Triangle Self-Defense Training

(1 review)

If you're looking to get in shape while spending time learning new skills in a great atmosphere…read morewith an awesome small group of people, do not hesitate to join classes at the Durham School of Martial Arts! Sifu Keith is incredibly upbeat and energetic and takes time to get to know each student personally and recommend an exercise plan both inside and outside of his gym. I have been attending his cardio kickboxing class 3x a week for 6 months and have lost weight, gained muscle, and gained confidence. The class is welcoming to both beginners and more advanced individuals. Highly recommend!

From the owner: We offer more than just karate classes or martial arts classes. We prepare participants with…read moreconcepts and knowledge gained from the application of practical and effective training methods in a safe, friendly, professional, and pleasant learning environment. We promote self-improvement by developing focus, awareness, resourcefulness, confidence, and fitness amongst our students. Kenneth Keith, a martial arts instructor, is both the founder and head instructor of Durham School of Martial Arts. He has been training for over 30 years under the tutelage of Master Sifu Erwin Villezon. Master Sifu Kenneth Keith also teaches Mixed Martial Arts at Duke University. Certifications: Personal instruction in Jeet Kune Do, Grappling, and JKD Boxing under Guru DFan Inosanto (Bruce Lee's number one disciple), Los Angeles, California (1998) Certification in Muay Thai Boxing, under the personal instruction of Master Surarhai "Chi" Sirisuta, Los Angeles, California (1996-1997) Certification in Jeet Kune

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Tactical Kung Fu and Mixed Martial Arts

(10 reviews)

4.4 mi

Sifu Mike is just a top level person, easy to talk to, easy to listen to, ultra helpful and an…read moreoverall fantastic person. Highly recommend Tactical

Sifu Mike is top notch. It's a good mix of boys and girls from age 5 all the way up to 49+ years…read moreold. It's not just martial arts, it's really a one hour mix of strength and conditioning, calisthenics, mindfulness, and active games. My kids love it and I'm getting a good work out too. The best part is Sifu Mike is really good at adapting the class so everyone benefits. That makes it work equally well for beginners and for the more proficient. A warm, welcoming atmosphere, no contracts (you can go month by month) or have a trial class with no risk. I didn't think martial arts were for me but I'm really enjoying this place and so are my kids.

Hard style Kung Fu good for Self-Defense!

Learn Grappling!

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Fitness classes in Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA, and Kali.

Chapel Hill Quest Martial Arts

4.8

(17 reviews)

This institution is a very special place, and it's approach to welcoming everyone and forming a…read moresense of community, besides ALL of the incredibly diverse techniques, workshops, special events, and supportive encouragement make it stand out. Its remarkable children's curriculum has brought our daughter through over a decade of wonderful training, and helped to provide so many different positives on various aspects of her development as a human being, at an age when she needs self-confidence, and turning that to both empathy and helping others learn has it just top shelf in my wife's and my opinion. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot, regardless of your age, or your experience, or your physical training/or lack thereof, like myself. I started and joined in with my daughter in my mid-50's a little over a year ago, and I've found so many things to make me glad I did, and didn't just dismiss my age as a given for decline. I'm boxing, as well as doing other martial arts training and loving every minute of it. See ya there! Jason S.

Yes my daughter had been attending this place for probably over 2 years and I had been asked if I…read morewanted to join so I said what the heck. I came in on a Sunday which is open mat where the owner is not there. I then made the choice to "roll someone who may or may not be on the payroll but is teaching students nonetheless. I had gotten myself into a kimora and this "coach" as they call him did not stop when told to stop or when I tapped on him and said stop which is how martial arts works. 2 seconds later the exact same thing happened only on the other arm and as I say tap and I'm tapping on this guy all he does is twist harder. I confront the owner later when he comes back in and have a long talk. He says that I should have a talk with this person and work it out with him. Needless to say I'm left with two damaged elbows and myself wondering why I'm supposed to confront this guy who clearly has a whole lot of disrespect at least for me on his mind. I don't think it would be right for me to have a conversation with a person who clearly doesn't want to have conversation only wants to twist arms until damage is done. If I was doing something wrong I certainly wasn't being told such. Never would have go beyond that which is a tap or a verbal tap as this guy did. Great place until I had to put myself into the mix. My daughter was learning how to grapple which is all that I wanted. This guy told me how he was the met enforcer for the owner and the owner denied it. Also told me how he used to break people's arms and legs when he was in the martial arts academy that used to be a few doors down. I guess I should have listened to him and never put myself with him. I enjoyed the experience until I got with him. The agenda he had is the agenda he had I can't speak for him. Because my elbows aren't healing I would give zero Stars. I've been forced to give a star.

Adult students in action

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Entrance

Carolina Karate Academy

(4 reviews)

2.5 mi

Balanced Karate training…read more As an adult beginner, the instructors and students here made me feel welcome from the start. Inclusive and no judgement. You will definitely get a work out, in a very positive environment. What I like best about this particular school is the "completeness" of the classes. In addition to the physical nature of the content, discipline and positive messages are also stressed. That they are part of the larger Karate International franchise is a plus. I recommend this for any age in any condition.

Excellent training for all ages! Teachers are very energetic and approachable! It not only teaches…read moreself-defense but instills self confidence. My nine year old daughter loves it. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

Training Space & Equipment

Storefront

Karate is a Way of Life

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Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu Jitsu

4.7

(12 reviews)

4.4 mi

I've trained at Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu Jitsu many times over the past 15 years. The instructors are…read moretop-tier both in terms of their knowledge and their ability to provide a safe, welcoming and effective training environment. Mazi is a legend of local martial arts, Jake Whitfield is one of most well-rounded teachers of martial arts in the world, and everyone on the team is a positive, helpful person. Whether you're brand new or a black belt, this is a great place to train.

From day one I've been so pleased with how protective the Instructors are of women's safety in…read moreclasses and rolling. I LOVE the new women's self defense class run by Meghan an amazing brown belt female instructor. I honestly started not knowing anything 3 years ago, fell in love with the art and challenge and now I'm getting my first blue belt stripe.

Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu Jitsu is one of the oldest schools in NC. We have more than ten in house black belts.

Head instructor Mazi Heydary

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Gracie Durham

(2 reviews)

If you are looking for a great introduction to self defense jujitsu, this is the best place in…read moreDurham. The instructors are top notch and they have really created a culture of learning in community. Additionally, the kids classes are amazing and I've seen my daughters grow in confidence and self-respect because of their time working with Mr. Sunny.

Totally non-intimidating environment for kids and parents. Mr. Sonny has created a clean and…read morewelcoming place with plenty of space to train or spectate. I have had very few experiences that I thought warranted a positive review but I couldn't wait to give Gracie some feedback. My kid has loved every minute in this gym.

Carolina Martial Art Center

(2 reviews)

4.5 mi

My 8 year old son attends CMAC and I have been nothing but impressed. Sensei Kevin and his team…read morepractice and preach core tenants of being a good, disciplined person first and last thing in every lesson. Exactly as I had hoped it would be. They are clearly also very good at the teaching side of the art/sport too with a bunch of trophies to the Dojo's name on display after the lmost recent competition. The instruction is well priced and includes two lessons a week. Extremely happy and would recommend it them to everyone.

If you are looking for instruction in Traditional Japanese Martial Arts, there is no better than…read morehere. This is not a belt factory.

Master Chang's Martial Arts

4.0

(8 reviews)

Loved Master Son but very disappointed in the pay scale. Makes me feel as if they are more…read moreconcerned about money than the kids. Be careful of the contracts you sign and the penalty to quit.

Awesome experience for our entire family!!! Our daughter started there at age 3 (now 6) and enjoys…read moreevery moment with not only Master Yoo and Master Jung, but all the junior instructors as well. They have all contributed to her increase in self confidence and self-esteem! My husband and I also joined and the continued encouragement from everyone throughout every class helps make the classes a fun and uplifting experience for our whole family!

Master Yoo with Matthew and AJ at Master Chang's Durham location

Our New Durham Location on Renaissance Parkway, behind Southpoint, next to PetCo and Super Target!

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Justin and his trophy and belt

Triangle Krav Maga

4.3

(27 reviews)

6.5 mi

I signed up for the 6 week challenge and decided one day later that I wanted to back out of it. The…read moreinitial meeting was a manipulation to get people to sign up and pay them a check of over 500$. Per NC law, you are allowed to back out of this kind of agreement within 3 days of the initial sign up. I tried to back out and was stonewalled on the phone and subsequently treated with hostility by Molotov's wife, Greer when I went into the club in person. They refused to refund me and I ended up just cutting my losses rather than fight them on it. I have no doubt they are excellent Krav Maga instructors but if you prefer to spend your limited time on this earth meeting good people rather than snakes and bullies, you should consider a different club.

Thank you for teaching self-defense, and staying open amidst the government lockdowns crippling…read moresmall businesses all over our country. Physical health fosters healthy mental well-being, especially in these trying times. You are helping our community.

Krav Maga Worldwide Chief Instructor Michael Margolin with one of TKM's instructors, Molotov Mitchell.

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Woodcroft Swim & Tennis Club

(3 reviews)

3.5 mi

We absolutely LOVE Woodcroft! Mr. Mike and staff are always so polite and welcoming. I do think…read morethere should maybe just a pool membership. As we're new members and I'm curious of what the rest of the year looks like once the pool is no longer available. But overall amazing experience so far

Best pool in Durham!!! The location, convenience, and amenities are wonderful. They have 3…read morelifeguards, a diving board, an awesome slide, and a kiddie pool area with fountains. The concessions stand offers alcoholic beverages and a lot of drink & food choices. The two large pavilions are great for parties and can be reserved. Membership is year-round, so they do hold events for kids, families, and seniors throughout the year and have the clubhouse to support gatherings. Our son loved the summer camps when he was younger and price was truly affordable.

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Fantasy Lake Adventure Park

4.1

(22 reviews)

29.8 mi

I loved this! There's something for everything it's very family friendly too. If you're an adult…read morethis will take you back to your childhood. I can see how this is an all day affair. The life guards were very attentive. This is the perfect summer time activity or even date. We brought a cooler with sandwiches and Gatorade, you'll def want to utilize that perk of bringing your own cooler. I really like that you also can buy admission without waterpark access , different strokes for different folks! Everyone's covered and considered in their ticketing

Such a fun place to take kids or if you wanna be a big kid yourself! I like how they have teenagers…read more(maybe some college kids) working there. They're all so friendly and welcoming! Gives them an opportunity to earn some money during the season. We got the aquabana as they call it, for half a day (4 hours) and it was worth it ! We didn't swim but the kids did and they had a blast! You're able to bring a cooler with food and drinks ( juice, tea, soda, water. No alcohol) they have a food truck on site, as well as a "dirty soda" stand. Flavored sodas with cream (very popular in Utah but slowly making their way to the east coast) as well as a first aid bungalow. Everyone gets a life vest but kids under 18 MUST wear theirs at all times! I like that rule! Keeps the kids safe. Of course the teens working there are certified lifeguards just in case! They also offer scuba classes/lessons at the quarry. Would I come back? YES! Maybe one day I would try the courses and swim or paddle board but the go around it was nice relaxing and letting the kids live carefree in the lake!

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Sandling Beach at Falls Lake

4.8

(6 reviews)

15.0 mi

The beach is spotless, with no trash anywhere. You'll see a few hair ties and bottle caps, but…read morenothing major. The sand is coarse because of scattered pebbles and bits of wood, so bring floppers for comfort. The water is clean and safe. Two large buildings are available for changing and showering. Picnic tables sit under the trees, and grills are open for cooking. The park has multiple trails, a children's playground, and it's dog‑friendly for walking. Entrance fees: $10 per vehicle, $5 for seniors.

Sandling is a man made beach within Falls Lake State Park. They charged $10 for the holiday…read moreweekend entrance fee. Sandling is accessible to the fire pits for barbecuing and is very small. Perfect for families and small children. You can access the beach on Creedmoor Rd. This was the perfect place for a convenient beach day 4th of July weekend. It saved me the 4 hour trip to Bear Island. I arrived early around 10:30 a.m. and there were no crowds. We camped out near the showers and bathrooms. This park is perfectly lined with trees in abundance. Perfect for barbecuing. We enjoyed our morning picnic and the water was very relaxing. I appreciate how clean the sand area was and the garbage was well organized as well. I brought my mother who is 72 and I had concerns about the proximity of the restrooms and showers and overall access. I was relieved to discover how convenient the beach access was for those with mobility impairment and disabilities. There are no pets allowed and no alcohol permitted. I watched the park rangers escort someone with a pit bull to the parking lot to return home and a woman was asked to dump out several beer cans. You have been warned. They run a tight ship here. I plan to return throughout the remainder of the summer months.

View of the beach from the sand. (Cloudy at this time)

Lake Beach

Beachfront

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Wilson Recreation Center

3.9

(11 reviews)

1.9 mi

This is Duke! It's old, prestigious and has a gorgeous campus. My visit was late Summer of 2019 for…read morea swim recruiting visit that my son attended. The Wilson Rec Center is pretty central to campus and has student recreational activities. The pool is in the rear and is the only thing I saw. You can enter in front or rear for the aquatic complex. The building itself looks like "Duke". The brownstones are spectacular. Parking is reserved pretty much all around the building I found the visitors lot which is about a 3/4 mile walk. The area was clean and impeccably maintained. The aquatic complex is not as old as the building dating to possibly turn of the century. However it's no spring chicken either. Possibly built in the late 60's, not ruling out 70's. The pool and deck are maintained. Only faculty, staff and the swim and dive are permitted to use outside of special permission. My son enjoyed the pool. Although not a new pool it has underwent a couple of renovation projects over the decades. The most recent was around 11 years ago. The 25 yard pool with diving well is a nice set up for competition. Duke competes in the ACC Conference. The complex offers a compact spectator area on one side. Most reading this review will never get the opportunity to use the pool and probably never even see it. My son absolutely loved his time on campus and who knows could be a Blue Devil.

This gym has open gym basketball got into a pick up game and i had my career high 61 pointsread more