Raleigh Institute of Martial Arts

I received the warmest welcome from all the staff at the Raleigh Institute of Martial Arts (RIMA). They accepted me and taught me as much as they could, even though I was a total beginner with no formal training in wrestling or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
I was living in Raleigh, NC on a consistent basis for a few months for work with no end in sight. I decided that I wanted to try BJJ to fulfill a childhood dream of mine, but I did not know where to start. I looked on Unilocal,found these reviews, and decided to contact RIMA by using the email form on their website. I was contacted maybe 10 minutes later by John, RIMA’s founder, on the phone. I had a pleasant conversation with him and he told me everything I should expect on my first day of training.
On that first day I walked in and was welcomed by Chris Tricoli who took extra time to show me my first BJJ techniques. He was extremely helpful and explained how and why techniques worked in the different positions. Because of his help, the help of the other instructors Tim and Chad, and their welcoming demeanor, I decided to continue to go to RIMA. I made a great choice. Even though I am a complete beginner they made an effort to teach me the techniques in the right way, and to teach me how to roll with respect.
I unfortunately had to cut my time short at RIMA due to travel for work. If I ever am back in Raleigh, RIMA would be the first place I go to continue my training. I would recommend this place to anyone just starting or more experienced in BJJ or any of the other martial arts they offer.

The owner John is a stand up guy that truly understands what it means to be honorable. He treats his students and their families with the utmost respect.

I signed up for kickboxing three weeks ago and I love it! I have absolutely no experience and have a long way to go before I’m «in shape» but everyone at RIMA is accepting and encouraging. I always feel challenged, but never feel singled out or embarrassed.
If you’re willing to work hard, challenge yourself and take a giant leap out of your comfort zone, RIMA will help you get to where you want to be. :-)
(and in 3 weeks — combined with eating well — I’ve lost 10 lbs!)

I’ve been taking the fitness kickboxing classes here for over 6 months and I can’t say enough about the quality of their curriculum they are running here. Every instructor there is super knowledgable; genuinely excited about what they’re teaching and about martial arts in general. Having taken various forms of martial arts throughout my life this is honestly by far the best-​run, most well rounded program I’ve experienced. I tried some other schools in Raleigh and the attitude and energy here is just so much more positive. Every class runs like clockwork. There’s always a focus on safety and learning — not egos. I’m planning to move over to some of the classes soon. In a world where adequacy has become the new bar, I think it’s super important to acknowledge when a business is really doing a great job and these guys are — so check them out.

I’ve been a RIMA student since February, 2014. I typically go to the Morrisville location. I take fitness kickboxing and thinking about venturing out into other classes. I really enjoy the classes. All instructors have their different styles which keeps it from getting boring. It’s an awesome workout and stress reliever. I love it!

I have been a member at RIMA since January and just recently renewed my membership. They added an option to the renewal package offering to purchase a number of classes to use within a certain time frame which works great for my schedule! If I go out of town or have a busier week, then I know I am not paying for classes I am not using, I can just simply use them another month! I have been taking the fitness kickboxing class. As a complete and total rookie, I have loved the instructors and the progress I’ve been making. The instructors are very encouraging and experienced — Mary, Sheryl, and Cedric have been there over 10 years! Mary doesn’t put up with my excuses, and she has pushed and progressed me further than I’ve ever been able to accomplish before. Ive never had a trainer invest in me like she has!
I’ve wanted to take kickboxing classes for years and always too intimidated, not knowing how or where to get started. RIMA has provided the perfect environment, not just for the experienced but for us rookies too who just need some encouragement and direction on how to get started.
I gave RIMA 5 stars because they say what they mean and mean what they say! This is a great group!