Reviews of Zen Martial Arts & Fitness

Have had a couple kids enrolled for a couple of years at this facility. The quality of instruction and individualized focus is amazing.

As an adult student, I was looking to create a dynamic workout that would take me further than I could go alone. Really get me in the best shape of my life. Not a gym person, I love the one on one personal approach, concern for well being and overall consideration that I get from the owner. Ready to modify workouts to maximize performance, but careful not to injure or overdo anything, the combination is perfect and fun.

If you can afford it -one on one is great, if not maybe try a class. You will see in short order a big improvement and overall great change.

As an adult student of Mr. Monteiro's mixed martial arts program, I have found the program to be immensely satisfying, both physically and mentally. After every training session, I feel stronger and more effective as a fighter; additionally, through Mr. Monteiro's methodical training techniques and well-rounded approach, I have become more focused and confident, both in and out of the ring. As a student of this school for 7 months, new to martial arts, who has tried a number of dojos in the search for the perfect learning environment, I can tell you that this is the place to go if you want to learn the principles of martial arts. The gym is clean, the training sessions are a well-planned balance of technique and fitness, and the guys and girls who train with us are like family. The adult programs are poised to grow, so come train with us; newcomers are welcome!

Both of my children have been training at this studio for quite some time. My son, who has always had trouble focusing at school and at home, has benefited greatly from the programs available at this studio, he has shown improvements with his learning capabilities and at home. My daughter is not only learning techniques for self-defense, but is getting training to improve her skills on the soccer field. I highly recommend this studio and of course the instructor.

I am very pleased to have two children who have studied under Zen Instructor Duarte Monteiro for the past several years. We transitioned from another school whose philosophy seemed to be “everyone gets their next belt after x amount of time no matter what” and were extremely disappointed. Zen’s mindset couldn’t be more different. Duarte emphasizes the hard work and determination necessary to actually earn each belt level through a positive, welcoming, and supportive environment. Watching my children beam with excitement after mastering the technique necessary to earn their newest rank is a testament to the success of this approach. I have also trained personally at the adult MMA/K-1 level with Duarte for the past two years. I have found humility, approachability, and respect to be the cornerstones of Zen’s training whether it is for children or adults and highly recommend giving it a try to see for yourself.

My son and daughter have taken lessons from Mr. Monteiro for several years. The lessons are thorough and fun. I am appreciative of the strides they have made with their core stability, flexibility, and power. I also enjoy the practical knowledge they have gained regarding the various martial arts styles taught here. The owners are extremely approachable and send regular updates on how my children are progressing.

My son has been training with Duarte for four years and my daughter for almost two. Duarte does a great of job of adjusting to each students needs, strengths and weaknesses, which is not very common today. Students test for their next belt when Duarte feels they're fully prepared, not on a set schedule, which is great because my son and daughter learn the value earning something based on hard work and practice. His instruction incorporates athletic development and age appropriate sports and conditioning drills, which is often either overlooked or overused, and he does a great job of blending into his teachings.

The world of martial arts is new to me and the world of fitness has always been hard for me. I recently started taking the Thai fit classes for women. I am really enjoying myself, learning so much and getting such an awesome workout! It's a great way to merge learning how to defend yourself with getting fit. No experience necessary!

Zen Martial Arts & Fitness is an awesome place for learning Martial Arts for all ages. My son has attended for about three years and loves it. Duarte Monteiro focuses on correct form and technique and will not allow advancement to the next belt until the child is ready and has the correct form. The classes also incorporate athletic conditioning and challenges which are fun for the child and helps them to become more "fit".

I have also attended the self defense and Thai-Fit class. Both of them are fun and you walk away with a lot of knowledge. Thai-Fit is a great weekly class to add into your own workout schedule.

Zen Martial Arts & Fitness is a First Class studio. It stands out with its original and creative programs for females in self-defense and kickboxing - Fit2Defend and Thai Fit. Other programs are designed for the entire family, with traditional martial arts, drawing on multiple schools of the art, using state-of-the-art equipment.

The owner is extremely qualified in many highly respected disciplines. The programs are well thought out and incorporates the dynamics of sports conditioning.

The physical, as well as mental conditioning, plus the feedback and recommended maintenance exercises are what make Zen programs superior to other studios.

Mr. Monteiro is an outstanding instructor. Our twin sons (who are total opposites) absolutely love going to his class. We have been attending Zen Martial Arts for the last 4-5 months and the growth in discipline, confidence and athletic conditioning for our sons has been excellent. We routinely ask our boys, "What was the best part of this weekend" and on multiple occasions they have replied "Going to Karate class". Mr. Monteiro's classes provide a combination of discipline through his teaching of the martial arts as well as the fun of athletic competitions which focus on varying skills of the month, such as strength, balance, stamina, etc. We are extremely satisfied with the level of instruction at Zen Martial arts and have and will continue to recommend this martial arts studio to others.

I have been a student of martial arts (formally and informally) for years. I was interested in getting formal instruction again and tried Zen. During the introductory course I was taught a basic punching form that I had never seen before and was given explanations as to why it is effective and safe. The attention to detail and level of instruction is incredible and exactly what I was looking for. I enrolled immediately and also enrolled my son and wife. The instruction is thorough and encompasses all aspects of the lifestyle. There is never any instruction that just fills time and everything is earned (you attain a higher level when you earn it, not every few months). Training is structured and purposeful. I couldn't be happier with my decision.

The instructor provides professional and caring instruction. Fitness and meditation are a significant part of the instruction routine. The mixed martial arts for children creates teamwork among students, and is a fun experience for all. The children can't wait to go to class. All and all, a very profesionally run program.

I've visited the Zen Martial Arts & Fitness studio several times, for an overall assessment and then to start my classes. Every visit has been a pleasure. The instructor is courteous and encourages me towards with my fitness objectives. He offers guidance and is really focused on what my goals are in the program. His goals are my goals. I feel great and energized after every session.

The school provides excellent one to one teaching of Martial Arts to young children which provide them with physical fitness as well as confidence. Bullying is a big problem in society today and Zen Martial Arts teaches kids the techniques to be able to deal with bullies both physically and mentally. The teacher's emphasis on using the Martial Arts learned at the school to " protect yourself, your family and the weak" is a motto that stresses that it should only be used for good.