41 Industrial Park Rd #1020, Centerbrook, CT 06409, USA
Experience the best martial arts training at Valley Shore Martial Arts. Join us for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga, and Kempo Karate classes in a safe and supportive environment.
I recently completed my black belt test at this school and thought it was a good opportunity to reflect and share insights as a long term student. I am training in the adult Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kempo Karate programs. One thing that is clear to me, having been here for a while, is that Master Keith cares deeply about his students and martial arts. He wants everyone to succeed, learn useful skills, and feel good about their experiences here. He is an excellent teacher and is willing to try many different approaches to reach people. He has a deep knowledge of many martial arts and wants to share this with us. I have studied with different instructors at other schools before coming here; Master Keith's passion and depth is unmatched. Safety is a top priority at VSMA. We train in a way that's sustainable and reduces risk of injury. Master Keith cultivates a strong culture of comradery. It is common for students to stick around after classes to chat. I have made many friends here. Also, something that is unique about this school is the number of women currently enrolled. It's not uncommon for classes to be 50% women. This isn't typical for martial arts schools in general. At other places I've trained, it was common for me to be the only woman or one of a few in a class. I think it speaks to the positive and inclusive culture that Master Keith fosters at his school.
My son went here for close to a decade and we had nothing but a great experience. Great instructors, classes, and karate helped not only his confidence but also his work ethic. Master Keith is a really great instructor and I highly recommend his studio.
Consistently excellent martial arts school with experienced, friendly longtime teachers. They have a variety of martial arts and self defense with a focus on karate. Not a chain - this is a successful, well-run, local business with loyal staff. The owner puts money back into the school facility and is on site during most hours and also teaches. He has a thoughtful, creative approach to what is offered and how to help students develop their skills and move up in their belts appropriately. Highly recommend!
Master Keith is very careful with his students and sensitive to their needs (for instance, if a woman does not want to spar with a guy, he respects that, but encourages her to do so for the experience). He covers a broad range of self defense moves, plus a mixture of classes with Krav, Karate and Ju Jitsu. He won't let white belts get beat up too badly either. He offers potential students a week of free classes which is great! Try before you buy!
After one year of classes, my mental and physical health have significantly improved. The non-competitive, supportive environment makes VSMA ideal for every person who walks through those doors. Master Keith is always willing to find a way to make a technique work despite some of my limitations.
The instruction here is of such High Quality. Master Keith takes a lot of time to give personal instruction and takes the time to break down techniques into individual parts which is so helpful because I retain it so well that way. He sets the tone for a safe environment and I feel that my core group of friends is here. Very grounded people. Quality people. We are also comfortable helping each other. I could say more but this review would be very long!
Master Keith is a wonderful and extremely talented teacher and master. He is great with children, very patient and kind but no nonsense! It has been amazing to watch my 5 year old son get stronger and have better listening and self control skills! Could not recommend enough for kids, teens, adults, everyone!
It's an environment of respect and teaching. When I was a kid, martial arts school was an environment of smaller kids not wanting to get beat up by the bigger kids. Not at VSMA. It's about learning defense with the hopes of never needing to use it.
I have had the pleasure to work with both Master Keith and Kim. Kim has a personal, fun and ‘kick your but’ way of running her classes. She caters her classes to her individual students and can modify or challenge for students of ALL ages. I can’t wait to get back … as soon as my crazy schedule calms down. Master Keith is truly a master in his instruction of Krav Maga. I learned so much about self defense especially as it pertains to women. Practice was important and he “gently” kept me disciple and in track. I feel confident I could defend myself and get the hell away if ever I’m in a place of danger. Give them a calm today!!
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