Martial Arts Schools near Bloomington

“My entire family (two grade school kids, my husband, and me) have been going here for about six months, and it's really enriched our lives and improved our health. This school fosters community really well, and I feel like we're all in it together, helping each other pursue our goals.Personally speaking, I'm forty years old and have some chronic health issues. That I'm able to study martial arts with my family alongside twenty-year-old men in peak health speaks to this school's ability to encourage people to grow from wherever they are in life. It has also been a blast learning martial arts as a family (a feat only allowed thanks to this school's pricing structure). I'm able to have fun with my kids while we learn, and sparring with my husband feels like date night.Having never studied martial arts before, I can't compare this place to anywhere else, but here are a few of the things I find striking...The school uses a volunteer format for their instructors. It helps keep the costs low--nowhere else I called could compete with their price--but it also creates a built in sense of comradery. Instructors teach for passion, not a paycheck, and have a personal investment in your success. The instructors rotate on different nights, and students are able to learn from multiple perspectives.Teachers are actively invested in your success regardless of your belt color, but they also care that your belt color *means* something. Students are not bumped up from level to level to make them feel good (you won't find any twelve-year-old black belts here), but as a signifier of knowledge and advancement. It makes this a great place to learn for both beginners and those who are already serious about martial arts.On one recent Thursday night, our two kids received focused instruction in self-defense from a four-time kickboxing world champion, while my husband and I went through our one-steps (a kind of belt-level-based series of movements) with the school's lead teacher. In the background, another black-belt helped students go through form. It all felt so personalized and thoughtful, and I feel privileged to be part of it.This place, in a strip mall basement with aging carpet, is a hidden gem. Give it a try.“

“My kiddo has been coming to Jiu Jitsu classes here for about a month now and I have nothing but great things to say about the dojo! All of the senseis are incredibly patient with often large classes of excited kids and they do a great job engaging with everyone on their own level. Even when redirections are needed, they’re done kindly and lovingly.

It can get a bit crowded at times but everyone makes room and they manage the classes beautifully!

Can’t recommend Grappler Station highly enough if you’ve got a kiddo who needs some kind of physical outlet but just hasn’t found their fit yet.“

“Dropped in from out of town. Great class. Great workout. Very inviting and friendly atmosphere!“

“We have tried out several different martial arts gyms and couldnt really find one that fit. My son, daughter and nephew joined Alliance several months ago. I am a people watcher and observer. I have watched these coaches plant so many seeds for success, confidence, and just an all around wholesome experience into so many individuals in the gym and their families. Everyone has been very kind and welcoming. The head coach and his wife are really awesome people, along with all the coaches. My son has become so much more confident, he loves this gym. His demeanor has changed in such a positive way. We are very grateful we found this place, it definitely fits for us.“

“I have been apart of Capoeira Minnesota for many years and it's been the most incredible of community events both indoors and out for both my children and I. I highly recommend joining. The richness of it's culture and background has integrated to the Twin Cities in the most profound of ways. Incredible learning experience and opportunities for growth. If you're wanting to try dance, music and martial arts sign up as soon as you can!“

“Awesome awesome awesome!It’s a very good place if you want training for taykando!Very very behaved and polite teachers!A very disciplined and friendly environment inside.“

“Owners and instructors are extremely kind and helpful for our young learner. Thank you everyone!“

“I came to Twin Cities T’ai Chi seeking a practice that would help me with emotional and physical processing of a year filled with challenging life events. I got that and so much more.The instructors are knowledgeable and the studio members are warm and inviting. The studio itself is spacious and clean. There are folks with all sorts of different backgrounds, ages, and stories with what lead them to TCTC. I wasn’t expecting this but I ended up gaining a whole new community with fellow studio members and instructors that I love to see each week.If you’re seeking to bring a new practice and community into your life, Twin Cities T’ai Chi might be the perfect fit, as I discovered it was for me.Pro tips:1. Don’t be afraid when entering the building for the first time. The studio is a few floors up in an artists loft building with the doors to the street locked to the public. Arrive a little early to the class and there will be a friendly instructor to open the door and greet you when you arrive.2. Dress in layers and feel free to bring a small backpack. The space is toasty in the winter!3. You will get to work with different instructors each class. The variety is lovely and it creates a well rounded experience!“

“It was very informative and I looked the energy of the place will be making this a continued place to take my child“

“I just got of the phone with Steve and it was an amazing, informative and inspirational phone call that gets you ready for day one. ?? Can't wait. If you have questions about joining, call! You won't be disappointed!!!??“

“Great teachers, helping teach self defense and qualities for good people. I'm happy I found them“

“This is an awesome studio with smaller classes and they practice COVID precautions. This a great place for both kids and adults. Students gain endurance, speed and discipline. What a great place with extremely experienced instructors. I highly recommend Kor-Am to everyone wanting to improve themselves in both mind and body.“

“I have been a student of Guro Chris McWethy for 3 years. He is a very good teacher who is very knowledgeable and a good communicator. The class is well organized and always interesting. I have learned real world basic and intermediate self defense techniques. There is also a lot of stick and some knife work. One night per week is sparring with padded sticks.“

“We have twin boys going to Kindergarten in Richfield. We looked at *lots* of after-school options and are so glad we went with Hwa Rang Do. The kids enjoy getting better at martial arts — it's so fun to see them practicing their moves at home, and they felt so proud when they graduated to the next belt color. And the portion of the program that isn't martial arts is exactly what we wanted in an after-school program: the instructors are great with the kids, and find a balance between letting them goof off and get out energy and keeping the environment calm and organized. Every time we pick up the kids they're in the middle of some creative new art or craft, from making gingerbread houses to making their own "swords" from cardboard to beading and sculpting. I really like the physical space too — lots of board games, art supplies, and books, as well as foosball, an aquarium, and couches to just hang out. We highly recommend this program! Thanks to all the staff!“

“Our son has learned so much at EP National Karate and is really enjoying working with the teachers.“

“Kuk Sool Won was by far the best thing for me as a kid and growing into adulthood. The physical training empowered my life. The lessons learned still guide my life. I'm so thankful my parents allow me to join Kuk Sool Won. Earning my Blackbelt is one of my most proud experiences! I cant thank my instructors and the schools owners Steffen and Nicki enough. Truly a life changing experience!“

“As a black belt, I can confidently say that this dojo has provided me with exceptional instruction and a supportive community throughout my training journey. The instructors are knowledgeable, passionate, and dedicated to helping students of all levels achieve their goals. The classes are well-structured, challenging, and engaging, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among students. I highly recommend this dojo to anyone interested in learning karate in a positive and motivating environment.“

“What an encouraging and motivating environment for all who participate here!
Paul, Kellie, their boys and the student trainers are all such awesome individuals. This is a family run business and they make everyone feel as if they are part of the family.“

“My 10 year old son has been training with them for 4 years. Before he joined, we found out a year after the fact that he was being bullied at school (he was in kindergarten) by a kid much older/bigger than him. There were little signs that something was going on, but it took a year for him to tell us.After joining American Top Team, he quickly gained back his self confidence! They do an amazing job teaching the kids self defense, focus, discipline and hard work all while having so much fun!Fast forward to last year: a kid randomly comes up to him on the bus and punches him. My son does nothing, which confused his friends. He knew he could defend himself but didn’t feel like he needed to. So instead, he ignored the kid and told a teacher when he got to school. Now this year he’s starting to compete and is loving it!“

“I dropped in a few Saterday's here and there. I explained that I live a long ways away. they have the friendliest staff. The wealth of their instructors in mind blowing. So many disciplines taught there to learn.“

“My kid joined the Little Tiger’s program and has enjoyed each and every class from that time. When Master Moon and Master V show their skills, it’s just awesome to watch how good they are. All the other instructors are also very knowledgeable and help every kid. They have a structured program which teaches kids the value of discipline, respect and hardwork along with building self confidence. My kid looks forward to every class. Their championship tournaments are very well organized and go a long way in building a healthy competitive spirit with the students. I cannot think of any negative aspect of Master Moon Tae Kwon Do.“