Martial Arts

Hi ya...good place

I have practiced at other martial arts studios in the past. So far I have nothing but great things to say about the instructors I've encountered at the Cove. They are polite, knowledgeable, and generally just really fun to be around. The training is a fantastic workout and it is all very real-world based training. The Cove also thoroughly vets everyone who wants to join to ensure that they will be trust worthy training partners and people that can be trusted with your safety. For anyone looking to seriously or casually practice MMA - the Cove is a great place to go.

I came in for 1 free session 2 years ago and I've been coming regularly ever since. Simply put the Owner/Instructor Tom Schmitz is an expert black belt and amongst the most highly respected coaches in the MN. The atmosphere is friendly, respectful, competitive, and inspiring. Whether your goal is weight loss, mma training, jiu jitsu competition or simply a fun and exciting hobby, you will find accommodation here. See you there future Spartans!

A great place. Instructors are really approachable and knowledgeable and as a beginner the instructors and classmates make you feel really welcome.

Teaches kids much more than Martial arts. Respect, courage , strength, friendship , fun.

My son was new to martial arts when he started at Kickstart. We attend about 4 classes a week and my son has achieved the rank of green belt in about 6 months. He loves the whole experience and has made some friends there. He truly looks forward to it every day. The instructors are excellent with the kids. They are very generous with their positive remarks when the kids do something good or are clearly focused on the tasks. They also have good disciplinary practices when a person gets out of line or isn't focused. The instructors are very patient though and do not lose their cool, but as stated, they are quick to straighten a person up if needed in an appropriate way. They are very active in helping the kids with their techniques and in whatever way that is necessary. Typically there is a good balance of technique (forms) training and practice, along with more physical practice (punches and kicks) as well as stretching and the whole experience is a workout. Not always aerobic but they utilize each minute of the sessions. After 6 months my only minor complaints are that the seating area is way too small and typically only about 3 or 4 people are able to view the activities with much clarity. They are planning on remodeling which would double the viewing area size and hopefully provide ample seating and viewing room. I do wish the website was kept more current as well. It should have the current months calendar, etc. Also a full description of available options (for signing up) should be defined; probably a quick 1 page description of options would be nice. When I signed up, I was not aware of some minor things that would have led to about 300 $ in savings annually which I certainly would have done. I was only made aware of these contract options by overhearing somebody else talk about it. (You save by paying for 12 months with just 1, lump sum, payment). Overall we are very happy with everything at Kickstart. I get just as excited as my child and it so a joy to see the kids learn, and become more confident right before your eyes.

I enrolled my (then) 4 year old son after meeting Mr. Gustavson at the Kids Expo at the Sports Center this past Winter. In the 6 months he has attended, my son has learned so much more than just kicking and punching (which he loves) but he also is learning patience, respect, teamwork and even using the breathing techniques he learned when he gets upset. His attitude is changing for the better and I am grateful to the wonderful instructors Mr. Gustavson and Ms. Lee for being great role models for him also.

my freind loves it 5 freakin stars

It has been great, they actually talk to you, see how you are doing and do what they can to make sure you can go which is amazing. And the environment among peers is great, if anyone sees someone struggling a lot of the time a peer will step in to help if they are nearby. And everyone is super encouraging of each other.

We LOVE this place!!!! My daughter has been going here for over a year and we are amazed at how much she has changed for the better!! She has focus, and self confidence that she never had before!!

For elite and beginners alike. You feel like family and are surrounded by people who take our passion seriously. If you take advantage of the trial class, you will not be dissapointed.

Great instructors with years of experience and great classes that combine martial arts, self defense, fitness, and self discipline, and more.

I joined MKG Madison as a 50 year old who had never done any kind of martial arts. I was looking for something active to do with my teenage son and we both thought Kali looked fun. Guro Josh Prior and the rest of the school were very kind and patient and we felt welcome from the start. Nearly 4 years later, we are both still doing it and having a blast, and we know we are among friends. The Filipino martial arts, Muay Thai, JKD, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Wing Chun challenge my mind daily with new movements and patterns and it feels fantastic when those patterns click. For mental, cultural and physical growth, and a great group of people, you can't beat MKG Madison!

This is where I began my search for a martial arts school for my girls - soon after it would become mine too. The first school called me 2 weeks after I already enrolled - the second school would not give me full details until I tried them - a mistake because now my kids wanted to join but had no clue of the financial obligations. At last I called Master Youn. He not only gave me every detail but offered a custom trial. While not free, it was low enough for me to take the risk. At this point my guard was up and I looked at reviews like this one and the website to find one fault. The more I looked the more I liked. Specifically Ma'am Kellie's involvement as program director and a standing 4th degree black belt!!! This was awesome considering my girls would immediately relate to a successful woman and not find themselves without a role model (as it relates to this journey). Lastly I stayed for a class where a parent was stuck answering my questions. I was intrigued to find out that not only did both of his kids enjoy the program but had exceeded with excellence. A key point because kids tend to get disengaged quickly. The cherry on top was the reality that an adult like myself could not only join but become part of a community - one that I would quickly call my own!