What is Your Favorite Martial Arts Studio?
Which of the following do you prefer?
What's your favorite martial arts studio in Bridgewater?
Our Readers' Choice contest continues this week and we want to know your favorite place for martial arts classes and exercise in town:
- Alex Wilkie's Martial Arts Academy
- Kaizen Martial Arts
- Prince Martial Arts & Sports Training Academy
- Shraim's Boxing & MMA Academy
Voting in the poll below is open until Friday at 9 a.m. We will announce the winner Friday around noon.
So vote for your favorite martial arts business, and tell us in the comments what makes it so special.
Editor's note: The winner will be selected on a point system based on poll votes and directory ratings. If there is a tie, a winner will be determined by the amount of positive comments posted on this article and positive reviews received on its directory listing. For full contest rules, click on the PDF attached to this article.
EP&L Electric Co.
9:51 pm on Monday, March 19, 2012
Alex Wilkie's without a doubt. This is the real deal over here. You want to learn how to fight, defend yourself for real, this is the place. No contracts, pay monthly or per class. Black Belt Brazilian JiuJitsu Instructor, amateur and pro cage fighters. Alex Wilkie's is the place and it has been for a long, long time. He even has a kids class 1 day a week on Sat. that is loaded with great instructors and fighters helping out.
Flex
12:19 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I have been boxing at Shraim's for 4/5 years. The coach is like a father to me, makes everyone comfortable and at home in the gym. I have been to other gyms and fought but nothing compares to the quality of coaching and great times I have had at this gym.
Michael Mazepa
12:21 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I love been going to Shriams on and off now for about a year and i have to say its the perfect environment to learn martial arts and self defense and to just get in shape. Coach Ahmed is a fantastic person, someone you do not want to miss the opportunity to meet.
Marsha
12:25 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shriam's Academy is the best! I can't say enough about this gym! Ahmed and Amy are not just terrific instructors they are great people.I reccently returned to the gym after knee surgery and they played a huge part in my recovery.I don't think I would have come this far this fast without the encouragement of these two people.This is way more then a gym to the fighters who go there!
Artimis
1:25 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I've been training at Shraim's Academy for over two years, and I'm still motivated and excited to work out before every class. I'm physically and mentally stronger than I've ever been.This is a testament to Coach Ahmed and Amy who instill confidence in you and challenge you to perform to the best of your abilities. Training at Shraim's is so much more than just working out at a gym.
Ricardo Frias
1:57 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy is quite easily the most well-rounded, technical, and friendly martial arts school I've attended. They're not about the money here (unlike a few other places), they make class affordable and simple. Everyone teaching has a great attitude, makes class fun, and is really knowledgeable in their art. Other schools might have a piece of the same to offer, but Shraim's has it all.
Engineer
2:22 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I've known others that have gone to other gyms around the area but in the end they tend to perfer Shraim's Academy, I think it has to do with the people you meet and the fact that the coach makes you feel at home. Been going for about 3 years now and gotta admit it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Reccomend it to any who is interested in learning.
Dante
2:26 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy is such an awesome place. Besides learning how to fight and going through extreme conditioning, there is an element of camaraderie that is just awesome. I always look forward to going to class and feel absolutely amazing after!
Nick Dante
2:43 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
If you truly want to learn how to fight, Shraim's Academy is the place for you to be, regardless of the amount of training experience you have had, or if you have never trained before, you will learn here and you will have fun doing it, all of the coaches are very fun to be around and you get one heck of a work out! i recommend this gym to those that want to Learn!
Sean Pitts
3:11 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sharims academy by far is the best gym in the area. I've trained at most of the gyms in the county and I can honestly say Sharims is the best gym to go to learn how to fight and what it truly means to be a fighter or martial artist.
The Player
3:25 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I've been training at Shriam's for about 5 years. Coach Ahmed is a second father to me. There's no other place where the trainers give you such close attention. This place is great. You don't go here to just train but to also have fun. Oh and Shraims also gave me the confidence to talk to girls.
Adam
3:28 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy by far is the best gym in Bridgewater. I personally have been looking for a great place to train for a long time and when i found Shraim's I knew this was the place to make myself a champion.
Lauren Goreczny
3:49 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I've been training at Shraim's Academy for over two years and it has been the best decision of my life. Not only have I become stronger and more toned than I ever thought possible but I've become more confident in myself. I highly recommend Shraim's Academy to anyone looking to tone, strengthen and relieve stress all while having fun.
George
4:36 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Kaizen Martial Arts teaches traditional karate and how to use it effectively in a self-defense situation. Master Mark Kline is Internationally recognized, and Sensei's Franz and Tom carry on the tradition of the arts.
Kyle
4:40 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraims is by far the best gym. No other gym can even try to compete with shraims
Lauren McClintic
5:56 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy by far is the best boxing gym i've been to. Ive been boxing for 2 years now and the coach, Ahmed Shraim, has been both a mentor and coach to me. If anyone is looking to make a positive change in their lives...they need to take that step into Shraim's.
Ayden
6:35 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraims Acadamy is absoulutely, without a doubt the best. I've only been training there for a short time but already Coach feels like family. He puts you in a comfortable place where, if you mess up, it just makes you stronger. If you are thinking about joining a martial art, definatly choose Shraims Acadamy.
Charie Hale
7:13 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy is the best! The workouts are awesome and always challenging! Coach Ahmed and Amy always give us tough love so we can be in the best shape of our lives. I will always be a Shraim's fighter!
Michel Hayek
8:07 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
KUDOS to Shraim's Academy for building my kids' confidence, stamina, and leadership skills… That's the only place where my kids (boy and girl), never given me any resistance showing up for practice. The level of confidence that they've developed surpasses any other sports by a wide margin... Comments are helpful, but you have to try it and take the next leap yourself to believe it... so, what the heck are you still waiting for?
Balqees
9:00 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
I came to Shraim’s Academy over a year ago and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been in and not only am I physically stronger but mentally stronger thanks to Coach Ahmed and Amy!
Miguel Gamarra
9:04 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Shraim's Academy is the best place to send your kids,to learn autocontrol,discipline, respect,confidence and be healthy.Don't think to much to enroll your kids in SHRAIM'S ACADEMY the best place in Bridgewater
Michelle V
9:26 pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Love Shraim's! The coaches are great, the workouts are always challenging and never dull. You may not enter as a fighter, but a fighter you will become!
Sandra
12:01 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Kaizen Martial Arts is perfect for building confidence and self-defense! If you want to be a fight, then the other schools are good. However, if you want to learn to protect yourself and family at home, school, and a night on the town then Kaizen is perfect!!!
Sandra
12:06 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I go to Kaizen Martial Arts because of the tradition, respect, and expectations they set for each student. They set a plan for growth each student and conduct follow-up sessions.., I am amazed with the skill my family has aquired in the two years we've participated.
LC
12:18 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wilkie's. My son went there as a kid and loved it. All the kids felt comfortable - there was none of the nonsense you find at so many places. Now, at 21, after missing high school wrestling, he want back to Wilkie's and is loving it. Again, everyone's made to feel welcome and you won't find better training anywhere. As someone above said - it's the real deal. Also - Al is from the area and does a lot of good for the community. (I think Shraim's has a Patch campaign going on - haha - jk.)
Kyle Mahoney
1:40 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I've been going to Shraim's Academy for over a year now, and it has been a great journey. The coaches instill a sense of togetherness; veterans and noobs can teach and learn from each other. Additionally, the workouts are very tough but very rewarding. Great place to get in shape, learn to fight, and have fun!
Ayden
4:14 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
shraims academy is not only a learning boxing experience.it has been a learning experience for my boys to not feel bullied,have lots of confidence,be diciplined.i can only tell you from my experience since it started about 5 to 6 years ago with my first child.i am now with my two other boys and they enjoy going to boxing every week and learning.they are no longer bullied or scared to be bullied.i am thankful for the trainers nick and ahmed for being so kind and teaching my boys to be there best at all that they strive to do.thank you so much shraims academy for all you do for the kids and dont hesitate to bring your kids to the best academy there is for different sports.thank you nick and ahmed again! from jackie,spencer,corey and ayden .....:)
jackie chong
4:55 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
sorry this from jackie chong
Craig Feldman
8:28 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
The best thing I ever did was start training MMA. At Shraim's I found the attention and structure, from Coach Ahmed and BJJ Coach Shapiro, that allowed me to learn each martial art from the ground up. The focus on the basics day in and day out help me stray away from making simple mistakes and prevents me from developing bad habbits. I have gone to other gyms, but nothing compares to the knowledge I've obtained at Shraim's.
Al Ciccone
9:23 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
I've been going to Shraim's for 3 weeks now. All I can say is that my @$$ is getting kicked into shape quickly and I like it! Love the taxing "insanity" before the boxing lessons. Great coach, great people.
Nicole Sanchez
9:27 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Shraim's without a doubt! Honestly the best workout you could possibly get. I have been training here for a year and would never go to any other gym. Ahmed is a truly amazing coach and really cares about reaching your personal goals even in the midst of a busy class. I would highly suggest Shraim's academy to anyone.
"Sledgehammer" Jim
11:53 pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Shraim's is where it's at. I have been a member for over two years and am still consistantly challenged (in a good way) by coaches Ahmed and Amy. The level of physical conditioning as well as technical ability they are able to impart with thier training techniques never ceases to impress. I have seen my own abilities along with many others exceed our own expectations in an atmosphere that is fun, friendly and quite addictive. Ahmed and Amy have a passion for what they do that shines through and the talent as coaches to bring out the best in those willing to put in the effort. I can say in all honesty that one of the best decisions I have ever made was to walk through those gym doors. The experience has made me a better, more productive person and gifted me with an awesome group of friends. Thank you Shraim's!
Alan Neuhauser
12:21 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I can't say enough about Shraim's Academy. Coaches Ahmed (the gym's owner) and Amy are truly attentive and invested in each person's success, pushing every fighter to his or her max. What's more, they've created a true community at the gym – each day I trained, I showed up excited not only for the upcoming workout, but to see the friends I'd made there, too. I would recommend Shraim's to just about anyone.
Griffin Sullivan
12:27 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Wilkies. Hands down. Best enviorment for training, best instructors, and a strong fight team. If you are serious about fighting, self defense, or just want to get in killer shape, Alex Wilkies is the place you SHOULD be.
Gnomeafellacenter
7:08 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Sensei Alex Wilkie IS the man everyone should learn Martial Arts from. Sensei is not only the most knowledgeable of the Arts, but a Hall of Famer. Muay Thai, Russian Systema, & BJJ, to name few, Alex Wilkie's MMA is top to all the rest. Train
there & not only learn the arts from the elite, but build self-esteem/self confidence, all while becoming a part of a FAMILY. Sensei Alex Wilkie is a true teacher & leader! Doubt me? Ask the 50+ students who show up to class.
EP&L Electric Co.
7:44 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
No disrespect to any of the schools above and the disparity in the voting but here's what you get from Alex Wilkie's....You could look forever and not find a school with this history...MMA is too understated for what you can learn here. The Hells Angels, The CIA and everyone in between have been through these doors. http://alexwilkiemma.com/GalleryMain.html
Charles cranfill
9:03 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
You know what's the difference between a good school and a great school? In a good school, there's a great trainer, maybe one or two underlings that he's trained that help out. The techniques are probably perfectly legitimate, and the instruction is probably great. Honestly, nowadays we're fortunate in that it's downright easy to get good training in technique. What you'll find over time in a school like this is a feeling of "man, I'd love class more if I only got more time with trainer X"...you spend your time strategizing, getting to class when you know the trainer will be there, etc, etc, etc. These can be good schools, and I don't mean to take anything away from them. But:
In a GREAT school - same sot of trainer, qualified, same sort of techniques, etc, etc - but let's talk about the peer group. In this other school, the doors swing wide open - you pay your per class fee, sign a waiver, and and start working. This environment encourages folks to come in and work their game - folks from other schools, folks from other styles - which creates a peer group of multiple skill levels from beginner all the way to professional fighter to Gracie black belts to D1 wrestlers.
You never reach the end of the trainer, if that makes sense.
Wilkie has created an environment of open minded training over there that's unique in a good way. Some places you're a student, some places you're family. You won't get training or peer group like this anywhere else.
Melissa B.
11:49 am on Thursday, March 22, 2012
I've been at Shraim's Academy for almost 3 years and couldn't be happier. Coaches Ahmed and Amy do a fantastic job. Everyone treats each other like family and are always willing to help each other out. We all push each other to do our best and improve on our skills.
Dennis C.
1:28 pm on Thursday, March 22, 2012
Shraim's Academy has everything you would want in a training gym. The workouts are intense and challenging - never the same and always changing, which really tests your stamina. The facility can easily accommodate the traffic of fighters as well as those who wish to watch on the side. There are plenty of heavy, speed, and double end bags to train on. The coaching staff is knowledgeable, fun, and really pushes you to become the best fighter you could be. Shraim's Academy is a gym I actually look forward to going to, when I'm there I'm not just training - I'm spending time with close friends as well.
Joy Rastelli
9:26 am on Friday, March 23, 2012
Joy
As an "older" member of Shraim's Academy I can honestly say that the training you receive surpasses that of other facilities. I have worked out at many other gyms in my life and find that Ahmed has the knowledge and passion for the art of boxing that is contagious. He sets the bar high but consistently provides the moral and physical support that every individual needs to meet their goals. Ahmed conveys a heartfelt interest in every one of his clients and gears each workout to the individual. He also serves as an excellent role model which is important for today's youth. It is obvious to me owning and operating Shraim's is much more than a business to Ahmed. Don't take my word for it.....check us out and decide for yourself.
AT
9:38 pm on Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Prince Martial Arts -Both my husband and I agree that this is absolutely the best martial arts school, mostly because of the teacher- Sensei Rupert. He is great with kids, teaches them in a special way that kids love and most importantly, is also teaching them ( and us) life lessons along the way. Our kids are learning to take care of themselves both physically and mentally.What more does a parent want?
John
10:02 am on Thursday, April 5, 2012
Prince Martial Arts is best !