Couldn’t be happier with Keefe’s Martial Arts Academy. We looked at a few different studios and friends of our introduced us to this one. We are thrilled with our choice. The confidence these classes have instilled in my daughter is amazing. In a few short months, I can’t believe the transition and all she has learned. From culture, theory and language (yes, John Keefe even speaks Japanese to the children and they respond accordingly, also in Japanese!) in a way that is fun for the kids and they don’t even realize they are learning. Just remarkable! John is incredible with the children. He has many strengths, but the one that stands out for me is his ability to tap into each, individual child’s motivation and watch them thrive under his guidance. If you are looking to enroll your child into a martial arts program, I highly recommend Keefe’s Martial Arts Academy. You will be grateful you made the same choice we did.

Their is so much I can say about my experience at Keefes Martial Arts, all of it positive. I have been studying various kinds of martial arts at schools around the area and this has been my best experience. Sensi Keefe is not only skilled and knowledgeable in the arts but is honestly an innovator willing to be different from his peers and forge his own path. He is an amazing instructor and mentor to kids and adults alike. I have seen children become dedicated and focused and adults achieve both fitness and personal goals at the school. On a personal note I can honestly call John Keefe both a friend and a mentor even during a time where I cannot physically attend classes he reaches out to me and does what he can to motivate me. Anyone would be wise to choose this small focused setting to learn self defense and traditional martial arts over large factory farm schools who are just in it for the money.

Second time student once as a child and now as an adult, absolutely best experience. Teaches strength of mind and body. If you want an amazing work out and to learn the incredible art of karate this is the place to go.

My son joined Keefe’s Martial Arts few months ago and he loved it so far . John is amazing with lots of patience with kids .

Keefes Martial Arts is an excellent place for children. Sensei Keefe has many years of experience.. He has a great way of teaching the kids and not only teaches them martial arts, but they also learn confidence, self-control and discipline. I would highly recommend Keefes Martial Arts.

Started training private lessons in Tai Chi with John at Keefes Martial Arts. John is extremely friendly, welcoming, and accepting. I felt very comfortable in class. He is knowledgeable and is a very experienced teacher.

Keefes Martial Arts is a wonderful place to bring your child. Sensei John is an amazing teacher. He is tremendous with kids and incredibly patient. Sensei John not only teaches the fundamentals of martial arts but teaches the children discipline, self control and respect. Its a fun and positive environment for all!

John Keefe is a skillful and patient teacher. He runs his school in a very supportive and friendly way . I like it a lot .

Sensei Keefe taught me martial arts when I was a kid growing up in Melrose in the early 1990s, and all these years later I treasure that experience and my enduring friendship with him. I cant recommend his teaching enough -- he expertly helps kids learn mixed martial arts, but also so much more. A true gem and an enormous opportunity for anyone in the area looking for exercise, art, self-defense, discipline and fun.

This is not a black belt factory, but a Martial Arts Studio. I walked in skeptical having had a negative experience at a supposed MA school. What I experienced from John Keefe is a committed and approachable teacher. As an out of shape middle aged woman who was once an in shape athlete, I walked in with my own set of judgment and high self expectations. John Keefe has been non judgmental, honest, patient and teaches more than the physical component of the art. Specifically, he imparts the history and responsibility of obtaining MA skills. The spiritual component of MA is evident in his demeanor. Check his lineage in Tai Chi and Kenpo, it is solid.

As an older student, Ive found Keefes Martial Arts to be most helpful for me to get back in shape. The classes are a great workout. I look forward to returning to the classes.

5+ stars, highly recommend. I started my 10 year old son in the kids karate class after the new year. Shihan Keefe has a great way with the kids. Seeing him teach seven or eight kids at three or four diffent skill levels at the same time, and keeping each moving forward has been inspiring. It was so inspiring, that I decided to sign up for lessons myself. They say its hard to teach an old dog new tricks, but John is equally skilled at teaching stubborn adults. Having a great time sharing the experience with my son, and looking forward to learning more and bettering myself. Thank You Sensei !

Sifu [Chinese-for-teacher] Keefe is an excellent teacher who adjusts teaching style to the students. He also explains some of the theory and meaning behind the words. I was able to learn the basics of the Tai-Chi short form in about 3-4 months, and then spent a few more months working out most of the kinks & now I can run through confidently whenever.The space is a little on the small side, but generally sufficient for medium-sized classes or small classes with large patterns (like tai-chi).

I had a blast doing two free intro classes of his Tai Chi. It was so much, learned a lot, and despite it only being extra credit for my college class I would def do it again!!

I took an intro Tai Chi class here and it was wonderful!! Highly recommend it!

I had taken the intro Tai Chi class and loved every minute of it! Sifu John not only is friendly and welcoming, but very patient with his students and breaks down every stance you learn. He gives you the history of the course and meaning behind everything you do, so nothing is done in vain! This one class was very enlightening and relaxing, I highly recommend his marital arts academy! ! Sifu John has left a very positve and lasting impression, I had taken a karate course before and walked away with a not so great impression due to the instructor.I wouldnt hesitate to take another martial arts course under his teaching!!