Premier Martial Arts Oak Ridge - Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Christopher M.

I taught martial arts to Marines for over a decade, but even though many may argue they have the same mental capacity, they are not children. It takes a special talent to be able to balance leniency with discipline, fun with focus, and interest with repetition. Peyton Cooper has a natural talent for this, coupled with extensive experience in various Martial Arts that she brings to the school as their lead instructor. I've waited several months to write this review, and I am very pleased to say her dedication and enthusiasm has been reflected in my daughter's continued drive to learn and improve. It has shown up in every facet of her life (in all positive ways), yet never once has she attempted to "practice" her skills on another person. I'm happy to be a member and look forward to watching and learning with my daughter as she climbs through the belts.

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Unfortunately, I am forced to update this review. After several months, they lost their lead instructor due to a death in her extended family. After that, things declined quickly. After a few more months, they eventually replaced the lead instructor with a very nice gentleman that has a handicap preventing him from being understood clearly. I am certainly all for hiring people with disabilities, I have several myself from years in the military, but you can't hire someone with a speech impediment to do a job requiring adequate communication. I'm not hiring a blind person to drive a school bus, either. That doesn't make me prejudice, it means I have decent business sense. Perhaps if his skills outweighed his shortcomings, but they do not. They are... Okay.

Now let me get into the business model: it's a real life version of "pay to win". It's disgusting and intentionally concealed from the parents, to get them started in the program, and then guilt them into staying. A huge emphasis on the program is "just don't quit!" Or "a black belt is just a white belt that never gave up". Great mantras until you realize the costs just keep going to the higher in belt they get... And they're happy to give them a new belt every 3 months...as long as they "just don't quit". It's not important if the skills are there, as long as you pay the ever-increasing costs for the belt tests. These range from $40 (btw, extra on top of the monthly fees) to over $200. Every three months. Now add that you can't even get past orange belt without moving up to "black belt training". Now you pay more per month for a black gi and an extra 15 minutes of weapon training after the normal class... Did I mention the weapons cost more too? This is required in the first year.

We're not done yet! They'll cancel classes to do seasonal sales to try and sell you merchandise, higher training, and other expenses. They'll push extra events that are offered as a bonus and exciting for the kids... But of course cost you more money and you're the bad guy if they can't go. And my personal favorite: they presented a certificate, in class, to my daughter (and later several others), "inviting" her to "Premier Training". What a big accomplishment for her! Nope. That's the next level of paid training that you get to pay more per month, get new patches on your gi, and now give up an hour on your Saturday as well for one-on-one training. Enjoy breaking your child's spirit when you tell her she can't go, when this wasn't discussed with you first. You get to be the bad guy if you're not willing to shell out more and more money.

For the cherry on top? I expressed these concerns to the owner, and that these were the feelings of many of the other parents. The response I got was that I was prejudice against people with disabilities and that I was trying to take food away from her family by suggesting the costs were too high and/or inappropriately presented to our children as "awards".

We left, and found a MUCH better studio in town. If I have one things positive to say, they got my daughter interested in martial arts. Too bad they used that to extort as much from the families as humanly possible.

K. A.

Never been to this location, so I won’t speak to the Oak Ridge facility.

However, my daughter is a second degree black belt who has trained at the Premier Maryville location. That’s where I was able to meet the Oak Ridge instructor, Chris Puckett, and the rest of the Puckett family as he assisted in her training.

I can tell you this about Mr. Chris. If you want somebody who will be dedicated to giving your child their all, if you want a family to embrace your family and if you want somebody who’s overcome life obstacles in ways that will inspire your child, sign up for classes at Premier Oak Ridge. You won’t find a more dedicated instructor.

hooksmomma 8.

PMA has been amazing for our daughter she is in blackbelt training, PMA has helped with her confidence, patience and strength, we love that they focus on lessons in life as well. We love PMA!!!

Megan B.

My son (6) and husband both attend Black Belt Training here. Cooper and team have been amazing with both. They are helpful with problem solving around our sometimes chaotic schedules when things come up which happens as my husband is a business owner. My son is learning martial arts but he is also learning self control and respect. He looks forward to days he is coming for martial arts. Everyone teaches with patience but also holds the kids accountable. It’s pretty awesome.

Kayla R.

Excellent staff and great with the kids !! My daughter is 3 and they all keep her focused and attentive .. flexible classes and very clean !!!! Love it !

jeanne H.

Peyton is an excellent instructor. My 6 year old has so much more self confidence. She loves coming to class. And as a parent I love how the instructors interact with the kids. Definitely recommend!

Ashlee K.

We are so happy with this school and all our son is learning. The instructors are so supportive in class and with texts and encouraging mail throughout the week. This group has been a blessing to our son, and we are so grateful he gets to learn and have fun here!

Shelby J.

I finally found something that my daughter enjoys. The laughter, pride and self discipline has done wonders for her. The instructors are amazing and super patient, which is exactly what she needs. I can’t wait to see her grow through this experience and reach her full potential.