Martial Arts Schools in Madison

“Not all BJJ facilities and training are created equal. Team Curran Madison is a cut above the rest. Why? Because you get a welcoming, quality group of people, a non pressured way to learn and explore BJJ, the ability to dial it up or dial it down based on your needs, and a good offering of programs for the whole family.There's something special going on here, you have to come in to see it for yourself.“

“My favorite dojo East of the Rockies. Good people, dedicated & knowledgeable teachers from the second, third, & fourth intellectual generations in the art. Great basics classes. Safe environment emotionally & physically for all kinds of people.“

“I saw Underground Self-Defense when I passed on State Street all the time but I didnt register for the Women Self Defense's class until Sep 2022. I have always wanted to take a self defense class. The course I took was accelerated 2 week course, with 4 hour each. The materials are super informative and interesting. The instructor, Ms. Trisha Vanatta made the class to be a safe zone for discussion. It is super important as the class discusses some important themes relates to the modern world. Ms. Trisha also really cared about her students as she constantly checked on us the whole class time. For the physical part, both Tyler and Orlando gave details feedback on our move, what is right/wrong, how to best perform the moves with highest casualty and lowest injury on us. I am so glad I found Underground Self-Defense. It is a must-take for every women on this planet. I am so glad that I support a local women owned business as well.“

“My 6 yo daughter has been going there for a year. Her focus and self-discipline has definitely improved. When we first started, I was worried that her rambunctiousness. I discussed this with MMA after a few weeks, Master G reassured me that she would be fine.... and she was. I can definitely say he has an amazing way of getting kids to focus and follow instructions. He constantly reinforces the concepts of "try your best" and "focus" and that has certainly shown through.“

“In my opinion, this is the place you should go to if you want to work hard and actually learn martial arts. Its accessible but challenging.“

“If you're looking for a gym here in Madison look no further. This establishment is by far the best place in town. Knowledgeable and friendly teachers make this place very comfortable and approachable for beginners like myself. But don't be fooled as this gym still harbors lots of talented and skillful students of all skill levels. They also encourage a trial period so you can be sure it's something you'd enjoy which is very nice. You'll find yourself quickly hooked on this sport and the fantastic people involved. Before you know it it'll be the highlight of your week. I couldn't be more happy with Foundations BJJ :)“

“My granddaughter went there 4 her martial art class and she really enjoyed going there and she like it. I'm so glad that I went there 2 see her.“

“We've been patrons for years and will be continuing. The kids love the practice and the instructors are phenomenal. Highly recommended.“

“I had been interested in studying some type of martial arts for some time, but for one reason or another, never followed through to find a school.Enter Master Carlson. Six months ago I attended a demonstration she was giving and had my first mini-lesson. I left feeling strong and empowered. Less than two weeks later I was a student.As someone who was never very athletic, I had my doubts as to whether I was cut out for taekwondo. But after each class, I felt more confident in my body and my abilities.Master Carlson has put a lot of thought into not just teaching you a series of movements, but also into what is the best order in which to teach them. She's constantly evaluating her curriculum to make sure students learn the applications for each move and that what they learn builds on itself.She had the privilege of studying in Korea under Grandmaster Park Chul Hee, the founder of Kang Duk Won, one of the 9 original kwans or schools of taekwondo, and she passes on his knowledge, passion and respect for the art of taekwondo to her students.According to Master Carlson, Grandmaster Park knew she would open a martial arts school before she did. And her desire to do so stemmed from wanting to create a space where students learned through positive teaching and where she could impart the culture and history of the sport as well as the movements.Fast forward about 4 months after my first lesson, and I was competing at my first martial arts tournament - at 44 - and largely at Master Carlson's insistence that I would do well. Having only just attained my yellow belt and learned the second half of my form about a week before the competition, I had my doubts. Surely these were just encouraging words to push me forward.They were not. I took first that day in my event. And I learned to trust her. Master Carlson is indeed encouraging, but she doesn't give false praise. And she catches the smallest nuances in your movements, slight things that someone less skilled - or less focused - might overlook. Those minor tweaks aren't just the difference between placing in a tournament or not. They are the difference between properly executing a move or possibly hurting yourself because your body wasn't positioned correctly.To quote a parent who has enrolled her sons at Martial Journeys of Madison, "this is something that will help them in life, not just in this sport."That's certainly what I get out of it. Studying under Master Carlson is an exercise in not just what I can do, but how I can be, both in dealing with myself and others. And there's no ego involved, despite her 4th degree black belt and study under one of the sport's founders. When she seems most happy is when her students excel and learn to do what they thought that they could not. Those are the best kinds of teachers.“

“This place is Great! Lots of classes to take, instructors are knowledgeable and helpful. Very friendly group of people.“

“Both of my kids attend the Little Tigers program. The instructors foster a great sense of community, with just the right amount of structure and discipline for the age group.“