Category: Martial Arts Center

Hawaii’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy is the number one martial arts center in all of Hawaii for 2019!

Whether you’re looking for a martial arts program that can help your child learn confidence and discipline or help you learn how to defend yourself, there’s no better option than Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy has received dozens of reviews on three verified sites with an impeccable average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a spectacular Rating Score™ of 96.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for being ranked the number one martial arts center in all of Hawaii!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Coach Jason is a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who cares deeply about his students. He is a strong coach who demands respect, focus and discipline at all times. He leads by example and always has the students’ best interest at heart. He teaches values that build strong character in each individual and is sensitive to each child’s strengths and weaknesses. Children gain much more than quality Jiu-Jitsu skills with Coach Jason. Students gain life skills that prepare them for all of life’s challenges and triumphs. His students are blessed to have such a passionate and compassionate mentor in their lives.” – Carol C.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to know what makes Hawaii’s number one martial arts center so special, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Jason Izaguirre.

The first question we had for Jason was what makes Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy unique compared to their competition in Hawaii. Here’s what he had to say:

“In general, it is about being polite and teaching the best Jiu-Jitsu to people.”

We also asked Jason about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy’s mission and how he works to make the world a better place. Jason told us:

“[My mission is] to reach out and give the lifestyle of Jiu-Jitsu. …I want to show people that Jiu-Jitsu can be for the average person. It is not just about being a tough guy. It is a great way to exercise and relieve stress. Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone.”

Building Success by Earning Reviews

When we asked Jason what their secret is to such a strong online reputation at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy, he attributed it to the fact that he’s always respectful, family-oriented and lenient:

“People see that and go online to leave reviews.”

Apart from building the kind of online reputation any business would envy, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy has spread the word about their service solely through word of mouth.

Every business owner wants to grow their business and build their online reputation the way Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy has. Here’s Jason’s advice for them:

“It doesn’t matter if you own a coffee shop or are selling newspapers. If you are genuine and respectful to people, you will slowly build and people will prefer your business…”

Jason ended our conversation with a couple of very important shoutouts:

“Thank you to all my students for all their hard work and dedication. Without them, I wouldn’t be there. Thank you for all the support and help from the community as well.”

Congratulations to the team at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Jason, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Kailua Academy. Visit their website today!

New Hampshire’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: White Tiger Karate

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that White Tiger Karate is a two-time 2019 award winner in New Hampshire!

If you’re looking for a martial arts center that has a program for your entire family, look no further than White Tiger Karate in Franklin.

White Tiger Karate has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a marvelous Rating Score™ of 98.00 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 50 businesses and the number one martial arts center in all of New Hampshire!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“This is such a wonderful school for people of all ages and abilities. Sensei Sharyl is incredibly dedicated to each and every one of her students and their families. She uses her love of martial arts to instill and strengthen the respect, self-esteem, independence and also team-work into each class. She makes sure that her students get the individual attention that they need and will work around any schedule to make sure you can attend her school. Every class is so fun while also being a great workout for the mind and body. The kids get to make a lot of friends in their age group that go to different schools, and they are all so supportive and helpful with each other. They learn how to treat others with love and respect, and how to combat bullying. There are many programs offered for all age groups. I encourage everyone to come try a class at least once; you won’t regret it!!” – Megan F.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Sharyl Geisert, Chief Instructor and owner of White Tiger Karate.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes White Tiger Karate a one-of-a-kind martial arts center in New Hampshire. Here’s what Sharyl had to say:

“Our staff is trained as child development experts. The Skillz program is where science and psychology meet martial arts. I am such an advocate against bullying, and we want our students to be able to stand up for themselves and have confidence.”

We also asked Sharyl what their mission is at White Tiger Karate and how they work to make the world a better place. Sharyl told us that she founded White Tiger Karate after seeing a need in the community for a place where kids and adults can work hard together and support one another:

“We want to help them build confidence and get healthy. We try to teach them respect and a good work ethic.”

Building Success by Being There for Their Students

Sharyl attributes White Tiger Karate’s strong online reputation to their commitment to always being there for their students, inside and outside of the dojo. She also pointed to the great program they have and the fact that they truly care about their students.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, White Tiger Karate has gotten their name out there by giving back to their community, which includes doing the Morgan’s Memorial Haunted Hike, which is aimed at helping families in the community that have gone through catastrophic events. Additionally, Sharyl has just recently hired a company to help them redesign their website.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation White Tiger Karate has. When we asked Sharyl what advice she has for those business owners, she said:

“Be honest and compassionate.”

Congratulations to the team at White Tiger Karate for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Sharyl, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend White Tiger Karate in Franklin. Visit their website today!

Vermont’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Martial Way Self-Defense

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Martial Way Self-Defense is an award winner for martial arts in 2019.

If you are looking for a trusted martial arts studio that can accommodate all ages and skill levels, look no further than this award-winning company!

Martial Way Self-Defense has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across multiple verified sites with an average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 94.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top three martial arts centers in Vermont!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“David Quinlan and his team of excellent instructors create an analytical, inclusive, and motivational training environment. Everyone, from beginners to experts, was consistently challenged. Keep doing an amazing job!” – G.P.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that Martial Way Self-Defense is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Martial Arts Studio

We were excited to learn all about Martial Way Self-Defense and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with the owner, David Quinlan.

The first thing we wanted to know was what it is that makes Martial Way Self-Defense stand apart from its competitors.

“I think we take a very personal approach to working with individual people. [We figure out] the best ways for them to learn and achieve their goals. The connections we develop are personalized, even though it is a group class.”

David told us that he has been around for 31 years, so he has been able to see multiple generations of students. He also shared that they offer two very different forms of martial arts, Brazillian and Kempo. He told us:

“A lot of times, martial arts businesses don’t offer a lot of different options. I have offered these two because I think they are the best, and I offer age differences and levels within those.”

David also told us a bit about the overall business mission at Martial Way Self-Defense, saying:

“Our mission is to teach the best possible programs to a variety of people at different ability levels. I believe that we have achieved a really good balance between beginner level classes and still being able to accommodate some very high-level practitioners. I have a lot of members here that have gotten black belts with other programs in the past, and they still came to me and tried my program out.”

Building Success Through The Years

In addition to building the kind of online reputation that any small business would envy, Martial Way Self-Defense has spread the word about who they are and what they do by growing the programming they offer.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as Martial Way Self-Defense has managed to. We asked if David could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what he had to say:

“Provide a good service, and treat people well. Make sure what you are doing is something you are good at and is something that you love.”

David ended our chat with this touching sentiment:

“It is incredible to have been doing this since 1988. When you coach most sports, you only have the kids for a year, but I get to make relationships with the people that come to me because… we [have] coached kids as young as age three to as old as age 60. I want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to coach them for so long.”

Congratulations to Martial Way Self-Defense for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and special thanks to David for taking the time to speak with us!

Maryland’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Bowerhouse MMA

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Bowerhouse MMA is a two-time 2019 award winner in Maryland!

Whether you’re looking for martial arts classes for yourself or your child, there’s no better option than Bowerhouse MMA in Federick.

Bowerhouse MMA has received more than 150 reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.96 stars, earning them a remarkable Rating Score™ of 97.65 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one martial arts center in all of Maryland!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Bowerhouse is an excellent place to train and make new friends. They have expert instructors who are very patient and knowledgeable. They make learning fun. There is a wide variety of programs to choose from. They also will let you have a free trial to check the gym out. I highly encourage anyone to come give it a try. Whether you want to learn martial arts or to just join a fitness class, it is definitely worth it.” – Phillip M

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Chris Bower, the owner of Bowerhouse MMA.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Bowerhouse MMA a one-of-a-kind martial arts center in Maryland. Here’s what Chris had to say:

“Our success in competition blows everybody away around us. We actually go out and do what we say we’re going to do and lead by example. We’ve created a culture and an atmosphere here for families… It’s a very welcoming and energetic atmosphere. I think that’s important. We’ve created a good community.”

We also asked Chris what their mission is at Bowerhouse MMA and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s his response:

“Our mission is to have fun and change people’s lives.”

Building Success by Asking for Reviews

Chris attributes Bowerhouse MMA’s strong online reputation to their commitment to asking for reviews.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Bowerhouse MMA has gotten their name out there through lots of word of mouth, which says something about the kind of programs they offer.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Bowerhouse MMA has. When we asked Chris what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Just do the right thing. Don’t stick it to people. Just provide good service, follow through with it and go above and beyond what you say you’re going to do for them. Just be you. Don’t fake it. Just be yourself.”

Congratulations to the team at Bowerhouse MMA for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Chris, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Bowerhouse MMA in Frederick. Visit their website today!

Colorado’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy is an award winner for martial arts centers in Colorado for the second year in a row!

From self-defense clinics to summer camps, Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy is your go-to martial arts center in Parker.

Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy has received dozens of reviews on five verified sites with an impeccable average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a perfect Rating Score™ of 100.00 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 100 businesses and the number one martial arts center in all of Colorado!

Here’s one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“Master Cam and the other teachers at Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy have had an amazing impact on our family. Both of my boys have been attending for a month, and in that short amount of time, they have improved their grades and are more willing to jump on their homework and help me with chores. There have been no other changes in our lives, so I attribute it directly to Master Cam. Plus, they are having a great time at each session and are excited to go every time! [I am] so glad that they are here in Parker. Also, [they are] easy to reach and very responsive. We look forward to being part of this studio for years to come.” – Natalie S.

Maintaining a Strong Online Reputation by Continuously Improving Their Program

We wanted to learn all about Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy and what they’ve been up to since they won a Top Rated Local award for being ranked among the top 10 martial arts centers in 2018, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Master Cam Weber.

It was clear from Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy’s 2018 Top Rated Local award that they know a thing or two about building a strong online reputation, and their 2019 Top Rated Local award is evidence that they also know how to maintain their reputation. When we asked Master Weber what they’ve done to continue to get such great feedback, he said:

“We just keep trying to continuously improve our program. We are really focused on the improvement of our academy.”

We also asked Master Weber what it is that makes Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy stand out, and he said:

“We are one of the only taekwondo academies in the nation that teaches traditional and new, Olympic-style taekwondo in the same place. World taekwondo is Olympic-style or sport-style; whereas, international-style taekwondo is a more traditional style. We like to keep the tradition as well as keep up with the new sport.”

Small businesses go through many ups and downs over the years, and we wanted to know what lessons Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy has learned over the last year, as well as what their biggest achievements are.

Master Weber told us that, as a perfectionist, the biggest thing he’s learned is to let his instructors take control and teach classes, and he’s learned to really trust them. And he was proud to say that, among their accomplishments over the last year, they’ve developed multiple national champions and have been recognized as The Best Martial Arts Studio in Parker for the fifth year in a row.

What’s Next for Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy

Small businesses can be a lot of work, and we wanted to know what motivates Master Weber and his team at Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy to serve their students day in and day out. When we asked Master Weber what’s most rewarding about what he does, he said:

“I love seeing a student grow into better versions of themselves. It is nice to be able to work with students of all nationalities, races and genders, and to be able to enjoy the martial art that I love, too.”

We were excited to learn about what comes next for this award-winning martial arts center, so we asked Master Weber what their goals are for the next year. He told us:

“We are trying not to grow too much. …We just want to keep seeing the quality improve. Sometimes, when there are more students, you see quality of instruction go down. We are trying to keep quality as high as possible. We are always working on improving the facility…”

As the owner of a second-time award-winning business, Master Weber has a lot of knowledge to share. When we asked what advice he has for the many martial arts centers out there that are just starting out, he said:

“I think a lot of martial arts instructors look at what other people are doing and try to mimic that, but stick with what your favorite components are. Don’t try to teach things that you are not actually passionate about. We try to be really well-rounded, but there are a lot of schools that mimic and they aren’t really teaching what they love.”

Master Weber ended our conversation with a very important shout-out:

“Grand Master Kim was just inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of Fame. He was my inspiration, mentor, and instructor. He runs the Black Belt Foundation in Brazil, which is the largest nonprofit taekwondo instruction in the world…”

Congratulations to Master Weber and the team at Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy for a Top Rated Local award winner for the second year in a row.

When you need a martial arts center on your side in Parker, we highly recommend Kim & Cam’s Taekwondo Academy! Visit their website today.

Maine’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Centerpoint Martial Arts

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Centerpoint Martial Arts is a 2019 award winner for martial arts centers in Maine!

If you’re looking for a martial arts center that will help to inspire your resilience and inner strength, look no further than Centerpoint Martial Arts in Falmouth.

Centerpoint Martial Arts has received dozens of reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00 stars, earning them a wonderful Rating Score™ of 97.00 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking among the top five martial arts centers in all of Maine!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“We highly recommend Centerpoint Martial Arts for children looking for structured activities that challenge both physical and personal development life skills, such as manners, respect, please and thank you and so many more examples. The Centerpoint team adapts to the individual and class needs, providing a highly positive learning environment. Andy and Hester are such wonderful people who are so passionate about their business and great to work with.” – Justin Z.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to learn all about Centerpoint Martial Arts and its impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with the owner, Andy Mishkin.

The first question we had for Andy was what is it that sets Centerpoint Martial Arts apart from their competition in Maine. Here’s Andy’s response:

“Our focus is on serving our community and on contributing to make it a better place. We are supporting our families in their growth, and we want to have fun and make sure that people who come into our studio also have fun.”

We also wanted to know what their mission is at Centerpoint Martial Arts. Here’s what Andy had to say:

“My wife and I have an extensive background in martial arts and developing programs to help people. We wanted to do something that is really family-oriented. We knew from our own experience how transformational martial arts can be for young people.”

Building Success Through Quality Service

Andy attributes Centerpoint Martial Arts’ strong online reputation to the fact that their focus is on the quality of the service they provide. He added:

“We take our role in the community seriously and believe strongly in our purpose, which is to help people live extraordinary lives.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Centerpoint Martial Arts has gotten their name out there by being involved in their community and listening to their customers:

“We are currently serving on the board for the local chamber of commerce and trying to stay attuned to the business community. We do a lot of community-based marketing; we sponsor local sports teams and do fundraising for some local schools. One thing we do for marketing is just listening. We want feedback and want to hear about ways to improve.”

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Centerpoint Martial Arts has. Here’s Andy’s expert advice for them:

“My mentor, Brannon Beliso, said, ‘You have to start with your why.’ That ‘why’ should be a positive, strong message for people. You need to really work on your business fundamentals, which can be tough at first. Keep your ears open. Listen to what kids and parents are saying, and respond to that.”

Congratulations to the team at Centerpoint Martial Arts for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Andy, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Centerpoint Martial Arts in Falmouth. Visit their website today!

New York’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Murray’s Martial Arts Centers

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Murray’s Martial Arts Centers is a two-time 2019 award winner in New York!

If you’re looking for a martial arts center that can help to teach your child self-defense, confidence, discipline and more, look no further than Murray’s Martial Arts Centers.

Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.97 stars, earning them a marvelous Rating Score™ of 99.66 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 50 businesses and the number one martial arts center in all of New York!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“It has been a very positive experience for our child. They are very accommodating, enthusiastic and structured. The instructors are invested in the betterment of their students and are accessible to parents. [It was] a great decision to join this club.” – John S.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Mike, Manager of Murray’s Martial Arts Centers.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Murray’s Martial Arts Centers a one-of-a-kind martial arts center in New York. Here’s what Mike had to say:

“We are full-time martial artists. We have a clean, professional environment. This is our career, and we take pride in treating our students like family members. This is our passion, and we want to build a strong relationship, not just in the center but outside of karate. We attend events, performances and sports games — anything we are invited to, we attend.”

Mike went on to say:

“Our clients are multi-tiered. We work with kids, adults and even grandparents. When we see a child who finally has a lightbulb moment, and that is huge for us! We want to help kids become positive influences as adults.”

We also asked Mike what their mission is at Murray’s Martial Arts Centers and how they work to make the world a better place. Here’s his response:

“We transform people’s lives by helping them become a better part of themselves through martial arts, helping them become confident, disciplined, healthier, happier and more successful through life.”

Building Success by Focusing on Individuals

Mike attributes Murray’s Martial Arts Centers’ strong online reputation to their commitment to focusing on individuals as much as possible:

“We call ourselves the karate family… Our students choose to leave reviews because of the way we run our center.”

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has gotten their name out there through Facebook and Google ads, Craigslist, outreach programs, birthday parties, and programs at schools and daycares.

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has. When we asked Mike what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Your business is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take up to six months to have a full book and feel like you are ramping up. Stick with your discipline, and keep working at it.”

Mike ended our conversation with this sentiment:

“Thank you to our families and clients — you are the reason we work so hard. Thank you to the owner, Kim Murray; you really built this up and gave me the opportunity to make this my career and paved the way.”

Congratulations to the team at Murray’s Martial Arts Centers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Mike, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Murray’s Martial Arts Centers in Rochester. Visit their website today!

New York’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Murray’s Martial Arts Centers

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has won two 2019 awards in New York!

If you’re looking for a martial arts center with classes for your whole family, look no further than Murray’s Martial Arts Centers in Rochester.

Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has received hundreds of reviews on five verified sites with an average rating of 4.97 stars, earning them a stellar Rating Score™ of 99.66 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for ranking among the top 50 businesses and as the number one martial arts center in all of New York!

Here’s just one of the many five-star reviews that got them there:

“If you want to get in shape, have a great workout and be trained by a professional, I suggest enrolling in the kickboxing program! I have been taking kickboxing classes here for over two years. The instructors (whom I consider friends) are knowledgeable, professional, interested in your development and will help you succeed in meeting your goals.” – Cory T.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

Dylan Russell, Business Manager at Murray’s Martial Arts Centers, took a few minutes out of his day to tell us a little more about this one-of-a-kind martial arts center and the impressive online reputation they’ve managed to build.

To start our conversation, we asked Dylan what it is that sets Murray’s Martial Arts Centers apart from their competition in New York. Here’s what he had to say:

“We have been around for 30 years and have served the community for a long time. Our teachers are really awesome. We address people’s why instead of just teaching them karate. We try to make really well-rounded individuals.”

We also wanted to know why they do what they do at Murray’s Martial Arts Centers and how they give back and make the world a better place. Here’s Dylan’s response:

“We try to build confidence in each person and the feeling that they can do anything they want to do. They get to visually see their progress every day. We are boosting confidence in the community.”

Building Success by Under-Promising and Over-Delivering

When we asked Dylan about Murray’s Martial Arts Centers’ secret to such a strong online reputation, he said attributed it to their commitment to customer service and to always under-promising and over-delivering.

Outside of building the kind of online reputation any business owner would envy, Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has spread the word about who they are and what they do through social media, which Dylan says also helps with their review game.

There are so many business owners out there looking to build the kind of online reputation Murray’s Martial Arts Centers has. Here’s the expert advice Dylan has for them:

“Don’t be afraid to ask for reviews; you have to hustle.”

Congratulations to the team at Murray’s Martial Arts Centers for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Dylan, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Murray’s Martial Arts Centers in Rochester. Visit their website today!

Washington DC’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: Yong Studios

Posted on by Robyn Rivera

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that Yong Studios is a two-time 2019 award winner in Washington DC!

Whether you’re looking for the right martial arts classes for yourself or your child, you won’t find a better option than Yong Studios in Washington DC.

Yong Studios has received dozens of reviews on four verified sites with an average rating of 4.85 stars, earning them a phenomenal Rating Score™ of 96.54 and two 2019 Top Rated Local awards for being ranked among the top 50 businesses and the number one martial arts center in all of Washington DC!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“Yong Studios is a top-notch school with talented instructors and a great community. Training at Yong Studios has taught me many techniques for self defense, but more importantly, it has taught me the importance of discipline and friendship… The instructors are all very skilled, professional and affable. Sometimes, they’ll push you hard, but it’s usually because they see the potential in you and want to help you reach the next level. Yong Studios has helped me become stronger in many different facets of my life, and I hope to extend their teachings through the way I perform in class and conduct myself. Try one of their classes and meet the community!” – S.H.

Not Your Average Martial Arts Center

We wanted to learn more about this two-time award winner and how they managed to build such an impressive online reputation, so we took a few minutes to talk with Vijay Surage, Head Instructor at Yong Studios.

The first thing we wanted to know was what makes Yong Studios a one-of-a-kind martial arts center in Washington DC. Vijay told us that lots of people come to them, because at their studio, they take it very seriously… They have fun in class and tell a lot of jokes while providing the structure and discipline that parents appreciate. They will work with students with learning disabilities. Any student can learn from them because they are so consistent.

Vijay added:

“You can always come and have a free class if you’re curious.”

We also asked Vijay what their mission is at Yong Studios and how they work to make the world a better place. Vijay shared with us that they give back by donating to local schools and by doing demonstrations and camps at schools and Children’s Hospital, where they highlight wellness, movement and discipline.

Building Success by Staying True to Themselves

Vijay attributes Yong Studios’ strong online reputation to their commitment to staying true to themselves and ensuring that their students have a good time, learn and work hard. The team at Yong Studios encourage their students as much as they can and try to keep things as smooth as possible. They’ve created a second home for their students that’s comfortable yet challenging, and they make sure that their students know what they will be getting when they come to class.

Outside of building a powerful online reputation, Yong Studios has gotten their name out there through their website, as well as word of mouth and referrals, which they’ve earned thanks to their great reputation. They’re loyal to their students, and in return, their students are loyal to them. Some of their students started at just four years old and are now college graduates!

Every business owner wants to build the kind of online reputation Yong Studios has. When we asked Vijay what advice he has for those business owners, he said:

“Provide $1,000 worth of service for $100, and always go above and beyond so they appreciate you and stay engaged and loyal.”

Congratulations to the team at Yong Studios for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner, and thank you so much, Vijay, for taking the time to speak with us!

We highly recommend Yong Studios in Washington DC. Visit their website today!

New Hampshire’s Top Rated Local® Martial Arts Award Winner: The Martial Arts Zone

Posted on by Top Rated Local

Top Rated Local® is pleased to announce that The Martial Arts Zone is an award winner for martial arts in 2019.

Reach and achieve your goals with this award-winning martial arts studio!

The Martial Arts Zone has received many overwhelmingly positive reviews across four different verified sites with an average rating of 4.97 stars, earning them an impressive Rating Score™ of 97.69 and a 2019 Top Rated Local award for ranking as one of the top 100 businesses and one of the top three martial arts studios in New Hampshire!

Here’s just one of their many five-star reviews:

“I started training with Chris when I was 13 (a long time ago) up until I left for college. I recently dropped into one of his classes while visiting family. It was like I had never left. Chris is by far one of the best coaches. It’s been difficult to find anywhere else that comes close to his incredible ability to teach. I have sent my mom here, too, for their kickboxing classes, and she loved it. Going to this gym was life-changing for me. I highly recommend it!” – A.E.

It is because of excellent reviews like this that The Martial Arts Zone is now able to call themselves a Top Rated Local award winner!

Not Your Average Martial Arts Studio

We were excited to learn all about The Martial Arts Zone and how they have gotten where they are today, so we sat down with their Martial Arts Director.

The Martial Arts Zone works to empower students and make them feel safe in all situations. They have been teaching and giving back to the community for 30 years and love helping new students learn how to defend themselves and their loved ones.

They believe in working with the mission of:

“We really believe in student service, one member at a time.”

Which, to the staff at The Martial Arts Zone, means that each and every person matters. They want to take care of students and treat them like family. They would like to change the students’ self-esteem and make them feel more confident in their everyday life.

Building Success With Excellent Service

The Martial Arts Zone has earned a fantastic reputation, so we asked how they have managed to grow their business and get their name out. We learned that referrals help get people in the door and that they provide their students with incredible service to keep them coming back. They focus on taking care of their students and building long-lasting relationships with them.

There are many businesses out there that are looking to build as impressive a reputation as The Martial Arts Zone has managed to. We asked if they could share any expert advice with these companies. Here’s what they had to say:

“Don’t quit your day job. At first, starting a new business can be pretty costly. Take care of your customers so they will leave a review. People love to talk about a great experience and will leave reviews if you ask.”

Congratulations to The Martial Arts Zone for being a 2019 Top Rated Local award winner!