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American Black Belt Academy in Massapequa, NY offers self defense and fitness training for kids and adults.
I always loved being active and prided myself on being in shape. As a former wrestler and a military veteran it was always easy for me to maintain being in shape. I unfortunately needed both my hips replaced at the young age of 26. After multiple hip surgeries, lifting weights and playing pickup games at the park just left me in terrible pain.
After finding American Black Belt I figured let give it a try I signed up for BJJ along with there many fitness classes. This place literally changed my life. The staff there is absolutely incredible and treats everyone like family. They make sure your form is proper and modify work outs if needed. In the past 4 months I have found my competitive edge again with BJJ and have lost nearly 30Lbs. AMERICAN BLACK BELT CHANGED MY LIFE.
Me my wife and 2 of my children attend American Black Belt, and we could not be happier with the classes and the staff. My
Children are learning Kenpo and are taking Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes and the skills they have obtained is amazing. My wife takes the Lights out Boxing classes and she has stayed toned and in great shape. As for me I went into ABBA open minded taking not only the Adult Kenpo classes and Adult BJJ classes, but I’ve also been taking the Lights Out Boxing program and I have dropped over 20 pounds in 4 months. The LoVarco family does amazing work and I’m happy Chris talked me into this journey with one conversation and 4 simple words “it’s never too late.”
I'd give 10 stars if I could. American Black Belt Academy is top notch. They have something for everyone from every age and skill level. Instructors are extremely experienced and know how to develop students of all ages. True family business and this creates a family environment. I have entrusted them with my kids many years ago and now my own personal journey. It is a school you look forward to attending.
Top notch instruction from experienced practitioners of Ed Parker’s American Kenpo, MMA striking, BJJ with fitness programs for children to adults. Children summer camps and after school programs. Fun and energetic staff and clean facilities. Highly recommended.
I’ve been at the American Black Belt Academy for most of my life. Everyone there has become my second family. I would not be the person I am without the lessons I’ve learned from Tom LoVarco. 1000/10 would recommend learning martial arts here!
Been going there over 20 years. The premiere martial arts school on Long Island. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn self defense or just get into shape.
Ok so... I have been training w Chris Lovarco in BJJ (brazilian jiu jitsu) and striking (I am a long time boxer prior to this), and Chris is hands down one of the best, if not the best, instructors in any discipline anywhere. He is a warrior and a philosopher... supremely dedicated to his craft and students. A true professional MMA instructor who teaches both for sport and real life (street fighting self defense).
I encourage all to experience the instruction, first class facilities and life changing experience of this amazing BJJ, MMA and American Kenpo gym. For adults or kids or anywhere in between.
Great place!! Coach chris is a great instructor I am part of the BJJ class and it is amazing to have such a dedicated instructor. Chris is patient and caring and very knowledgeable. I have also taken one on one classes and I truly feel coach chris has a very good style of teaching which helps. Thanks to coach chris is earned my first stripe as a white belt in BJJ. American Black Belt also has a great kids after school program and summer camp. Keep up the great work Coach Chris and staff !!!
I grew up in the 80s and 90s I watched alot of Jean Claude Van Damme & Steven Seagal movies! So naturally I thought I knew MMA! I decided to take my talents to one of the premier MMA schools in the country American Black Belt Academy in Massapequa Park , NY. But I had to find out the hard way that it takes more than just watching movies to know MMA! If you want to learn self defense or want to stay in great condition ABBA offers American Kenpo Karate, Brazilian Jiu jitsu & MMA striking. They also have an amazing after school program for kids that provides transportation and gives them the opportunity to do their school work in-between lessons. Perhaps the happiest part of this review I want to share is that for the last several months I have been getting picked on by some really mean bullies. Every day they would back me into a corner and steal my lunch money and give me wedgies. Well after a few visits to ABBA I gave those bullies The Crane Daniel LaRusso style and they are no longer a problem thank you ABBA for teaching me self defense I love you 4ever baby!
I AM A RETIRED PROFESSIONAL LACROSSE PLAYER. I HAVE BEEN PLACED IN FOUR SEPERATE HALLS OF FAME FOR THE SPORT. MY BACKROUND ALLOWS ME TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A QUALIFIED OPINION OF THE AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY OF WHICH I AM NOW A MOST GRATEFUL MEMBER. I HAVE BEEN AROUND BOTH AMATEUR AND WORLD CLASS ATHLETES MY ENTIRE LIFE. THIS OUTSTANDING FACILITY AND STAFF OFFERS SOMETHING FOR BOTH. EVERYONE WILL FIND A HOME HERE. NO ONE EVER FEELS LEFT OUT. WHETHER YOUR INTEREST IS IN THE MARTIAL ARTS OR SIMPLY PERSONAL BETTERMENT, MR.TOM AND AND HIS WELL DECORATED STAFF OFFER YOU A PATH TO PERMANENTLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE. TO SAY THAT I AM IMPRESSED WITH THE LEVEL OF INTEGRITY, GENUINE CARE AND INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE IN HELPING ALL INDIVIDUALS REACH THEIR GOALS WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT. YOU ENTER A FAMILY NOT JUST A FACILITY AT THE AMERICAN BLACK BELT ACADEMY. IF YOU HAVE SEARCHED FOR YOURSELF AND THOSE YOU LOVE TO FIND A PLACE AND A PATH THAT WILL PERMANENTLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE YOU CAN FIND IT HERE. THE MENU OF TRAINING METHODS IS AS VAST AS THE TALENTED PEOPLE WHO TEACH THEM. YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS ANY OF THE INSPIRATIONAL SESSIONS AND HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION THAT TAKES PLACE HERE EACH DAY. THE FLEXIBLE TRAINING SCHEDULE OFFERED CAN ACCOMODATE EVEN THE BUSIEST OF SCHEDULES. THE OVERALL VALUE PROPOSITION IN JOINING THIS OUTSTANDING GROUP IS A PRODUCT THAT YOU WILL NOT FIND ELSEWHERE. YOUR LEVEL OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, PERSONAL PRIDE, HUMILITY AND SELF WORTH WILL SKYROCKET IN WORKING CLOSELY WITH MR.TOM, HIS IMMEDIATE FAMILY, AND STAFF. NO GYMNASIUM WILL OFFER YOU THE PHYSICAL TRAINING AND INTANGEABLES YOU WILL RECEIVE HERE. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WERE SO INSPIRED TO A LEVEL THAT YOU COULD NOT WAIT TO GO BACK? I URGE YOU TO SIMPLY STOP BY AND SPEAK WITH MR. TOM OR CALL, AS I DID. IT WILL COST YOU NOTHING TO DO SO. BUT IT MAY BE THE VISIT OR CALL THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE AS IT DID FOR ME AND SO MANY THANKFUL OTHERS.
What a great place to go to from a young child to an adult.
I myself am taking some private lessons with Chris. He has been on point when it comes to working with me both professionally and pushing me to learn and succeed. But what really won me over was the other day I walked in early and Chris the trainer was sitting on the floor talking to a young man face to face. I could see he was serious and you can see the young man had a problem. At first i said, Hey he is running into my time, my private lesson, but i soon realized he was mentoring this young child. When Chris came into my room, he apologized and explained to me he needed to spend extra time with this young man to work through some issues.
Chris is so dedicated to his school and his students, young and old.
He takes the time to really teach snd mentor his students. He has that passion.
I also had the pleasure to meet his sister who overtime i walked in she greeted me and we had some great conversations. I also met his father. Wow what a gentleman and in great shape to. This is a family owned business and they have been around for a long time. Support them and trust them as i guarantee you you will be happy with there commitment to you and your family.
I have been taking kick boxing lessons for over a year now with American Black Belt Academy. This family business is extremely welcoming and their knowledge of the sport is very admirable. As for my children, they have a ton of fun while growing with strength, confidence and integrity. I would highly recommend ABBA to anyone who is interested.
I am not usually one to write a review but I have to give credit where its due. ABBA has been one of the best experiences for my 2 daughters. They have grown in confidence, skill and always have fun. Their staff is positive and friendly to the point where you feel like you are part of the family. The facility is clean and welcoming. I would and always do recommend American Black Belt Academy. You are not going to find a more top rate place.
Two of my kids started going here and they absolutely love it. Teaches great skills, and is a huge confidence booster for kids. Instructors are extremely nice and patient.
Five Stars all the way! I highly recommend American Black Belt Academy. They have an excellent fitness program with classes in the mornings and evenings. I have been training there for almost 3 years now and I’m a Mom of two beautiful girls. The results I have achieved keep me coming back for more. The trainers there are amazing and so supportive. The environment is humble and the results are real. Truly one of my favorite places to be at. Thank you to Chris and Danielle Lovarco!
My 10 year old son is enrolled in the after school program and he and I couldn’t be happier with ABBA. My son is currently a brown belt in Kenpo Karate, and he is learning the fine art kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu taught by an excellent role model Mr. Chris LoVarco.
I can't tell you how this place has changed my life. I was not physically active until I came here. I fell in love with the entire program they offer. I take the American Kenpo class, cardio kickboxing class, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class. I am in the best shape I have ever been in my life and have developed great relationships with my coaches and training partners. The expertise of the staff is unsurpassable. All the instructors take the time to work with you and make sure you succeed and move forward in any class you take. It is my favorite place to be and the place that I look forward to going to every single day. I can't say enough great things about American Black Belt.
Great place to train! Fun environment, excellent instruction and a wide variety of classes. I look forward to attending the array of classes every night and never thought I'd be able to call myself a fighter.
