In a word: Empowering. I'll admit that upon first hearing that my wife had signed us up for this…read moreclass, I was apprehensive that it would be an uncomfortable experIence. IDK Perhaps it was just the name. C.O.B.R.A. sounded so macho. But with all the dangers in the world today, it seemed prudent to take a self-defense course. Any apprehensions I had were immediately dispelled the moment we met Theresa Norris. (Apparently no relation to Chuck Norris. However, it is said that the dark is afraid of Theresa Norris. So who knows for sure. ‍ ) But seriously, Theresa is just awesome! She is smart, skilled, professional, warm, friendly, witty, and just an overall class act. We learned so very much from her in a relatively short amount of time. One of my (many) favorite parts of each class was reviewing what we'd learned previously. It was fun to "test" on what we'd retained and (sometimes even) practiced between classes. Invariably one or both of us had forgotten a certain move or two. Theresa was always happy to show us and let us practice again--until we had it right. Sometimes it would come down to just not having 100% understood the move to begin with. So review time was very beneficial. Another part that I really liked was learning interesting human physiology traits. For example, learning how we humans have comparatively little strength in our arms once they are just behind our body's centerline. Facial pressure points were interesting to learn about as well. The only part of each class that I "didn't like" (but thoroughly appreciated) was the scenarios where Theresa was the "attacker" and we were the "victims." I'm just naturally kind of a jumpy person. When we'd start each scenario, I was always anxiously thinking, "Oh no, what is she going to do this time--and can I really fend her off/disarm her?" Even though I knew it was all just for practice, it was still a bit unnerving to imagine it as real. (I guess that was all part of what she described as "constantly pushing those fear buttons.") But thanks to Theresa's teaching, we were able to defend ourselves virtually every time. If you're still reading this review at this point, I'll just close by saying that this C.O.B.R.A. class is a must for every woman and really anybody who wants to give themselves a fighting chance should danger find them. Honestly, I felt so empowered after the very first class. And each successive class gave me just that much more knowledge, practice, and confidence. Loved this class!!! Money sooooooo well invested.

I have wanted to do a self defense training class for the staff at our company for several years,…read morebut I could only find martial arts classes. I was so excited when I found Gig Harbor Self-Defense. COBRA training was perfect for us and Theresa was awesome! She even came to our location which allowed us to take less time away from work. The class was very hands on and Theresa was extremely knowledgeable. She made it fun and relevant with real world scenarios. Our staff loved the class and it was a great team building experience that made all of us feel so confident. It also was great for all levels of physical ability. I plan to take my college age daughter to classes when she is home this summer.

Jessica runs a great program, she has the right mix of enthusiasm and discipline to make it a…read moreworthwhile investment. Did the 6 week challenge, and finished at losing just over 25 pounds. Karen is the mentor to have on your side throughout it all! Was a great way to get me back into a routine of fitness and nutrition! If you do do the challenge, note there is a $500 deposit they don't tell you in the advertisement. If you do not hit your goal, the money is theirs to keep. It adds to the motivation to hit your goal :).

I attended iLoveKickboxing for almost a year. The classes were fun but as instructors turned over…read moreinstruction became less and less, with exception of the remaining original instructors. My two biggest issues were the schedule, I was only able to make once maybe twice a week because most of the classes are after 9am or in the evenings. I attended the 8:15 classes, but those were only offered on Monday and Friday in gig harbor. I saw that Tacoma location had several 6:15 classes but every time I asked I was told those wouldn't happen in gig harbor. Right after I stopped going I saw they canceled the 8:15 classes also, so I'm glad I'd already made the switch. My second issue was constantly pushing reviews and bringing in new members. Imo recruitment is this job, not mine. And the best reviews are written by folks who truly loved (or hated) an experience, not by being bribed to do so. It felt like their main purpose wasn't as much helping their students but trying to keep their business going. Again, imo the opposite method works better for long term business success.

This gym has a lot of potential, but ownership is disappointing. Communication from the owner is…read morepoor, instructors and staff are often not paid on time, and concerns are frequently dismissed. The facility needs serious maintenance--several issues feel unsafe and have gone unaddressed. Overall, it seems profits are prioritized over staff well-being and student safety. Proceed with caution.

The good is bjj is great. The bad is their bang muy Thai is a joke and need improvement. I would…read morenot trust my child with them or their muy Thai skills and knowledge. The instructor Mike is average and his female assistant Madison is below average. She needs to look for another job. Hopefully not a cop or CO. THer Customers service is average. Overall only go there for Brazilian jujitsu.

After the two initial semi-private trial classes my 7 year old was extremely excited to start…read morekarate. Unfortunately the actual group classes where nothing like the trial. He was not given the attention or direction he needed. He was ignored, told to practice some move alone, or told to be quiet and just watch and follow along while he felt lost. I repeatedly told the owner that my kid was overwhelmed, confused, left alone, and bored. Each time I brought it up, the only response was "well he can quit but you still have to pay because you signed a 6 month contract." The experience of my child was of no importance to them, only the money which they'd get either way. They never addressed or acknowledged any of our concerns. We carried on for a couple months but it only got worse with my kid getting so anxious and crying/begging not to have to go to karate and asking everyday after school if this was a day he had to go. We wanted him to learn discipline and self confidence but this experience was the opposite. I still think he would thrive at another dojo but now he is too traumatized to try again, and we're stuck paying these folks. Stay away from Steve Curran.

Our now 8 year old, a VERY energetic and sometimes focus-challenged young guy, has been attending…read moreclasses here for a few years- from their Little Dragons children's program into their youth program, training with the older kids and adults. I started off fairly skeptical, but this place has 100% won me over. I have watched the growth in our son, the other students, and the younger instructors- the typically high school aged black belts are usually the instructors for the youngest students. It has been amazing to watch all the students there grow into their responsibilities, to begin taking their training seriously, to gain a strong understanding of respect, and to engage in difficult activities and use failure as a learning tool and not a defeat. You earn each stripe on your belt, and the owners and instructors have high expectations of all who walk through the doors. But those expectations are backed up by support, solid instruction, and recognition of achievement. Couldn't be happier with the program.

Great introductory course for those that want to be more aware and practice hands on skills. Two…read morehours was the perfect amount of time for this course. The class started right into some hands on stuff...bring a water bottle it can be a workout! The practice sessions really made me more aware of the areas I need to improve in. I'm ready for level 2!

I have been attending NOVA Self Defense regularly for the past three months. Saturday mornings are…read morenow one of my favorite parts of my week! Evan and the assistant instructors are very good about giving constructive, targeted feedback. I feel that I have learned a lot of new things and had plenty of opportunity to fine-tune the basics, which has helped me build up my strength. In class, we learn to protect ourselves and fight back. When we learn new techniques, Evan breaks down the psychological aspects before moving into the how-to, enabling a full understanding of the why you are learning this. The real-life scenarios continue to be a helpful, and above all, safe way for me to try out what I've learned. Some of the other reviews have mentioned the work out at the end of class. This is no joke. The workout is the best! We do circuit training with some combative stuff thrown in, like palm strikes, elbows, and knife-dodging. Evan encourages you and will even work out with you. I'm not even a fitness freak (ugghhh I hate the gym), but this workout rocks. For those who are feeling iffy about the class and the amount of combat that takes place, please be assured that Evan always encourages you to find a way out of a physical altercation. This is an attitude that I have always appreciated because at the end of the day, I'm a lover, not a fighter. This class is just teaching you what you can do if you are left with no choice or caught off guard.

Not a lot of training. More of a social club. Some brands of social simply aren't welcome there.read more

From the owner: At Seven Swords Academy we reconstruct the Art and Science of the Martial Art and Medieval Combat…read morehanded down to us from the 14th-15th Centuries. Our primary sources are the manuals and treatises written and illustrated though the auspices of historical masters of the art, such as Fiore de Liberi and the students of the Johannes Liechtenauer tradition. Our focus is predominately on the unarmed and armed system of these Martial Arts developed through the late Middle-Ages in Europe, before the introduction of gunpowder to the field of battle. Our practice concentrates primarily on the unarmored self-defense applications of Longsword, Grappling and Dagger, Staff and Spear, with secondary focuses on Sword and Buckler, Sabre, and Messer, and use of historical training weapons such as Wasters, Dussack and Single-Stick. Practice consists of study of the sources, drills and sparring. For more information, please visit our website: www.sevenswords.us

My child was hugged within a day of attending her first lesson by Lead Master Choi. She gave me a…read morepanicked look, so I explained to him he must first ask her permission to touch or hug her. His hugging and arm/head rubbing felt like a violation to her. Mr. Choi was not my child's instructor while there. Her instructor uses (like other coaches instructors) fist bumps for acknowledgments. On the second incident, I told him he must ask her for permission to receive any kind of affection from her. The very next lesson the Lead Master told my child to hug him, and I was forced to inform him that a command is not asking for permission. He began to ignore her completely, perfectly fine with me. However, I began noticing how this over 6' tall man often pulls many girls and boys in against his body for a hug of affection. I withdrew my child from lessons at this location.

Don't let age stop you! I was 39 (almost 40) when I signed up and had experienced a lot of muscle…read moreloss during the pandemic (sitting for long periods at the home office working tirelessly). After 4 weeks of TKD I dropped about 10lbs, started to regain my balance, and started to feel/look much healthier. All of the students (all belt colors) are very welcoming and you'll see pretty quickly that your belt status doesn't matter socially, it's all about challenging yourself and seeing your own improvements each week. Master Choi and Master Larson are full of knowledge and have answered all of my questions on how to improve flexbility, technique, strength, etc. We need more fun, spirited, energetic adults on the mats, so get in there! Can't wait to meet you.