors, I highly recommend trying out Tukong Martial Arts!

I have been training with Grandmaster Yi for over eight years now and my day feels incomplete…read morewithout training at the Dojang. One can distinctly notice the wealth of the curriculum. Grandmaster has a very traditional style of teaching but you will notice a very family-oriented environment for learning. Grandmaster Yi teaches compassion and philosophy along with the martial arts techniques. Without the philosophy, one can be a good fighter but not a warrior.

Mr Johnson and his employees have taught me more than just a way to defend myself, they've…read moreinstilled in me a passion. Thank you for always being approachable, kind, and patient.

I will admit, I was a little intimidated walking into my first Jiu Jitsu class. I had zero prior…read moremartial arts experience, and as a woman in my mid-40s, I felt a little out of place. But everyone was friendly and the atmosphere was fun and encouraging so I kept going back. I've been training for a little over a year now and I absolutely love it. It's not at all what I expected. Jiu Jitsu is equal parts physical and mental and allows me to clear my head and stay in the present moment like nothing I've ever experienced. It's like an amazing workout paired with a couple hours of meditation. There is an endless amount to learn which keeps it interesting. And while I didn't start because I wanted to learn self-defense, I walk with a little more confidence knowing I could defend myself in a real world situation if I ever needed to. There are lots of great instructors, each with their own unique teaching style. The head instructor, Richard Giberson, is a black belt under Relson Gracie. He is super talented, funny and truly wants to help his students learn and progress. If you're curious about Jiu Jitsu, I highly recommend coming to a class and checking it out. Great instructors, great group of students, and an all around awesome school. 6pm Wednesday is a "Fundamentals" class. It's only a hour and is geared toward beginners and people working on getting better at the basics!

There is no better place to learn martial arts than this school. Master Cha brings an unbelievable…read moreamount of passion and energy to class each and every day. I have nothing but respect and awe when I watch him walk onto the mats with a smile and work with students of all ages. He has endless amounts of patience for all of the youngest students and a wealth of knowledge for the more experienced students. This is not only a place to learn self defense, this is a school that builds character. Master Cha emphasizes self discipline and respect. Much more than learning how train your body, he teaches you how to train your mind. He challenges you to better your habits and be your best self to your peers. This is a school that builds community. It is built on the core principles of modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self control and indomitable spirit. I was a student training under Master Cha for many years. I still remember and think on the principles and lessons I learned from his classes. I owe so much to him for not only teaching me self defense, but also for being a shining example of great character. I only left the school because I moved out of state, and I have gone to many different martial arts studios since. Although I have loved learning in many different schools, I have never found the same spark of community and passion that lives in this school. If you have even a mild interest in learning how to better yourself physically and mentally, I couldn't recommend this school more.

The hard work Master Cha puts into each class with all the students is awesome. He works hard and…read moreplans each class in advance. He makes sure each class there is something new, fun, and challenging for the students. He makes sure the students receive individual help to meet that students needs. The focus for the students is teaching the principles of Black Belt. The students enrolled at the studio have been students for many years. With Master Cha many years of teaching experience each student is able to achieve their goal. I highly recommend Tae Kwon Do Kicks!

master won & master park are such incredible and caring masters and people. its a real pleasure…read morebeing able to learn from them and be apart of their tkd family!

I highly recommend WWTT! My 10 year old tried 3 other sports in the past and they never clicked…read more Taekwondo has given him an achievable curriculum that has built strength, discipline and respect. The Master trainers at WWTT (who are Olympic medalists by the way) are engaging, dynamic and fun. There is no time to get bored. If your kid is obsessed with video games like mine, these classes will hold their attention & challenge them. In fact, the advancements from one belt to the next are like gaming achievements that they work towards however they are learning a top notch TKD curriculum along their journey. The location itself is very spacious & clean. We are so grateful for Master Park, Master Won & the office Manager Angela who together run a professional operation. We can't say enough about Won's White Tiger! Photo of my son breaking 3 boards.

I've been going to this school for about three years, since the "bad old days." (just kidding)…read more So they just moved out of the room they were renting at the AACC, the one where you had to be careful not to crash into the glass display cases and the kids would track dirt on the floor so during class your shoes couldn't grip. The new location is fantastic! Easily triple the amount of room we had at the AACC and we don't have to worry about banging into anything breakable now. The ceiling is much higher so I don't worry so much about hitting it when I practice staff forms. There are also now stretch bars along the back wall and storage for all the things we didn't use to be able to have before: kick shields, targets, etc. And now that we're not on the tile anymore its a lot less intimidating to practice jumping techniques and break falls in the advanced and contemporary classes. The instruction is still the same as always. The material comes from Shi Xing Ying, a Shaolin Temple trained monk who now lives in Houston. The Austin school is taught by his student, Scott Pettengill, and Austin students who visit Houston can attend class there with the monk at no extra charge. I've mainly focused on the Contemporary Wushu they teach there. The only other game in town for Contemporary Wushu, I think, is David Scott's school and the UT Wushu club if you're a student there. Chris Tong (studied under Jeff Bolts, Madame Wang Jurong, and the monk Shi Xing Ying) is the contemporary wushu coach at ISWCATX and for the UT wushu club. If you come and take traditional classes he's a steal at just $30 in addition to the regular tuition, but if you take only the contemporary classes the rates are still more than competitive (especially considering how few people teach true contemporary) with everything else out there. His classes are still fairly small, I guess because they start later--around 7pm-- which makes it even more of a bargain since they end up almost being private lessons. Although I guess if I write this and it sounds inviting then maybe they won't be so small and then if I want a private I'd actually have to pay for it...but the more the merrier? I used to feel like such a klutz as a kid, I was a terrible basketball player, but I've developed so much more balance and coordination since taking Kung Fu, especially the contemporary class. I'm always spent and exhausted by the end of class. Its a great workout in a relaxed atmosphere from instructors whose pedigree can't be questioned.

My kid has been attending this school for a few months and we've been really happy. The instructors…read moreare very good and actually give out quality instructions. We tried another school before and the instructor never spent much time helping the kids who weren't doing certain forms or movements right how to do them properly. The instructors here will work with a student one-on-one if they see that the kid is struggling with something. They are patient but ask the kids for their efforts. They are strict with the kids (no goofing off!) but are friendly and fun at the same time. It's a very low key operation at a reasonable price. The instructor/student ratio can vary but most of the time it's 3-5 students per instructor.

I was advised to look into Tai Chi after a serious hip injury and was lucky enough to find Four…read moreSeasons. Seven years later, it is part of my life. Jim Williams is exceedingly patient, knowledgeable and dedicated.

We have been coming to this location (NW Austin/Research Blvd) for 4 months now & in that short…read moretime there has be a significant change in not only all of our daughters' confidence levels but also in their focus & accountability at home and school. They always look forward to class & wish they were coming more than twice a week, this alone speaks volumes to the awesomeness of these instructors. It is like winning the golden ticket to find ANYTHING that all of my girls even agree upon more or less love. The instructors here don't just talk the talk, they truly walk the walk & are fully vested in the well being of their students. We had originally bought Groupons for the girls to try the school out, especially with the needs of our oldest who is visually impaired, and it was the best decision. Our daughter is the first blind student Mr. Maldonado or Ms. Azzarito has taught and it didn't deter them in the least. She received a lot of initial one on one time until she felt comfortable & confident enough with her basic forms & moves to join in the main class. They continue to find adaptions as needed for her but expect no less than any other student in class Mr. Maldonado is amazing with his students both big & small, he is quick with praise while still teaching with a firm hand. His upbeat energy resounds with the class & is highly contagious. Ms. Azzarito is incredible, she has a passion for working with people and goes above & beyond with the kids. We had an issue arise with one of our girls and Ms. Azzarito sat down with her to not only help her see how her choices & actions impact her directly but also those around her. They discussed cause & effect, better choices and Ms. Azzarito held her accountable, following up with her & making sure she has the support to help continue making smarter decisions. Ms. Bardin never fails to have a smile for you & has the patience of a saint. My 8 year old loves to ask a million questions & Ms. Bardin always answers every single one. Thank you!

Mr. Maldonado and Ms. Azzarito are wonderful teachers and really care about their students. You can…read moretell because they remember their names (way better than I could), make sure that all new students feel welcomed and accepted, and they make the kids feel good about themselves and their abilities. They make classes fun, but maintain discipline, and I am constantly amazed at how well they are able to work with all different personalities of kids. I could go on and on about their self-defense techniques, their concern with behavior in class AND at home, and the many times when I see the little students all the way from toddler to school aged reciting the Tiger pledge and speaking confidently and in unison. It really does choke me up to hear it sometimes. :) I hesitate posting TOO good a review because I want to keep them all to myself, but they truly are wonderful people, and the more kids that learn from them, the better this world will be!