Mary Hardy

Bodyworks is a fantastic place! Very friendly, fun, disciplined environment. Our 6 year old absolutely loves going every week (2x) and honestly would probably go every day if he could! The instructors are fantastic with the kids and are very knowledgeable. Class sizes are perfect. Just an all around great martial arts facility Definitely! Definitely a 10 out 10 in my book!!

The reason I give this dojo a 5-star rating needs no explanation to anyone who is familiar with Bodyworks. No matter how rough circumstances in my personal life were, the dojo always welcomed me with open arms and promoted respect, acceptance, and devotion on a level I have never seen before in my life. Though I joined the family a bit later than many of my peers and colleagues- around age 13, Bodyworks is such an integral part of my childhood that I left my last class before college in tears because it is just as much a home to me as my house. Now of course I can’t write a review without mentioning the instructors- there is not one person on the team that I wouldn’t describe as the most influential mentors of my life. I’ll always remember the moment during a test when Ma’am asked “Why do parents bother to send their kids here if we teach people techniques that can harm someone, even if they are in self-defense?” The answer is that the benefits of confidence from training in an environment with no tolerance for uncivilized behavior, discipline from being pushed to your physical and mental limits through repetition, and the community that is created as you get to know your instructors and classmates on a personal level are so unmatched that the violent side of karate is dwarfed in comparison. The first thing I learned when I entered the dojo was the front position, a waiting position in which an open hand sits above a fist- representing the use of peaceful resolution over aggression. I think that the fact that I’ve now gone an entire paragraph in this review without so much as mentioning any punching and kicking is a testament to just how true this becomes- and how subconsciously but powerfully this mindset develops (but, rest assured, having been on both the student and teaching sides, good habits of self-defense are practiced and refined from day one). When I shook hands with Mr. Hardy for the first time and bowed in, I was a timid, apprehensive teenager who was still trying to find his niche in the world. Today, over five years later, I am about to start the next chapter of my life, something that I never thought I could do, with my head high and a confident attitude. Being a black belt has taught me both to take pride in myself while also staying modest. Being able to share what I’ve learned both in and out of the dojo with the next generation has taught me to create future leaders and for them to avoid any pitfalls I may have had. And as the cycle continues, I have even more hope in the future. The culture seasons the most brilliant and compassionate individuals underneath a layer of warrior. I think I’ve rambled for long enough. Like anything, a commitment to karate is quite an undertaking- countless times I’ve left with burning legs from holding a horse stance, had to clean my own sweat up off the floor, and had to show up for early morning tests. There’s even a sign that hangs above the dojo that says “Disciples benefit greatly from physical pain and mental anguish.” While that may turn some heads in question, rest assured it does not mean what you think- it is about the idea of taking a hit and coming back stronger, both in sparring and psychologically. Through thousands of hours of repetition, this is my greatest takeaway from my years of training. And all you have to do, again in the words of Ma’am, is “Just show up, and be present.” I owe so many of my ideals and so much of my identity to Bodyworks that even a lengthy, in-depth review doesn’t even describe it. I would refer anyone of any age to their program in a heartbeat. Facebook asks “What do you recommend about Bodyworks Martial Arts Center?”, and what I’ve stated here makes an almost unnoticeable dent in what they have to offer. Those who know me know I rarely write reviews, but this is the most deserved and distinguished one I have ever given.

Owners are amazing and they really know their craft!! Great facility, clean and a ton of equipment.