Woods Plaza, 342 Great Rd, Acton, MA 01720
Gardner's Best Martial Arts School is now accepting new students ages 18 months and up!
Reviews from Jiu-Jitsu Blog members who have trained at Borges Martial Arts - Acton. Member recommendations raise an academy's Jiu-Jitsu Blog Score.
My son has been attending karate classes at Borges Martial Arts for the third year now, and I highly recommend it to everyone! The professional and attentive staff creates an encouraging environment, helping each child develop not only physical strength but also discipline, confidence, and respect. The training sessions are well-structured, and the teaching approach effectively combines traditional techniques with modern methods. This is an excellent place for kids to grow both athletically and personally!
Sensei Katie and team are wonderful. They make karate practice engaging, challenging and most importantly fun. They genuinely care about each student. We’ve seen them help to instill discipline and confidence in every class. They also offer monthly ‘parent night out’ options which both of our kids love. We can’t say enough positive things about the Borges community!
My kids have been attending this dojo for years and happy with the experience! The instructors do an incredible job teaching not just martial arts but also discipline, respect, and perseverance. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the lessons are engaging. Highly recommend!
Absolutely love this dojo! Coach Katie and her team are knowledgeable, kind, responsive, inclusive, and really … just a wonderful part of our community. Highly recommended as a place to learn, explore, train, and make friends!
Borges is awesome. They strike the best balance between fun and serious through the use of positive reinforcement and clear setting of expectations.
Amazing! Couldn’t ask for a better place to bring my son!
Borges Martial Arts Acton is an integral part of our children’s physical and overall development. Would give 5 more stars if we could.
We love Borges Martial Arts for both of our young children (4.5 & 2.5). The instructors are infinitely patient and fun. The kids both have had a huge boost in their confidence with their bodies since starting and our 4.5 yo has seen his attention and listening improve drastically over the last year. I highly recommend signing up if you're thinking about it!
We love Borges. We go to the Acton branch. My son was invited to a birthday party here and we just happened to be looking into getting him a place to take karate. We loved how the coaches interacted with the kids so much that we ended up doing an evaluation and signed my son up to take classes here. It's such a great environment. The sensei/coaches are not only incredibly skilled but incredibly patient with the kids while walking a great line between being stern when needed and providing some kind words/extra encouragement when the kids are struggling. We also love that there is a focus on fitness as well, as each class starts with some great exercises to get the kids ready for class. Would HIGHLY recommend Borges to anyone looking to get their child into karate. You won't be disappointed.
My son really enjoy the class and the teachers are so nice. Sensei Katie does not only teach kids karate but also discipline, respect to others and parents. Great dojo.
Our family absolutely loves Borges Martial Arts! If you're looking to get your child started in martial arts, this is the best place that you could start. They offer a Mini Skills class, which targets children between 18-36 months. Not only was my youngest engaged the entire class, but she even practiced these skills outside class, building her confidence and strength. The Early Skills class is offered twice a week and our oldest adores going to class every week. All coaches are so patient and nurturing throughout the class. They make such an amazing effort to make everyone feel included, and by building skills that they will use each day, outside of class. I highly recommend Borges Martial Arts for every family!
The BMA Acton team provides a fun and effective way for our boys (4 and 7) to build confidence, fitness, and focus. Sensei Katie and her fellow instructors manage to engage even the most distracted young students with fun, positive role modeling, and attention to character building within a structured introduction to karate. Even in a short time we have already noticed greater self control, intrinsic motivation to set and work towards goals, and genuine and consistent enthusiasm. Recognizing that parents must juggle schedules and be selective of which activities to consider, we recommend BMA Acton as a worthy investment.
This place is amazing! Incredible sensei and all the teachers are just so engaged and good with kids. Fantastic place to learn focus, persistence, and determination. And of course how to kick through a board!
It's been a fantastic experience for my daughter, who has some attention deficit challenges. This program has truly helped her gain confidence and connect with kids of all ages. The supportive environment encourages personal growth and teamwork. It has significantly motivated her and helped her become more engaged, fostering focus and active listening skills. If you're a parent looking to support your child’s development, this is the best place to be! Plus, they offer a "Parent Night Out" event on Saturdays, which is a wonderful perk for members. It’s a win-win for both kids and parents!
We started sending our 4 year old son after attending one of the most engaging birthday parties we've been to there. Sensei Katie is fantastic with kids, as is the rest of the staff that work with his age group. They focus on things like respect, focus, and listening, while also incorporating the physical skills as well. The kids all seem to be having a blast because they keep the program fun while doing all this too. It's a great program that I've recommended to everyone I know who's even marginally interested in karate or developing those skills with their kids.
We love Sensei Katie Sensai Megan and all teachers at BMA. They are so amazing really know how to help the kids even on tough days .
Excellent teachers who are great with the kids! Highly recommended!
Borges is great! Taking lessons here has given my 7 year old daughter confidence and clarity. The instructors really know how to relate to all children and meet them where they are. If a child is neurodivergent, accommodations will be made. The classes are fun to attend and really fun to watch as a parent. I am currently looking forward to another year at Borges!
Best Sensei (coaches), you will find here. My kids are learning Karate and I really feel this Dojo is very great space for learning and exploring.
My son has been attending Borges for 2 years now. It’s been an amazing experience. The facility is great, the instructors are supportive and my son has really benefited from it. I highly recommend it to any parent who is looking for martial arts instruction for their child.
Borges Martial Arts has been an incredible influence on my son. We switched to BMA when we moved to town and it was one of the best decisions we made. My son has grown so much in his self- esteem and confidence, he has gained leadership skills and has made a wonderful community of friends. He is inspired & challenged by his teachers. The benefits of his being a part of the BMA community go far beyond just martial arts skills, although he has become quite impressive on a technical level as well. The staff are all so encouraging and understanding.... it truly is a great place for children to learn important lifelong skills and personal growth! I highly recommend Borges Martial Arts.
My son has been a part of Borges Martial Arts for over 6 years. It has greatly improved his focus, discipline and self-confidence. The coaches are great and understanding. Highly recommended.
We have been so lucky to have both of our kids train at borges (ages 4&8), we firmly believe in their methods, commitments to learning, teaching, respect & kindness. We have always felt so welcomed, from day one, and we truly love this team and all that they do. Highly recommend!
We have had an excellent experience at Borges Martial Arts over the last 4+ years. Katie and Megan are amazing with keeping the kids engaged in lessons that improve not only their karate skills but also teach them about respect, integrity, and leadership. If you are looking for a great martial arts class, I definitely recommend this one!
We have had a wonderful experience at Borges Martial Arts. My kids have fun and the environment is very supportive. Going beyond having a good time, they learn really important life skills. I would highly recommend this for any family. Also, the parents night out events are huge favorites and my kids look forward to them.
All of the instructors here have amazing patience and teaching technique with young kids. They really know how to walk that line between making it fun and keeping it a productive learning experience.
Our kids joined the Core Skillz and Extreme Skillz classes this past January, having never done martial arts before. They have had a fantastic time and are really engaged with the program. The teachers at this dojo are really welcoming and supportive, and set such a positive tone in helping the kids work towards improving their skills, strength, and leadership. The older students act as mentors to the newer students, encouraging and supporting them in every class. I'm really grateful to have found this experience for my kids.
My daughter took class there for two months, she really enjoyed it. Unfortunately she couldn’t continue because of my schedule. I definitely recommend Borges..
My daughter recently started the karate class, the teachers are nice, the students are friendly, she has lots of fun and learns useful skills in the karate class. I'd absolutely recommend Borges Martial Arts for those looking for something similar.
Borges martial arts offers exceptional programming for 3 to 4 year olds. I have been impressed with their ability to create a fun and structured environment where the kids learn important skills and challenge themselves. I would highly recommend their classes and the teachers are excellent.
My daughter is three and has been taking class for the past month. I have been so impressed! Sensi Katie is able to manage a room full of young children with ease and my daughter could not love coming to class more.
Absolutely amazing. The staff are incredible with the kids. I love that they keep a calm and respectful environment for the kids to really learn what's happening, both physically and mentally.
Teachers are great, friendly and understanding the kids & parents.
Katie is great! My 4 yr old looks forward to class every week. Katie leads a very fun, energetic class!
Awesome place! The instructors are kind and positive, and keep the kids engaged. We're so happy we joined.
I highly recommend Borges Martial Arts program! Katie and the team are truly excellent. Their extensive knowledge and unwavering passion are positively impacting countless kids! If you're looking for a martial arts child development program this is the place to be! Hands down the best!
Our daughter just started and loves her coaches and the classes. There was about a month wait for the kids class but worth it and very affordable, in my mind. I can’t recommend this school enough.
Our kids (ages 6 & 3) absolutely LOVE their martial arts classes. They’re learning so much about respect, listening, and how to use their bodies. We love the team as well- they’re engaging and wonderful with the kids!
My daughter was always hesitant to try anything new, but she loves the program & the focus that these classes have. I’m very happy that it stuck! Thank you!
My 5th grade Girl Scout troop completed a 1-hour self defense class with the amazing Coach Katie. They had a great time and learned a lot about how to keep themselves safe. The studio took care of the registration process and everything went super smoothly!
My 5-year old daughter started lessons a few weeks ago and loves it. The instructors seem very adept at working with kids.
Borges is awesome! We've only been there a month but we have been super impressed with the quality of instruction. Katie and Megan make the experience so fun while teaching kids invaluable skills (not just kicking and punching!). My young son looks forward to going each week! Can't recommend this place enough!
My 5yo daughter has been at Borges for about a year. Sensei Katie is a wizard with children. The exercise, fun and reminders of responsibility and respect have been amazing for our whole family. It's been such a great experience that I joined the adult class this month!
If I could give this place 500 stars I would! My boys have absolutely thrived here! Katie is wonderful as is the rest of the staff. My kiddos are tough and have bailed on a few activities throughout thier childhood but karate has been such a great addition to thier lives. Keep up the amazing work. Our boys truly love it here!
We LOVE BMA-Acton. Within literally minutes during my son's intro session I was kicking myself for not bringing him here earlier. The instructors are kind, personable, and expert. The atmosphere is welcoming and challenging (in the very best of ways) at the same time. We are looking forward to being part of the BMA family for a long time. Highest recommendation--as a fitness biz owner myself, I have been incredibly impressed with everything we've experienced. These guys are doing it right!!
We love Sensei Katie and the rest of the Borges team! My son started classes when he was 4 years old and we have seen huge gains in his focus and body awareness- we love it here! Highly recommend!
Our daughter has been with BMA for more than a year, and we love it. I was impressed by the individualized evaluation that occurred before we officially began, and the personalized approach in the group setting continues throughout. Each kid is expected to be their best, and gets to do just that, as the emphasis is not on competing but in supporting one another. My daughter feels encouraged, and knows she is supported by Katie, Alex, and all of the instructors there. I cannot say enough about this dojo and their programming!
Sensei Katie is wonderful, and so is this dojo. I love how she enriches classes for newer students with visiting students from more advanced classes - exercise partners, sparring partners. It makes the entire path feel attainable. My son has grown in athletics, focus, and confidence. He talks about the upcoming class every day. Sensei Katie and BMA are the best!
Sensei Katie guides the kids to love karate and encourages them to do their best!
My son has had a really great experience at Borges Martial Arts - Acton. Sensei Katie is THE BEST and absolutely amazing with the kids!
Sensei Katie and the staff at BMA Acton are dedicated, super fun, encouraging, and just the best! Karate here has been our kids' favorite extracurricular experience, and has taught them a lot. Beyond karate skills, they've learned focus & patience, confidence, fitness techniques such as proper form of crunches and squats, and how to work thoughtfully with others. They love every class. Sensei Katie just put together an awesome bday party for my grade-schooler, who said it was the best birthday she's ever had! We feel so lucky to be a part of this dojo.
My 6 year old has gained so much confidence from attending his karate classes with Sensei Katie. As a young kid with little to no interest in sports we struggled to find something our son was interested in. Immediately upon meeting Sensei Katie I knew this would be a terrific fit. Katie is an amazing instructor and has all the amazing qualities you would expect out of a professional teacher. She holds the students accountable while consistently focusing on the positive and not energizing any negative behavior. She has helped my son understand structure while also balancing a fun and inviting environment. The dojo also hosts the most amazing birthday parties where the birthday boy/girl can cut their cake with a sword.
Since starting karate my son has come a long way with his self-confidence and Sensei Katie along with BMA have played/continue to play a large role in that. My other son i could put anywhere and he’d be fine after a couple minutes, but him getting the chance to do something on his own not just following his older brother around always has helped him grow as well. I can safely say they absolutely love when it’s time to go to karate and are always looking forward to it!
Sensei Katie and Sensei Rich have been such great mentors! Not only do they excel in martial arts, they lead by example in every day life! I love training at BMA Acton because the staff is professional, and the dojo is very clean!
I highly recommend Borges Martial Arts. My two sons have trained with Sensei Rich and Sensei Katie for many years. They look forward to continuing their training and tournament preparation at the new Acton dojo.
We love BMA Sensei Katie and Rich are the Real deal. If you want to be a part of a community this will be your home.
The instructors at Borges Martial Arts are some of my favorite people ever. The environment is so great for kids (and adults!). On top of teaching you how to kick and punch, they teach respect, discipline, and everyday skills, all while having fun :)
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