Martial arts schools OKC and surrounding areas

[Republicanhack]

Wow, that's rough. You'd think that to compete at that level they have to have a real passion for their discipline and that sort of a thing wouldn't be an issue. But business & money changes all kinds of people.

The first 6 months or so things were good they had 3 classes a week 2 1 hour classes and saturday was 2 hours, then we lost saturday all together and then they shortened it to 30 minutes so they could have more classes. They went from $85 a month to $250 a month after the second year and the belt tests were every 2 months even tho they were only training a total of 2 hours a month. It really got bad after the former head of the association died and handed his position down to the head instructor, it was all Hollywood from then on.

 

[R. Johnson]

Avoid ATA like the plague.

 

[shootermcgavin]

Yup. USA Stars has my vote. Pat is one of the most loveable, nice teddy bears of a guy you'd ever meet that could rip you apart like a piece of paper. One bad dude that is really nice in my opinion. I have two roommates that both train and coach at USA Stars.

 

[aestus]

Stay away from any place that has a ton of trophies on display and is "competition" centered. These places teach you how to score points in a controlled environment, not defend yourself in a street fight. Will you learn enough to be able to defend yourself? Sure, perhaps more than the usual person with no training. But these competition oriented schools also do not teach what's important about the martial arts in terms of self discipline, self control and importantly how to NOT FIGHT. Also, just about any street brawler will absolutely destroy a tournament fighter any day of the week.

A good way to detect BS is to watch how the instructor self defense techniques. If there's a bazillion steps and moves just to get out of a hold, then it's wrong. Also, if there's a bazillion belt colors and tests that you have to buy and take for 200% markup price every 2 months, then walk away. The instructor is only interested in gouging you and making $$$$ and is probably a sham. It is my opinion that the instructor should buy and give you the belt as a reward for your dedication and hard work. It sickens me when I see instructors use it as an opportunity to milk you for more money.

 

[corwin1968]

Avoid ATA like the plague.

I know nothing about ATA (American Tae Kwon Do Association) but their signage "ATA Karate" would be enough to send me running in another direction.

 

[ebman]

surprised noone has mentioned haggertys on sooner and reno. check em out.

 

[Republicanhack]

Stay away from any place that has a ton of trophies on display and is "competition" centered. These places teach you how to score points in a controlled environment, not defend yourself in a street fight. Will you learn enough to be able to defend yourself? Sure, perhaps more than the usual person with no training. But these competition oriented schools also do not teach what's important about the martial arts in terms of self discipline, self control and importantly how to NOT FIGHT. Also, just about any street brawler will absolutely destroy a tournament fighter any day of the week.

A good way to detect BS is to watch how the instructor self defense techniques. If there's a bazillion steps and moves just to get out of a hold, then it's wrong. Also, if there's a bazillion belt colors and tests that you have to buy and take for 200% markup price every 2 months, then walk away. The instructor is only interested in gouging you and making $$$$ and is probably a sham. It is my opinion that the instructor should buy and give you the belt as a reward for your dedication and hard work. It sickens me when I see instructors use it as an opportunity to milk you for more money.

I don't think I could agree more

 

[okieboomer1]

Grand Master Won's: (405) 793-0752 - 10801 S Sunnylane Rd, Oklahoma City, OK.


My daughter went there from 1st grade to sixth. Great place for kids. They have a martial arts summer camp that includes tae kwon do lessions, as well as field trips; museums, swimming, etc...the kids even grow thier own veggies during the summer. They also have trips to the libray, and give oral book reports during the summer camp to improve self confidence/public speakling.

Good place.

 

[SoonerBJJ]

Looking for a good one for my 8 and 9 yr old. Seems like every school I find closes down in 3 months or so. Hoping for one that has been in business awhile. Ive taken just about everything so all recommendations welcome.

We can best answer your question if we know what you want for your kids. Are you looking for self defense or competition skills that can be applied to self defense? Do you see wrestling in their future?

Are you more interested in games, fitness and with some discipline thrown in for good measure?

As mentioned, Lovato's and USA Stars have good children's programs. OKCDT in Edmond has a good kids' judo program.

Lovato's: http://okbjj.com/Warriors.htm

 

[GlockedandLoaded]

Lovato's is leget.