435 Gander Dr suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22901
Black Blet Success Academy helps students build confidence, focus, and discipline.
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Black Belt Success Academy. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
Our 5-year-old has been in the Tiny Tigers class at Black Belt Success Academy, and it’s been a great experience! The instructors do an amazing job keeping the kids engaged while reinforcing discipline and focus. We’ve seen improvement in how our son follows directions and stays on task. Plus he has a great time and the practice at home gives us something fun to do together that doesn't involve screens or toys. It’s a well-run program for young kids. Highly recommend!
The instructors are amazing and very gentle but firm with their instructions. They guide the students in every move and are patient in their teaching. Thank you for all you do for the kids!!!!
Our kids have a blast here. Ms. Erin and Ms. Aniston are so reassuring and very patient with the them. They set aside time for one on one to be sure each student understands what they are supposed to be doing. It’s so much fun and teaches them focus and confidence.
Our 5 year old does the little leaders class and he loves it! He is learning a lot and the instructors helped get him out of his shell. He has improved in such a short amount of time. We are so happy we signed him up !
We highly recommend BBSA to anyone who is looking for a community of people that encourage responsibility, physical wellness, confidence, accountability, and excellence. Our kiddo looks forward to and loves attending class every week. Their philosophies align well with our family values, and we're very glad we discovered BBSA!
Such a great experience! My son is very shy and timid and they are so patient with allowing him to warm up .
This is a great studio! Very beginner friendly
Great at keeping the littles in line and teaching very important life skills! My daughter looks forward to it every week :)
We love BBSA! Our guy has grown in his self discipline, confidence, and coordination! We highly recommend.
Great crowd, feels like a second family. Also great workouts abound.
BBSA is top notch. Our daughter has been attending for over 1 year and the confidence she has gained and skills she has developed is wonderful to watch. Instructors are fantastic.
We love Black Belt Success Academy for our family! They have helped our 3 and 5 year old kids each practice self-defense, build confidence, enforce respectful behavior, and appreciate the safe environment to learn and grow independently. They look forward to every day they can train with Ms. Erin, Ms. Aniston, as well as the other wonderful instructors. The affordable price, realistic schedule, and age inclusion are also huge advantages that BBSA offer here in Charlottesville. Could not recommend high enough! They are truly wonderful and encouraging humans!
Black Belt Success Academy has been such a great experience for my 6 year old son. He loves attending multiple classes a week, adores and admires the instructor's and above all is learning self control/ focus skills. They really go above and beyond getting to know the children. Looking forward to more years at the academy
Joining BBSA is becoming a member of a large, extended family- a family that shares its knowledge and is always there to offer support. The instructors are patient while holding high expectations for every student to do his or her best. They take the time to get to know students as people and take a genuine interest in each one. Students support one another and share strategies for success. The BBSA family focus helps each one of us to reach our full potential.
Black Belt Success Academy does it right. Not just the technical skills of the martial art discipline being taught but application of those skills in real life. Knowing the technical skills is one thing but understanding how to use them in real life in different situations is entirely different. Tony Radle and Erin Elisabeth know how to teach this critical piece of the puzzle that many places simply don’t emphasize.
The instructors are great, the environment is great, my son loves it. Would recommend for anyone looking for the experience or their children!
Ms. Erin possesses the mannerisms and aura that command respect from the children.
We signed up my little sister for karate to help with self discipline and self defense and BBSA has been amazing! She’s excited to go to every class and both her athletics and behavior have improved immensely.
My son has been doing karate with BBSA for some time now and it has been such a delight watching him blossom! The instructors are dedicated to their craft and every single student that walks in their doors. Their enthusiasm and pride in the students is absolutely infectious. I’m so proud to see my son gain confidence and courage that he carries out of the studio.
I joined the Black belt Success Academy at one of the lowest points in my life. BBSA gave me courage, self-confidence, and a sense of self appreciation along with a well thought out martial arts curriculum. I am thoroughly enjoying my time here, every second is useful! My instructor, Ms. Erin as well as Mr. Radle are very friendly and supportive. I am a non-native English speaker, but language is never a barrier here.The learning environment is very positive, and all of my classmates are very respectful and easy to get along with. If you want to break the walls that you might've built around you over the years, this would be a great opportunity to do so! 😀I highly recommend this place! I've never left a review anywhere else on web before, but Ms. Erin, you changed it.. 5 stars 🌟
I’m very pleased with BBSA. I love all the hard work and dedication that the staff show to the kids and positive attitude. My son has learned more self control and loves what they learn in class.
BBSA has been a great environment for our little one and would definitely recommend.
We love BBSA! My son started about 7 month ago and has had an amazing improvement in his self-confidence and attitude. Ms. Erin is always so patient and encouraging with him and all of the other students. Highly recommend!
BBSA is the real deal! We enrolled our now 10-year old son last fall with the goals of increased physical fitness, as well as confidence, focus, and discipline. The dojo has not disappointed, far exceeding my expectations from day one. (This is saying a lot, as we have three much children ages 16 18, and 20; as such, we have been involved with countless providers of kid activities. None has impressed me to the degree that BBSA has!) The owners/instructors bring their whole selves to work, with endless enthusiasm and commitment to their work. Not only are classes run with precision and clearly-stated expectations, but they are fun and supportive; instructors encourage yet demand a high level of expectations while always maintaining a sense of humor. Instructors also bring deep wisdom routed in their own lived experiences, fostering everything from grit and resilience to compassion. If you’re looking for a highly professional dojo that also feels like a family, look no further. We have noticed significant growth in our son in all the areas we had identified as growth goals at the start of our journey with BBSA. Let’s build this academy and help the team realise their dream of opening a large state of the arts martial arts facility! Come join us. You won’t regret it!
BBSA is awesome! I joined with my family over two years ago and my son and I are making good progress towards our black belts. The instructors are great with the students, adults and kids alike. They like to bring discipline and focus to each class, but also have a ton of fun at the same time. They are clearly very passionate and it shows in how they show up. It's a great environment to learn new skills in order to be able to successfully defend yourself in the real world. I'm proud of my progress, and proud to be a part of BBSA!
We have just recently started at BBSA. The instructors are kind, patient, welcoming, and knowledgeable. It is obvious that their hope is for everyone to succeed. Our son is always excited to go to class and feels invigorated afterwards.
Excellent facility. Very family oriented. Highly recommend from beginners to experienced!
We came into martial arts with no background experience and wanting our three year old to learn patience and discipline. Black Belt Success Academy has went above and beyond our expectations. My son has learned manners, discipline, patience, focus and more. He absolutely loves his instructors (Ms. Erin and Ms. Anneston). They have so much patience towards the little leaders and are always so positive. We are very grateful for Black Belt Success Academy and everything they have done for our son.
My experience at Black Belt Success Academy has been nothing short of phenomenal! From the moment my two sons, ages 6 and 8, and I stepped into the dojo, we knew we had found something special. The instructors at Black Belt Success Academy are not only highly skilled in karate but also incredibly patient and attentive to each student's needs. They've created a warm and welcoming environment where my kids feel empowered to learn and grow, and as a parent, that means the world to me. Not only have my sons thrived in their karate training, but I've also seen remarkable progress in myself. The classes are challenging yet enjoyable, and I've noticed significant improvements in my fitness level and overall well-being since joining. The structured curriculum ensures that we're continually learning and progressing, keeping us engaged and motivated. What sets Black Belt Success Academy apart is their emphasis on holistic development. Yes, we're mastering martial arts techniques, but we're also learning invaluable life skills like discipline, respect, and perseverance—lessons that extend far beyond the dojo walls. The sense of community here is palpable. We've made friends with fellow students and their families, creating bonds that go beyond our shared love for karate. Whether it's during class, at events, or even outside of the academy, there's always a sense of camaraderie and support. I can't recommend Black Belt Success Academy highly enough. Whether you're a parent looking for a positive outlet for your children or an adult seeking personal growth and fitness, this dojo offers something truly special. Thank you, Black Belt Success Academy, for helping us become stronger, both physically and mentally. We're proud to be part of this incredible martial arts family!
We signed our son up for karate without knowing much about martial arts. We were looking for something to help with discipline, confidence and focus. BBSA has help him improve in all of these areas. He is more respectful, responsible and confident. He performs better in school and at home, not just in class. The instructors are engaged with the students (children and adults), knowledgeable and just wonderful humans. It is truly a family atmosphere at BBSA.
BBSA is a great place to come to learn basic skills . Mr. Radle and Ms. Erin both are very passionate about what they do and have a deep sense of community and wanting to make the community safer. Both are patient instructors and they will help you understand anything you see as a challenge. Definitely feel like I've become healthier mentally and physically since I've signed up . Great for all levels of knowledge and fitness !
Black Belt Success Academy is an amazing place for kids to learn martial arts. BBSA provides a safe environment where kids are able to develop self-confidence, self-defense, discipline and leadership skills. Both Mr. Radle and Ms. Erin are excellent instructors, well structured, and respectful. They make sure they give students the individual attention that they need in order to bring the best out of them, and make kids feel valued and respected. My son Sam looks forward going to karate every week, he has developed so much self-confidence since he started there!
BBSA has been great for both my physical and mental health. Mr. Radle and Ms. Erin are knowledgeable, patient and passionate about how they carry out instruction. We also have lots of fun!
Martial Arts has changed the course of my life, and my time here at BBSA has helped me to learn to set and achieve my goals! I started as a parent of a Little Leader (3-5 y/o) and found myself in class. Fast forward a couple of years and I found myself teaching and helping others to grow in their journey as well. I love BBSA!
My wife and daughters have been attending Blackbelt Success Academy, and the experience has been truly exceptional. The instructors, Mr. Radle and Ms. Erin, go beyond martial arts—they instill a profound sense of respect and community in their teachings. The focus on personal development is palpable, fostering not just physical strength but also character growth. What sets this academy apart is their unwavering commitment to helping each student thrive. The genuine desire to contribute to personal growth is evident in every class. It's more than just a martial arts school; it's a community dedicated to nurturing respect, fostering personal development, and always extending a helping hand. We're incredibly grateful for the positive impact it's had on our family. Highly recommend!
The owner of Black Belt Success Academy is ran by a Military Veteran named Tony. Very very cool guy who cares a lot about his clients. Highly recommend.
im blck belt in karete so i love karete
Instructors are awesome! Highly recommend. Bummed they have to move out of this space.
I highly recommend Black Belt Success Academy if you are looking to pursue martial arts for yourself or your family. My family (husband, stepson, and I) has been attending classes here for about six months now and the more involved we get, the more we love the experience. The classes are friendly to all ages and abilities but are still challenging for both children and adults. The instructors are not only very knowledgeable but are excellent teachers and communicators. I also very much appreciate the flexibility of the leadership program - once enrolled, you can attend as many or as few classes as you like. There is always an opportunity to advance and the expectations and standards are clearly set. The academy provides great structure, especially for kids. Mr. Radle and Ms. S always provide a fun, positive experience for every class!
We love Black Belt Success Academy! This is a great family friendly training dojo that helps children and adults reach excellence in martial arts as well as real life skills in leadership, discipline and self defense. Mr Radle and Ms Schoenfelder are excellent instructors and motivators. We highly recommend BBSA!!! The Burroughs family.
BBSA provides a safe space for my son to learn karate. Mr. Radel and Ms.S are excellent teachers. They are kind, patient and provide individual attention to my son even in a big class. The classes are formatted to be fun, engaging yet challenging making every child feel accomplished after each lesson. My son looks forward to karate classes each week. Thank you!
We love Black Belt Success Academy! The staff is always very nice and helpful. My son loves it there! The prices are fair as well. We love it!
My grandson loves this experience! He had been taking a martial arts class before when he was 6 or 7 but Covid closed the class. Recently he decided he wanted to continue. I did a lot of research on various programs in the area and we even tried a couple of lessons but the other participants were older so he didn't fit in - he is 10 now. While we just started class a few weeks ago, he already feels like he belongs and is ALWAYS ready to go to class. The instructors are wonderful and are so patient with all of the students. The age range of the students in the classes (from early elementary to adult) is a great experience for my boy. He sees everyone, regardless of age, going through the same learning process with enthusiasm and determination. It is so much fun that he talked his dad into trying the class with him! I couldn't be happier with Black Belt Success Academy. They help each student feel successful, whatever their level. My grandson's confidence AND his overall physical strength and coordination have shown a marked increase in just a few weeks!
The experience was awesome!! Friendly and helpful staff, clean environment, excellent discounts, thoroughly explained enrollment and session details, and wonderful, user-friendly app where you can purchase accessories and sign up for classes! Overall, great experience, highly recommended!!
We are two practices in and enjoying every session. The instructors are kind and knowledgeable, and the diversity of the instruction and disciplined yet friendly environment are creating an engaging and exciting experience for both of our boys at age 8 and 5. As a family new to karate, we wholeheartedly recommend Black Belt Success Academy!
I love this place , if you want to make your kids more confident, self- independent , and to protect themselves, just go head to go to the bbsa Charlottesville, I remembered my kids was very shy, not organized, and to be not focus on the classroom, I try to find a place to help him that , now I am so proud of him , I saw him day and day to improve himself, believe in himself, thansk a lot Mrs Erin and Mr. Radle
My daughters and I have been training at BBSA for well over one year now, and we all love it! It has brought much more to our lives than I anticipated - it gives us a space to work together on our goals, both on the mat and in our daily lives, and we love the community of the school so much!
Mr.Radle is an amazing instructor. Great classes in a family-oriented environment
We have only been attending BBSA for about a month or so & we absolutely love it! The environment, the staff, it was everything we wanted our girls to experience. The structure is awesome & we are totally seeing a difference in our girls the more and more they come! Thank you BBSA for being so awesome. We cant wait to continue our journey with you!
This place is amazing. They are very structured which is exactly what my son needed. He loves going to every class and we have e noticed difference in his behavior at home as well.
Since my son has been going to BBSA (Black Blet Success Academy his attitude has changed a bit
BBSA is one of the most supportive environments I've ever encountered. Well-trained and also big-hearted. What more could you want for your kids?
BBSA has given my family a way to bond that we never imagined. We joined the BBSA family almost two years ago when we enrolled our son in the little leaders program. Weeks later my husband was enrolling himself. Several months later I couldn’t sit and watch any longer and had to join them on the mat. We get to train together, learn together and grow together. We celebrate each other’s victories and pick each other back up when we fall. Mr. Radle is an excellent instructor and cares for all of his students. My son both adores and respects him. It is an honor and privilege to work with him, the other instructors and the other students and families. We are hooked. The exercise is great and the opportunity to learn something new is inspiring, especially at the age of....let’s just say over 40!
The trainer is the best man I have ever met that ran a self-defense institution. I learned more from him in a single meeting than I did anywhere else. Would definitely recommend and enroll myself as well!!.
We love this school! Me and both of my daughters have been going for about 6 months. We all take karate together and i have just recently started the krav maga classes. The school really has something to offer for all ages. What sold us on Black Belt Success Academy over other schools in the area is the instructors (Mr. Morgan) enthusiasm and positive attitude.
The adult Krav Maga classes are excellent! I started by attending one of their free Women’s Self-Defense seminars, and I knew it was the place for me. The instructors are well-trained and work with each of us to improve our strengths and weaknesses. The group we have now is diverse and work well together. Highly recommend!!
In a world of dark and evil people potentially out to get you, it's good to know that you can defend yourself if the need ever arises to do so. Thats why I when to the BBSA because I wanted to learn on a personal level, to be guided by someone who knows and is passionate about it. That is what makes this place great!👏
This academy is an incredible place for families or individuals to train in self defense and character development. Our family has participated in weekly classes and Krav Maga. Our instructor is amazing with kids - kind, while motivating them to do their best. Our kids always come home having learned something while having fun too! Our kids have built up a lot of self defense strength, as well as learning things like self-control and what to do if bullied or attacked. We LOVE Black Belt Success Academy!
My son is finding his voice and some self confidence. Thank you.
My son won 5 free weeks of trial classes during the Christmas parade from their booth they had set up.When we showed up for the first initial trial class we felt pressured to sign up that day!They definitely push signing up right then and there,and don’t really give you the time to think about it.My son liked the first class okay so we signed him up.We signed him up right before Christmas and were charged $197 that day.The holidays rolled around and then we had bad weather the beginning of January and the karate studio was closed quite a bit due to that,so by the time we were able to make it to another class my son was only able to make it to two classes in total between his sign up date before Christmas and his last day he attended which was end of January but we were charged almost $400.$400 for only two classes is ridiculous.My wife reached out to the studio by email and also through the app about her concerns a couple of different times before we finally received a call at 9:30 at night by the owner.We explained our concerns about being charged $400 even though my son could only make it to two classes due to holidays and the studio being closed due to bad weather.The owner compared us being charged to a Verizon cell phone bill stating that even if you don’t use your phone as much you still get charged the same.That’s him saying that if you only make it to two classes due to bad weather where they close the studio or for other reasons you will still be charged the full amount.How is that fair to be charged $400 for two classes?He seems more worried about the dollar amount he can receive from clients than the actual clients themselves.They get you with the offer of so many free classes and then pressure you into signing up.My son won five free classes but we were pressured during the first one to sign up and never got to use the other four free classes.My wife was given the impression that you are charged per class not monthly.If you do choose to go here make sure they’re clear with all their sign up information.
If you’re looking for a place for your kids, be weary of the sales practices here. They offer big “discounts” when you sign up but it’s 7 months and you have to sign THAT day. My kids tried a class here this evening, got attached then they gave me one price and a bunch of discounts. Another person proceed to tell me that’s the wrong price, then upped it $50 a month. By the way, I was told an entirely different number of $89 price for intro month for unlimited classes when I called for the first time. There are also signs on the door for 30 day free trial (maybe there are some tiny letters on the door for fine print that you have to pay registration fees out the wazzoo, but WAIT! We’ll give you a discount AND throw in uniforms). If a business cannot give a family ONE night to think about a large commitment financially and time wise, then that tells me all I need to know about the business. I’m a single mother who can’t Willy nilly make that kind of commitment on the spot. I even told them I’d need to talk to my kids dad and they went as far as to ask me to call him right then and there. In conclusion just be weary because my kids were excited about the class after taking their first free class, then I had to use my own judgement that this was not a fit for us. We’re on to try a different place where they were up front about costs. I left 2 stars only because the kids did enjoy the teacher.
McDojo of the highest order. Will refuse refunds despite not performing any services.
I gave advanced $500 to Mr. Morgan for personal training lessons.He never gave training to my children and never returned my money back.I tried many times and requested my money back but he never respond.Anyone dealing with him or his Karate Academy very careful.I got very bad experience.
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