Xtreme Starz Academy of Martial Arts

I have mixed feelings about this place. I’ve never had my kids in any martial arts classes so I don’t have anything to compare with. I bought a groupon deal for my kids that included 20 classes for $ 25 dollars. For kids karate/​martial arts classes, the price was unbeatable! However after a few visits, I wasn’t too impressed.
The academy is located in a warehouse building that is shared by a few different businesses. It’s mostly an indoor girls volleyball businesses but there is also a gymnastics studio in the same building. There are no walls that divide each space and it gets loud with all the high school volleyball players. It’s sparse but adequate.
The teacher was/​is very nice but was a little pushy with getting me to sign up on a monthly basis and his pitch was a little gimmicky. I feel if you have something great to offer, let it speak for itself. When I’m pushed to sign up for something, I’m immediately put off. Its also a one man operation and at times I think he wasn’t too focused on things because he literally runs everything.
I also didn’t particular like the disciplinary tactics. Part of the reason I wanted to put my kids in martial arts is for the discipline. When kids got out of hand he would send them to their parents for a time out. I didn’t necessary like that. I feel like its his responsibility for that hour. Don’t involve me to discipline. I do that enough all day.
One other concern I had was that he would have kids teach the class at times. I know this has everything to do with those kid’s training and learning which I completely endorse but a few times he had very young kids (10 – 12 years old) instructing gymnastics. Just simple rolls and cartwheels but my one son kept rolling really weird with his neck in the wrong place. The instructor wasn’t overseeing things because he was busy talking to a parent.
I ended up not using all my visits I paid for because it felt very disorganized. Plus I always felt like we were treated as visitors only until I was a full paying customer. The kids didn’t even really have a uniform. The groupon was suppose to come with a free uniform but instead we got free t-​shirts which isn’t bad but he didn’t have the right size so my kids wore shirts that didn’t fit them. I don’t want to discourage other parents in trying this place out but in my experience, I just wasn’t too impressed.

This place is amazing!!! My kids started attending Xtreme Stars Academy almost 2 years ago and have learned so much. Sensai Parys is the best. He keeps classes fun and upbeat while instilling discipline and respect in the students. He has trained equally amazing Sempais (student teachers) that engage their students and keep them focused on training. My children definitely want to «become the black belt within» and have never complained about «having» to go to martial arts… and they train almost everyday!
If you are looking for a dojo for your little ninja or even if you have ninja dreams of your own (they have adult martial arts and adult kick boxing classes) this is a great choice.