I have been doing Martial Arts for over 10 years here, and at no point have a looked back and regretted what I had done. Every second is amazing, each practice you learn something new or different. However nothing compares to the bonds with people I have created, with my friends and what honestly feels closer to family. Thank you PMA, thank you David, and can’t wait to hit the mats again.

This place is amazing . We absolutely love the PMA staff and all they do to help our daughter learn and build confidence. Such a great staff. Highly recommend

Progressive Martial Arts is AMAZING!!!! Our family is so happy with how we are treated and how our children learn so much at each lesson. The instructors are not just there to show you how to do Martial Arts they actually care about each student and their success. They set the foundation to believe in yourself and develop self defense. Our children have developed self defense, self control and confidence and they make learning a lot of fun. You are treated like family from the minute you walk in the door. We have been to two other martial arts schools and none of them compare to Progressive Martial Arts.

When it comes to enrolling kids in activities, its crucial to be able to trust the adults in charge. Over the past year and a half, PMA has proven time and again that my trust in them is well placed. When the pandemic began, I didnt hesitate to keep my kids enrolled because I knew that I could trust Sifu David and the other instructors and staff to take our familys health and safety seriously, and they have done so at every turn. And Ive always clearly seen their commitment to helping kids train effectively and safely (no CTE worries here!) and to appropriately challenge my kids.

Progressive Martial Arts has been a wonderful experience for my grandson. I have watched this incredible staff work with all students to help them develop confidence and respect. It has been really helpful in increasing my grandsons attention span. I drive from Norris because I want the best program in the area.

PMA is more than a great martial arts academy. They not only instruct, teach and coach, they inspire our children to perform at there best.The entire staff is approachable, family oriented and there for the students and families.The level of knowledge, instruction and fun these kids have is more than you would think possible.

Always smiling, the staff has a real passion for sharing their knowledge. The program is fun and at the same time physically taxing.Plus always able to help students in or out of clsss with questions.

PMA is an excellent choice if you want to learn real martial arts. This is a school where the students are respected and respect one another. A place where you, your child, or YOUR WHOLE FAMILY can train together safely and have fun! You will be met by courteous staff and teachers, be shown around an exceptionally clean school, and once you have made that initial contact, eager to get started!!

I have been a student here for about 1.5 years, and I have to say, It was FUN. The teachers have a great sense of humor, and I actually remembered the things they taught me. But here is where I have to minus 2 stars. They taught too slow, submissions and throws are a “high belt” thing, and I feel like they judge you off belt level. It’s not like your going to wear your belt to school, or work, wherever you’re going. I have only made it to purple, in young adults, and I have seen people that goof off in class the whole time, talk to their buddies the whole class, made the dressing rooms so messy (men’s), and apparently they get taught things that are more advanced because they are a higher belt. I payed a lot of attention in the class and I haven’t even learned 1 throw from going there. Don’t get me wrong, it’s where I started, but I feel like it’s also way too overpriced for what they teach and offer. If you want to go here, I have nothing against it, but I do not recommend it.

Extremely knowledgeable instructors with an unmatched pedigree. This school gives you everything you could want! Stand up, ground fighting and weapons! You will not find a more well rounded program anywhere.

Great Academy for kids and adults! Highly recommend! If you are an adult always wanting to train but for some reason keep putting it on hold. Please give them a call. Everyone is great and it is like a big family. I started training almost a year ago at age 50! I can not say enough about how amazing my journey has been at PMA.

The team here at PMA are absolutely fabulous. I took the womens self defense class and kick boxing. My husband has been going here since we relocated and is now a black belt. Although Im not an official student they make me feel like family!!!

PMA is fantastic. We couldnt be happier with the David, Kat & the staff. My daughter & I have been taking both in studio & virtual Brazilian jiu jitsu classes together (shes 14 & Im in my late 50s) and have found it to be a wonderful activity to share. I would most definitely recommend you give them a try!

Training at PMA has given my son confidence and has brought him out of his shell. All the instructors are wonderful!We look forward to all of our kids training at PMA!

PMA has helped my daughter increase her level of confidence and her level of bodily awareness. Its not just a martial arts studio, its a family.

I come here every Monday and Wednesday the instructors are amazing

Best martial arts school in the area! If you want martial arts to become part of your lifestyle - this is the place to go.

Best thing we ever did for our kids. They feel they have a home at PMA, and the commeraderie and friendships they have developed there are amazing. Not to mention the skills, focus, pysical fitness, leadership, and personal development that have helped them in school and in other areas of their lives. Sifu David is an amazing teacher, and just a genuinely good guy who is great with the kids. The other teachers and coaches for karate and jiu jitsu are amazing too. In recent months, theyve developed a ton of online content and have conducted classes over Zoom to help those who feel safer at home to keep up. We cant imagine a better environment for our kids.

We love PMA! It provides a great community for our daughter to learn karate and many life skills. The staff is amazing with kids and they do a great job differentiating the sessions for all students to be challenged and successful.

Progressive Martial Arts Academy is the best, comprehensive martial arts experience you can find. Whether its group classes, private instruction, or one of their public seminars, each session is priceless! You will not only learn martial arts at this academy, but also the discipline, respect, confidence, and self-motivation that are inherent to traditional martial arts. All of this, and lots of fun!!! I would recommend this academy to any one interested in training in Martial Arts or self-defense. Whether you are a dedicated athlete, someone like myself with limited physical abilities, or somewhere in between, there is a program at Progressive Martial Arts Academy that is just right for you.

Feeling stronger and building confidence that if needed I can defend myself.

We have been with PMA before and during the pandemic. Sifu David has worked so hard to provide videos for additional workouts, zoom training for those of us who do not feel comfortable returning at this time, and distanced training for those who have returned! Even if my child isn’t physically at the dojo, we are so excited for her to continue her training at PMA!

Ive been training at Progressive Martial Arts Oak Ridge for a little over a year. All I can say is this place is incredible. The instructors are top notch, the dojo is always clean, and the environment is very private. The instructors get to know each individual, understanding your abilities and making sure you can achieve your goals. Teachers and students alike are very encouraging. Learning here is fun and challenging, regardless of your age or fitness level. They have multiple forms of martial arts and have programs for adults as well as children.

Everyone here is amazing! I feel like my child gets treated just as if he is their own. The training he receives is fabulous and the instructors are continually training as well.

My 7 year old has been taking karate here for a year and he loves it! His teacher is very good with the kids. I was excited about him learning karate, like he wanted, but they also incorporate a lot of important life skills lessons into the class like stranger danger, fire safety, and how to treat others. The school has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We are so happy to have found the place!

Happiest place on earth, and yes, that includes Disney Land. I have been a member at PMA for over 4 years, whether training myself or watching family members train. Everyone there is so nice, inspiring, and encouraging, not to mentioned skilled. My brothers trained here for 3 years before I joined the dojo myself. I was hesitant to be one of few women in a new sports class. But boy am I happy I joined!! Joining PMA has taught me self defense, assisted in losing over 50 lbs, given me a new skill I love, and helped to find a community of people who are all kind hearted, encouraging, and supportive. I participate in both Kenpo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The instructors are wonderful and they do will to work to your specific needs or modify any move to your skill level. Great community of people for adults and children. Best Martial Arts Academy in Knoxville! Don’t hesitate to join! We now have our entire family training at PMA, and the best part of our week is showing up there and being able to train together.

Progressive, is an awesome dojo with quality instructors and a family atmosphere. My children went there and I was more than pleased with their teaching.

After three years of training at Progressive Martial Arts Academy, I can firmly say that Ive stumbled upon one of East Tennessees hidden treasures. Ive had the privilege of training with some of the strongest, friendliest, and most honorable people Ive ever met. The atmosphere is safe, welcoming, accommodating, and familial for students, families and friends of ALL ages. All of the instructors are well-educated and dedicated to making sure their students get the best, most fulfilling training experience possible.For me, Progressive Martial Arts Academy has become a place of self-discovery and confidence. Before training, I struggled with faith, self-esteem, and even what my purpose was in life. Through the positivity and strength-building of training at PMA, I slowly built up my faith in myself and now Im happy to say that Im the healthiest Ive ever been, physically and mentally.I encourage everyone, of every shape, size, age, or disability, to give Progressive Martial Arts Academy a chance to change your life.

Top-notch instruction for all ages and levels. Build self-defense skills from different styles of martial arts and endurance for the mission in life you’ve been given.

We love PMA! My son is only a beginner, but I can already see the things he is learning in class trickling into other areas of his life. The staff is knowledgeable and kind. Looking forward to my son learning more!

The BEST experience!! Quality instruction, personable staff, excellent communication! SiFu David Corrigan is fantastic - dynamic, engaging personality teaching skills that have empowered my children to feel stronger and more confident! Highly recommend!

PMA is a great place for anyone even parents to come and watch their children grow into their own self! I love PMA! Thank you all for what you are doing for my son.

Wonderful instruction, keeping the kids truly engaged and building character. They are forming these kids as well as teaching them!

“I have always been greeted and dealt with in a professional manner. The facility is very clean, and the learning atmosphere is very positive and uplifting. The truth can be seen in the faces of the students as they exit - lots of smiling faces!”

A gem in Oak Ridge. This is truly a great martial arts academy. I highly recommend it!

My children have been going to karate lessons for about 2 months now and they love it. They are in the lil’ dragons, which is the youngest class. (My children are 5 and 7). I think this place has a very positive atmosphere, the lessons are a perfect mix of technique, discipline and fun. Sempai Madelyn has an eye for each individual child in her class, my children absolutely adore her. My impression is that SiFu David is committed to quality and doesn’t compromise in that area. I am really happy with our experience so far.

PMA is a fantastic place. It not only teaches students self defense, it also teaches them patients, focus and self esteem. My grandson loves PMA and has gone from the Little Dragons program to the Advanced Juniors and has learned so much.

This dojo and the trainers/owners/employees were very professional when dealing with a beginner in judo (this was about 7 years ago). Unfortunately, the atmosphere with judo (at that time) was catered very much to people practicing for tournaments. It is completely understandable for a martial arts school to tailor their judo classes to members who compete in tournaments, but it was basically bad timing for me to join. Almost everything in class was based on how to score points in a tournament, not on the art of judo itself.I got a great basic knowledge of judo and was always treated with honor, dignity, and respect at this dojo. I had a pleasant experience, I simply did not stick with it because the rest of the small class was too advanced at that time.

I have been involved in martial arts since I was a child. It is a great way to relieve yourself of stress and learn something that can help protect yourself and others. You strengthen not only your body, but also your mind. When I moved to Oak Ridge I visited several schools. I knew what I was looking for and I found it here at Progressive Martial Arts Academy. The instructors are very knowledgeable and take time to make sure you get the technique down. There is great comradery among the students, and no one is left out. I have seen everyone of all ages do well at this academy. I also appreciate they are not a belt factory based school were you see 8 year old children with black belts. You earn the belt you wear at PMA. They also offer a free intro lesson which gave me a better idea of just how good the instructors are. I would recommend you visit or call the school and ask for an introductory lesson.

I would highly recommend PMA to any parent or parents who are considering enrolling their children in Martial Arts. The instructors are excellent and concentrate not only on the fighting aspects, but also the personal-development aspects of martial arts.

Great place to learn martial arts. Both of my girls are students. Sempei Madelyn is a great instructor and Sifu David makes learning enjoyable.

After visiting other many other martial arts training centers for our children, I can say that without a doubt PMA is the best. Their positive attitude and enthusiasm is unmatched.

Im SO glad I signed my son up to PMA. The instructors are highly professional. Very minamalist and zen facility!

PMA is the best of the best. Their training methods are proven and fun for children! They have a no-ego policy and talk to kids about personal safety and respect. We love PMA!

Progressive Martial Arts is wonderful. They teach every aspect of the Art.

This is the best Martial Art school you will find. David Corrigan, his family and instructors are the best people and teachers you will find. Familiar Academy, with good vibe, great location and everything you need to learn to defende yourself.

Very experienced, and all staff very knowledgeable and well mannered. Also give great support to kids and parents!

I started at PMA 2 yrs ago and it is the best decision I have ever made! My health has improved, my indrance and energy level. The bonus is I have learned to defend myself. I recommend it to everyone . It doesnt matter the age you are never to old to start!

Deciding to train at PMA is the best thing Ive ever done Im always excited and looking forward to class

My children have been a part of PMA for almost ten years. They have learned exemplary martial arts skills as well as had great teachers that serve an amazing role models. My husband also attends PMA and it has been very helpful to keeping him in shape. We love PMA!

PMA is the best in all aspects without question. As a parent (of a PMA student that started her PMA training in middle school), I believe the physical, physiological and social training & experience Is awesome especially for younger school age students.

I love PMA. For a small studio in Oak Ridge, TN, PMA brings larger than life quality to martial arts training. I cannot imagine a more positive experience anywhere else. Sifu David Corrigan and his team of instructors are not only extremely skilled on a personal level, they are also intuitive enough to relay the instructions for execution of these skills to all levels of student experience. No matter what goal a person is looking to achieve, i.e. physical fitness, nutrition education, mixed martial arts training, PMA will lead them there and empower them to achieve even more! The only negative point that I can add to this review is that the gym is not open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week so that I can be there all of the time!!!!!! Even with the plethora of classes and private lessons, being a mother and having a career makes it difficult to train as much as I like. Sifu David works to accommodate me as much as possible so that I can get as much experience as I can! Having mentioned that, I recommend starting children out as young as possible because thy do not have the restrictions that we adults have. PMA also has a plethora of classes for children of varying ages as well. My son trained at PMA for a short time and gained invaluable experience during his time there! Thank you so Sifu David and the whole PMA crew for all that you do for the community!!!! Thank you Sempai Madeline for showing that ladies can kick butt too!!!!

Ive been training with PMA for about 6 months, and I love it!! The atmosphere is very positive and family friendly. I even enrolled my 2 children in lessons with Sempai Madelyn. They look forward to every class, and she really has a gift for working with children.The school empasizes balance, and responsibility. There is as much emphasis on avoiding confrontation as there is on defending yourself if you need to. The instructors are all very well versed, and constantly are adapting the training so that every student can get the maximum benefit. For those people with old injuries, or what some would call disabilities the instructors modify the training on a case by case basis. The only limits you will find at PMA are the ones you place on yourself.The students I train with range from 20 somethings to retired doctors, men and women. I think that many of the women who train here do so because they are treated with equality and respect. The training and techniques are never watered down, and all the women I train with will redefine hit like a girl if you underestimate them!!While the primary focus is on the training, close behind is community and family. Cookouts, movie nights, marathons, you never know what kind of event you may have the opportunity to take part in! In many cases the whole family trains at PMA, and the school gatherings are always very lively.Last but not least, the art itself. I find it to be very well balanced, learning how to handle situations at all distances. From beyond arms reach, to grappling and ground fighting. We also learn to use and defend against a wide range of weapons, as well as the empty hand.The PMA web site gives a good overview of the style and how each part of the style fits together to form a comprehensive approach to self defense.All in all, I would recommend PMA to anyone who wants to learn an effective method of self defense, or just get in shape. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, and the people are awesome!

Excellent for kids!

Classes large and testing time it is almost impossible to see your child from the cramped viewing area.

Extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Cost to much money not worth it

Excellent instructors, nice facility

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