Paragon Martial Arts & Fitness
1647 Southeast Ave #3, Tallmadge, OH 44278, USA
Discover top-tier martial arts training in Tallmadge: perfect for all ages & fitness levels, emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and overall well-being.
1647 Southeast Ave #3, Tallmadge, OH 44278, USA
Discover top-tier martial arts training in Tallmadge: perfect for all ages & fitness levels, emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and overall well-being.
The team at Paragon Martial Arts & Fitness is truly exceptional—highly skilled, passionate, and genuinely committed to their students’ growth. They’ve created an environment that’s both disciplined and welcoming, making it a great place for anyone interested in martial arts. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your training to the next level, you’ll be in great hands here.
Posted 1 year agoI’ve just started classes at this dojo, but have known and been affiliated with Paragon for awhile now. The classes are intense, physical, and educational. The Sensei is instructive and demands rigorous training and discipline. It is a great place for adults, as well as children. I would recommend this dojo for anyone who is interested in martial arts, or anyone who is looking for a great workout. A great place with great people, very friendly and well structured classes….and can accommodate ALL fitness and skill levels. I’m very happy I became a part of this dojo with these students.
Posted 1 year agoI likes this place :3 Anyways my dog
I’m an adult who has always loved combat sports but always felt way too shy to actually try them. I filled out the form on Paragon’s website on a whim and almost immediately, Matt from Paragon texted me to get me set up in a free Jiu Jitsu class I felt informed, safe, and confident in class! It’s a really welcoming environment and it was super easy to overcome shyness and just jump right in! Matt is awesome and very knowledgeable so I feel like I’m in great hands! Even if Jiu Jitsu isn’t your thing, I think that every person should at least know basic self defense so you don’t find yourself unprepared in bad situations. Classes are also very affordable! It’s way cheaper than Pilates, yoga, Orange Theory, etc but you’re coming away with the skill of self defense. I’m starting with Jiu Jitsu but eventually I hope to incorporate the MMA Striking class! I definitely recommend Paragon!
In the years my daughter has been training at Paragon and with Sensei Matt I have watched her grow into a confident young woman and leader. I'm so grateful for all the skills she has learned. This place is like a family where everyone is welcome and included.
This is a wonderful place. The team here really focuses on each student as an individual to find their natural strengths and build on areas of improvement. They promote teamwork and teach leadership skills. My daughter has been coming here since the school began, following the owner from his old school. She loves being a part of the leadership team for younger children. Her confidence has vastly improved over the years as a result of what she learns here.
Posted 1 year agoThis is a wonderful place. The team here really focuses on each student as an individual to find their natural strengths and build on areas of improvement. They promote teamwork and teach leadership skills. My daughter has been coming here since the school began, following the owner from his old school. She loves being a part of the leadership team for younger children. Her confidence has vastly improved over the years as a result of what she learns here.
I left nearly perfect winter-month weather to come back and train at Paragon, so that should tell you everything you need to know. I had trained here for nearly a year and a half before I took a left turn and headed out to Phoenix for a 9-month experiment. While my training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Araki Ryu Iaido was sufficient and I kept growing as a student under some great teachers, it wasn't quite the same. That's because the culture at Paragon is unbeatable. You can have all the accolades and awards and numbers that you want - the BJJ gym I trained at in PHX had 50+ students routinely - but it means nothing if students don't feel welcomed to the mat where they can at least learn everybody's first name. That makes a big difference. That's not to say there is no discipline at Paragon: we bow the mat and take turns pitching in to clean every square inch after class, and you earn your stripes. But none of that feels like a chore because of the little community built around it.
I've been training for self defense at Paragon Martial Arts for quite a few years now. As an "older" person I was kind of nervous at first but Sensei Matt made me feel comfortable from the beginning. It was the best decision I've ever made for my fitness and safety. I feel like I am in better shape now than I was 10 years ago. I am stronger, my reflexes are quicker, and I have more confidence. I'm more aware of my surroundings and confident being out and about by myself. I like the fact that he doesn't take it easy on us, because your attacker won't. We train with real life scenarios, guns, knives, bats, anything you might come across. It's alot of hard work sometimes but so worth it. Being able to defend yourself from an attack is so important and everyone should get some kind of training. Paragon is the best place, for kids, teens, and adults. Everyone there is awesome, knowledgeable, and always makes you feel welcome. We are truly like family. I recently earned my purple belt, it took almost two years but I did it. All that's left is brown, then black. I would have never been able to reach this goal without the help, support, and encouragement from everyone at Paragon. Thank you all for helping me become someone I didn't know I could be.
Matt is genuinely a great person and a great instructor. He does such a great job weaving in life lessons with the martial arts. The martial arts Matt trains the kids on is a great blend of multiple forms such as muy thai, boxing, karate, and more. Check him out if you’ve been considering Martial Arts for the kids or even yourself! I highly recommend him
I've watched my granddaughter Jennifer grow leaps and bounds in her whole personality ,physicality and self esteem and become a confident young woman at Paragon Martial arts... Ive seen Sensai Matt work diligently with all his students .He is currently working another young man my fiancee grandson,Blayke.Im watching him accomplish the same.This is truly awesome to see!I'm also watching his classes grow together in confidence, physcial skills of self defense ,self esteem ,respect towards others,conflict resolution etc...Sensai Matt and his instructors are all top notch with children,teens and adults in learning these life enhancing skill sets...Best decision ever made especially for their futures...
Very great place!! Matt is a great teacher with all ages!! Highly recommend paragon!!!
I am very pleased with enrolling two of my children at Paragon. They are learning quality self defense that will help them protect themselves should they ever be in the situation to need to and they are also learning good life skills to help build a good character foundation within themselves. They have also made friends and both their confidence has improved. Matt is a great teacher and is amazing with kids. I’m very pleased and will continue to be a part of the Paragon family.
I met Sensei Matt through a Self Defense class I took at Kent State University, and his class inspired me to start training. I came into the experience not knowing how I might feel about it, but I developed a strong passion towards martial arts and having him as my instructor has been an amazing experience due to his patience, understanding, and overall character. I have learned so much in the short time I have known him, and I appreciate the passion and effort he puts into his work.
My husband and I were referred to Paragon from a friend. We started taking him to classes in November of 2023 and haven't looked back! Love all the teachers and kids! They all work so well together.
I have been training here for around 3-4 years now, and I can see a change. The environment is awesome. It makes you feel like you belong there. While this place does teach martial arts and fitness, it also teaches character. I have grown so much in my confidence, leadership skills, and more. It is really a great place to train and make friends.
I am very pleased with enrolling my child at Paragon. She’s learning quality self defense that will help her protect herself should she ever be in the situation to need to and she is also learning good life skills to help build a good character foundation within herself. She has also made friends and her confidence has improved. Matt is a great teacher and is amazing with kids. I’m very pleased and will continue to be a part of the Paragon family. I am updating this review as well now that I have enrolled my son as well. I am happy to see each week the progress and growth in him. He works very hard and it great to see his focus and dedication put into something besides electronics. He’s learning life lessons about confidence and honesty and values we all want our children to have. Paragon provides a place for everyone where they can grow and be encouraged and supported and accepted.
2 of my kids and I have been going to the katana class for a couple months and it is some of the most fun I've ever had. The kids really have a good time (one of only a few things they get excited about that isnt staring at a screen) and it is great to be able to participate along with them.
This pace was awesome I’ve been here for awhile and seeing me and all my friends grown my up and getting better is just amazing and it’s a really great experience
Sensei Matt is so patient and sets a strong example for my five year old son. He is learning discipline, respect, strength, balance, and so much more! I love that they are rewarded with a game at the end of class. My son really looks forward to his time here! The gym is very clean, organized, professional. Pricing is affordable and fair. I really can’t say enough good things!
Matt is kind, patient and attentive. All of which makes him a great instructor. The studio is awesome and welcoming. This is THE place to train.
I tried a free intro class that Sensai Matt offers in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu just to see if I'd have an interest in it. The folks at Paragon foster a passion for the game that was infectious. Moved into the introductory membership and now I train whenever I can. I can't say enough good things about the gym: clean, welcoming, and a great balance of competitiveness and mindfulness that make it an ideal place to train for all skill levels. I look forward to each class!
I was in town for the weekend and was looking for a gym to cross train with. I got ahold of the guys at Paragon and they were so welcoming. Matt is a great instructor. Very clean, very affordable, will definitely be hitting up Matt next time I’m in town to see if I can come to another class. Great class, great rolls, thanks for having me!
Paragon is a place where you know you can comfortably be. All of the people at Paragon are kind and always push you to do your best. It is most definitely a place that’ll help you grow both physically and mentally. There is such a nice and welcoming community in the dojo, in any class offered there. I whole heartedly recommend Paragon for anyone looking to enhance their abilities or to take their first step out of their comfort zone.
This place has helped me tremendously when it comes to my self confidence and my physical well-being. I feel way more confident than before I started training here, and I am more physically active because of this place. I first started training with Sensei Matt since he taught at an old studio, but since here he's fully in charge, it gives the classes more life to them. They are always fun to go to, whether it is to learn or to just have fun. He's an amazing instructor and deserves everyone's full support.
My experience with Sensei Kane has been nothing short of awesome! Learning new skills and losing weight at the same time. His classes are detailed and focused on form over power to overtake an opponent. I love the comradery of my classmates they're all super nice and welcoming. Highly recommend coming in to check it out if you have a love for martial arts or are looking to learn.
I took self-defense and Jiu-Jitsu with Matt at Kent State. When I moved, my daughter, Emma, and I started taking classes at Paragon Martial Art & Fitness. We love going to class each week. Matt makes everyone feel welcome. Watching my daughter grow during her time there has been amazing. She has learned a lot with the training, games and discussions they do. She has made many friends. When she accomplishes something in class, she gets so excited and wants to show everyone what she can do. I’m hard of hearing, so Matt has to repeat things often for me. He is very patient and wants you to learn. When you ask him questions he will show you how in a demonstration if he can. He gets very detailed so you can understand it. I love to learn all the different cuts and throws in katana. In self-defense, it’s fun to learn all the different ways to protect ourselves.
Consider this a ringing endorsement of ParagonMAF. They, whoever they are, say that life is won in the margins. More time, money, energy, and everything else after all the obligations are met; What separates this academy, specifically Sensei Matt, from others is a unique blend of various martial arts that are designed to fit any individual needs and is presented in such a way that makes you feel like family, however you define that. The time margin? Private lessons are available. Money? It's affordable. Energy? Energy begets energy and there's no one more energetic and dedicated to the craft of helping you reach your physical, mental, and (dare I say) spiritual limits. All you have to do is take that first step. Stop making excuses and become part of the Paragon Family!
My only regret for this dojo is not joining up much earlier than I did. I've been part of many different groups in my life - in sports or otherwise - and the worst ones always have a hierarchy where some people feel left out. That is not the case here. Matt does an extraordinary job of making everybody feel like they belong. I figured that out on my first day training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Once I knew that, I heard about other classes like martial arts tricking and katana and said: "well I get to jump, kick, flip around and swing a sword. That's a no-brainer." It's a great balance between the disciplinary spirit of martial arts while not being too stern and self-serious. Looking forward to furthering my training here. Nothin' but love! Nothin' but yeah!
My kids love the self defense class. The instructor is so patient, he's a great teacher, the kids all love him. I take the Korebox class and I'm in the best shape of my life. Worth every penny!!
Always a fun time! Only place I've found that teaches katana! Great variety of classes
I first met Matt Kane as a student in his BJJ class at Kent State in 2018. I have been a martial artist for the majority of my life, and I figured it was time to branch out and try a new one. Since then, I have found a new passion with new goals to strive towards. I have nothing but praise for Matt Kane and Paragon. He is supportive, educational, and hilariously goofy, ensuring that every class is engaging and dynamic. If you’re looking to try something new, no matter your age or ability, there is a place here for you at Paragon Martial Arts.
I’ve been a student of this particular instructor for around 5-6 years now and he has been incredibly helpful, kind, understanding, and caring to students, parents, and assistant instructors. If you’re looking for a place to send your child(s) that will help them gain confidence, integrity, and friendships that will last a long long while this is the place to go. There is absolutely nothing that can beat out this amazing Dojo and everything it teaches and all the friendships it helps build!
Andrew was starting to lose interest in martial arts at the last studio. When Matt opened this open it rekindled his passion for it. He is thriving he and is a SWAT member teaching others what he has learned.
So … I’ve known and trained with this guy since the summer of 2017. I was almost in muscle atrophy at the age of 59 when I decided to do what I’ve always wanted to do … martial arts. Now ... Matt is about half my age … BUT … we get along perfectly. I am continually amazed at how he relates with people … the kids love and respect him … he relates to parents in a way that I can’t explain … and the college students that he teaches listen to him … and yes … even old people pay attention and learn … LOL !!! He answers the questions he should … and doesn’t answer the ones he shouldn't … he is always there for help if you need it … but he makes YOU think. If he knows “that you know” and you just need to “dig” a little bit, that’s what he does. If you are lacking in a certain area … he will push you without you even knowing it … believe me, I KNOW !!! (it took me awhile to catch on … LOL !!!) He can sense your level of physical and mental ability and tailors his teaching to match your abilities. I’ve watched this guy for about 6 years now and have questioned in my mind “why does he treat each student differently ???” ... and I finally figured it out … because that is what each student needs !!! He will be coarse when necessary … but always kind … and yes … he has a great sense of humor. His ONE passion is to keep people safe and make them the best they can be. His most notable passion is … to keep our women safe in these trying times we live in ... Matt has most certainly guided me to become someone I never thought I could be, challenged me beyond my own beliefs and … tested me to levels that I never though I could achieve … and above all else … be a “better me” … If your looking for just a martial arts school … or simply a trainer … or a place for your kids to learn Karate or whatever … perhaps this place isn’t for you … BUT … if you’re looking for someone who cares about how you turn out … I call him … My Master … for a reason Jim (Darth) Shreve Jan 2023
You will not find a kids martial arts class like this one. There is no cut and dry about it. These kids learn awareness, discipline, develop strength, agility, and make friendships that will last a lifetime. I've seen the confidence levels and focus increase exponentially in the whole class since we began almost a year ago. I strongly recommend Matt Kane and the instructors at Paragon Martial Arts and Fitness to anyone considering a new avenue of exercise for your children or yourself. You won't regret the choice.
I have been a part of Paragon's film fighting class for about 4 months and I'm so happy I have joined! The teachers are amazing and patient. I have learned so much and feel like i improve with every class. Strongly suggest!
I love the classes at Paragon! In Film Fighting I love that in addition to fight moves and choreography we also learn how to sell the hits for the camera and and the best angles to shoot action moves. We also get to learn a variety of fighting styles and techniques. Katana class is also super fun, and was something I've always wanted to learn, so I'm grateful to have the opportunity to train in this art. Matt is a charismatic instructor who not only knows his stuff, but also his humor and down-to-earth personality make class fun and easy-going, which I think is perfect for students who might be intimidated to learn martial arts. I always look forward to classes and have learned a lot!
Paragon is an awesome place for learning martial arts! The adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are great for beginners and Matt is a great teacher! I’ve learned a lot and had a lot of fun along the way.
It’s a great place for kids of all ages to go and learn how to defend themselves and make friends in the process.
Both my boys love their classes. My youngest son has autism. Matt has show so much wisdom in working with him. He gently challenges him and show great balance with him. My oldest son is thriving in class as well. Having my masters in education, I’m really impressed with his communication and teaching methods.
The Film Fighting class here is da bomb! Matt is an awesome instructor. It's super fun and we've learned a ton of action moves to integrate into our films. I highly recommend for both filmmakers and actors who want to improve their action skills!
Paragon is a next level martial arts company. Sensei Matt is amazing with kids. My daughter has struggled to find her “thing.” She’s tried cheer, soccer, dance, and was unhappy with everything until she found martial arts. 3 times a week we spend our nights with Sensei Matt training and she always walks out with a smile from her hard work and what she’s learned. Paragon isn’t just for kids they do jiu jitsu and tricking along with other programs for adults. Trust me, take the 1 week free trial and give it a go. YOU WONT REGRET IT!!!
The Martial Arts Tricking class is a lot of fun for everyone, kids and adults alike!! You’ll learn a lot of skills and tricks in a fun and safe environment with awesome instructors.
Amazing class and fun for all ages and walks of life. Great form of training in the practical encounters in real life situations. Professional instruction and always a great time!
Paragon Martial Arts and Fitness is a great place to train! The instructor, Matt is very knowledgeable in what he teaches! I personally love how encouraging he is towards his students. I highly recommend this place!
Great place to train! I take the Brazilian jiu jitsu classes and the instructor is great. It's good exercise but also fun so it doesn't feel like work!
Amazing instructor!! The classes are well taught. I will always recommend this place to anyone looking to learn self defense, confidence and discipline.
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