Reviews of White Tiger Martial Arts/Jim Adkins Kenpo Karate Studios

I started Ti Chi at White Tiger a year ago, I didn't realize that it had been that long until I saw my memories on Facebook this morning. I started because of health problems mainly arthritis which made it hard for me to get around Ti Chi wasn't a cure but it has helped me to get off the pain meds and made my mobility a lot easier . Sifu has also taught me methods to help control panic attacks and ways to help quite my mind when I can't sleep. It is all around just a great place to be to learn and make new friends. It is truly a great learning and fun place to be . The instructor and his beautiful wife along with the other students are wonderful people!!!!

Words can scarcely do justice to this amazing dojo and the tremendous people who run it and attend there.

I have taken my three children here and have attended classes myself. The education is thorough, exciting and applicable. Grand Master Sifu Jim Adkins is an exceptional teacher and friend. Kenpo is a form of martial arts that I have loved learning from he and his assistant instructors since 2009. They are family oriented and the lessons are for every one at every age.

When you think of a dojo, you probably think "I'm going to learn how to punch and kick and work out a little bit in the process. " Well when you come to our dojo, sure you get those things but you get so many other things at the same time: for example, you would learn how to to punch but also HOW to punch, different kinds of punches, targeting, ect.

Besides the physical aspects of the dojo, which are very street-smart and realistic, there's also the mental, spiritual, psychological and philosophical sides as well. You get deeply grounded in who you are, what you actually believe in and will fight for and how far and to what end you'll take it to protect yourself and others.

In Kenpo, which everyone starts out in, you learn physical and mental self defense for real life and on the streets: the instructors are passionate about what they do and will help you in whatever way is in their power to overcome your obstacles in life to help you become a better person. And once you've started, you want to keep coming back to the awesome atmosphere, the people and before long you realize that they've become your second family in the process.

In Kung Fu, you'll learn how to move more fluidly, work on your balance and coordination and interpret your Kung Fu forms in self defense. You'll also get a lot of philosophy and spiritual aspects about the art and life as well as the history. You'll gain self-confidence, spirit and look at life through new eyes, as well as improving your flexibility and memory.

In Tai Chi, you'll improve your balance through the forms, your health through the breathing use of chi and learn how to use the moves for self defense purposes.

All in all, Sigung Jim Adkins has changed me and my life for the better since I started over 6 years ago and still continues to change me still today for the better.

As a student of Grand Master Jim Adkins I can attest to the effectiveness of this martial arts system. The true wonder of this system is not only about the physical skills but in the ability of Grandmaster Adkins to be able to see in each individual student the areas in their lives that need help in growth and being able to personalize the lessons to the individual.

During my six years of training to date and my ongoing training, in all parts of this Grandmaster Adkins is always placing challenges in front of me to continue all aspects of my growth physical, mental and spiritual

The beauty of this system in a physical aspect is that it is customizable to anybody. Mr. Adkins has taught students in wheelchairs how to use American Kenpo. The discoveries he has made during his 30 plus years of training and teaching has given him insights that allow this system to be the most effective Street Smart fighting system for self-defense currently available.

If your are considering studying a martial art look no further. This is a traditional school based in common sense, respect and discipline.

I highly recommend Jim Adkins Keno Karate studio to any and all who are searching for martial arts training and all the benefits that accompany this training.

I have been training with Master Sifu Adkins for 10 years. I joined martial arts originally, because my little brother wanted to try it and wanted someone to join with him. However, I found that the training was fun and rewarding (weight loss, improved flexibility, improved self-confidence, etc. ), and Master Sifu Adkins genuinely cares about his students.

Master Sifu Adkins has extensive knowledge of his art, and fits his teachings to the individual student. Whether you are looking to learn Kung Fu, improve your flexibility with Tai Chi, or learn street-smart self-defense, Master Sifu Adkins will tailor his teachings to you based on what your goals are.

The art he teaches is highly applicable in a self-defense setting, as well. I work in law enforcement, and I was amused to find that a lot of self-defense moves that he taught me were taught during my academy.

Unfortunately (due to work obligations) I live 5 hours from this dojo now, so I can't attend regularly. However, I find that every time I come to visit, I am greeted like family and it's like I never left. I can't wait to move back to the Traverse City area and attend this dojo, again!

I trained under Sifu Adkins for many years, having also trained under many other instructors in my time I can say that Sifu Adkins Knowledge, Skill, and Passion for his Martial Arts far exceeds most other Instructors! Not to mention the depth of his Philosophical and Psychological application of his art is truly amazing! He is a pioneer of modern day self defense but still keeps the traditions of ancient practice!

A school you must visit and need to experience no matter your age or level of skill.

We love this place. It has done so much for our Daughter. The people are fun, loving and caring.

Couldn't be happier with the instruction my daughter receives and the passion Sifu has awakened in her to continue and excell. I would recommend anyone at any stage of life to seek instruction from Master Jim Adkins.

This dojo is filled with amazing teachers and friends. This is a place where no matter what you're going on in your life you can find someone to help you.

When you become part of White Tiger martial Arts the people there are so nice. It's like a second home. It's the White Tiger Family. My son has learned so much and has fun doing it. Master Sifu Adkins and his lovely wife Sara are just wonderful people.

I have been a student of Grand Master Sifu Adkins for many years. I have learned so much and continually learn every day. What started out as a curiosity has become a lifestyle for me.

Great family atmosphere. The instructor is very knowledgeable. The instructor is present the majority of the class time and there are many assistant instructors available.

I could say a lot about Grand Master Adkins, I could talk about his qualifications, his awards, or his world records. However, the caliber of his teaching ability is really what brings all that together. Grand Master James R. Adkins expects a lot from his students. As a candidate for black belt I've been testing for several months and I've heard instructors from other schools say that most arts would consider me a second or third degree black belt. I knew this while rising through the ranks and it's why getting my black belt though this school means so much to me. Grand Master Adkins is able to expect this level of commitment from people because he puts his all into the school and the students. If you were to come to our school and question to our students you would find at least a dozen stories about people who were in bad places mentally or spiritually who came to study with us and were given the tools to change their lives for the better, all they had to do was want and work toward that change, which isn't easy, but for many of us it was a lot of fun. This is in addition to the martial arts training that starts out providing a strong basic means of self defense in the lower levels and progresses to a system that allows a practitioner to gain control of any situation. I can only speak highly of this school, the assistant instructors and the systems grand master. But, please I come in and see for yourself.

when you come to white tiger, you are greeted, taught and grow as an individual. there are regular group classes but each student is taught and focused on as an individual so each one gets the training they need for their life, body make-up, personality and learning level. At white tiger everything you learn can be used in real self defense but you dont just learn the physical: you also excell spiritually and physcologicly. There are many ways to deal with a potential self defense situation and you are taught everything about how to possibly avoid it or talk them down or stop them from attacking in the first place so you are disciplined mentally and spiritually as well as physcially. Not only that but the bonds you form with the students and teachers will last firever and they will become your best friends and a second fanily for sure :)

I had little idea of what to expect when I walked into White Tiger the first time. What I've found amazes me. Deep friendships, respectful attitudes, peaceful contemplations, and compassionate training. . . fast pace, practical self defense, and all the martial arts weapons too. If you are ready to change or looking for something new definitely give White Tiger and Grand Master Sifu James R. Adkins a try. You'll feel better and be kicking over your head in no time.

Master Sifu Jim Adkins is a gifted and talented instructor. I have attended White Tiger with my two daughters (age 10 and 12) for over a year now. Jim and everyone at White Tiger is incredibly patient and encouraging. My daughters have benefited greatly from learning martial arts at White Tiger. Sifu Adkins teaches not only martial arts, but about life values. I can't recommend White Tiger enough to adults and children.

a step by step instructional program that caters the instruction to the individual, not the individual to the material being taught. a family oriented facility that deals with not only martial growth but, mental and spiritual growth as well. defining moments with detailed mentorship create a safe and secure environment in a group or individual instruction setting. curriculum includes addressing day to day encounters on the street, at school and social interactions. children and adults are presented with real life situations such as bullying, safety to and from parked vehicles, situational awareness in public areas, home defense and confrontational encounters. an unlimited array of both ancient and current weapons are taught along with empty hand training. Class prices are reasonable with family rates and scholar ship programs for qualifying underprivileged or special needs students. Testing and belt ranks are information and skill based; there is no cost for belt testing, at any level of instruction. Instruction includes American Kenpo, Kung Fu, Tai-Chi, and Ninjutsu.

Master Adkins is not only a great instructor but a great person. I have not only learned Martial Arts from him. I have learned how to be a good instructor as well.

I took lessons here for a number of years, the important thing is to be honest with the instructors as to what you want to get out of the class and they will work with you to achieve your goals within the White Tiger framework. I personally wanted a better knowledge of body mechanics and body physics as well as self defense and got exactly that.

Of the several dojo I've been to this one is hands down the best. I've received detailed instruction on self defense that I'm confident will directly translate into real time full contact scenarios. I'm in this for self defense and not as a sport and for self defense I don't think any dojo could do better. Students at the school do seem to win many tournaments but while I do spar I don't participate in the tournaments. You will have to make your own judgement on competitive instruction.

Clear and concise instructors. Very professional and take the time to make sure the students understand the principles and the art. You have the feeling of accomplishment after classes. Whatever limitations you may have physically or mentally, the instructors work with the challenges for you to be successful.