Dongs Karate School

I have studied and taught at many karate schools in the RIC area. I earned a black belt from this school and another 3^rd degree black belt at another school. Twenty-​five plus years doing this sport. My time at this branch was years ago and not based on the current staff. That said, I believe all the branches teach the same material according to the material/​approach of Master Dong and has not changed approach based on my research. This school may have some friendly folks but the school is interested only in your money. Personally, I really liked the head instructor at the time. Very nice guy. However, the system overall never, ever, ever fails any students during a test. Some may like that for morale but it churns out bad students. When a black belt test is wrapped up in under 30 minutes, that’s not a day you remember. The test lasted longer than 30 minutes given the number of people but my time doing actual material was roughly 30 minutes. Also, when I attended, they discouraged participation in tournaments except those sponsored by Dong’s school and competing against other Dong students. That would suggest they are hesitant to permit their students to test their quality versus other schools or to see the product turned out by other schools.. My family and I had a running joke that the test would last just long enough to make sure your check would not bounce. Also, the subservience they teach towards Master Dong is rather cult like at times.

I posted the review below with one star, but Unilocal refused to post it or count it in the review average. I posted it again with 3 stars and Unilocal posted it. I noticed there is another 1 star review that Unilocal did not post. If you are considering this place, keep in mind that two different one star reviews were suppressed when you see two 5 star reviews.
Great place if you enjoy seeing 9 year old kids who are doing their best humiliated in public and accused of not studying the book by the Grandmaster, when it turns out the question the 9 year stated is actually in the book, which was written by the Grandmaster, but the Grandmaster didn’t know it and told the 9 year old and the 30 or so people watching that that question was not in the book, and proceeded to berate the 9 year old in public, and when it was pointed out that the question was indeed in the book the Grandmaster wrote, he does not apologize, but claims he is just trying to teach the 9 year old manners, ignoring the fact that a) the 9 year old displays better manners than he does and b) the manners lesson would not have been necessary if the Grandmaster actually knew what was in the book he wrote.
Which lead the 7 year old to say, «Grandmaster Dong may be a black belt, but he forgot the orange belt question «Why is it important to say «I’m sorry» even when you accidentally hurt someone?», and the 9 year old to say, «It says Respect on his wall, and we are all supposed to treat each other with respect, why doesn’t he do that?»

Enrolled my 6 year old here about a year ago and he still loves going at least 3 times a week. Both the main instructors and all of the rotating cast of black belts are very good with the kids, strict but understanding.
Lessons have taught focus and control which has carried over into school work and other sports.

My daughter and I have been members of this school for almost three years. I’ve studied martial arts at several other schools over the years and Grand Master Dong’s school is by far the best. The instructors are always willing to spend extra time with you if you have a question or want to try a new technique. Many of the senior belts routinely spend their free time helping out junior students. The best way I can describe the atmosphere is that it’s very much like a family. The students celibate each other successes. I truly love going here.