Martial Arts

Fun. Very nice service. All teachers are patient with talkative students. Everyone is hard working and by far the best place in Connellsville to learn karate. No one is racist nor sexist. And we joke sometimes. They deserve a 5 star rating.

I have been under the training of the instructors here for 7 years. It has become a second home and family to me. I look forward to the next time I can go as soon as I leave practice. To majority of us when we walk in the doors everything going on outside is left behind, entering a place where you know you are surrounded by people who will love,care,mentor, and protect you. They are there to help you improve yourself inside the gym and out. The instructors are always accommodating to your needs in the training you want. A handful of the instructors have law enforcement back ground one in which who still works at the police academy (Instructor Russ) is always taking the initiative to teach self defense, Police tactics, Judo and Jiu jitsu. He has a passion for supporting the growth of the ones he has trained in the past and currently. You will always find him working along side his students rather than coaching from the side line. Sensei Neals is an amazing motivator in pushing yourself to the limits in order to show you the strength and confidence you never thought existed within yourself. Sensei Gary is the owner of the gym, full of knowledge from his life experiences. He is retired Law enforcement and Marine Veteran who is willing to share what he knows to those who ask even if it is not what we are currently learning. These instructors are highly motivated when it comes to teaching people how to protect themselves no matter your age,gender,size or if you have a disability. They will find ways to modify in order for the techniques to be most effective. These people are a life changer in so many ways to the fullest extent. I couldn't be more blessed for crossing their paths.

Master Righter makes learning martial arts fun and worthwhile. Classes are great for any age group. The instructors are always very patient and excited to work with you. These classes have not only helped me stay active but have improved my confidence in myself.

The best Karate Dojo around!!

Very clean and very respectful owners

I am in the Alpha Krav Maga program and have two kids in the karate program. I've noticed huge improvement in the self confidence of both my boys throughout their training, not to mention they love it! I also look forward to going to Krav, I try to get there three times a week when I can. The training has increased my self confidence as well. I've found that I've trimmed up from the training and I've gained weight (in muscle). It's a ton of fun and hard work, and the instructors are super friendly and helpful.

Excellent teacher- the class really pushes you to your limits and has a great atmosphere. Classes are small but allow for great instruction.

It's hard to try to show someone the value of martial arts training if they haven't trained themselves. I trained in a different school as a high school student but the training I received completely changed my life. Now, as a parent, I want my children to experience martial arts. My old martial arts school closed so I had to look around the area for a school that aligned with my values. Mountain Valley Family Martial Arts' values and traditional practices align with my own beliefs about what martial arts is about. It's not showy or competitive, it's spiritual and disciplined. I believe competing against others breeds bitterness whereas competing with oneself makes one better - and, in my opinion, THAT is the value that Mountain Valley Family Martial Arts brings to my family's life. My children (ages 4 and 7) have learned the value of working hard and EARNING something, all by themselves. They have become physically and mentally stronger since they've started training with Sensei Nevin. Sensei Nevin has a wonderful demeanor with children and I appreciate how he teaches my children to stand up for themselves and stay out of trouble. I appreciate that he teaches them how to stay safe and avoid abduction and abuse. And finally, I appreciate that he teaches them how to better themselves, set goals, and work hard to achieve them. Finally, as a teacher and parent, I appreciate his constant use of real-life situations in his lessons and the fact that he keeps his lessons relevant to my children's lives. We are not training to be better than everyone else. We are training to be better than we were yesterday.

In 2008 my son attended Budokai Martial Arts and loved it, sadly due to a family situation we had to relocate to San Diego. During that time we tried to find a new Dojo for our son but after each failed attempt we gave up. In 2012 we moved back to Mansfield and our sons first request when arriving was to go see Sensei Messner. Our family has had ups and downs and significant members were riddled with tragic life events plaguing the emotional composure of their confidence. We met with and explained this to Sensei Mike Messner and he welcomed our whole family as his with compassion and assurance. Since joining Budokai our life have been transformed forever. All three (3) of our children have grown leaps and bounds living by the student creed being disciplined, confident and respectful. I personally have found peace and drive within myself and look forward to each and every session with Sensei Messner and his highly trained professional instructors. I have lost 31 pounds as well. My relationship with my wife has grown as well. We practice together, study together and grow together. Budokai is an amazing organization teaching life and traditional Ninjutsu. Many claim to teach the tradition but few actually do, Budokai is as real as it gets. I strongly advise anyone to try as many Martial Art Dojos are teaching the wrong message, Sensei Messner is teaching on every level from the very young to the senior adult. Budokai Martial Arts changed my and my families life permanently and we will never leave. If you have a strong minded child or a special child as mine whom is Autistic, Sensei Messner can and will reach your child and set them on a successful course for their childhood and remaining course of life. I strongly advise Budokai Martial Arts and Sensei Messner to anyone.

Great place great teacher's!