Shidoshi Offutt & his wife opened the doors of Tri-Star for an amazing night of Self Defense training for twenty American Heritage Girls from all over the state of Maryland and Virginia. The experience was informative and engaging read more

We had a trial membership in the 4-6 class that was cut short via an impersonal email from the owner's email marketing software. They did not care to talk about the program being a good fit or what readiness looks like. In hindsight, I did notice many of the children in the class had trouble following the structure of the class, the expectation to stay still and be engaged even when the instructor was just talking, telling stories, or attempting jokes that didn't land. This may be possible for a six-year-old, but the younger kids definitely needed more help coming back to attention. Some of the corrective measures were harsh. I can see how some kids may have not felt safe. I saw one girl frown after the instructor deadpanned about how he was going to "put you in the trunk of his car," during an exercise about stranger danger. And at one point, my kid was lightly struck with a pool noodle and then picked up and taken to the designated tagged spot in an activity about being stealth like a ninja. I could see he felt attacked and being physically handled upset him. Some instructors are better with kids, but the styles are just so inconsistent. I suspect some don't even like children, like the one who joked about kidnapping. That same one also mocked some of the kids responses to his questions. The younger assistants were really nice and motivating, and it's clear the kids responded well to this approach. read more

I cannot tell you enough how awesome this dojo is. I have a 4 year old son who has taken martial arts elsewhere and our experience was not the best. At Tristar, all the sensei's work diligently to make sure your child gets the best learning experience. I love how organized they are with their awesome app and their emails they send! I'm so thankful I found this place and so is my son! read more

Tristar is an awesome dojo with my son his loves the staff and they are phenomenal with the students

We love TriStar Martial Arts in Mt. Airy!!! All of the instructors are amazing and our son always enjoys going to his classes. He is working towards his black belt and we couldn't be more proud and happy to part of this journey here at TriStar! Highly recommend!!!! read more

My whole family trains at Tristar. It has been a rewarding experience for the whole family. It is great for my two daughters to learn respect, hard work, confidence and self defense. It is also an excellent opportunity for us to work on our fitness. The instructors are awesome and take the time with each student to make sure they can be successful, no matter how large the class. I have personally accomplished more than I ever thought possible. I would highly recommend it to anyone in Carroll County, Maryland looking to study a martial arts or improve themselves. read more

I enrolled my five year old son at Tristar over a year ago at the recommendation of a friend, to help him with focus at school. Not only has his focus improved, but in addition to learning self-defense, he is also learning traits in class like modesty, respect, honesty and perseverance. He is also being taught how to handle himself in difficult situations, to include avoiding confrontation by making smart choices and by using the right words. Now three of my children, along with myself, train at Tristar. The Mount Airy instructors are absolutely amazing with kids and I have been nothing but impressed with the positive, caring and respectful environment. The instructors and staff know and greet everyone by name and the students and parents/spouses have become like extended family to our family. It is wonderful to watch my children grow in confidence and ability as they train, and I am so grateful that my children have found such positive role models in each of the the instructors at the Mt. Airy dojo. I am also grateful that I have been able to find something that I enjoy in the martial arts, and that I can share my enthusiasm with my children. read more

If you are looking for a first-class place to train in martial arts in or near Mount Airy, Maryland, search no more, you have found it! I have been training with Tristar in Mount Airy for over two years now, and I am still loving it. As a matter of fact, I am enjoying my training now even more than I did when I first started. Don't get me wrong, I get tired and sometimes I have to drag myself to class. But it never fails. I always feel 100% better after class than I do before. Training in martial arts is not only great for you physically, it is great for you mentally and emotionally too. The instructors provide a very positive and encouraging environment for the students, and the goal of the instructors and the students is to make each other better. I highly recommend Tristar Martial Arts. It's as good as it gets! read more