Bluff Park Dojo is an excellent place for children as well as adults to learn martial arts. The instructors are absolutely fabulous. I can't say enough about how much they have done for our daughter in the program. For children they not only teach a strong foundation in martial arts self-defense but also teach obedience, discipline, respect, and safety. It is a great place for physical -- as well as mental -- exercise and fitness. Also, the class sizes for instructor to student ratio are excellent. Watching our daughter grow in the program for a year also inspired my wife and I to join the adult program. If you're looking for a traditional martial arts dojo that teaches well rounded self-defense, I highly recommend USA Martial Arts. The dojo specializes in karate, tae kwon do, aikido, judo, and iaido. The instructors are extremely patient and work with you one-on-one. The environment is very welcoming and everyone (instructors and students) are all always willing to help others learn. I feel fortunate to have such an experienced group to learn from near where we live. Also, for adults it is a great outlet for fitness/exercise, de-stressing, mental focus, improving flexibility and balance (that includes work/life balance as well). The instructors are truly passionate about teaching. They love what they do, and it definitely shows. I cannot recommend Bluff Park Dojo enough. read more

I could write ten paragraphs on how great this has been for our son. Highly recommend. Excellent instruction. Our son has learned so much and his discipline at home has improved. The sensai's are very patient, but at the same time really care about discipline. I see enrolling our son a few years ago as one of the best decisions we have done for him.....not to mention he really has a lot of fun with it. This has helped his confidence so much. The best thing is this is a private owned business. This is not a national "Chain" and your kid gets individual attention---and actually has to earn their results. The belts are not "handed" to them--they must earn them properly. I really like that....Our son earns what he does.... Payment is handled very easily through direct debit. I love all of the "extras" such as the yearly family picnic, "Night of the Ninja" where the kids spend the night at the dojo, specialty workshops, and tournaments. Everything is always scheduled spot on and organization I would also give five stars! I wish I had more time that I could get up there for myself. They have adult classes and it is on my "list" at some point. read more

Enrolling my son in the Little Dragons program at USA Martial Arts Bluff Park Dojo is one of the best decisions we've made. Not only does he love going and working toward a goal (belts and stripes for behavior in the Little Dragons program), it has also helped him become more self controlled, focused while listening, and respectful of those around him. Senseis MacConkey and Hood are excellent and patient teachers and I love the ethics and moral lessons they incorporate into the class each week. They expect the students to be attentive and respectful, and I can see how their guidance is helping my son develop into a more disciplined student at the dojo and at his regular school. They also have a lot of fun! My son loves the exercises, skills, and games they plan each week and he is always excited to go. He enjoys learning how to count and say some phrases in Japanese and Korean, as well. As a parent, I appreciate the lessons in self defense my son is learning. While we hope they will never be needed in real life scenarios, they are skills that are useful to know. We are very happy with our experience at this dojo and highly recommend it! read more

My son has been a student at USA Martial Arts since August 2015. He is now about to test for his red belt and has become a better young man because of Sensei MacConkey. Sensei MacConkey is truly a master teacher, in my opinion. He exhibits true love and concern for all of his students but also knows when to discipline correctly. I call it a praise sandwich. He will correct their mistakes but always surround it with praise for the things that are correct. He requires discipline and hard work, and his students know it. My son trusts Sensei and that makes me feel good as a parent. I trust him because he also surrounds himself with good instructors and helpers (students). His staff is truly top notch! My son NEVER wants to miss class. We will do anything to get him there even if it is calling friends when the car is broken down! I do not know how there could be a better place for my child than USA Martial Arts! Do not delay in taking your child to USA Martial Arts! read more

I cannot recommend this program enough. The self-defense skills, disciple, respect, and overall confidence this program teaches young children is amazing. Examples of some skills I've seen taught: how to escape if a stranger grabs you, how to address adults, the need to look others in the eye when speaking or listening, cleaning your room, falling so you will not hurt yourself, how to treat those around you, how to listen appropriately, counting in multiple languages, and when to speak. All of this is so patiently and kindly taught that the children have fun and immense respect for their senseis. As a parent, I'm inspired by the straight forward teaching methods and have incorporated some of the ideas into our home. Other things: no hidden fees, small class sizes, personal interactions with the children and families, and a dojo that encourages building a community between the students, families, and school. read more

Our son has been taking martial arts here for 1 year, and it is absolutely the best dojo in the Birmingham area. He has previously taken karate at 2 other schools, one in the Birmingham area and the other in another state at a chain that also had a location in Birmingham. USA Martial Arts has been the best experience by far. Our son, who is a teenager, wanted "more authentic" martial arts instruction than his prior dojos. The instructors here definitely teach true martial arts, not just an exercise class. They are very skilled and patient. What we truly love is that they not only teach martial arts, but life lessons that will carry over to everything they do. We also love how welcoming everyone - instructors and other students - is to new students. We have been extremely happy with every aspect of our experience here, and highly recommend USA Martial Arts. read more

Bluff Park Dojo stands out with its authentic, dynamic, purposeful and joyful programs. As an owner and director of a dance institute, I sought a dojo in Birmingham that would diversify my professional dancers' experiences in movement through authentic Aikido training. Within a single conversation, it was evident to me that this dojo held the highest standards of excellence and integrity in its art. I immediately enrolled my two children in their Little Dragons program, which has dramatically impacted their life in many positive ways. I am grateful to the Sensei at Bluff Park Dojo for the influential role they have on my dancers and my children each and every day. Thank you! read more

We were not sure if our 4 year old daughter would be a good fit for karate....after all, she will only wear dresses, at all times, day and night. To top it off, she was the youngest in her class. Sensei MacConkey and Sensei Hood made her feel comfortable and continued to encourage her in every class. The weekly lessons to strengthen our daughter's moral compass warm my heart. It feels like these instructors are on our team helping to develop our daughter to be the best she can be. Every week she leaves class physically challenged and has a new energy and confidence about her. I would highly recommend this dojo!!! read more

Awesome experience. We enrolled Lallie & Raleigh both within days of them turning 4yo. Raleigh just turned 6 and Lallie will be 8 in a few weeks. Sensei MacConkey has a knack for being able to interact with each student in a way that fits their individual strengths & weaknesses making sure to always lift them up in their endeavors. We strongly believe that bringing any child up with strong self-confidence and strong self-discipline are very important, but especially with young girls & women. We couldn't be happier or recommend USA Martial Arts more highly. read more

Over 4 years ago I began my journey in the study of Aikido to support my spouse, who recently earned his black belt. I cannot say enough good things about not only the teaching of techniques but the support of everyone associated with Bluff Park Dojo. Aikido is not something you just do on the mat, and that is the philosophy & teachings from Sensei, how to incorporate it into everyday life. I am also blessed by the friendships I have made which truly makes it a dojo family. read more

Want your kids to learn to fight? Well this is not the place for that! Here, they learn the art of self defense but better yet how to avoid fighting being able to defend if necessary. They learn respect, self confidence, motivation, and yes, some great martial arts! The instructors are more interesting in developing my children into respectable humans than just filling the dojo. That's why we've been here for 2 years and still love what we are learning! read more

My son is enrolled in the Little Dragons program, and it is so much more than I had expected when we started a few months ago. The kids learn about responsibility, respect, and discipline in a caring and fun environment. Sensei McConkey and Sensei Hood are amazingly good at communicating with the young kids - they really bring out the best in each student and the kids have a blast. It's the perfect length for little ones also. read more

I can't speak highly enough of this dojo! My son started the Little Dragons class about 6 months ago. He needed a sport to get some energy out and learn some self-discipline. The instructors are so patient and warm, the kids obviously adore them both. My son has become so responsible, respectful and confident, it's truly amazing how much he has changed in such a short span of time. I'm so thankful we found this place. read more

We just started attending at the dojo, but on the first visit we were warmly welcomed all my questions were answered, and my son really enjoyed it. The teachers are very polite and from the three sessions we have been to, work so great with the children. They learn so much in the time they are there and enjoy it. We are looking forward to some great years ahead at this dojo and recommend it for sure! read more

We went to this school from a different one, and we never looked back. I absolutely love USA martial arts. Best of all, my child loves it. He wants to be there early to make sure he doesn't miss a thing. They teach more than just Karate. They also teach values and lessons for success and focus, and it's all done by caring instructors with excellent martial arts skills. Highly recommended. read more

We just love everything about the Bluff Park Dojo. The Senseis are fantastic at teaching to the student and not just the class. Our three children (8, 7, 4) are learning how to control both their bodies and minds. Being a part of such an organization has offered them responsibility, patience, and discipline. The tournaments are well run and super fun. We cannot recommend the dojo enough. read more

I'm not a parent of children that are students at this dojo, but I am the nanny of two children that have been at this dojo for at least a year now. I can't rave enough about the instructors and the lessons they teach these kids. It's more than just self-defense! They include a moral lesson each week, the value of respect and obedience of caregivers, and address issues such as bullying. read more

USA Martial Arts has a fantastic program offering training in multiple disciplines. The instructors are extremely knowledgeable and always helpful. Not only do you get the martial training, but also knowledge of the origins and developments of the arts through the years. I have been here for over 6 years and train in three different martial arts at this school. I love this place! read more

We love USA Martial Arts! Our son has learned so much since starting here. I feel my son's time spent here has been priceless and will benefit him for the rest of his life. On top of learning Aikido-Judo, he has learned self control and character building lessons taught by Sensei MacConkey. My son loves going every week and is enthusiastic about working towards his black belt. read more