I love the feel of this dojo so much. It's an old-school, minimal bells and whistles place. I…read morecannot recommend Karl highly enough-- he is FANTASTIC with kids. I also really like that there doesn't seem to be a lot of emphasis on testing and promotion on a schedule, which I've experienced with other places in the past. My kiddo loves this "ninja school!"

This is a little know gem in the city of Birmingham. Growing up here as a Japanese/American, I…read moretook karate at World Oyama, during my high school years. This was the default place to go for anyone in my family and it was obvious that there was a rich history in the Oyama tradition. I certainly enjoyed being able to learn from a grand master, but perhaps didn't appreciate the magnitude of it until years later. As an adult, I lived in Japan and witnessed just how big the organization really is. There are World Oyama tournaments held there and they are big events. Despite the international fame of this school, you will find it very approachable, practical and welcoming to all. There is no fluff, it's just about strength, conditioning and being the best you can be. I know the organization has received accolades for its contributions to the state of Alabama and that it is something I will always value having had access to.

I loved taking Peggy's classes. She instructs well, is patient, and is very skilled. I have a hard…read moretime memorizing, and she took her time with me and made sure I got something down before moving on. I ​highly recommend Rising Phoenix.

From the owner: Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) is also known as Arnis, Kali, or Escrima. FMA is dynamic and diverse…read morebecause it teaches traditional weapons in addition to it’s regular martial arts curriculum. Our FMA program improves coordination, agility, and fitness. We teach people of all fitness levels, so there’s no need to “get in shape” first! 9 Unique Program Qualities: 1. Adult classes start at age 14 & up 2. Classes begin and end on time 3. Adult classes are taught joint locks, pressure points, and takedowns that can be used in conjunction with other techniques to heighten your self defense knowledge 4. FMA improves coordination and increases agility 5. We teach application in everything we do. We don't show a form/kata and then let you wonder what it does. We teach the application in every form, so those skills could be used to overcome possible threats in the real world 6. Real self defense lessons start on day #1. Our self defense techniques have been pressure tested to make sure everyone can do them 7. Our instructors are experienced ADULTS, each with over a decade of martial arts experience each and are both CPR certified 8. We never yell at students! 9. We don’t charge registration fees! We offer a free trial class for potential students

(Review is primarily regarding closed Vestavia location, but ownership is the same.) Action was my…read moredaughter's happy place but it was taken away from her. In the end ATA would not protect her from a bully, and when we as parents stood up for her we received a nasty public email that was clearly directed toward us. We decided to just step away but we never received a pair of combat gloves we paid for, or preferably a refund for them. ATA did not reply to text message, voicemail, email, or the Better Business Bureau. Think twice. If it comes down to you and another student who pays them more, you'll lose every time.