Reviews of Way of the Crane Martial Arts and Streetwize Self Defense

I did not know how good I had it at Way of The Crane until I had to leave the state for my career. I studied here for 7+ years and left as an advanced rank. As I have been looking for a new Dojo to study at, I recognize that the quality of instruction and curriculum in unparalleled. As I try out the martial arts classes to find a new school, from Akido, Judo, MMA, Boxing and Karate, the skills and discipline I obtained here are recognized by the instructors of these schools. If you have found this gem then you have the opportunity to study at in my opinion the best Dojo in Colorado and one of the best in the country. If you are serious about truly learning the martial arts then this is the best place to be. When I do return to Colorado, I will be returning to Way of The Crane.

Unlike many dojos I have been to, this is the real thing. It's a school that teaches a martial *art*, in the true meaning of the term.

This is not a school where everyone tests at the same time, because people learn at different paces. Students only rank up because they are ready to, not because it's convenient or profitable for the instructors.

This is not a school that trains for tournaments, because tournaments are not real-life situations and only promote aggression. Think about it - you do not get any points in a tournament sparring competition for blocking or avoiding attacks, even though every school claims they are teaching "self-defense." And yet, at tournaments the only things rewarded are aggression and violent attacks. Instead, this school trains you not only in how to avoid fights, but when necessary, how to protect yourself and those in need of protection in *real world* situations (including multiple attackers) - not some scheduled cage fight.

Way of the Crane shows you how to defend yourself and it also teaches you the appropriate application of those techniques. Not every situation requires a full-on assault and it's this subtlety and way of working within the world we all live in that makes this art unique.

Community is a vital aspect of this dojo. It is a school run by Sensei Melanie Murphy and that is a big part of what makes it so special. There are no "macho tough-guys" at this school - respect is shown to everyone who is willing to return it. Advanced students NEVER talk down to lower-ranked students. The upper-belts are there to help and encourage, to teach and educate - not belittle and deride. This is a school of positive reinforcement coupled with rigorous training.

I have never, in over 7 years of training at this dojo, come away from class without smiling and laughing out loud at least once. I don't know students from many other schools who can say this. I have also never come away feeling like I didn't get a good workout and learn something.

This school is a special place. If you have been thinking that a lot of the martial arts schools you've been visiting have all seemed remarkably similar, then you should really give this school (community/family) a look. You won't regret it.

I've been interested in the Martial Arts for years, and I've tried several schools in the Denver Metro area, with the always the same result: the schools want me to sign a long contract and then they want to "up-sell" me to something else. I've had just enough experience in studying the Martial Arts to see what most schools are really interested in, and it isn't in their students or teaching the Martial Arts.

Way of the Crane is completely different! The teachers and senior belts truly care about every student at this school. They take the time to explain not just what to do, but the why and how also. There are no long term contracts and, after five years, no one has ever tried to "up-sell" me. There are no gimmicks, just real Martial Arts. Everything I have learned, so far, has a legitimate application in the real world and I get to learn at my own pace. Way of the Crane is, quite simply, the best there is.