227150 Harrier Ave, Wausau, WI 54401
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Affinity Martial Arts. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
If you are looking for a family oriented martial arts facility, you've found the perfect one! Affinity Martial Arts isn't just a very skilled martial arts program but it's an additional family that welcomes you with open arms regardless of your skill level and abilities. My son came to Si-fu Jamie and has enjoyed every class since we've started in September; school has been hard but this class has given him a light and a confidence that he carries home with him each night. When I say he's more than an instructor for us, I mean it - he's been a great mentor, friend, teacher, and all around great person! This facility is going places, and I cannot wait to be a part of it!
I cannot say enough good things about this school, Sifu Jamie and the Affinity family. We were welcomed with open hearts and arms and my son has been in the Little Dragons class for just shy of a year. This phenomenal group has helped my son to find his voice, accept challenges and change with grace and humility, and learn to fail forward with confidence. I openly and loudly recommend Affinity Martial Arts whenever I get the chance to do so!
Anthony is a knowledgeable and motivating instructor. I enjoy training with him every chance I get!
I 100% recommend Jamie’s classes at Affinity. Jamie is very knowledgeable and does such an incredible job at making all people, both newcomers and seasoned students, feel welcome. The classes are a perfect mix of comfort and challenge, fun and laughter, individuality and community. Jamie’s depth of knowledge and passion make him a gifted teacher.
I stumbled upon this school after reading a Bruce Lee biography and getting interested in Jeet Kune Do. I figured there wouldn't be any schools in the area that train in this method, so imagine my surprise when Affinity popped up! The classes were affordable, I was warmly welcomed to the classes, encouraged in my interests, and now I'm hooked. Sifu Jaime makes class fun, is patient and is very gifted in knowing how to morph his training to fit the individual needs of the students. He also is continuously bringing new opportunities to the area to learn new or broader aspects of Mixed Martial Arts. For example, I've attended seminars for women's self defense and Wing Chun just this year. I look forward to every class and leave feeling empowered. It's awesome.
Sifu Jamie is very good with my children, getting down on his knees if needed showing them more than just what their routine would be, but why, and what it means. Martial arts has this staple of being just fighting. Punches and kicks are part of it but there is much more than that. There is a responsibility and discipline that can strengthen a child. My oldest son has had trouble with his fight or flight. When something went wrong he’d immediately started screaming, screeching, with all his might, and he had lost friends. Not many parents could put up with a kid that threw himself into a fury so easily. Granted, he never fought physically, but his tantrums were so terrible nobody could soothe him. It was sad. However, that started to change with Affinity. He isn’t aware of this but his focus and self-awareness grew. An understanding of his behavior came into being and he was able to control the instincts I mentioned earlier. Which is important for anybody, and it is why I recommend Affinity so strongly. So children can learn about their feelings and know when it is alright to fight.
My 8 year old has been taking classes for almost 3 years and my 13 year old stepson joined almost 2 years ago. Since beginning martial arts classes here, our 13 year old's confidence and self discipline have risen exponentially. He went from incomplete courses and barely passing classes to now excelling in his advanced classes with A's and B's! He's volunteered to run and won the role of patrol leader in Boy Scouts, he's joined after school clubs and helps to run them. Things he'd never have the guts to do before. This isn't a competitive style learning center. This is all about giving the kids the skills to defend themselves if the need arises and to gain the confidence to try new things and keep themselves accountable. Sifu Jamie Sparling has influenced and impacted our lives in such great ways! He's a wonderful coach and mentor!
My daughters and I tried a class, and the rest is history! I was hooked by the awesome people, the feeling of family, and the way the training is set-up. There is nothing like this anywhere, and I have learned more under their instruction and direction than I thought possible--in such a short time. This is my new home away from home.
I just attended a seminar run by Guro Jamie Sparling of Affinity Martial Arts. It was great! It was really fun. His teaching style is very kind and respectful, and I thoroughly enjoyed his seminar at MKG Madison (Thanks for hosting Guro Josh Prior!). I learned new movements and concepts, and he provides cultural insights and historical background that gives a very rounded and fulfilling experience. Next time I'm in Wausau I will definitely check out Affinity! Thanks Jamie!
Kali, Jeet Kune Do, Silat, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Capoeira. Pick your Poison!
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