GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin…read moreInstitute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing.

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still…read morestay in touch 30 years later!

Ive been going here since I was a little kid and it's amazing the instructors really bring out the…read morebest in all the students while still keeping it challenging even as a white belt they don't make it a walk in the park and you also build up genuine muscle it's my favorite place ever

Pleasantly surprised with this school. Not only are they incredibly affordable, but they have a…read moregreat system to keep young ones motivated. There are 4 main teachers. It is a family owned dojo. It's an incredibly popular dojo. I very much like this place. They focus on on all the great aspects of martial arts. Respect, listening, customs, etc. I have background in Shaolin Kenpo and Japanese Kendo. Taido is a Japanese Okinawan style Karate. It has far more "flashy" movements than what I'm normally accustomed to, but I believe that is a good thing in this day and age. Still the basics are very good.

I have been going about 4 days a week for the past 1.5 months to Team Octopus. The people are…read morefriendly and the coaches are great. I take Kickboxing with Richard and Performance Fitness with Q although the gym offers other activities like jiu jitsu and muay thai. Richard and Q are the bomb diggity! No doubt. I am super not into working out and was as weak as a twig when I first started. However, the coaches, especially Q, really pay attention to your form and makes sure it's correct. My snatches and deadlifts were janky AF before going here. The Performance Fitness class he teaches are similar to Crossfit. They consists of a combination of weights and high intensity interval training exercises. Richard's Kickboxing classes are also great and he teaches us different techniques frequently. The exercises are not mundane and you get a good cardio workout. My svelte figure hasn't emerged yet, but I am stronger now and look forward to working out. Woot! I don't even know who I am anymore.

Unethical business practices. You can't just cancel the membership if you decide it doesn't work…read moreout. They will charge you hundreds of dollars regardless of whether you use the gym or not. Then if you don't pay, they will send your account to collections and DESTROY YOUR CREDIT!!! I have had perfect credit my entire life until these people continued to charge me for a membership I cancelled. I received no communication from the company at all and had no idea they were racking up charges on my account. I didn't realize until I was getting prequalified for a loan that Chamblee Team Octopus charged my account over $1100 and then sent the account into collections! My credit score dropped over 100 POINTS!!! And I had only been to the gym one time when I initially signed up! Shame on these people. When I called the business to inquire about this issue, they cited a 60-day notice policy to cancel and said I must pay nearly $400 to get my account out of collections. SERIOUSLY, BUYER BEWARE

Hubby and I took classes in this gym for about a year. The value was fantastic for the amount of…read moremartial arts training we received (kickboxing, boxing, basic self defense, and even some karate). The coaches really care and know their craft (shout out to Josh and Chris Baker particularly)! We never had any of the cancellation problems others speak of in some of the other comments, might be a issue from years back. If you are looking for a gym to help get fit and learn how to fight at a great price, with staff who care and know their stuff, this is your place!

horrible horrible horrible…read more do not give them your card info they will send your account to a collections agency after you cancel out of pure spite and its nearly impossible to get it taken care of i ended up just paying it.

Caring staff. Excellent class sizes. Communicative staff. Transparent pricing. Even tournament days…read moreare streamlined.

I bought a Groupon deal and used it. I was excited since one of my fave classes at LA Fitness is…read moreCardio Kickboxing so I was excited to actually go to a kickboxing facility. The deal was great 10 classes for $50 and you get free boxing gloves. I went twice a week with a friend. The beginning is just like Insanity then standing boxing bags are brought out. I was a little disappointed cause sometimes we had to share with a few others. I felt that those few minutes waiting for other to punch were wasted. In addition, no moves were being taught. If I didn't have knowledge of martial arts than I would be really lost. After using all 10 of the classes, I would have to say I would not come back. It was not a bad experience but not a great one either. The place was really small. It stinks. I felt that it was not cleaned up. When doing crutches, I could smell the mats and it was stinky.

When I was contemplating learning Jiu Jitsu at 47 years old, I was uncertain if there was a place…read morefor me - thankfully my uncertainty was put to rest the moment I walked in the door and met Professor Maajid Al-Kush. After 2 weeks of classes 3-4x a week, I cannot express how humbling, welcoming and rewarding this experience has been. From Instructors to students of all levels, I was welcomed with open arms. There are no bad attitudes here - everyone helps everyone progress with patience and enthusiasm. The availability of evening and afternoon classes is a huge bonus as well. If you're considering learning BJJ, this is THE place. It's hard work but each class is rewarding and addictive. Do it!!

From the owner: Our academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids and adults. Our instructors are highly…read moreskilled and passionate. At Team Mongoose BJJ we offer a fun, family-oriented environment focused on promoting discipline, respect and continued self-development.

The most dedicated and focused Tae Kwon Do instructor on the East side of Atlanta!!! Master Eddie…read moreis a no-nonsense teacher in every sense of the word. He is great with very young kids and they listen to him. All belt promotions are earned with hard sweat. One of only few dojos in Atlanta that teaches weapons and flexibility too. We are very grateful we discovered this center. A+++

A wonderful martial arts school where your child won't be given a belt just because you pay for it!…read more The children are taught great core life and moral values with self defense/martial arts.

i really enjoyed the classes & the people are super nice!! i…read moreonly come into town monthly and while the classes are a lil expensive i've really enjoyed going. it's a no frills gym where people are actually working out.

bangkok boxing is great place for exercising training I really recommend this place if you're into…read moremartial arts or boxing the coaches are great

This is a great gym, especially for beginners. Winston takes you through the fundamental movements…read moreof CrossFit in a way that isn't intimidating. It'll feel a little slow if you've practiced compound movements before, but you're rewarded with feedback on your current form. I'll be truthful. I only knew CrossFit through memes and the movies on Netflix. The actual experience is quite different. The month I spent here with my friends was a ton of fun. I liked the intensity of the Metcons after the daily workout. My upper body is definitely stronger after this, and I believe I can work what I learned from Winston into my current routine.

This is a GREAT CrossFit facility. It has been 2 years since I have been to a CF place and I was…read morenervous. When I arrived it was obvious the other people in the workout were skilled regulars. No need to worry, Winston one of the owners made sure to work with me to ensure I had proper form and knew all the exercises. I felt like the focus was on me. The other participants were awesome and the entire time everyone was encouraging. and the workout - wow what a workout, I cannot wait to go back. Great people, great facility - clean, awesome equipment and great music! I have found if I enjoy something I keep going and I cannot wait to go back to CrossFit Tipping Point. It is located near 141 close to 285 in Atlanta so is perfect for people who work in that area. Thanks for a great workout - I am sore today ( in a good way!)