Academy of Modern Martial Arts

You’re probably reading this review because you are considering martial arts training for yourself or your children. You’ve got a lot of options. I researched them extensively for my son and myself and eventually selected AMMA. I am so happy that we did. The AMMA instructors are competent and friendly. Their courses are original and mature products of years of reflective practice. And the student community is inclusive and friendly. But most of all, spending time at AMMA is fun. At AMMA you will learn martial arts, you will enhance your spirit and you will strengthen your body — and all the while you will enjoy it. Which is why we plan to keep coming back. :-)

I started martial arts at this school when I was 13. My parents required that I do a sport. I didn’t want to go, but it seemed like the best option over team sports like football and basketball that I knew I wasn’t good at. Rather quickly I developed better physical coordination and started developing a skill set for how to spar. I think that some confidence came with this, and I felt better about myself as I became good at a sport.
But when I look back now, what sets AMMA apart from other martial arts schools was more so how much attention was put on qualities outside of physical athleticism. Teaching a child about focus, ownership and responsibility are topics seamlessly integrated into the belt ranking system at AMMA. To pass your next test, you must show how you can demonstrate these mental attributes in your sparring. Sparring and taking responsibility may seem like two very different things that wouldn’t affect each other, but through the teachings of Kristine and Chris, you will find that a better understanding of the mental areas will strongly benefit your sparring as well. The sweet part is that when you learn how something like responsibility is part of sparring so well, you will also find that it pares with other aspects of your life outside of martial arts.
It’s amazing to see children who are not only able to competently spar, but who are more responsible outside of the school. Parents commenting on their children’s positive behavior is a normal thing to overhear in the hallway at AMMA.
I have been going to this school since I was 13 and now I am 29, still going to the school. I have learned ground fighting, stand-​up sparring, take downs, etc. but I don’t keep coming back to learn how to kick butt, I keep coming back because I believe I am bettering myself each time I show up to the school, because of the incredible sense of community that is found from students and parents alike.
Chris and Kristine are the owners of the school and have a very unique sense of priorities. You won’t find belt testing fees here (common at martial arts schools) you won’t have to buy more and more uniforms and equipment. Their priority is providing a space for their students to grow and develop tools for their life. Pretty unique if you ask me!
The skills I have learned from AMMA have positively effected every aspect of my life, from relationships, business to personal goal setting.
Whether you are a parent looking to enroll their child in martial arts, an adult looking to learn self defense or seeking to improve yourself in your adult life, I would recommend this school for you.