Martial Arts Schools near Waterbury

“Trained with Ms Priffty and she helped me perfect my staff form at Black belt camp. Thank you!“

“20/10 "Grand Master Pereira is the rare find in the martial arts world: a true master who maintains the 'white belt' spirit. He is an incredible instructor and martial artist, but an even better human being. What sets him apart is his dedication to evolution. He doesn't just stick to Tang Soo Do; he constantly trains in various arts to ensure his students receive the most comprehensive and modern instruction possible. Despite his rank, his humility is unmatched—he has attended multiple workshops of mine as a student, proving he’s always looking to grow. Beyond the mats, his generosity is legendary. When I opened my new dojo, he personally donated 30 puzzle mats to help us get started. If you are looking for a mentor who leads by example, look no further than Grand Master Pereira."“

“CT Combat Training stands out as one of the most well-rounded and welcoming gyms I’ve experienced. The environment is truly inclusive—perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, you'll feel right at home.

What impressed me most was the professionalism of the coaching staff. They are completely non-biased and give equal attention to every student—no favorites, no cliques. The structure of each class is clear and effective: we learn a technique, drill it, and then put it into practice through controlled sparring before the session ends. It’s a powerful way to lock in what you've just learned.

The community itself is humble, respectful, and ego-free. No one walks around with a chip on their shoulder or tries to prove something at others’ expense. Sparring here feels safe and collaborative. For instance, I once forgot my mouthguard and asked my partner to avoid head contact—they immediately respected my boundary. That level of mutual respect is rare and refreshing.

The coaches are always actively engaged, watching and correcting technique, making sure everyone improves. As long as you're focused and open to learning, you're guaranteed to walk away having grown—either by learning something new or sharpening your current skills.

Another huge plus is their free one-week trial. It gives you plenty of time to get a feel for the atmosphere, coaching, and community before committing. If you're looking for a place to train with structure, professionalism, and zero ego, I highly recommend giving CT Combat Training a shot.“

“There are many martial art schools out there to select from. I recommend 100% + Alex Ziwak Martial Arts. Why? Alex is a seven degree black belt and knows many other types of material art disciplines plus an expert in self defense. He is humble, down to earth type of guy. If you join you will definitely learn techniques and be in better shape in time. I had always a great experience there when I was younger but never forget my own comfortable techniques if ever needed. Martial Arts is all about respect for others and able to defend yourself when needed. Consider yourself lucky and blessed to learn under Alex.“

“We have been part of this karate school for the past two years, and it has been absolutely wonderful! When our son was having trouble with confidence at school, his time in class at Charland really helped to build him back up. The instructors are incredible and always meet him where he is, helping him learn at his own pace and succeed. They create such a supportive and encouraging environment, and it truly feels like they care about every student’s growth. They also often have fun events outside of class and even parents night out which is basically babysitting at a very low cost a couple times a year. We couldn’t be happier with our experience here and highly recommend this school to anyone looking for a place that not only teaches karate, but also builds character and confidence.“

“Both Jane Doe No More and the self-defense classes are an unparalleled combination of common sense (that is not so common), strength, conditioning and confidence building. Drew & his team are smart and engaging confidence builders, they make you feel safe, empowered and most importantly, they educate you. You feel a level of readiness that you did not know you needed.“

“The adult classes here are excellent. Mr. Sokol does a great job tailoring class to everyone, whether you're a beginner or a black belt. I feel challenged in a positive way every time I'm in class and I've progressed so much since I started here last year, thanks to Mr. Sokol.“

“What are you looking for in a martial arts school? If you're like me, you want a place that teaches discipline, respect, and control (emotional, physical, spiritual). The master belts at this dojang (dojo) teach all of the above, in a nurturing environment of camaraderie and friendship. My son (black belt, first dan) and daughter (green belt) have both found a comfortable place of mutual respect and discipline, while also learning to do amazing feats of physical prowess. For anyone even curious about the Tang Soo Do (karate-do) way of life, I highly recommend you give USA MA Naugatuck a try.“

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“Excellent program for young kids. They do a great job at keeping them focused and learning.“