Davis Square Martial Arts

Imagine a martial art studio with zero macho BS, just wonderful human beings of all stripes & types enjoying a high quality and effective level of instruction in a truly fun and caring environment. Great for adults & kids, there are a lot of students, but this is also clearly a secret gem that, if more people knew about, could easily blow up twice as big as it already is. I'm floored. And not for nothing, Kung Fu AND Tai Chi are freaking beautiful (and empowering) - at the end of class it feels better than yoga ever did (just my personal take - martial arts doesn't just strike a pose, it MOVES). Davis Square Martial Arts is also terrific for all ages, the studio is very comfortably intergenerational (I'm 49), which I think is quite rare and special. Got an injury or limitation? They will remember and always try to work with it. Gain balance, posture, a reinvigorated sense of your own movement, strength, and yeah, a splash of extra calm confidence you maybe forgot was in there (or had gotten beaten up by the world a bit). The instructors aren't overtly trying to be inspiring per se, they just show up authentically, and give, and it just happens organically. How cool is that.

This is a fantastic place, and a wonderful community, both for kids and adults. The instructors are excellent teachers, but what I love most is their commitment to each student. For adults, they meet you where you are in terms of fitness and knowledge, from absolute beginners to students who been practicing for years, and they then figure out how you can improve from there. For the kids, I have never seen a team of instructors invest such attention and care to every child in every class and then achieve success through positive encouragement. I've been a student myself for over ten years, as has my child, and I'm still learning and growing. Can't recommend highly enough!

Our son started at Davis Square Martial Arts two years ago. DSMA has been transformational for him building confidence and self-esteem. The instructors are first rate and could not be more supportive. They adopt a nuanced approach that meets the needs of each child and it's a joy to see the kids come out of class each day beaming with pride. This is a special place.

Highly recommend DS Martial Arts and its top-notch instructors. I knew nothing about martial arts until my kids started taking classes here a number of years ago. Their teachers impressed with their patience, energy, clear instruction, their knowledge of both kung fu and child development, and their respect for each individual student.I watched them engage and connect with all kinds of kids, from the most hesitant to the rambunctious. Inspired by the growth I saw in my own kids, I enrolled myself in DSMA's adult program. Lots of different classes, all fantastic. Saw meaningful improvement in my own strength, flexibility, balance. Great community, too!

Amazing staff, amazing care, amazing quality! The staff use a whole person approach to encourage not only students to do their best in class, but also ways the students can be kind and helpful at home with siblings, parents, family and friends, and in the community. I have thoroughly appreciated their individualized attention and well crafted approaches to interacting, teaching and elevating my two children with positive-focused instruction. My children are enthusiastic about learning kung fu, becoming more physical fit and enjoy their individualized and group dynamics. Both my kids started young, took a break and are back as teens. They have also enjoyed the weekly summer programs. Great for any age to start.

Our daughter is beginning her 4th year as a student at Davis Square Martial Arts (DSMA). Learning Kung Fu at DSMA has greatly improved her self-confidence, discipline, and general fitness. Her training has also improved her performance on the soccer field. After witnessing my daughter's positive experience, I decided to give DSMA a try myself, in both their parent's class and their regular adult classes. The parent's class is a great opportunity for parents to learn the same skills as their children, and to provide parents and kids with a shared interest. As a 50+ year-old student learning martial arts for the first time, I've regained flexibility and dexterity, and I've learned self-defense skills. As both a parent and student, I've always found the DSMA staff to be extremely knowledgeable, patient, and responsive to the goals and skill level of each student. A great place for the entire family!

Excellent school with wonderful instructors! My kids have attended for years, with my daughter is currently working on her black belt. The instructors get to know each student and support and challenge them in a very caring, thoughtful way. Students learn Kung Fu forms and self-defence, and increase fitness and flexilibity. But perhaps more importantly, they develop life skills: confidence, respect, self-respect, perseverence when working towards a new goal, and the joy and pride when reaching that goal. All while learning to be patient with themselves and others. The amazing staff at Davis Square Martial Arts were living the Growth Mindset long before it became a buzzword in education. I take the parents' class, which is an inspiring mix of martial arts, self-defence, personal training, and parenting therapy. And you get to kick stuff:) Pretty awesome! And a lovely community too.