Martial Arts Schools near Bellingham

“My son has been going to this place from little less than a year, he loves it. Coach Mindy and Coach Steve are the best! I strongly recommend this place.“

“Master Souza is not a bad teacher, not a bad person either. I see a lot of anti Souza in the reviews, and I dont think its necessarily deserved. Hes a good guy, hes just different. It sounds like It would be a great thing to have the greatest teacher ever's teacher teach you, but it's not the same. There were a lot of changes made to the school and what we were learning after Mr. Wallace left, not a lot of them welcome, and some of them very unwelcome, but I dont feel as though the heart of the school has changed at all. It's just one minute you were learning mostly taekwondo with a little bit of boxing and a tiny bit of jujitsu, and the teacher was kind, funny, down to earth, and relatable. Now it feels like we are doing just as much boxing as we are kicking, most aspects of traditional taekwondo went straight out the window (forms, one-steps, certain blocks and strikes, etc), and the teacher feels a bit more far removed from the class. I feel like we as students connected to Mr. Wallace more because he was still a student in many aspects. He was extremely wize for his age, he was skilled and physically able, but he was young enough where us as students could have shared interests and experiences with him, the connection with Mr. Wallace was deep, and compelled me to keep persuing martial arts, and I dont think I'm the only one. As of now the only thing that is keeping me in Franklin Martial Arts is the friends that are still there from the "Mr. Wallace Era", but I DO NOT think that FMA is a bad school. They are honest, well trained, and good teachers. You really get an amazing value for your money, it's not what a lot of martial artists would call a "belt factory", you have to earn your rank, and you have to keep progressing to keep it. FMA is good to learn self defense, self offense, self control, self discipline, respect for yourself and others, and just useful life skills, for young kids or older adults, I highly recommend this school.“

“A Truly Welcoming and Attentive Karate School

We recently attended a free trial class at this karate school, and our experience was exceptional. From the very beginning, the staff and instructors were incredibly welcoming and attentive, creating a comfortable environment for us parents and our son.

What stood out the most was how understanding and accommodating they were regarding my son’s unique behavioral needs. They took the time to communicate with him directly and also engaged in a one-on-one conversation with us, which allowed us to grasp their process, values, and teaching approach. It was clear that their philosophy aligns closely with our own family values.

The flexibility they offer and the genuine effort they put into making everyone feel included and valued are truly commendable. Our son enjoyed his first class, and we left feeling confident and optimistic about the potential benefits of joining this school.

As a family navigating a new sport, we deeply appreciated how informative, and how they made us feel welcome and comfortable. We’d recommend this karate school to anyone looking for a place that prioritizes respect, attentiveness, and community.“

“The environment is perfect for young kids! I love the atmosphere the Instructors provide. Very Clean!“

“My wife and I decided to take some jiu-jitsu training so I looked up online the self-defense academy in Holliston and I contacted him so he said come and we will give you a free one night training session so we did go and we loved it. We decided to sign up for this ourselves and do some training. I’m gonna tell you you think you’re too old to learn no you’re not I am over 60 years old and I also normally go to the gym a few times a week. My wife is over 50 and she loves it. She also works out with me at the gym. When you meet the owner, who is the master instructor and his name is Jim he is super dynamite individual. He is also great encourager. Also all his instructors that do attend, his Academy are very down to earth and also very real. There are young teenagers that also go to the jiu-jitsu training session twice a week and these young people are also very down to earth and also very real.
I also suffer with severe PTSD from combat since joining this academy. It has been helping me tremendously. You can also see how Jim and also his instructors are very friendly caring they also tease you a little bit, but it’s all in fun . They really make you feel very relaxed when you walk into the dojo you feel peace from from it. My wife and I have only been going for a short time and we’re gonna continue to do this as as long as we can. Like I said you’re never too old to learn something new. Also, if you suffer with any form of stress, PTSD anxiety or whatever else is traveling you I highly recommend signing up. You will not regret it what I also like about Jim, including all the other instructors, they really make you feel a part of the group. They also encourage you. It’s easy to get frustrated when you are learning something new for the very first time they won’t let you give up they push you to the max. I have a lot of anger due to my PTSD and I’m on different medications so I can help manage all my anxiety and to keep my level down and stay away from my flashbacks. I can tell you right now since just in the short time that we have been there, I feel at peace with my PTSD. I encourage anyone who reads my post please check out this self-defense Academy. I think once you meet Jim and also the other instructors including the other students you’re gonna want to continue. If I could give this a 20 star rating, I would do it. It’s even better than going to the gym and believe me my wife and I love to work out together. I know you won’t regret learning this if you sign up and you’ll see what we experience. Check it out! it’s all well worth the training and also you will find one thing about Jim, which is very true. He is a man of great peace. I can see why he’s good at what he does because this man really does care about all his students, he wants people to learn jujutsu and he’s wanted to do whatever he can to help you learn it.“

“I just started here and everyone has been extremely kind and welcoming. They are patient and very informative with the teaching.“

“Excellent dojo to learn self-defense technics, karate, judo, kempo, etc… For all ages and all levels! Highly recommended!“

“Sensei Paul Belle Isle is a fantastic and knowledgeable karate instructor. I’ve been attending classes here for about a year and a half and only have positive things to say about the class and all associated with it.“

“Nothing bad to say ever!! My daughter comes home with a smile and confidence from every class. A+“

“I've been attending Kodokai's adult classes for just about a year. In that time, I have seen remarkable changes in every area of my life. While I have learned invaluable self-defense skills, I've also grown in my humility, courage, and critical thinking.

As someone with teaching experience, I am amazed by the classroom setting cultivated in the dojo. Regardless of age or background, Kodokai is a safe space. The instructors (Sensei and Kim) are highly qualified individuals. Plus, they are some of the kindest, most patient, and encouraging people I've met. The students are equally warm-hearted and supportive towards everyone. I've had no encounters with unfriendly drama or cliques.

If you're looking for a school to join, come here! The time and money you and/or your children invest here will be absolutely worth it. Everyone will be happy to have you! :)“

“I enrolled my daughter in this dojo seeking a positive female role model for my daughter after a tough divorce. Linda was always a great teacher and a wind in my daughters sails. We recently moved and subsequently had to stop attending class. Linda was very graceful and understanding about it and wished us well without any bitterness or angst. I consider her a friend despite compensating her for teaching my daughter. There simply are not enough good role models out there that lead by example and positivity like she did. Linda is a true class act. She will be missed.“