StarMA has high quality teachers and mentors, emphasizes character building, and nurtures a sense of community. Excellent classes, after-school program, and camps. Highly recommend!

StarMa is one of the best programs my daughter has ever attended. Karate challenges her ability to be better, teaches her discipline, the importance of kindness and caring and much, much more. The program and all of StarMa staff gives her the confidence to be her best self. They have truly put a new meaning to family! I could not recommend anything better for your child!! Definitely two thumbs up!!

We absolutely love being part of the StarMA family! My son looks forward to after school everyday, and actually get upset if I pick him up “too early”. His confidence has grown, and the life skills they teach and practice are invaluable! We couldn’t be happier!

The staff at Starma is amazing. They make sure every student feels welcome and appreciated. My son continues to show more confidence each day. His focus has improved and he is always excited to attend class at Starma.

Star Martial Arts is a great place for all ages interested in learning taekwondo. My child has been attending for a year and has grown tremendously in his confidence, respect for others, and personal responsibility. He has made wonderful friends and his academics have even improved! So glad we found StarMA!

We love Star Martial Arts and have been going for years! Great staff!

I love this place because If you’re not ready to move onto the next subject they won’t move on unless you’re ready and at the end of the day they will empower you by saying you did awesome in class earlier you did a great job today stuff like that so if you’re looking for your kid to join I think he or she should join it’s an amazing place.........

I cant say enough good things about Star Martial Arts. The staff are amazing, the facility is great, and the level of instruction is phenomenal! My son has learned so many important life skills there. I feel that he is safe every moment hes there. Management and staff have been extremely helpful anytime Ive needed assistance. I am truly thankful for Star Martial Arts.

I am so happy I found this place. They are incredible with kids and really work with them. It has been so hard to found a place who would give my son a chance. You see, my oldest son has autism even though it may be mild he still has a hard time communicating with others that can result in meltdowns. Their staff has been so patient with him and talked him through difficult times and encourage him to do his best. It put my heart as ease knowing that when hes with them, hes going to be okay and be happy. Its a struggle to see any kids have a hard time and to see him happy and improve as much as he has, its definitely been a blessing. Thank you star Martial arts for all you do.

They have the best, most supportive, most inclusive environment and amazing staff. My daughter has gained self confidence and self pride in this program and continues to. StarMa has it all; from classes, to leadership program, to anti bullying seminars, to Birthdays. I cannot recommend it enough.

Star martial arts is a perfect place not just for children but for your whole family. At Star martial arts they teach more than just Taekwondo. Eye contact, public speaking, respect.... You learn those things coming in the door here. They tie every lesson to home, work and school promoting respect, integrity hard work and diligence. Whether you are a child struggling with hyperactivity or an adult struggling with self discipline, theres something for everyone here.The things that I have learned as a student myself at Star martial arts carries over into my classroom as a teacher. My son who struggled with focus and paying attention during school and even some behavioral issues is now showing leadership qualities and is eager to work on homework at night.I love seeing the progress in my son who was once so shy with a limited vocabulary and was afraid to speak in front of others now leading a class with such a loud and clear voice!Star martial arts has become my family away from home and I truly appreciate how welcoming how caring and how much theyve been a great source of support for myself and my entire family. Whats even better is that I see them being such an incredible resource for every single family that comes there. From the owners to the instructors and everyone whos a part of the star martial arts team has a smile, everyone is accommodating and everyone actually truly cares! Thats something very rare.

Ive not only trained here for years, but I have been a part of the amazing team. Not only do they focus on martial arts, but they they focus on life skills. Every month we have a new skill like teamwork or leadership to dive into. Not to mention they always make it fun and encourage growth in everyone. The kids have a blast with the after school and summer camp program. I highly recommend anyone to this martial art school.

My son and husband have been at Starma for 5 plus years. It has changed their Leadership, commitment, and hearts for the better. Our family dynamic has improved by being apart of such an amazing community. The ownership and instructors truly understand and take seriously the full development of each member. It is evident not only in the instruction but in the partnership of encouragement to meet your goals no matter how hard. This is truly a program built on structure, heart, and integrity. I am so thankful for the entire Starma Team.

Ever since we started at Star Martial Arts over a year ago my son has really enjoyed going to class. The staff has been phenomenal and have always made us feel at home. They truly care about the growth and development of the students that attend the school. Not only do you get great instruction but they really keep students busy with contests and activities that are tied into their lessons. Truly a great place.

Star Martial Arts is the place to be if you or your family are interested in taking Martial Art classes. The staff is outstanding and instructors are very knowledgeable. Not only do they teach their students techniques, they teach values to live by inside and outside of the classroom. Also, I had my son’s birthday party there and everyone still talks about how much fun they had at Star Martial Arts.

Star Martial Arts is a wonderful place for all ages to study martial arts. My son loves A+ After school and their hours are great for any working family. They firmly believe in supporting parents goals for the children as well as challenging the kids to set goals for themselves. they are very family oriented. Unlike other martial arts studios it is not all about the dollar, but instead about helping kids to be productive members of society. I would recommend this school to any one looking for a place to train.

My son has been apart of the Star Ma family for over 4 years now. Star Ma has helped enhance his confidence, self-discipline and overall maturity level. We thank God for Star Ma and all that theyve poured into him! #YesICan

The school is a place that you gave grow add not only a marital artist but also as a person. The instructors very quickly become mentors, close friends then family. You grow with them because you are both learning together and growing together. There is no shortage of generosity or enthusiasm here. You will learn your weaknesses but youll also learn how to overcome them. Starma is a place that will help you grow both in body and soul.

Its always a great day at Star MA. The instructors are incredibly personable and truly care about the growth of confidence in the students. ANNDD, their After School is AMAZING! I absolutely love these guys! They will blow you away!

I have been attending Star Martial Arts for a year now and have loved it. With hard work and determination you will be able to achieve things you never thought you would be able to do. The people are friendly, the classes are entertaining and the training will leave you with a sense of accomplishment. I could not rate this any higher. Best decision I have made in a long time.

The programs offered at Starma like after school and summer camp are so much fun. I really wish I could have been a part of something like this when I was a kid. Not only is it a blast, there are martial arts classes that teach kids discipline and self-defense and so much more. They have absolutely wonderful programs with an absolutely wonderful staff! They definitely treat you like family. So happy I am part of the team. :)

From the minute I entered Star Martial Arts over a year ago, the staff have been nothing but supportive and truly amazing. They have truly become a second family for me. The instructors actually listen to you and go above and beyond to help you meet your goals. The ENTIRE staff truly cares about every child and adult that comes in. There are not enough great things I can say about Star Martial Arts. I highly recommend this school to any one who is looking for a place to train and find an excellent family.

We have been part of the after school program for two years. We love it. We love our StarMA family. Our son has learned so much at StarMA and his behavior has improved so much. He really shows that black belt attitude at home and at school.

My child has attended Star Martial Arts for 7 years. We couldnt have picked a better Martial Arts School. The instructors not only provide outstanding martial arts instruction but serve as wonderful mentors as well. We are so grateful for all the guidance the instructors have provided over the years and for the peer group at Star Martial Arts. The education from Star Martial Arts can help children with their self-confidence and help them gain important leadership skills.

I was injured while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Skilled military medical personnel did an excellent job with my recovery and rehabilitation. The extent of my injuries left me unfit for active duty and I was medically retired. I was retrained and enjoy another career with continued support from the Veterans Administration. After some years, I found that I missed the discipline, higher standards, physical challenges and camaraderie of the military service and sought out ways to fill these needs again. And so, at the age of 50, I screwed up some courage, put on a white belt and stepped onto the mat. I knew immediately that I had once again found the standards I had missed for so long. Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control, Indomitable Spirit. A few short years ago, I walked into Star Martial Arts with a cane in my right hand. Today, I walk unassisted, I run with pride, balanced, and controlled. Thank you Master Gnad and your outstanding team at Star Martial Arts! ~William~

An awesome place to train! Ive been coming here for almost three years, and couldnt be more satisfied with the training Ive received. The staff is amiable and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Star Martial Arts to anyone interested in beginning their training.

When I moved to Gainesville for college I started looking for something I could do that would be exercise, but also something fun. I am so glad I found Star Martial Arts. This place is amazing! Starma is my family away from home. Everyone is supportive and challenges you to be the best version of yourself. The staff and instructors are the best at what they do. I have learned so much and have seen myself grow more confident over the years at Starma. If you want to see personal growth while continually getting support from the people around you, this is the place to be!

I cannot say enough about this fabulous place. Not only do they focus on the important stuff such as manners, discipline, focus and exercise but they also know how to party! What an amazing set up and class, a bunch of kids and no one left with an ounce of energy left! I am so thankful for the amazing crew that put this whole thing together and help us celebrate my sons 4th birthday!!!

My son has been in the summer program at Starma for 2 years now and we both LOVE it. It is the best summer program around. The staff are the very best. It is not easy leaving your child with anyone but I feel very secure and he is so happy. He asks me each summer if he can go back next summer and my answer is always of course! I would also use their after school program if we lived closer but we live in Fort White. Again, this is the best!

Our family LOVES StarMa! My daughter goes to the transported afterschool program. She loves it! I cant wait until my son starts. They really feel like family to us. The staff is great and welcoming. As long as we are still in Gainesville Starma will be part of our lives!

My kid has been going here for over 2 months and he loves it. Its a fantastic environment for kids to learn martial arts and about being a team. The instructors really work with all the kids at all the ages. I HIGHLY recommend this place if youre looking to enroll your children in any sort of organized martial arts!

Our family loves Star Martial Arts! The StarMa team is amazing. They put in so much time and effort to teach each student. Everyone there is really kind and caring. My child has learned so much about discipline and respect. Plus it keeps him active while having fun. Hes becoming a great little ninja ☺

I cant say enough good things about how StarMa has helped my daughter. She loves going to class. Shes more focused and disciplined at home and school. Prior to attending StarMa we had daily disciplinary issues at school. After a year at StarMa, she was student of the month. My daughter also attends summer camp at StarMa. Camp wasnt even over last year and she was begging me to sign her up this year.The staff is wonderful. They obviously care about all of their students. They care about them as martial arts students but also as people. Personal accomplishments are celebrated just as much as accomplishments at the dojang.There are also plenty of other activities like master club, BB club, or Beginner club parties, Parents Night Out, etc for the students to bond together with their martial arts family.One of the best decisions weve ever made was to enroll at Star Martial Arts!

Amazing school....my son Drew absolutely loves it here!

We love StarMa! It has been great for helping my kids with listening to directions and self confidence. They look forward to going each week.

Star Martial Arts is an excellent place for our kids to learn about discipline, respect, exercise, friendship, and many other valuable traits all while having a blast. Our kids absolutely love going there for their after school and summer camp programs. All of the instructors are always helpful, knowledgeable, and set excellent examples for the students. Star Martial Arts has been terrific for our family and I would absolutely recommend it to other families looking for a fun, safe environment for their kids to learn martial arts.

In 2006, our family had the pleasure of signing up with Star Martial Arts during their Grand Opening. EIGHT years later, we are still here! We wanted a school that wasnt about sweep the leg. We wanted integrity, respect, and self-confidence for our boys. Master Gnad and his team delivered 100%! We proudly recommend this martial arts school to all of our friends!

Our son has attended star Martial Arts for almost 5 years. We are so proud of all that he has accomplished with them and is now a black belt. Our family could not ask for a better studio or after school program. The skills taught have translated over into his academics and other sports. Thank you StarMa for all that you have done for our family.

Amazing experience for my family. So happy to become a member

We are fairly new to StarMA and I have already seen more confidence and respect in my 4 yr old son. We absolutely love seeing the coaches who always has a positive attitude and class days are the highlight of our week. We love that class is yr round and StarMA keeps parents involved like one big family.

By far, this is the best martial arts studio there is. Classes are superb, the instructors are extremely knowledgeable, and truly care about the students. My son and I are so happy to have found Starma! Easily the best thing about Gainesville, hands down.

StarMA has got it figured out. Theyre amazing. We started our 4 year old son in the Little Dragons class (ages 4-7) during a really great back-to-school special that was running. Which, by the way, is a result of their excellent marketing because Id inquired back when he was too young but was placed on their e-newsletter list & saw the advertisement about the special. It took a couple of months for it to really click & us see that he was absorbing it all but thats partially due to his age & that hes easily distracted. Hes getting the hang of it now & its adorable to watch. I personally think every child needs what StarMA is teaching. Theres less physical karate at this young age level & mainly life lessons on respect, discipline, honesty, focus, listening, control of your body, etc. Its incredible to see. There are also lessons for the parents & whole family. Its a very inclusive studio that fosters the whole family being unified & respectful & connected. They also provide tools & resources for the kids to practice what theyre learning at home & have incentives like earning more stripes on their belt if they accomplish goals or meet their reward chart goals. Master Forson is absolutely perfect for his role as the instructor. Hes the most patient, kind, firm but also sensitive leader & the kids look up to him so much. Its a really positive, uplifting experience & you wont regret being a part of the StarMA family.

The amount of confidence and courtesy that my daughter has developed is amazing. The instructors are very caring and interactive.

Like Kace said about rating! He said give give Star MA and its instructors as many as we could! If there was more than five he would give them! And I agree as well!Sencerly Glen White

Have been training here for a numerous amount of years. The atmosphere here is very comforting and the family environment is certainly sensed around the dojang. Philosophy & knowledge of the art is very important for me as a martial artist and it is certainly addressed here. I have enjoyed every bit of the training.

The best school in the area by far. I train in taekwondo as well as jujitsu and the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. This school is a very fun and happy environment and youll feel very at home when you train here. Come try out the trials and see what martial art suits you best, you wont regret it.

I started training in June and coming up in the first week of September is my first testing. I feel more than ready to advance, but not only that, I have met some of the most kind people and supportive people ever. The instructors and staff are very helpful and have made me feel welcomed.

Absolute awesome place to train. Great staff, friendly and welcoming environment & QUALITY instruction. My son enjoys coming to practice.GAINESVILLE STARMA is the place to be!!!

Great exercise, good structured environment, teach respect...couldnt ask for more. My sons been going there for after school and summer camps for a couple of years. They do a great job.

Our son has been part of the SMA family for a couple of years now and he loves it. He has a confidence in himself that is encouraging to see as a parent. The staff treat him with respect and kindness and he is eager to add new skills to his repertoire.

I love Star Martial Arts! Taking taekwondo here as an adult has been such a boost to my self-esteem and my motivation to work out. The instructors are amazing. Mr. Foreson is so positive and upbeat and his energy is infectious. He celebrates all of your accomplishments with you as if he were your best friend. Mr. House can explain the mechanics of any movement, a breakdown which personally helps me improve so much, and he can identify right where your skill level is at and present you with the next challenge the minute he sees that you are ready for it. I consider Kelly, the front desk administrator, to be one of my friends; she is so kind and caring. Its amazing that, even though you dont know many details about the lives of your classmates and instructors, it feels very much like family as soon as you walk in. I started here because they had an amazing special where you can try the school out for three classes at an affordable price and I fell in love with it. It took me six months to have the time in my schedule to go back, but I did and I have been there for a year now. Its always challenging and you are always growing and I absolutely love it!

This is the best experience i have had for an after school and everybody is extremely nice.

I have been training at Star Martial Arts for the last 7 years and it is absolutely fantastic. I received my black belt when I was 14 and am still here training at 20 years old. Definitely recommend it for anyone that wants to learn self defense, exercise, and have fun.

Master Forson and Master Gill have been very patient with my grandson. He has ADHD and he is not always focused and his motor skills are not the best. But he does try and they treat him the same as everyone else. Everyone is friendly and helpful.

Awesome place. Amazing, caring people who really care about kids and teach a lot more than martial arts

Hey guys, My name is David and Just moved from Atlanta GA.I came across with Star Martial Arts about a week ago while I was doing research on GoogleJust like you do right now. I saw so many great reviews, thats why I decided to try this place out.It was great place to train, Im personally chose BJJ and Love it.Great schedules, Great teaching, Easy to follow.Most of all, They all are very welcoming, People are friendly.Thats why I signed up for on-going membership TODAY.(After finishing my trial period)You must try out this place, You wont regret it. I promise you =)*David Choi

StarMa has been great at not only teaching my daughter karate, but also focus, discipline, and respect. Her instructor is wonderful with all the kids, and the entire StarMa family is awesome!

My child loves taking Taekwando at Starma! They are like family there. He loves his classes, and his instructors as well. - Mallory H.

Star Ma has been great to my daughter. My daughter enjoys going and the staff is amazing!

We love Star MA. Mr Forson and Mr Gill have reinforced positive life skills while building my sons confidence and Tae Kwon Do skills. He is now a purple belt in their leadership program and is loving every moment of it.Update: another year later and now my son is an apprentice black belt. He enjoys going to class and the instructors continue to encourage leadership skills, discipline and respect. Its a lot of fun and my son always leaves tired from a good workout.

My son had tried martial arts elsewhere but they never held his interest. He attended a birthday party at Star Martial Arts and enjoyed it so much he wanted to try it. He started with their summer program and has never looked back. Now he is taking TKD and Jujitsu. With their respectful and positive care and teaching methods, he is growing into quite the confident and competent young man! I would never hesitate to recommend StarMA to anyone of any age!

We have been at Star Martial Arts for just over a year and a half now and we love it. The instructors really care about their students and their struggles and successes on and off the matt. They do everything they can to help them succeed. They push their students to do their best on the matt and accomplish all of their goals. We have seen our son grow in so many ways since starting with StarMA! We wouldn’t dream of going Anywhere else.

We love it here! They are helping to make our girls, responsible, caring, disciplined poeple! Plus they are just all around fun people to have working with our kids!!

I practiced martial arts in one way or another since 1986, competed in my 20s, trained serious competitors and owned multiple martial arts schools at one time. In 2002 I stopped training to go back to school. I joined Star Martial Arts in 2012 and thoroughly enjoy the classes. Mr. Gnads school is built on traditional martial arts principles, innovative teaching practices, and friendly customer service. The kids classes are safe and appropriate for children of all abilities. His adult classes provide a serious workout and detailed instruction in the art. I highly recommend coming by some time to try out a class or two.

Starma has always been an important part of my life.If i could (but highly unlikely they would let me) i would be living there for the rest of my life.My favorite instructors are...mmm, i like all of them.If your reading this comment and looking for a place to learn martial arts, i recomend you come here for the best experience possible

StarMA has helped my son grow in self confidence and given him a sense of worth that can’t be shaken. We love StarMA!Update: A year later and I can still say that enrolling my son at StarMA was the best decision we ever made!

My son has been attending this facility/Afterschool for 3 years now and we ABSOLUTELY love it!!! The staff is Amazing and the front desk (Kelly) is very helpful no matter what time of the day. They treat everyone like family and not a number. My son will attend till the end of time and I truly recommend to everyone who’s looking for an Afterschool,summer camp and Taekwondo studio .

I began taking taekwondo classes at STARMA 2 years ago, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. The instructors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and work hard to create a positive, supportive atmosphere for children and adults alike. As a teacher myself, I am consistently impressed by the way the instructors interact with the younger students. Much more is being taught here than just martial arts!

Ive been in star ma for 8 years nowMy mom singed me up on my birthdayAnd it changed my lifeI would give all my stuff to keep doing classesAnd its not just the classesIve became good friends with my instructorsIf you are looking for a place to send your kid for summer camp or after schoolSend them to star maIt will change there lives

My boys are enrolled in the SMA After School program, and all I can say is WOW! The staff is incredibly friendly, patient, and encouraging. It didnt take long for the staff and the program activities to win over my boys, who were protesting because theyd rather stay home and play video games. Now my kids are excited to have the opportunity to do their homework, play with other kids, and learn TaeKwonDo.As a newly working single parent, its an incredible relief to find people I can trust to provide structure and fun to my kids, at a fair price!

The instructors are wonderful with the kids! My kids absolutely love it here!

We love StarMa - They have been amazing with Seth. He really looks forward to going every day after school! He wants to join the leadership program, so we are working on getting him into that!

StarMA is an extremely welcoming and supportive martial arts school. We love the community and the positive atmosphere the instructors create for everyone. The instructors not only teach kids martial arts, they also focus on developing a positive life attitude and good character. StarMA is also a great place for families who want to do martial arts together. I’ve been taking classes at StarMA with my daughter for a couple of years, and there are a number of other moms and dads taking classes with their kids too. It’s a great opportunity to get some exercise while developing shared activities and interests with your child. I cannot recommend StarMA highly enough!

Consider having a birthday party here!

This is an amazing program. Highly intelligent caring staff. They have a top notch afterschool martial arts program which focuses on teaching your children productively in life skills such as integrity not just putting them in front of a television. I totally recommend them. My son has made major improvements in his attitude in the shrt 3 weeks we have been with them.

StarMA is not only an amazing business and Taekwondo program, but an absolutely incredible community of people as well! I have been taking class here for the last year and I cant get enough of it! The classes are structured to benefit the students by providing a fun workout both physically and mentally. Masters Forson and Gill are always stoked to see their students and help them further their confidence/determination. The staff who man the front desk are always there to greet you with a smile. The After-School program ROCKS! And the atmosphere provides you with a safe space to learn and grow with every class. I would definitely recommend StarMA to anyone who wants to improve their childs confidence and responsibility or just to further their own physicality and self-esteem!

Over the course of 20 years and many states I have been looking for a new place to train since I left my first Martial Arts school for college. I had not found a place that I liked until I found StarMA. No matter your age, fitness level or previous experience, StarMA is always encouraging you to do your best. The members and Staff are so welcoming and friendly that you really feel a part of something when you walk in the door. The Instructors and Coaches not only teach Martial Arts but also Life Skills that you need in the real world. It is a very warm, friendly and nurturing environment. They are not afraid of those who may have challenges whether physical or not. This has become my other family and I couldn’t be happier!

I have been with Star Martial Arts for a year. It has been a very rewarding experience for me and my family.I go to Tae Kwon Do with my 2 daughters and because of their payment plan, Im able to participate with them, which is great. My kids have learned things like discipline, self control, and exercise being fun. It has helped us grow as a family and has brought me closer to my daughters.The instructors are fantastic. The fact they put up with me in addition to my kids is a testament to their patience and dedication to all of us. The staff is awesome, friendly and extremely helpful.Master Gnad has set up a great dojang. You owe it to you and your family to come by and see it for yourself.

HAPPY I WALKED INTO STAR MARTIAL ARTS! The atmosphere and the staff are amazing! StarMa isnt only for kids. They are adult friendly as well. At 37 I decided to try something new and I absolutely love it! Its more than kicks and punches. What you learn on the mat starts to become a way of life outside of class. Im 6 months in and I am less anxious, managing my stress better, more intuned with myself and more confident. My posture is even better! To any adult who is second guessing themselves, dont. Please give StarMa a try! This has been one the best decision I have made for myself🙌🙌.......And where else can you get a good workout while listening to Da Mystery of Chessboxin👍👊✊✊(by my favorite group/band💃💃).....that sealed the deal for me😂😂😂😂😂#mentallystimulating#betterthantherapy

I love this place, the teachers are extremely helpful ..I do sincerely recommend!!!

Best after school program, ever!! My son goes to StarMa and loves it. They love working with kids.They teach them with a fun style. My son takes very seriously all the forms and and principles he learns with StarMa.

My 7 year old and 12 year old started Tae Kwon Do for the first time a few weeks ago at Star MA and we absolutely love everything about it. Master Forson teaches the beginners and he is incredibly engaging, even for kids who are so used to fast-paced video games and ranking systems. My 7 year olds confidence increased drastically in just two weeks. Both of my kids are now hooked on this sport, which says a lot because they have tried a lot of sports and didnt feel engaged. We go twice a week and typically arrive about 15 minutes early and we really enjoy watching the more advanced class finish their lesson before ours starts. It gives my boys even more motivation to practice more and keep trying, so they can eventually learn advanced routines. The StarMA app is a great way for my kids to refresh their lessons at home, and the responsibility charts are a great way to track their weekly achievements and earn recognition for it. Their favorite recognition system is definitely the stripes on their belts, for accomplishing various skills, tasks, and attendance. It encourages healthy competition and confidence at the same time. We wish Star Martial Arts entered our lives a lot sooner!

Wonderful place and wonderful people! Has been the best decision for our kids for after school care and summer camp as well as martial arts training.

My son has been going to StarMa for many years now. I have recommended it to may people and will continue to do so. All the instructors, especially Mr. Forson, are great and my son wouldnt go anywhere else.

Star has been an overwhelmingly positive experience with lots of personalized training and custom goal setting. I look forward to each class.

Our son has benefitted so much from from his experience at Star Martial Arts. It has improved his self-confidence and self-control and he has so much fun that he looks forward to going to every class. The instructors are great with kids!

Our son began his journey to Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do more than4 years ago . This past December he realized his goal. When he began he could hardly be heard above a whisper in class. He was very cautious and truly without confidence. With the beginning of a new year and a new school schedule sadly we have had to move on , but Star Martial Arts has truly been like a family to us . Our son has gained confidence, self expression, and the ability to speak and shout loudly. He needed to learn focus and discipline and art of friendship. The instructors were always demanding but also caring and encouraging. At his testing for Black Belt he stunned us when he was able to speak loudly before an audience but he was able to ,without hesitation, perform each move with precision and power. For a kid with Aspergers it was pretty Awesome. We love you all and thank you from the very bottom of our hearts.

Been a student there for several months with the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class. Instructor is very good and breaks it down to basics. Knows how to physically push you and you never stop having fun.

It’s awesome kids and adults program!

Wonderful compassionate teaching. Joy to see

Joining Star Martial Arts was one of the best decisions I have made in my adult life. As a young, single female living by myself, I was looking for a fun way to stay fit while also learning practical skills that could help in self-defense situations. Obviously any martial arts program will teach self-defense, but StarMA also goes out of their way to make sure you get the full experience. The classes are tailored to skill level and age and are a great balance of conditioning, technique, and practical application. The instructors are all super friendly and helpful and genuinely care about their members. Ive never had a bad experience inside the schools doors. Finally, the best part about StarMA is that its affordable to everyone- even poor college students.I recommend StarMA to anyone in Gainesville who wants the best possible martial arts training available. :-)

I see my husband and my good friend Miss Allie have already shared their comments, and I agree with both of them fully. StarMA is an amazing environment; something I never thought Id see in a facility devoted to fitness. I was terrified when Allie asked me to join her for a buddy class one day. I am quite overweight and even more so out of shape, and have several mental health issues such as anxiety and major depressive disorder on top of my physical deficiencies, so I thought surely that I would accomplish nothing but massive embarassment. But I am so happy to say that yes, though I was quite embarassed and scared during that first class, I knew immediately upon meeting Kelly at the front desk and Mr. Forson, the primary taekwondo instructor, that it would not be so bad. Quite frankly, if it werent for the latter, I may have never signed up with Star. I dont think I have ever heard Mr. Forson say anything negative to anyone ever, and I know Ive never heard him say anything in relation to a persons size, outside of their height. I dont think the words overweight or fat or skinny are even in his vocabulary. When Im at class, no one looks at me as that one fat girl with weird hair, nor does anyone seem to care that sit-ups and push-ups take me significantly longer than most of the other members of the class. No one has ever judged me, made fun of me, or been unwilling to just say hello. I cannot properly express in words how amazing that feels to someone like myself whose mental health issues have always kept them down, and who doesnt see a whole lot of positives when they look in the mirror. Star has become my therapy, and Mr. Forson, Master House, and everyone else that teaches there, my psychologists. Even though I am an adult with a full-time job, I still make time for TKD, even though I pant, sweat, and otherwise look a mess. My anxiety has decreased significantly, and though Im not perfect about it yet, through StarMAs family of support and encouragement, I am getting better with my self-esteem and confidence issues. I hope if anyone who works there reads this, they know that I love each and every one of them, and I love StarMA for changing my life for the better.TL;DR - StarMA is rad as all get-out and has helped this girl overcome many mental health and physical hurdles.

Star Martial Arts has been a huge positive influence for my son. Having a disability sometimes made him feel less than in the school environment, but the mentorship he had at Starma made all the difference in his self esteem. His confidence, self-discipline, and behavior all benefited from the positive environment in the Dojang. One major skill that is instilled is perseverance in the face of difficulty or defeat. Ive been impressed on many occasions on how the kids at Starma have internalized this value and how much they depend on their instructors and fellow students for support and encouragement. This place has my highest recommendation!

Star Martial Arts has been a blessing for my kids. When other after school programs found it difficult to work with my oldests ADHD, the instructors at STARMA stepped up and helped him learn how to focus and channel his energy in a positive way while building his confidence, and encouraging him. Over the last two years he has become more respectful. My youngest is also a student at STARMA, and is following in his brothers footsteps. I recommend this school and program to any parent who wants to have their child in a positive, respectful, and character building environment.

Been looking for a good and legit Brazilian jiu jitsu place in the Gainesville area and I can certainly say star has the best program. Ken the instructor is a brown belt under Pablo Popovitch and will help you whether your goal is to compete or to lose weight. Come check this place out.

Star Martial Arts is our favorite place for my husband and I to workout with our three kids! Since we started training in Tae Kwon Do we have made tremendous strides in attaining increased flexibility, dexterity, deftness, strength, endurance, coordination, and self-discipline. It is heartening as a woman and mother to know that while we attain all these other benefits, we also are learning and important art which provides us with the tools to defend ourselves should we ever need to. It is truly an honor to have an opportunity to learn and train with Chung Sah Nim Gnad, who is not only an incredible martial artist in his own right, but also a phenomenal teacher. Mr. Cedric Forson, another instructor at the Dojang has a remarkable ability to connect with the students, children and adults alike, motivate them, and re-direct their attention from distractions, to the material they need to learn to advance to the next level. There are classes tailored to the childrens level, the adult level (more challenging), and family-oriented (a nice mix of ability levels). There is something for everyone. Come and check this place out!

Star Martial Arts hands down is the best gym to train! The staff is professional, enjoyable, and most of great people. For Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there is no better place to be then Star Martial Arts! Iv been with Star for 7 months havent changed my diet at all and have lost 17lbs! Master Ken Quan is by far the best Jiu Jitsu professor in town. I have trained at many gyms over the years from Gainesville Dojo to Global Mixed Martial Arts, and no one compares in teaching and skill level. My personal opinion for a great professor is the ability to perfect your technique, to give you the one on one time you need, and the ability to be compassionate for what you teach and your students! i recommended for anyone wanting to lose weight,learn self defensive, or just wanting to be in a great environment with great people to check out Star Martial Arts! You wont be disappointed!!!!

Not only do I train here myself 3 to 5 days/week, but my kids do too almost that much :). More importantly, they have been students and After School and Summer Camp attendees for going on 3 years now and we couldnt be happier. The sheer volume of amazing life skills, discipline and character development attributes and benefits for everyone involved in training and attending here are absolutely without question. There is no other place for these programs that I or my kids would rather be. They are also not one of, but **THE most cost-effective** program dollar-for-dollar anywhere. They also do not charge per head like most schools do. For a family of more than 2 - you pay for those 2 and thats it! Whatever level of program you want (regular curriculum, Black Belt or Leadership programs) when combined with A+ After School and/or Summer Camp programs - the convenience and lack of headaches or worry you receive for the dollars you pay - really makes cents, errrr sense. :)Why? How? Simple: If your kids are in many of the core local Gainesville elementary, middle, etc schools, Star will pick your kids up from there and deliver them to Star safely whenever After School is open - which coincides with the Alachua County school calendar naturally. Not every school is eligible unfortunately, but I am to understand the list is fairly dynamic year to year based entirely on where the kids go to school, how many, and other factors. That aside, the kids while in A+ or Summer camp - get a dobak, and onto the mats too to learn taekowndo.This does not mean just how to kick, punch, block, etc. This means proper technique, form, intensity, steps and of course - all of the knowledge that goes along with truly studying any form of art, like Taekwondo. That means the history of tkd, who started it, when, why, what dates, and of course - what does your form mean? How about the meaning of the color of your belt? What shape of diagram is your form in (cross, capital letter I or H, backward z, etc) - and so on. This is as much a part of testing, as demonstrating your forms, techniques, board breaking (brown belt and higher) and oh yes......sparring (green belt and above) - all as part of your testing.Along the way - you and/or your children who attend classes or programs - will not only learn great self-defense techniques, but also develop public speaking skills, self-confidence, and also many life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, attitude, courage, respect, focus, goals, responsibility, integrity and of course, last but definitely not the least - success! Success for your child and yourself - of that there is no doubt!

We love Star Martial Arts, or as we affectionately call them StarMA! We started out looking for an affordable afterschool program for our kids three years ago, and weve never left. We were looking for a program that offered more than the Extended Day Enrichment Program (EDEP) at their school. They were at O2bKids for a few months, but we didnt care for their free-4-all, glorified babysitting approach to afterschool care. We had to take a few trips to the ER due to their lack of supervision there. Most child experts will tell you that kids need structure in their lives. It provides them with a sense of security and with that security they grow and thrive personally. In todays hectic world with parents going in so many different directions, they need that security now more than ever. StarMA not only gives them structure in their activities, but they offer positive discipline strategies and character development. Children are taught to respect others and themselves. The owner has hired a great group of people that truly care about your children. Your child receives one on one attention and direction. They are taught to set goals and helped to achieve those goals through positive reinforcement. They learn how to work as a team and how to develop personal confidence. Their summer program is the best in town. The offer more activities and field trips than any other program, and they are competitively priced. In the beginning we thought we were just putting our kids in a better than average afterschool program that would teach them additional skills, via martial arts. What we got was a whole lot more than we could have ever imagined or hoped for. Now, I can’t imagine placing my kids in any other program.

First time doing tkd I was scared and nervous but Mr forson and Ms Kelly made me feel comfortable and excited.