I've been training BJJ for almost a year. Due to the nature of my work I have had the opportunity…read moreto sample a number of BJJ schools across the country, and experience a number of different instruction styles and training philosophies. As a person still very new to this sport, Atlanta Mat Club has been by far the best instruction for learning the techniques and concepts. The manner in which Michael, the primary instructor, breaks down the movements and explains them, allows for newer individuals like myself to grasp the new material on a consistent basis without feeling overwhelmed. The curriculum is thoughtfully laid out, and there is a clear progression in the instruction from class to class. In terms of environment, I have found the staff and other students to be friendly, warm, and outgoing. If you have never tried this type of practice, this is a great non-threatening environment to begin exploring if this is something for you. The small class sizes allow for more individual instruction and attention, which you might not receive at other schools. The price structure is fair for the area, but most importantly there are no annual contracts or obligations to pay other than on a monthly basis.

The best place to train BJJ in Atlanta. Personal training sessions, lovely owners, and…read morecustomer-friendly pricing. For someone that moves around a lot, this place gave me the confidence to start my BJJ career without worrying about needing to relocate while locked into a contract. I recently moved deeper into the perimeter and am actively considering adjusting my morning commute so I can continue training here.

This dojo has been such a positive influence for our family. It is incredibly well managed,…read moreorganized, and welcoming, and it truly provides a strong sense of community and support for both children and parents. My child genuinely enjoys attending classes, looks forward to going each week, and has built wonderful friendships through the dojo. What stands out most is how supportive everyone is -- especially the senseis. They go above and beyond to support children in ways that extend beyond what you might expect from a traditional dojo. It is clear they have a genuine love and respect for the practice, along with a personal investment in helping children grow into confident, respectful, and compassionate individuals for the betterment of society as a whole. As a parent, it has been wonderful to find a place that not only teaches self-defense, but also emphasizes focus, discipline, moral development, kindness toward others, and the importance of only using their skills to protect themselves or others when necessary. The values taught here extend far beyond martial arts, and we are incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive and positive environment.

After looking into our many choices for karate in the Alpharetta/Milton/Roswell area, we were so…read morehappy to finally find the right fit at Crabapple Martial Arts. Too many fake dojos around, daycare/aftercare pretending to be a martial arts school. Classes taught by real Shihan and Sensai, real self defense training, but lots of fun too. They find the right balance. My daughter loves it and looks forward to class every week.

I enrolled my 7 yr old daughter here in hopes primarily to emulate my experience with a martial…read morearts at the same time of my life. I did 2 years of Judo, and that seemed to help me focus a little more on what mattered. In college, I got back into it with Shotokan style karate for 2.5 years. I do not think the style of martial arts particularly matters much when you start out. What matters is that you follow a set of principles, are able to listen, coordinate yourself amongst your peers, and perhaps get something out of the time in school. I've read all of the previous comments. I agree some of the sentiments, but I can also see counter arguments. This school isn't worth the $160/monthly tuition if you are not participating in each of the three offered classes. Attendance and participation is key. The 30 minute lesson plan is optimal for little kids - and yes, out of the 30 minutes maybe 10-15 minutes is actually focused on what is learning the forms, kicks or "martial arts" material which helps you advance. The rest is broken into formalities, drills, meditation which are also helpful in developing mindfulness, respect and wellness. As your child ranks, concentration increases, and the lesson should also increase to 1 hr long. It will become necessary to attend additional classes to continue to advance, and even private lessons if you are interested in the advanced belts beyond brown - which is at least a 5 year commitment. Unfortunately if you transfer in from another martial arts program, you do not get credit for previous rank, and must start all over, albeit, you should theoretically advance much quicker because for example blocks and knife hands are essentially the same between karate and taekwondo. The differences are subtle. Except of course if Grand Master Seo knows or acknowledges the rank from the former school. I agree with the comment that English is not a primary language so Grand Master and his wife, who own the school, aren't particularly chatty. And if you have a question, it's probably best to address it with one of his pupil-instructors - and if they do not know - they can hunt it down for you. This school is close by which was the primary reason we joined. Apparently one of the pupils made it into the Olympics, but I still do not know who. I felt that the free introductory class was good, but the private lesson showing how your child could break a thin board was a little cheesy, especially because Ms Anna, a black belt, broke a popper for a special sound effect which she tried to hide but the smell of sulphur was present, and the replay of the video showed her throwing the popper chaff on the ground, that left me feeling a bit like, oh boy this place tries to emphasize more "show". This goes back to the fundamentals of the program: are you going to learn the martial art ? Is this program going to help you in a street fight ? Sometimes, perception is the best deterrent. Is your kid going to make a stand of show ? Some may some may not. However, if you need to back it up with reality, then perhaps this school does not provide all the necessary skills immediately. In time yes, but in the immediate future no. This "showmanship" is not necessary, but certainly all about salesmanship. Despite knowing about his sales tactics, I chose to enroll my daughter. I still believe that the exposure to martial arts - the highly structured learning: forms, the kicks, respect, discipline, honoring tenants and others - maybe it will help her to understand how vulnerable we as humans are, and to help protect that some day. I agree that the contracts that you sign here require advanced notice to get out of. If you plan to leave, and want to discontinue, you must plan and communicate with Grand Master and his wife, the date of your departure, as early as possible. They can seem oppressive if you are not a planner. I think if you aren't interested in learning about Eastern philosophy / martial arts and just want self defense mitigation, there are private instructors from military or police who give those sorts of classes. This is not that.

Excellent instructing character building, diligence, dignity and respect. The Grandmaster, Thomas,…read moreis an excellent role model for the youth. Personally, I've learned and still constantly learn new perspectives and rational, logic, critical thinking on life being in his presence. Truly one of a kind human, and I hope everyone can take notes like I have from his ability to lead, and connect people together through different interests and relate to anyone.

I have been attending CBBA for years now and we love it. My oldest daughter and I have both earned…read moreour black belts and our other kids are on their way! The confidence and discipline my kids have learned is awesome. This is by far the best studio around for honesty, integrity, discipline and Christian values with taekwondo traditions.

My kids have been taking Taekwondo classes at CBBA for the last 5 years. Craig Shaw and the staff…read moreare great. It's a family atmosphere where they really take time to get to know the kids. My 9 year completed their entire tiny tiger program and earned a few belts in the "big kid" class and my 7 year old is working on earning the stars for his tiny tiger black belt now. The classes are fun, combining conditioning and martial arts along with games and obstacle courses.

My daughter has been going to Life martial arts since September and she loves it, the instructor…read moreis great with the kids and her confidence is through the roof.

We took my daughter to the free lessons they give to suck you in...your kid gets individual…read moreattention, and in our case, apparently we attended at a time where the classes were not that crowded so it looked good. They make you sign a 6 month contract, I shouldn't have done it, that was a big red flag, but stupid me I did...but I told them I may be moving in a couple of months and they said I could cancel the contract if I moved at least 25 miles away. Well, the weekday class we took my daughter to was a hot mess. The second class we took her to, there were 26 kids. They say its a 30 minute lesson, but by the time they take attendance and "herd the kids", the lesson actually ends up being about 20 minutes of actual instruction. No place for the parents to sit, I had to sit on the floor. Well, my daughter stopped going, and knowing I signed the contract, I did nothing. After we signed the lease for our new place, I went in to cancel the contract. We signed the lease for our new place in Suwanee (this place is in Sandy Springs), so I took my lease documents and printed out Googlemaps to show the mileage between the two places, and attached that just in case. My lease at the new place started on the 7th of the month, and the owner insisted I would have to pay for the entire month regardless. I didn't budge, told him he already got a months worth of pay from me since I was no longer bringing my daughter to the cluster___ , and that I would gladly pay for up to the 7th. He didn't want to do it. Eventually he agreed, but said he would need to check the mileage between Suwanee and the center. REALLY?! Great customer service!! Good thing I printed out the map! Anyways, I think the instructors are great, and could probably do a lot more if the classes weren't overflowing. Those 6:30pm classes, there is no space to move, and the instructors have a hard time controlling the class. The contract is BS and I think that is a horrible thing to do to parents of six year olds because guess what, young kids change their minds! If you decide to sign your kid up, know you are stuck for a minimum of six months, and make sure you can attend the 4:30 classes...the evening ones are useless.

I didn't know anything about martial arts when I choose Atlanta Budokan for my son's Aiki Jujitsu…read moreclasses. I just wanted a martial arts class in Acworth. At four years old he is a bit young for martial arts, but I have been amazed by how much he has already learned. The instructors are so knowledgable about what is age appropriate for him to be picking up, and the atmosphere of the classes is very positive. The older students are always so kind and willing to help work with him. I am excited to watch him grow and learn in such a great environment. I was so impressed by what I saw in his classes, I decided to take kickboxing myself. Like my son, I started at the "bottom" of the learning curve (but not the youngest, ha!). But just like with his class, I got such great instruction, and the support from the other ladies and guys in class was so positive, I didn't feel out of place. Instructors modified everything to my level as I was learning. I am now the most fit I have ever been in my life. And the stress relief from hitting the heavy bags if worth everything! If you are looking for Aiki or Kickboxing in an extremely family friendly environment in either Acworth or Smyrna, Atlanta Budokan is an excellent place.

I have studied Martial Arts for years awhile ago and made the decision to get back into it. The…read moretraining and staff are incredible. I have seen outstanding instructors throughout the world, yet to imagine this quality in Loganville, GA, with the fun and quality of training is just off the charts. I am so pleased to be a student here and it is helping me get back my youth, have fun, and get quality training. Great bunch of people.

Since my son started in the Kim's Champion Martial Arts, I have seen an improvement in my son's…read moreattitude. My son has become more respectful, responsible and has a drive in him that my husband and I have not yet, seen. He looks forward to his lessons with the martial arts instructors. I would recommend the Kim's Champion Martial Arts training center to any parent wanting their children to develop self defense, discipline and social skills. Prices are really responsible. Thr place is very clean and sanitized. And convenience location in Buford