This page shows Reviews & Testimonials of Apex Martial Arts Academy in Charlotte, NC. 21 Reviewer rated Apex Martial Arts Academy as Very Good. Read detailed reviews below.
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Average Rating: Very Good (21 Reviews)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
21 out of 21 Reviewer recommended Apex Martial Arts Academy.
Family oriented professional instructors
Mar 25 2022 by Eric H (Parent of a Student with 10+ Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Great dojo but Update Needed
Jan 29 2017 by R Trazinski (Parent of a Student with 3 - 6 Months Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
The listing here is old, I found that they moved to a space up in Huntersville, but are by far of the most professionally run clubs around. Great balance of arts I feel that my kids are better prepared than in their previous experiences at a place that was all about high fives and feel good words but no substance. These guys get it.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Apex is a great environment to study martial arts!
Dec 03 2011 by D Holt (Active Student with 3 - 5 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Sensei H.C. Butch McLaughlin, Master Instructor, and the other Sensei instructors are there for you. You are trained in Isshin Ryu Karate, Brazialian Jujitsu, Japanese Jujitsu, Kung Fu, Kendo, MMA, Judo, and other styles. I highly recommend Apex!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Very organized, focused and skill level appropriate training.
Dec 02 2011 by Brian L. (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Apex has provided my son and I a place to grow and develope as martial artists and individuals. The training is real world practical and yet retains the essence of traditional Okinawan karate. Apex trains it's student in a variety of traditional and modern arts never diminishing one style to promote another, but rather blending each into a useable skill the students can feel confident using. The instructors work with each student at their own level, as a white belt just starting out i was never judged or looked down upon, but rather encouraged and motivated to excel, practice, explore and develope into a martial artist. Since each person is an individual, we all train and learn at different levels and speeds, we are all evaluated based on our own abilities. Apex has truly become part of our family and the relationships made will last a lifetime.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
The epitome of Dojo
Dec 02 2011 by Ginger snap (Former Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
When I heared the term "martial arts," I used to think of poorly directed kung fu movies or fight clubs. I used to think that, until I practiced here for a year. The focus in this dojo is the betterment of oneself through martial arts, instead of ego inflation. It centers around friendly humility with a competitive playfulness. Whether you spend time with Senseis Terry, McLaughlin, Brian, Martina, Ben,or Jonathon, you will get to experience a good workout with discipline. If you are looking for a progressive way to gain more confidence with a little strength, discipline, and balance in between, Apex Martial Arts is where you need to be.
p.s: As an added bonus, the dojo studies many different martial arts. It allows one to find a style more suited to their preferences and body type.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
The best place to study Martial Arts
Dec 02 2011 by S Pereira (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Apex Martial Arts is more than just a place to train, it's also a second home to me. We are all one big family, and we all care about each other. The instructors here are amazing and they find ways to teach you that are fun and interesting. I've been doing karate here for 5 years and I know that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Martial Arts with a Great Famliy Atmosphere
Dec 01 2011 by B Smyth (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Apex Martial Arts provides not only excellent instruction, but also a great learning environment. The instructors get to know the students and their families on a personal level, which helps to make everyone feel welcome and get involved with their training. With the wide variety of classes and lesson times, there is something for everyone, regardless of age, experience level, or schedule. I have had the opportunity to be a part of this dojo for nearly 10 years, and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking an education in the martial arts.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Best martial arts academy
Dec 01 2011 by Holts (Parent of a Student with 3 - 5 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Excellent training, discipline, and fun for the entire family. Look no further!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Builds Confidence and Character
Dec 01 2011 by PLp (Parent of a Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Sensei Butch has assembled a top-notch program. I have been proud for my son receive both karate instruction and character building. I know he is a stronger, more confident young man because of his many hours in the Apex dojo. He's made close friends, and has fun with his peers who work hard together to acheive meaningful goals. When my wife and I were searching for "karate lessons" for our son, we looked for a teacher who knew his art, and knew how to teach a young person to feel good about himself. We found that in Sensei Butch. I enthusiastically recommend Apex every chance I get!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
An excellent martial arts dojo
Dec 01 2011 by P Raj (Parent of a Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
It becomes your family- the kind of family you 'want' to spend time with. They're warm, professional and encouraging...the best dojo around.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
excellent
Dec 01 2011 by L Soudah (Parent of a Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
I Know All Sensei Bucth about 4 years,when i was on the Impact Class,when my daughter start the class on last June.2010, i was so happy, now my dream come true, i think this is the best school ever, why? because they care about our kids, they correct them to the right way, they tell them what they suppose to do when they are stuck,i think i will be not worry about my daughter , because she is on a good hands, God Bless you all,thanks you very much.
Peace,
L
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Family oriented, fun dojo that that also takes it seriously, and brings mind, body and spirit together in Martial Arts Teachings
Dec 01 2011 by Delighted (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
My children and I have been a part of the Apex Martial Arts Academy for many years. We love the welcoming family atmosphere and the way high morals and standards are held for everyone. We had a previous experience with another dojo before Apex and the difference is worlds apart. This school does not just teach Martial Arts, they put equal emphasis on character, honor, courage, compassion, loyalty, duty, and justice. They reward students that are successful at school. All students are treated fairly at this dojo.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Excellent instruction and family friendly
Dec 01 2011 by John (Active Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Excellent instruction and family friendly
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
This Dojo will make you want to become a lifetime Martial Artist.
Dec 01 2011 by I Harwood (Parent of a Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
It is the one place and activity that my son never wants to quit. All other sports have come and gone over the last 10 years, but he has discovered a passion here that I don't believe he would have found any where else. Martial Arts will be a part of his life forever because of the commitment shown by his instructors and the friends he has made.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Family-Oriented, Practical Martial Arts Training
Dec 01 2011 by M Burkinshaw (Active Student with 3 - 6 Months Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
My teenage daughter and I started training at Apex in the summer of 2011. We trained for several years up north at a small American Kenpo school and were looking for a school with a similar approach (practical, challenging martial arts taught in a family-friendly atmosphere). We happily found that in Apex and Sensei McLaughlin. We felt very welcome immediately as new students. Even though Apex is a large school the student to instructor ratio is very low so we have always received individual training at every class. The Saturday Family Class is a particular favorite. I can't recommend Apex highly enough!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
A Great Place to Learn
Dec 01 2011 by L Martin (Parent of a Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
I feel very lucky to have discovered Apex Martial Arts. I am confident in the quality of the instruction and the demeanor of the instructors at Apex is always professional, welcoming and motivating. In addition, my daughter was concerned that she may be the only girl in a martial arts class. This is certainly not true at Apex Martial Arts- a good mixture. My daughter has made a couple of good friends at Apex and I too can say that I really enjoy being there. The environment is supportive and uplifting.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Excellent!
Dec 01 2011 by JLegg (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Fun!!!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
A great dojo for the whole family
Dec 01 2011 by SS (Parent of a Student with 3 - 5 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Excellent instructors in a family oriented environment.
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
An awesome dojo!
Dec 01 2011 by C Templeton (Parent of a Student with 1 - 3 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
My daughter has been going to Apex for several years and it is a wonderful supportive place to learn and grow! We highly recommend it!
(1 of 1 People found this review helpful)
Traditional Martial Arts with Family atmosphere
Nov 10 2011 by BT Cullinan (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
There's a class to suit almost every learning style. My kids and I train here and have since they opened the doors. Its not a blackbelt factory and everything is earned here, but the black belts that they've turned out (12 or so) stick around and keep training under Master McLaughlin because there's a lot of material to learn here. Isshin Ryu is the core systema and a great one, but the additional enhancements of jujitsu, arnis, and grappling, plus IMPACT the modern combatives classes for women and men. There's a Little Warriors class that looks like fun, but my kids are too old for it. The assistant instructors are aweseome, Sensei Terry, Sensei Ben, Sensei Brian, Sensei Jon, Sensei Marisa, and the rest make us really want to come to class everyweek.
(2 of 2 People found this review helpful)
Home away from Home
Sep 16 2011 by K Mclaughlin (Active Student with 5 - 10 Years Experience at this school)
- Quality of Instruction:
- Excellent
- Other aspects:
- Excellent
- Recommended:
- Yes
Apex Martial Arts is a great place to study the art because it is not only a disciplined training area, but we are all one big family. Everyone gets the respect they deserve.
Have had my children in this dojo for more than 10 years, they earned their black belts after a long hard road. This is not a belt factory, no rah rah games or kids play. I myself started training and it has changed my life. My girls both earned scholarships for college and I believe that the discipline they learned her prepared them for success in school.