Reviews of Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy

These are some of the best people you will meet. Everyone is so wonderful and focus on teaching and helping as much as possible. The level of respect here is amazing and you don't walk in feeling inferior. You walk in and feel welcomed into a family. If you go anywhere, this is the place.

I've been training at this school since 2010 and don't regret a minute of it. The level of skill Sifu Shields has is AMAZING! His level of knowledge in multiple arts is outstanding and his dedication to his craft is unparalleled. The best part is how he is able to show SO MANY variations of a technique and blend them across multiple art forms for high quality learning and training for self defense. Plus he really takes the time to get to know each of his students by name and help them learn what really works for them which is truly the JKD way.

So whether you are looking to train for exercise, sport, or self defense - you will get it all. Plus the people he's promoted to black belt are also great instructors too. And you will learn and get better really fast if you are willing to absorb all the school has to share.

Sifu Scott Shields is so amazing. He is very knowledgeable at so many arts and has tons of real life experience with an ability to explain to beginners and advanced students. He has won numerous championships in Muay Thai, BJJ and Submission wrestling! Being an instructor under the legendary Dan Inosanto is just a bonus! The BEST place to train in the Matthews and Charlotte area, hands down!

Scott Shields Martial Arts is amazing. I have been taking Muay Thai there for over 2 years and it is one of the best things I have ever done! I lost weight, got in shape and gained confidence! Also I have made great friends there, as everyone is a team and works to help each other improve. Now I have the honor of helping to teach the kids classes and being made an assistant instructor in Thai. The kids program is great and I see huge improvements in the children in various areas, especially focus, coordination, respect, self-discipline and control and CONFIDENCE! Now I am even branching out into the other offered- Jeet Kune Do, Kali and BJJ! Fun classes and fantastic instruction. Whether you want to get in shape, lose weight, make new friends or just start a fun new hobby or even fight, this is for sure the best place in Charlotte (ok Matthews technically)! www. scottshields. com

Training at Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is an amazing experience. I take to the Jiu-Jitsu classes and have been there for about 6 months. I learn a lot every single class and even within a few months was able to apply what I had learned in an unfortunate self-defense situation to come out on top (literally)! Highly recommend the school and Sifu Scott Shields to anyone wanting to learn any form of martial arts.

Scott Shields Martial Arts is simply the best in the business. I have been training in Jeet Kune Do for about 5 years now. For the first few years I tried several different schools and took lots of seminars. I hated floating around but I just could not find a good teacher and a school with a very comfortable atmosphere. Finally I found Sifu Scott Shields. Not only is he a WORLD CLASS instructor, his academy is an amazing place that his students can really call home! Sifu Shields is a second generation student of Bruce Lee, having gotten his instructor rank from Bruce Lee's protégé Dan Inosanto, so it is very cool to be so close to the source of Jeet Kune Do, you can't really get much closer than that! He really explains the material well and makes sure his students understand it. If you are having a hard time with something he will personally work with you to make sure you get. All of the instructors under him are very knowledgeable, professional and helpful and the cool thing is that the other students even go out of the way to help you as well! Everyone goes out of their way to welcome new students so you don't have to feel worried or anxious, you will not be out of place your first time. We are a big family and a great team that works together and always helps each other. Go Team Jaguar! I recommend Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy to everyone, children and adults alike. There are classes for whatever you are interested in, JKD (Jeet Kune Do), Kali/Filipino Martial Arts, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jiu-Jitsu and kids classes I think are MMA but I don't have kids so I am not sure. I love the Jeet Kune Do because of the philosophy but it doesn't matter what art you take, I have watched other classes and Sifu's teaching skill is so high it is amazing. Everyone has fun and gets good. I can't say enough good things about the school and I am so grateful to have ended up at Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy and as a member of Team Jaguar!!!

My kids are so happy here! They have been training for about a year at Sifu Scott Shields school and they have learned so much! I couldn't have picked a better place than Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy. Their level of discipline, respect and self-confidence has increased 10 fold and that is what I, as a mom of 3, was looking for. They are thrilled to learn the cool MMA techniques and get to punch, kick, spar and even as members of Black Belt Club do some take-downs and submissions. They are always begging to do the extra activities like Parent's Night Out and sleepovers. I love the environment because I know I can trust them to watch over my children if I leave them for one of the events. The instructors are patient, kind and knowledgeable and the kids have fun but are never allowed to be out of control. It is truly a great environment to put your children in and I can't recommend it enough!

I have been training at Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy for about 2 years now in the JKD (Jeet Kune Do) and Kali/Filipino Martial Arts programs. I have learned SO MUCH about self-defense, I am now totally confident that I could defend myself and my wife in a street situation. I continue training at this point because I have developed a sincere appreciation for the arts and for bettering myself through training. I just like who I have become since I started. I enjoy progressing through the ranks and building on my knowledge and hope someday to become an instructor. I also really like the people at the school, it is just a great environment and they are definitely the type of people you want to surround yourself with. If you are looking for a world class instructor than Sifu Scott Shields is who you want and if you want practical self-defense you will be able to apply from day one you should try the JKD and Kali classes. You will be glad you did!

I love training at Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy! I have been doing the American Combat Jiu-Jitsu class for about a year and it has completely changed my life. I just LOVE training, I train 5-7 days a week and do private lessons and am even planning on competing! I have made life-long friends, gotten amazing mentors in Sifu Shields and the other instructors and gained confidence in myself. I have lost weight and gotten in better shape and it has motivated me to work out outside of class as well. I am so grateful to have found the Team Jaguar family. It has made such a huge positive impact on my life, I cannot imagine where I would be now without it!

Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is a godsend! I cannot say enough good things about the instructors. They are knowledgeable and fun and really care about getting you good. A family and team atmosphere permeate the whole school. Not only the instructors but the students go out of their way to make sure you are having a good time and getting the moves correctly. I have been taking their Muay Thai Kickboxing class for 3 months and have lost 20 lbs and toned up! It is such a fun and awesome work out! My kids are in the children's class and they LOVE it! They can't wait to come to class on Tues and Thurs! I love watching them lean self-defense but more so about respect, self-discipline and teamwork. The kids really are an amazing team, no one ever gets left out or bullied and they show amazing sportsmanship. My children love being on Team Jaguar and so do I!

Scott Shields MMA is an awesome place to train. I am a family man and we all participate. I love the Jiu Jitsu classes and rolling is so much fun and I get a great workout. My wife is thrilled because she has lost 20 lbs and still going in her Muay Thai Kickboxing class and my kids love their classes as well and I am very happy seeing their confidence grow and not having to worry about them getting bullied in school and not know what to do. Can't reccommend this place enough.

A wonderful place to train. Real world combat instruction is detailed and adaptive. The staff is accommodating and friendly, they want you to succeed in reaching your martial arts and/or fitness goals. Try a class for free. You will find it just as great as I do. Sifu Shields is the best at what he does and it shows. It seems like an oxymoron to have such a great self-defense and combat martial artist who also is a great "people" person!

Scott Shields has no credentials as far as I can see. Read this post I just saw: http://screamingreviews.com/warning-of-fake-bjj-instructors-and-blackbelts-in-north-and-south-carolina/

Scott Shields Martial Arts is the best place I have ever found to train. I had trained in BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) for over 5 years before I moved to Charlotte and found Sifu Shields. His classes are always fun and exciting and extremely practical. I love the mixture of self-defense and sport material. My two children are having a fantastic time in the kids classes there and my wife has just started in the Muay Thai kickboxing class as well and is feeling great about losing weight and getting in better shape and making new friends. They have an amazing atmosphere for all ages and everyone is treated like family. I cannot reccommend this school enough, whether you are a brand new beginner or have lots of experience, if you want the best place in the Charlotte area to train come to Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy.

Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is a really great place. From the moment I became a member of Team Jaguar I was made to feel welcome and part of the family. I always leave class feeling like I have learned valuable techniques that I will actually be able to put into practice. I am even trying to get my girlfriend to sign up as well so I will feel more secure knowing she knows how to defend herself. I have been training now for about a year and I am excited to continue progressing and learning more in the years to come!

Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is an awesome place to train. I always am learning interesting and fun techniques and getting a great workout also. Also, I have made a ton of friends there. They always are having some sort of special seminar or weekend activity that just make the overall great experience of training there even better. If you need a place to train in the Charlotte area, you definately need to become a member of Team Jaguar!

Top quality training! Scott Shields has given me all the moves I need to succeed in my Jiujitsu game. His knowledge of jiujitsu, mma and kickboxing is staggering. Honor and respect are the words I would use to describe the entire academy. It's like a big family and I have been treated like a member of the family since day one. I drive over 30 miles each way to train here and have been to many other places, this academy is the BEST!!!

This is a fantastic dojo, what a great place to learn. The instructors (especially Sifu Scott Shields) are very knowledgeable and all the students are friendly and helpful. The atmosphere here is just really good and it's a great place to learn and get good at a variety of martial arts! Definately check it out if you are looking for a place to train in Charlotte!

Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is the place to BE! It is one big family and everyone really cares about each other. Whether you want to train in Jeet Kune Do, Kali, Muay Thai or Jiu-Jitsu or looking for a great place for your kids to train, this is the best in Charlotte! The classes are exciting and fun and always pack in plenty of great, practical information, both for self-defense and sport! I cannot reccommend Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy enough!

Very Professional and very clean. Nice staff, always there to help. Classes are great and everyone treats you like you are part of a real team. My favorite class is the American Combat Jiu-jitsu and the Kickboxing. They have a full size cage for MMA training as well. Try a class and you will be hooked! My entire family loves it!

Simply the BEST place to train in the Charlotte/Matthews area. My entire family takes classes and we all love it. The school is 100% clean, professional and world class. We love the caring instructors and have been treated like part of the family since day one! The material is both practical and easy to learn. The focus is on real self defense while providing fitness and instilling tradional values like respect all the while. 5 stars!

Vincent T.

Scott Shields Martial arts has it all in a great family atomosphere. Everyone there made me and my family feel welcome and was so professional. The instruction is world class and in a safe, clean and positive enviornment. Scott Shields is a awesome high level black belt that really seems to care about his students. My family is hooked!

Scott Shields is an amazing instructor. I have learned more about bjj and grappling from him in 10 months then I have at another place in 4 years! His skills are world class and the staff is very professional and friendly. They made me feel at ease and were so kind that I even put my 7 year old daughter in the kids class! She loves it! There are a lot of good places at here but I hope everyone can try a class here and see for themselves the difference. They have been in business for over 20 years and are world class people. Safe, clean and very respectful enviroment. Try it, you won't be sorry.

Bill G.

I am proud and deeply honored to have been a student and friend of Sifu Scott Shields for the past twenty years. Sifu Shields is the most knowledgeable and highly skilled martial artist that I have ever encountered. Sifu Shields is an incredible teacher, able to explain and demonstrate techniques in a simple and accessible way to every student. Sifu Shields is incredibly giving of his time, energy, and encylcopedia-like knowledge of martial arts. Sifu Shields skill as a martial arts practitioner and instructor are surpassed only by his humbleness, good nature, and sense of humor. Scott Shields Martial Arts Academy is a wonderful place to learn and practice martial arts. A fun, warm, and welcoming environment without ego where the focus is not only great martial arts instruction but building friendships that can last a lifetime!

There is no comparison. Sifu Scott Shields has the very best of combination of deep knowledge, real world experience, modesty, and teaching ability. Above all Sifu Shields shows selfless commitment by letting every student have access to technique he learned and practiced over a 20+ year martial arts career. I felt welcomed from the very first trial class and nearly three years later Sifu Shields provides me with new knowledge and practical application every time I train. See for yourself and come by any of the classes offered in JKD, Kali, BJJ, Women's Self Defense, Muay Thai and more!

Training with Master Scott Shields is an honor and a privilege! I learn so much in every class! Master Shields can break down any technique to help you understand and get good at it! Master Shields has so much knowledge in so many martial arts I can never decide what to take a private lesson in! I love my time on the blue mat. There are so many great training partners to choose from! Luckily I have never been in a situation where I have HAD to use my training but I know lots of other students that have and many that credit their survival of attacks to Master Shields' training. I feel confident that my skills would work if I ever was in a self-defense situation. My wife has taken the women's self-defense classes and she is also much more confident and even talking about taking regular jiu jitsu classes! We absolutely love being a part of the Scott Shields Martial Arts Family!!!

I have been to many schools in the Charlotte area in my search to find a great place for my family to train and I will never go anywhere else again! My wife and I both train and so does our daughter. The adult classes are a great mixture of workout and technique and the kids classes are high energy and MAN do the kids look good! The have a great Black Belt Club for kids and a Master's Club for adults and they are even starting a monthly "Girl's Night" where the female students get together and train and have fun! There is such a sense of community among the students and instructors, we are all proud to be a part of Team Jaguar. Master Scott Shields is a wealth of knowledge about all the styles, whether you are looking for practical self-defense, competition, the art aspects or just to get in shape. His passion for teaching is so obvious and he is constantly on the mat helping everyone. He is so nice and fun to train with, everyone loves him, kids and adults alike. I cannot recommend this school enough!

What a fantastic place to train! Scott Shields is an amazingly talented martial artist and instructor. I have trained with many people and will never go anywhere else now that I have found his school! I train in all the classes, Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ and American Combat) JKD/Kali and Muay Thai. The techniques are great and Master Scott Shields is very detail oriented and makes sure you get the techniques down-pat. It is a very safe and friendly environment and I never have to worry about unsafe training partners. The equipment is new and clean and the staff and students alike are very friendly, it is a great Team atmosphere (go Team Jaguar)! I can't say enough good things about the school. Come in a try a class for yourself and you will see!

I am a parent and also a student of Sifu Shields. We have been there for about 2 years and LOVE IT!!! I highly recommend this school to anyone who wants to learn a martial art in a safe and friendly envorinment. They greet you with open arms and treat everyone like family. Ashley Nee is wonderful with the kids! They beg to go to class instead of wanting to stay home! I have been to a few schools over the years and I wish i would have found them years ago!

This is the worst school YET! I am from Chicago and wanted to sign myself and my 13 year old son into this school. we where with our old school for 5 years. I told them my son only wanted to try it out for a few weeks to see if he liked it! but Scott said I had to sign a contract. I unwilling signed a 6 month and me and my son hated this place just after the first few days. very poor instruction. Then he said I signed I 1 year contract which I never did or would!! this place is a Rip Off scam. they have some “lessons in martial arts” collection company trying to bill me for a whole year of classes and we only went a week. PLEASE go somewhere else !! we are going to the better business bureau. Which the BBB already has a bad rating for this School.