Instructor displayed a great knowledge on the arts of martial arts. Which is huge for me. He asked the kids why do you want to do this? That question allows the child to explore there minds to deliver a message of who they want to be. It brings a sense of self understanding and confidence. The mission statement is a solid one. They hold great structure which allows kids to have a platform to grow and build life skills as well. On the other side of coin I am a boxer in training I am familiar in the arts of fighting. The instructor are very skilled and have the credibility needed to lead by example. Footwork, correct punching forms and defense was on point. They know what they are doing and very professional. Iβm so impressed by my first session and my son loved it. He left with a smile and accomplished. I see myself training here in the future with my son.
Iβm on my 3rd week of training. I never thought Iβd be okay with a class setting as opposed to 1on1. Itβs been great. Iβve learned a lot so far and the coaches are extremely helpful. They are patient and motivating. Great space for someone whoβs brand new to a martial art.
Costlyrepetitive drills, same thing over and over againshort time classes.
My daughter had a remarkable journey at Dragon Within. We gave her a membership as a birthday gift when she was 6 years old. At first she didnt know if she liked it, but she stayed with on and stayed on a path that continued for 7 years and she ended it after receiving a junior Black Belt.Dennis, Jess, Alan and the rest of the staff there instill values, discipline, and pride in the kids. They are remarkable teachers who do not take short cuts and their dedication reflects on the students that they lead.In the end, my daughter could have continued on her path but she chose to do other activities once she completed the 2 year junior Black Belt path that they laid out for her.Aside from the phenomenal classes they offer, they go above and beyond with outside activities and events. Every year they deck out the studios and make a haunted maze for Halloween, and they have a great holiday party. Summer there were kickball games, cookouts, etc.They really make it a community and a family there, I cannot recommend a better place to take your kids for a great physical activity and a great structural place to instill great values and discipline in your kids.Aside from that, they offer teen and adult classes. Over the many years I sat in the studios as my daughter took her classes, I saw a lot of people pass through the doors on their own journeys. Some people may have not gone for awhile, and they might get a gentle nudge or ribbing as to why they have not been there in awhile.All in all, great place. Very affordable and well worth the money and time.
I have known DWMMA Owner Dennis for over 15 years. He is an awesome coach and good person. Anyone finding themselves on the same mat training with him is sure to improve their skills. 5 Stars all the way!
My daughter started classes here a little over a month ago. I knew from her first class, that she had finally found a community she felt comfortable in. The instructors are patient, kind, and warm, and they make sure to engage the kids while offering other extracurricular events, like movie nights! My daughter has had some experiences that as parents, we felt she needed to build confidence and belief in herself, and I can say that I am already noticing such a difference in just a short time. I am so grateful to DWMA for that!
The team there is great to work with and be around. Definently recommend
Dragon Within is a really special martial arts school. Ive been going here for 6 or 7 years and my experience has been consistently amazing.The instructors are top notch. They are all very personable. They make it a point to learn students names and address them by name. The class sizes can be fairly large and the instructors still manage to make it feel like am individualized experience.Whether your goal is excercise, learning martial arts, learning self defense, or even just to do something social and make friends, Dragon Within is the place to accomplish that goal.
Iβve been training at Dragon Within for three years - prior to training here I never was able to stick to a workout routine consistently. The instructors are super motivating and hold you accountable for showing up.Working consistently at the Dragon within has helped me personally with anxiety and has helped me to build confidence in other areas of my life. Also love the students here. Top notch.
First I must acknowledge & applaud all the coaches for their professionalism, ability to motivate, & consideration for each student as an individual. As a 70 year old student with 5 years experience, I feel totally comfortable due to the coaches encouragement & the students collective support for each student. The Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts family of coaches & students unquestionably provides a very special opportunity to gain confidence in personal accomplishments & to maintain a high level of conditioning in a very positive learning environment.
My daughter has been at this martial arts school since she was five years old. She is now ten and still going strong. The instructors are fantastic, both encouraging and challenging their students. This is not a vanity school. You will not receive a new belt unless you have earned it. They teach discipline and self control, not aimless violence. Truly the best martial arts school around.
Dragon Within Martial Arts is a great place to learn martial arts. Itβs has classes for the kids and adults too. The classes are intense yet fun. My kids attend classes regularly and love it. The instructors really know how to motivate you to work at your best. I really think you should come try a class for you or your kid.
This place is awesome! The students and the coaches are all really awesome and help keep you motivated. If youre looking for a place to join then Id definitely come here! You wont regret it. Im so glad i found this place!
If youβre looking for a fun, challenging, and rewarding martial arts and workout experience, go join Dragon Within.Iβve been working out here for 5 years now and have had great experiences, made great friends, and always leave feeling charged up and awesome. The instructors are top-notch and very supportive.Regardless of your experience level or physical fitness level, youβll start to see success early and often. Iβd recommend you swing by and give it a try.
To the guy who does not like repeating things: martial arts are not for you. Yep, gaining expertise or fluency in anything takes time and repetition :)For over the years, I have been attending other martial art schools and Dragon Within is certainly one of the best schools out there. The school is fantastic; instructors are excellent, trainees are respectful-highly recommend this place.
This is by far the best school that I have ever trained at. The instructors are kind and down-to-Earth. Dennis has created a culture of camaraderie at this school where every student is happy to work with you and help you get better. I truly love this school and would recommend it to anyone who wants to study martial arts.
Instructors emphasize respect and instill self-confidence in their students. Refreshing difference to the sometimes blunt aggressive approaches of other schools. Also like that students progress with an achievement stripe after every class towards their next belt. Keeps them engaged and motivated.
My kids have been coming here for three months now and we have seen a huge improvement! They are more focused, respectful, and disciplined. The staff and instructors are very knowledgeable and are invested in seeing each student succeed. Not only are my children learning martial arts techniques, but they learn lessons about kindness and motivation. Dragon Within really is a great investment for anyone, I highly recommend it.
I have been going to Dragon Within Martial Arts for five years and i cant say enough good things about the school. The school is always kept clean and updated and is extremely professional. The instructors and staff are polite and knowledgeable. The instructors always go above and beyond to give every student the attention they need. I would highly recommend this school!
It took us many years to find a sport or activity that our teenaged daughter truly loves. She started at Dragon Within Martial Arts 6 months ago and she is hooked. The instruction is not only top notch but she also feels so supported by all the staff. She receives evaluation of her progress on a regular basis and individual attention that goes well above any place weve ever attended. Id give more than 5 stars if I could!
Great place to train. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. Coaches and students are all about helping you. Workouts are great. Multiple different styles to train from. Fun atmosphere makes me keep coming back.
I have been training at Dragon Within for almost a year. Dennis and his team of instructors are tremendous and strive to create a true family atmosphere where everyone is supportive of one another. Regardless of skill level you will feel challenged and will continue to improve in your martial arts journey.
Dragon Within is the BEST place for kids! Our grandson has been training with Ms. Jess and Mr. Chris for 3 years...they are both so good with the kids. Our grandson has learned so much and has progressed in his martial arts skills but also in discipline and commitment. Highly recommend!!
Dennis and Jess have been so accommodating and my daughter has been thriving in classes for the last 3 months. She always asks about when her classes are and she is so proud every time she earns a stripe. I have recommended Dragon Within highly you my friends with children!
Iβve been here for almost five years and it is one of the best experiences of my life. Iβve learned a lot since the beginning and still have a long way to go. Coach Dennis, staff and fellow piers are very helpful and supportive at this academy. You always feel welcome here and sure do get a great workout. Hope this review helps someone that is looking for self defense, physical fitness, and reaching their goals.
My son found this school as a shy, insecure teen. The great staff helped him to shine. The encouragement and instruction from the teachers was incredible. He has made lifelong friends and developed a passion for martial arts. I am so thankful we found Dragon Within!!
I have been training here for over 4 years. The coaches and staff have always been respectful of students and their differing levels of training and skill sets and work tirelessly to keep updating curriculum and drills. If you are just getting into martial arts, at any age, or looking to get in better shape, I would highly recommend checking them out!
Ive been a member at Dragon Within for over seven years. The instructors are knowledgeable and professional. The classes are a great way to workout and learn skills that might one day save your life. I highly recommend Dragon Within to anyone interested in having fun, working out and meeting great people.
Dragon Within Mixed Martial Arts is a wonderful school filled with dedicated instructors and students. The classes are challenging physically which makes for a great workout. Every instructor goes above and beyond to make sure that each student is understanding everything. It is amazing to train at Dragon Within MMA.
We walked through the door about 10 or so years ago and have never looked back. Never a regret, always look forward to going back. The training is always challenging in all classes and the instructors are top notch. Dennis always makes sure his staff is properly trained for the max benefit of every student in every class.I can not say enough good things about DWMMA. My son has had the pleasure of being there all these years and I have had the pleasure of watching him grow with a wonderful group of people.
Best place to learn mma. Its fun, and you still learn.
Top notch instructors! Classes are a great mix of fitness and martial arts. I walk out every day feeling better than when I came in.
The workers are very nice to everyone and the community of people that take the lessons everyday are very nice. When you take a class for the first time you immediately feel comfortable and motivated to come back again. If you are looking for a place to exercise and learn about real applicable self defense techniques this is the place to go to.
In contrast to a lot of schools, the instructors here focus more on improving your ability to fight as a whole, not on the 20 steps you need to perform when youre in a chokehold. Classes are taught with resistance from the defending side, so you learn to fight someone whos fighting back. Overall, very good instructors
Great instructors who take the time to help you during class and after. Great people to train with and an overall positive atmosphere! I would highly recommend.
Dragon Within has been wonderful for my son. Not only is he learning incredible new skills, but they are also instilling respect, determination and self confidence in him. He absolutely loves Dragon Within.
Self-defense is a good thing to know! Attentive, skilled, knowledgeable staff, patient and accommodating teaching, community outreach. I recommend this school to everyone, adults and kids alike!
Excellent teachers! Classes helped boost our sons confidence. The studio also features fun benefits such as movie nights and birthday parties.
My son is sensitive, quiet, and passive. He was getting bullied in 3rd grade so, after trying out 3 other local martial arts centers, I signed him up for Dragon Within. Hes now almost an 8th grader and hes on track to receive his youth black belt by the end of 8th grade. He has grown more confident each year and not been bullied since. Im so pleased we found Dragon Within! The staff there are caring, patient, challenging and demanding all at once. I highly recommend this place!
My daughter attends DWMMA, and itβs been a completely amazing experience. They send personal, hand-written notes for her accomplishments to her, and call if she misses more than one class to make sure sheβs okay. When we started, they talked to us about setting goals for her in the program, and then check in on her progress and to see if we feel anything could be done better. I couldnβt recommend this place more. Theyβre fantastic!
Iβve been involved within Dragon Within for a number of years. As an adult, the workouts are intense and the instructors are awesome. The owner, Dennis, has developed a facility that feels like home. As now the mother of a child who has moved up the ranks at DWMMA, I appreciate the structure and the guidance that the instructors have given my son. His confidence and skills have grown incredibly over the last few years! I highly recommend DWMMA!
I have been studying Krav Maga at Dragon Within for 5 years. This is a fantastic place to learn.. They have assembled a dedicated team of friendly, courteous, respectful and experienced instructors who have a real passion for martial arts. They promote a safe but serious workout environment and have a wide variety of classes and class times. Their personable friendly touch makes every student feel welcome, safe and free to learn. If you are looking for a place to study martial arts definitely put Dragon Within on the list.
Iβve been taking classes at Dragon Within for about 9 months. I really enjoy the training, the workout and the camaraderie. The instructors are great, and work very hard to create an inclusive and fun environment.
All the instructors are really nice and adjust to your level. There really is nothing negative to say about this place. I never once felt uncomfortable or unwelcomed, but instead was surprised how quickly the instructors knew my name; its a small detail but it goes a long way.
Ive been here 12 years, first as a student and now as a coach. When I walked through the door, I was 40lbs heavier than I am today. Ive not only changed my life and outlook, I have the opportunity to help others achieve their goals. Thank you Dennis and team!
My son was dissatisfied with his former martial arts experience. He gave Dragon Within another chance. He is glad that he did so. He is very motivated to practice. He also enjoys the welcoming atmosphere of the school.
This is not fake review. I have been training at DWMMA for about 8 years. Being very close to 70 years old, that is no easy task, but speaks highly of the instructors and the training I have been receiving. I applaud each and every instructor on their knowledge, ability, encouragement, and support they have shown me and every student, no matter what level of experience or ability you are. This school, instructors, and the camaraderie of the students are what keeps me coming back. This environment has provided me the opportunity to achieve levels of confidence, fitness, and personal accomplishments that I once thought were beyond my capabilities. Thank you DWMMA
Ive traveled and been to many schools and tried many disciplines.DW is welcoming for all levels. Its always a great workout and fun at the same time.
DWMMA is a great place for people of all ages. My teenage son has been a student for 18 months and we couldnt be happier with our choice to send him here. The teachers are wonderful. They take time with every student to make sure they really understand what is being taught. They are warm and welcoming from the minute you walk in the door. If anyone is looking for somewhere to join and be part of a great group, I would highly recommend DWMMA.
Great place, awesome instructors! They will help you master the greatest obstacle in your life; yourself.
Awesome choice of classes, with excellent instructors along the way. Itβs a great way to increase your confidence, get into shape, and learn a valuable skill.
This place is awesome very positive environment.... And you allways learn something new!! I would recommend this place 100 percent !!!!
My son absolutely loves coming to class and for a child that struggles with focus like most 5 year olds it is a true pleasure seeing the interaction my son has with not just his instructors but the friends he makes in class and the parents. We seem to watch over each other and this is a real family atmosphere as we get to know but see all of our children grow. I am looking forward to having my 4 year old start his own journey here at DWMMA. Thank you all
Everyone is friendly, the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful and the space is nicely outfitted. They offer a lot of classes too, so it could fit into almost anyones schedule.
I have been training for less than a year but the classes are fun, you learn how to defend yourself effectively and a great workout.
Our boys ( ages 9 & 5) love DWMMA! The teachers are all fantastic, patient and teach important life skills.
Exelent school! The instructors are very friendly and are experts at their art. They give a lot of personal attention to every student during group classes and are constantly working on improving their curriculum. They are genuinely interested in their studentβs progress and attendance. I have been taking Krav Maga classes at Dragon Within for the last 3 years and it really helped me to stay in shape and to acquire new skills. Thank you Dragon Within!
We just started and they have been so welcoming to my son. I love the community already and I am so glad we made he choice to start here!
I wandered into the Dragon Within Martial Arts family years ago, after being confronted with some health and life challenges. I was looking for something to turn things around and get me focused in a new direction. Little did I know then, the impact that decision would have on my life. Not just in the benefits to my overall health and fitness, but in so many other ways, like friendships and getting inspired by some truly great people, both staff and students. I can not say enough good things about Coach Dennis and his team of coaches, they love MMA and it comes out in the quality and care they put into the training. This is truly a very welcoming environment that I would highly recommend to anyone, including, women, children, any fitness level and anyone looking for a fun way to get and stay in shape, build confidence and learn some important self defense skills. How can you go wrong? You can only benefit!
Incredible facility full of knowledgeable staff that will help you grow in your martial arts career.
Today was my first day in the actual Krav maga class. Ive searched for this discipline of martial arts for a while and until I found this school I wasnt very impressed. Ive studied various marital arts throughout my life and always wanted to study Krav maga. What I found with this school was, no short of awesome. They push you hard but build you up. All the students were welcoming and kind. I hope and will train with them to build myself into what I want to be.
A Great place to learn and get in shape. The staff is knowledgeable and accessible.
The instructors helped me create a diet plan and really helped me stick to it. The staff it so helpful and the skills I learned are so good I teach them to my friends whenever I can. Highly recommended for self defense and fitness!
I took Krav Maga there for two years and it was a great workout and fantastic practical self defense, but most importantly for me - a welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive atmosphere for people of ALL levels. Miss you guys!
Fantastic! Iβm learning so much while getting a tremendous workout and having a great time!
DWMMA has been a part of our family life for the better part of the last 8 years. My son started out followed by my daughter when she was only 4 and now my wife attends krav Maga classes. In addition to teaching mixed martial arts, this team instills virtue, respect, self discipline and above all else a real sense of community in each student. Beyond the classes, which alone are worth the price of admission; they conduct community events such as parking lot self defense classes, join in local parades and host both birthday and special achievement parties even with the special event is coming in first in a school reading contest. All in all a great team, a great school and highly recommended.
A variety of effective workouts and practical self defense options for people of all levels. Great community of students and staff.
Great instructors, great atmosphere. The best place to train.
Really fun, nice teachers and people. iβve gotten so much better at martial arts since iβve been comming here.
My daughter has been taking classes at DWMMA since she was four. Shes almost 11 now and is still super enthusiastic about classes. The instructors are wonderful, so good with the kids, and foster a caring and considerate environment for learning. I started taking Krav Maga two years ago and have never been so enthusiastic about training. Its so fun, and I love learning skills that were previously so foreign to me. The instructors are fantastic. Very patient with new students, Ive never felt awkward or self conscious because I dont get something right away, and yet, always learning new things keeps the challenge fresh and fun. The other students are great as well, encouraging and helpful. DWMMA is an asset to its community.
I have been training in Krav Maga at Dragon Within for almost 2 years. Before joining, I asked around, and the unanimous suggestion was to join Dragon Within; everyone agreed they were the best Krav Maga school on the North Shore. The coaches have been so patient with and encouraging of me--and I am not, by any means, a natural at this stuff. My fellow students have also become really great friends. If you are looking for a great self-defense class, a great work-out, great coaches, and great friends on the North Shore, then this is the place for you.
Iβve been taking Krav Maga at Dragon Within for the past 6 years and I absolutely love it! I was so bored with the same old same old at the regular gym; Dragon Within totally changed how I exercise and dramatically increased my eagerness to hit the gym. I have gained confidence to defend myself and my family, gained stamina and cardio endurance, and lost about 20 lbs. I canβt wait to get my daughters involved in the Little Dragons program! The coaches are amazing and just the right amount of tough, the classes are fun and a hard workout, and the other people attending classes are welcoming and push each other towards our goals. No judgements here, just hard work, sweat, community and fun! Join us!
My daughter started at Dragon Within when she was in 5th grade. Shes now finishing up 7th grade and about to test for her first black belt. When my daughter started here she was anxious and unhappy with school and herself.. I have seen her grow into a confident, strong young adult. She is dedicated not only to kickboxing but the team that leads and teachers her while she is there. She had made friends, learned about staying fit and believes in herself. I cannot stress enough how valuable the experience has been. She tells me she will stay the DWIMA for as long as they will have her. If you are thinking about it for your child but concerned about the cost (it isnt cheap) all I can say is it is worth every penny!!
I have been going to The Dragon Withinβs Muay Thai and Krav Maga classes for a few years now. Instructors are invested, knowledgeable and, they are respectful of individal differences. In additon to a powerful workout, practicing self defense promotes confidence. Aside from all the above, it is great fun!!!
Checked it out many years ago. Didnt join. Big mistake. Then went back in October of 2016 and signed up. Watershed moment. Wow! Challenging, stimulating curriculum. Amazing, helpful peers. Thorough, caring coaches with years of experience and profound knowledge. Ive been a member for more than two years now, and taking Krav Maga at this studio has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Krav is a self-defense system that sculpts your mind, body, and soul. So much more beneficial and valuable than a gym where you simply put time into a cardio machine or a circuit workout. And whether its Coach Dennis or Coach Pam or Coach Matt or Coach Chris, they all impart their craft with expertise, with simplicity, with clarity, with humor, and with a unique personal touch. Plus, their involvement with the Salem community is laudable. Got Krav? If not, get Krav here!
This is the greatest place to be! The training is awesome, the instructors are awesome, and the students are awesome!
Ive enjoyed my classes here for the past few months. Dragon Within is a very violent, yet very welcoming and friendly place to learn self-defense :-)
I have been training at Dragon Within for close to 4 years and hands down it has been one of the best decisions of my life. The various arts (Krav Maga, Muay Thai & BJJ) are top notch, fun and very rewarding. All the instructors are fun, helpful and will bend over backwards to help you out. Additionally I have met some of the nicest people in my entire life at this school. Whether you are a beginner or have years of martial arts experience Dragon Within has something for everyone!
Have been going here for four plus years and never once thought of going anywhere else. Martial arts is a process that requires patience, humility, and consistency: learning the concepts of Krav Maga, or arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai, will take years. Itβs as simple as that. If youβre okay with that, then joining Dragon Within is joining with a highly motivated staff that is forever innovating and looking to make self-defense tactics simpler and more effective. The folks here donβt just teach the same moves over and over: you drill them often, yes, but that is to make them part of your muscle memory. Otherwise new moves and techniques are always being introduced, adjusted, and/or perfected. The students here too, are a tight-knit and very welcoming group: new members are made to feel comfortable and a part of the dojo right on the first day. The Krav Maga and Muay Thai classes will very quickly get you into shape, and within a few short weeks you will see results. Itβs all about what you put into it. If you want to get into the best shape of your life, Dragon Within is the place. Get after it.
I looked at a number of schools and styles before joining Dragon Within and cant speak highly enough about the people and the instruction. I wanted a school that had expert instruction with quality martial arts lineage, an environment that was open and supportive to men and women of all ages and levels of experience, and to be more than just another student. I found all of that in addition to making some lasting friendships. Ive been there nearly four years now and am happy to say its changed my life and my health in ways I didnt anticipate.Whether youre looking for practical self-defense, sport, or a dynamic and challenging way to get in great shape, Im confident the Krav Maga, Jiu Jitsu, and Muay Thai programs will meet and probably exceed your expectations.
The life of any martial arts school is in its staff and students, and at Dragon Within both staff and students reflect a humble and rewarding journey in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, and/or Muay Thai kickboxing. The staff are expertly-trained individuals who conduct fast-paced, exciting, professionally-managed, and safe classes that teach new concepts while constantly reinforcing previously-taught defensive and offensive strategies with practice. Staff here take the time to demonstrate techniques multiple times if necessary, and provide individual attention to students of all ages in a manner that reinforces success and builds a sense of solid personal achievement. The instructors at Dragon Within do not provide cookie-cutter classes of the same techniques over and over; they are constantly adapting and developing new and ever more efficient techniques that add stronger self-defense tools to their studentsβ own βtoolkit.β The students at Dragon Within reflect the culture of humility, patience, perseverance, and mutual respect nurtured by the coaches: many students have been attending classes here for several years, and bonds of mutual support and friendship are strengthened by helping each other learn and grow. Martial arts is a journey. Dragon Within MMA is the road on which to take that journey.
Teach you the same thing over and over,And classes are way to short.I thaught this was a good school it truly isnt.
I like very friendly atmosphere there!
Awesome staff, fun environment, always a good time!!!