Poor communication and poor customer service. Owner called and yelled at me when I inquired about…read morepausing membership. He immediately cancelled the membership but charged me an additional month. We did NOT use their service during that month. Others have confirmed this business has done this to them. Owner displayed a threatening tone. I now wonder if my child was safe there.

Excel Martial Arts historically has had some of the best Instructors in the business that can keep…read morecolored belts energized and excited to train. However, once reaching Black Belt...the advanced training simply isn't available and isn't a focus of the school owner. Ever since COVID and Excel's downsizing remodel which reduced the training space by more than 50% and the flexibility of the training schedule (does not put into consideration students-athletes that compete in other school/club sports), the classes simply haven't been the same. Membership prices are all over the board and inconsistent across families. Overall ownership and day-to-day operations (or lack thereof) lead to a poorly run business that continues to fail on delivering against the basics such as communication and customer service that everyone should expect. There was a time years ago this could have been a 5-star, but unfortunately that is no longer the case. Sad.

Excellent one on one training, not too crowded per class, but a lot of attention to moves…read more Busy place with many classes at the same time including kids class visit very friendly staff. It's bigger than any other dojo what I've seen in Minnesota. Pricey but worth every penny.

Great gym. Knowledgeable staff and great community environment. I'm thoroughly impressed; The…read moreinstructors are skilled and patient, creating a welcoming environment for all skill levels. The variety of classes ensures a well-rounded training experience, and the sense of community among members is fantastic.

I have trained at Midwest Karate (Art of the empty hand) for several years ever since graduating…read morefrom the University of Minesota under Sinsai Fusaro( in 1973 where he taught). When the dojo opened at Dayton's Bluff, I continued to train under Sinsai Forest,Joe, and Anita. The oraganization has a strong reputation for integrity, flexible class schedules, and reasonable rates. As Master Ginchin Funakoshi stated in the preface to his 1975 book,"Karate-Do, My Way of Life," Karate-do is not merely a sport that teaches self defense blocks, strikes, and kicks but a continued training discipline that promotes strong mind/body to help provide a defense against illness and disease as well. Thanks to his devotion to Karate-do, he never had to take medicne or consult a physician. Shotokan karate's traditional training system of stretching, basics, kata, and kumite (sparring) provides an outstanding opportunity to gain self confidence, strength and balance to feel more comfortable in any self defense situation that may arise. Tom Wiblishauser

I've been going to Midwest Karate in St. Paul for almost two years, and it's an excellent dojo!…read more Senseis Joel Ertl and Anita Bendickson are extremely knowledgeable, helpful and pleasant instructors. Both have been national champions and teach karate every day, so you can't do much better than that for instructors. Both have a little different teaching style, so it's good to take classes with both if you can. I attend frequently with my 12-year-old son, and this is what many adults with older/mature children do, so think about starting *with* your child instead of just watching them on the sidelines. For the younger children, there is a children's program with child-only classes, starting at age 5. One huge thing that sets Midwest Karate apart is the availability of instruction times. There are day and evening options for all belt levels. I don't think the senseis are ever ill or absent. If you show up at a time, they'll teach you whether you're with 25 other people or alone. They accept everyone and work with them at their level, no matter what that is. There are many different people with many different fitness levels and ages, so don't worry about being too out of shape or old or whatever. They'll tell you when you're ready to test for a belt or go on to a higher class. The other members are welcoming to new people, so no worries! Go there! Joel and Anita and the other Midwest dojos feel very strongly about only awarding belts to people who have worked hard and deserve it versus some of the more "chain"-y karate places whose function is to make money by handing out belts every 3 months whether you deserve it or not. This is a positive thing, and there won't be a mystery if you should test for your belt or not---they'll let you know if you should or not. Sometimes they'll tell me to do it, sometimes they'll tell me to wait. Other tidbits include frequent seminars focusing on different topics such as practical self defense (eg. "Defending against knife attacks"), specific katas, etc. There isn't a huge focus on tournaments at the lower levels, but there is an annual children's tournament and open adult tournament at the U of MN that allows all levels to compete. Feel confident about joining Midwest Karate!!!

I did the one week trial period which was roughly $30 and you get a pair of boxing gloves. I…read morethoroughly enjoyed my experience, I did a few kickboxing classes, Muay Thai and tried MMA for the first time! They make the whole experience not intimidating for first timers like me and the gym itself was so spacious! The instructors were all very knowledgeable and friendly. I would definitely consider coming back again but it was a long drive for me so that one reason why I stopped going. The only recommendation I have is make sure you arrive at least 5 minutes early to all your classes, especially if they are in the afternoon because the parking lot fills up quickly!

Recently, I completed the 6 week challenge, which gave me the motivation to come back and start…read moreattending classes again. For the challenge we were to attend kickboxing classes 3 times a week. Originally I was signed up for Muay Thai, as I found it to be an interesting art, but after the challenge, I found I enjoyed the kickboxing a lot and signed up for that instead. I was worried about finding time to attend, but they have so many classes on their schedule that I can always find a class that matches my schedule, no matter how much my schedule changes week to week. While I worked the fair, I was able to attend morning classes. When I went back to my normal work schedule they had a class almost every night of the week. The coaches are absolutely phenomenal. Being that there are so many classes, there are also a few coaches, and they all teach their classes differently, while still changing it up from class to class. Not only are you getting a satisfying workout, but you are getting a variety that promises you'll never get bored. As for the people, they are all very friendly. Although I attend classes alone, there is always somebody to practice with. Often we end up pairing up, and if you didn't bring a friend you'll have to make a new friend. I have not had one bad experience with all of the people I have worked with. As great as a place is, if the people aren't friendly, then it basically becomes a chore to attend. I actually find myself looking forward to attending classes and meeting new people. Overall, I would highly recommend taking a look at this gym. The classes are great and flexible; the coaches are knowledgeable and helpful; and the people are extremely friendly. UPDATE 9/11/19- 11 months later and I still find myself getting excited to attend classes everyday. In fact, sometimes I dread holidays or vacations due to the classes I'd have to miss. I've started many hobbies and quit after a month or two because I was bored or just didn't feel like I belonged. Here I feel like everyone is so inclusive and welcoming. I've expanded from kickboxing and Muay Thai into Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and am loving it just as much as the other two. Unfortunately, this does mean I do have to cut back on one of the other two in order to participate, but that's what I get for wanting to try everything. One important thing to note is that The Cellar is not just for the combatants looking to get into the or improve their fighting prowess. Yes, if that is what you're looking for, this place is amazing, but for an average Joe, Jill or whoever, this is a good place to meet new friends and get in a fun workout. P.S. The website is also super slick. I really like that they now have pictures showing which coaches teach which classes.

This is a community of awesome people!…read more A friend of mine recommended Striking Institute when I decided I should learn some self defense so if ever under attack I'd be able to get away and/or beat the crap out of them. I'm not quite there yet, I could probably really destroy my attacker if they were 3 feet tall and 103lbs...I'm working my way up to annihilating a full blown adult. What started as maybe a short term thing turned into a membership for several months now. The coaches are some of the nicest people around and they know their stuff, they're actual fighters, not gym instructors (no shade), and you have pros training all around you. They make it fun, informative, and super comfortable for newbies that may have some anxiety going in. The other members are always welcoming as well and giving you tips if you're interested. There's a variety of classes, bags, drilling, clinch, pads, sparring etc. I've got an injury, but I'm given alternative striking options in each of the classes, it's great. The only thing I don't like is getting punched in the face with my eyes wide open, it's quite unpleasant. But that's my own fault and it's not like they hit you at full force...at least the coaches did their job and drilled the "keep your eyes open" part into me. Anyway, if you're searching for a place to get started, go here.

Yarwood's Martial Arts has been such a great experience for my family. My son has built so much…read moreconfidence and discipline since he started. Mr. Yarwood and the rest of the instructors make you feel like family. They help you set goals and encourage you along the way!

My girls love Yarwood's Martial Arts. The classes involve learning respect and discipline in a…read morereally fun way. My kids have learned self defense techniques, such as how to physically get away from strangers and what to do if they are being bullied. They are learning skills to help protect themselves, and I see that they have gained confidence in themselves. They know they can handle themselves if they need to. It's a really positive and fun environment!

The owner and lead instructor is incredible. A champion martial artist who elevates the game of…read moreeveryone who trains with him. The school is perfect for students of all backgrounds and skill levels.

It has a great family setting, it isn't priced too high like your typical martial art/bjj school…read morelike the Academy. They won't make you sign a lame contract without any loopholes to screw you over. They have many solid grappling partners that will really push you and great instructors. Their facilities have been given a facelift as there are new mats, new carpet, and the walls have been painted. Come on by to learn some martial arts from McCunes.