Best Self Defense School Fort Wayne Near Me

Jay Esparza: I have attended a few special events at First Shield and have always had a great experience. You will meet veteran students who have been attending and training for sometime. Kyle and the others welcome you with open arms. (I say this because I can be socially awkward especially on first meets) Not only do the instructors make it fun but, you also learn a lot in the process. If you want (I would advise at some point you do), to be physically , mentally tested and eventually advance, book a class see where you are and advance In your self defense!

Tiffany C.: I drove 2 hours to train at First Shield Defense, and it was definitely worth the drive.The facility is spotless & well maintained.Very professional, excellent organization, effective communication in every matter, the instructors are knowledgable and ready to help, inviting environment of people all with the same goal of getting better and making others better in their skills. Great for beginners as well as students with previous martial arts experience. You'll have fun while learning valuable information to help keep you safe.I look forward to training with them again!

Erik Boswell: I was apprehensive about getting into something like this but Kyle was extremely helpful in answering any and all of my questions about their classes!! Their courses align with everything set defense related and don’t focus on one type can another so you’ll get a very well balanced concept and skills. The pricing is fantastic also. If you are on the fence like I was, reach out to Kyle and stop by for a consult. You won’t be sorry trust me!!!

Heath Barnes: There’s a misconception people have that they would know what to do in a self-defense situation and will have the skills to respond accordingly. Unfortunately, most people will continue to live in their fantasy without ever realistically pressure testing it. If you’ve realized this flaw in your ability to protect yourself and others, contact Kyle. It doesn’t matter if you want to learn self-defense with empty hand skills or as a concealed carrier, Kyle has a class for you with other like-minded people who are on their journey as well. Everyone is there to work and honestly, going to class is something I look forward to. You might leave tired, sweaty or sore but you’ll be better every time you leave a class than if you stayed in the world of make-believe.

Sierra J: i am so thankful to have placed him in a martial arts school that genuinely cares about each student and their needs. basche’s martial arts school has helped my son gain confidence, stay focused, have self-discipline, be respectful, and he has a great time learning how to defend himself!if you or someone you know was thinking about joining a martial arts school, i highly recommend basche’s martial arts!

Ron Herrell: One of the best decisions I have ever made. I have gained so much from Sensei, instructors and my fellow students. I came in thinking I was just going to start taking martial arts classes again. I have gained so much other experience such as leadership skills, that I use in my daily profession, fitness, and I made a family in the Basche family. God could not have provided a better blessing than Basche's.

Michele Reasoner: My son has been attending for a year and absolutely loves it!! The transformation that he has shown over the last year has been amazing. They teach respect in everything they do.

Brooke Schafer: Our son started in September of 2021 and hasn't looked back since. He's learned so much about respect, self-discipline, he works hard at school and at home, and he has an "I can do it" attitude with everything that he does. This is about so much more than just karate. Sensei and and his staff have been amazing instructors and are very personable with your child. Thankful for Basches and all they have to offer.

Misty Becher: Basche's Martial Arts is more then just a place to learn karate. It's a great place to learn self defense, respect, values, and a sense of accomplishment if you put forth the effort. You will get out of it what you put into it. Instructors David and Mary are really good at teaching karate and helping everyone learn what is required for their belt levels. The positive atmosphere leaves you wanting to come back again and again to push yourself to the next level. Sensei Basche is a disciplined black belt who pushes you to achieve your best because he knows you can rise up to the challenge. If you are wanting a karate school that you can thrive at then this is the place for you!

Katherine Wilkinson: A totally awesome practice of body and mind! Our 7 year old has vastly improved her listening skills, her self discipline and her focus.

Kori Stokes: My son loves it here. I love it as well it reminds me of when I took karate! They're all so kind and it makes my son so happy to be here. He's learned so much within just a month I couldn't be more proud of the respect and discipline he shows and the fun he has! Thank you.

Jacob O'Dell: I've only been taking classes for about 3 weeks at this point, but so far, I've loved the experience. All of the instructors have been great to work with and I've had the chance to see them interact with students of all ages since my nephew has also been recently enrolled. (His behavior and technique is also improving little by little.) In classes both big and small, instructors take the time to give each student individual attention to improve their technique.Speaking for myself, I already feel significantly more confident even after just a few weeks. Having even the basic level of knowledge I've acquired so far has given me immense peace of mind when walking through areas where I used to constantly look over my shoulder. I am consistently impressed not only with the skill of the instructors, but the skill of higher level students. It really feels like everyone has earned their belts and I'm excited to know I have so much left to learn.Sensei Basche himself is an excellent instructor and mixes lessons about life with lessons about martial arts. It's clear that he genuinely enjoys what he does and hopes to help as many people as possible with what he has learned.Everyone is friendly and encouraging, including the students, and not once have I felt like I didn't belong here, despite being severely overweight and out of shape. The staff members are great at answering questions and enjoy having friendly conversations with people. While everyone is serious about training, they're also not afraid to have a good time while doing it. As cliché as it might sound, it really does feel like everyone is one big extended family, or at least what a family should be in terms of support and encouragement. I'm looking forward to the rest of my journey to becoming a black belt (and beyond) and I would encourage anyone to try out Basche's Martial Arts.

eric mcdonald: I known Sensei basche he since I was 14 years old he is a great teacher and role model to me he brought me a long way from being a troubled juvenile to a grown man I am now I learned so much from him respect discipline and how to protect myself I earned my belt before black belt from him and I thank God for putting him in my life cuz I wouldn’t be the man I am today if it wasn’t for him and God thank ya so much Sensei Basche for everything

Darren Harvard: My daughter has decided to start karate lessons and this place is amazing. I would recommend anyone that is interested in trying it out to go to their website and sign up for the free trial.

J.Michael Franio: Basche's Martial Arts is an investment in your children. Enrolling our 9 year old daughter has been truly life changing. Not only are we seeing benefits with her behavior and school grades, but also major improvements to her confidence, self-discipline, and in her interactions with others. She is also learning a life skill that could aid in saving her life as lessons go far deeper than just punching or kicking and having fun. With human trafficking being a reality this day in age, it was very important to us for her to identify a threat to her safety and know what she can do to not fall victim to being abducted. Aside from self defense, the classes also strengthen and motivate my daughter to do her very best. The choice to stay and train at Basche's has been entirely up to her and I couldn't be prouder for her making the decision to stay the course to a black belt.My daughter isn't the only proof I have of this school's success. I've watched many classes and have seen so many children progress through the belt levels and show unbelievable improvement. Sensei provides the kids with all the equipment and skills needed to build a strong foundation of training starting with the basics class. It is comprised of self defense maneuvers that are practiced to perfection and built upon in later belt levels in which sparring will then be introduced. The first few weeks are intimidating to both the kids and the parents. While it might seem like a bit of a boot camp at first, that feeling will subside and you'll quickly understand that sometimes a bit of harshness is what is needed to motivate and challenge the kids. At no point will any of the instructors or Sensei create an unsafe environment. Sensei also takes the initiative to reward students that show improvement or dedication. This makes a lasting impression on each of them.Sensei lives and trains in what he teaches, which is exactly what you want in a teacher. He and his staff and instructors are simply amazing. They are caring and always have the kid's best interests at heart. They are sensitive to anyone with special needs and are very accommodating. Their leadership program focuses on developing kids into instructors and working on their communication and social skills.Basche's provides an environment that will make you feel like you're part of the family. In addition, they hold many events that benefit families and children. Belt graduations, Halloween trunk or treat's, hosted birthday parties, Christmas parties, summer camp, board & brush events, parent's night out & valentine's parties.. there may be more I'm forgetting. The school is so family oriented that parents and kids alike will find great lasting friendships.If you're on the fence, I advise contacting them and seeing if they have an introductory rate or special trial period for enrollment. Give it a try and see if it's for your or your child. This is how we got started and will tell you it was an excellent move!

iNinja Poof: I've always loved martial arts and Basche has shown me why. They are very welcoming and have a warm positive attitude. The staff has taken my family into the Basche family and we couldn't be happier! The classes are a lot of fun and teach you a lot of valuable information, some amazing techniques, and mind set. It's everything I could have hoped for in a martial arts school, and I can't wait for my journey through the belts!Chad

Destiny Erhardt: When we walked into Basche's Martial arts, we had no idea we were walking into family. Sensei has put a breath of new life into my husband and my daughter. They both look forward to going to classes. I love the atmosphere Sensei has created and how he is teaching about a lot of things we have gotten away from! We look forward now to being busy and being surrounded by the other parents and families! Their leaders are incredible and Miss Mary, Amber, and Lindsay are the best team!!

Becca Montgomery: The staff, teachers and sensei are all very kind and make the classes fun for everyone while still teaching the kids respect and discipline.

Rachel K Lloyd: Wow!! The Greatest Happy Birthday Karate Party !!😁🎂🎁🎈 🎊🎉🥋 🏽🤺🗡🤣😊😉😁 !!! 🤺🗡😉❤ ! Thank you so much the party was Astonishing!! Everything was fantastic ☺ the games were exercise and fun!! 😉😁😊😂!! Thank you so much for absolutely Everything!! Everyone had an Amazing time! The children loved playing w balloons 🎈, jumping over the boards, leaping over the board, breaking a board w his own foot, wow And did I mention cutting his birthday cake🎂🗡 w a samurai sword!! What an Amazing Birthday!! The Best 🎂 🎉🎈🎁🎊 Karate Birthday 🥋🤺🗡🎂🎁 Party Ever!! Thank You!! Sincerely. God Bless Rachel Lloyd

Tyler Davis: My son and his friends had a blast at his birthday party here! Staff was very nice and the Sensei made it fun and was helpful during the party. Exceeded our expectations and couldn’t of asked for a better party.

tiki19843232: I started my son doing Little Tigers class at Basche's Martial Arts here in Fort Wayne, IN back in November of 2021. He has greatly improved his respect, self diciplin, and obedience to his father and I. His school has reported he has improved his attitude, citizenship, and his grades have sky-rocketed. He is in 1st grade and has now scored a 5th grade level of reading and a 3rd grade level of math skills! He has now graduated to basic kids class with his yellow belt and respect patch with 2 belt stripes! We are so proud of him in his progress due to Sensei Basche's training and counciling. This is the best thing we have done for our son yet and even more so he has improved himself through it all. Because of his improvement I decided to enroll myself as well. I had to quit working to stay home to care for my parents and kids. My mother has early onset Dimensia and my father is on dialysis. I decided to donate my kidney to my father so the first stage went through, but I was stopped at the second stage due to my BMI and weight being too high. I started Basche's at the last week of November weighing in at 253lbs. and a BMI of 43.8 where as the goal was 217 lbs and BMI of 40 or less. Since I started at Basche's today I weigh 214 lbs. and my BMI is 37.6 which is way in range of my goal. I have now begun the second stage of the transplant testing and compatibility lab work. I am forever grateful for Sensei Basche and everyone at Basche's Martial Arts for all of the support, encouragement, and always being positive in every situation. I am willing to look at myself in the mirror again, I have been able to buy new clothes that actually fit and look good (according to my kids I can dress like a girl again), and I have the confidence to be myself again. I will be attending Basche's for the foreseeable future for sure.

M L: My 14year old daughter has been attending 4 days a week for a year and she is noticeably more confident, assertive in what she wants and even grades have improved. EVERY time she leaves class she is happy and bubbly. We spar together from time to time and her skills have improved tremendously! If you're looking for a school this is the one!

BB B: BEST MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL AROUND.

tina ingram: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality,Value

Ginny Nider: My son recently started classes here, and he was quite shy and nervous initially. The teachers were great with him and really helped him gain confidence and come out of his shell. He now loves going to class and is pumped every time!

Joseph Spillers: My kids are learning a lot and having fun while learning a great set of skills for the future!

Ginet colleen Luebke: My Daughter loves her training!

Eileen Smith: My son just started at pmafw and so far I'm really impressed. They are all about discipline and respect and work the kids hard, but at the same time make it fun. Just in 3 classes I've seen my son's confidence go up as well as some other positive changes. I'm excited to see what the future brings.

Heather Eracleous: We’ve tried the rest. This one is the best!

Shantel Billingsley: My daughter has been coming here for a few months and she's done great. Mr Gibson is wonderful, very helpful and patient. My daughter trusts him and loves being in class with him. She's gotten a little bit discouraged but Mr Gibson has helped her build her confidence back. So glad we chose to come here. One day I can see myself becoming a student!!!

Korenda Bracht: My 5 year old joined the Pine Valley Premier Martial Arts and it was the best decision. He always looks forward to class and says it's his favorite place to be. We love Premier.

Jami Thomas: Great group of instructors!

Steve DiIanni: We just started these classes and they are great! They keep my son engaged and he is now asking for chores to do so he can talk about what he has accomplished at class.

Sarah Bricker: Premier Martial Arts found ME. I’ve had a growing interest in Japanese culture over the last few years, as well as in martial arts in general. I happened to be on FB one day, and came across an ad for a local karate facility; I was click-baited. I called, and they offered me four free classes for me AND for my kiddo! 1 private, 1 semi private, and 2 with their regular classes, plus a free uniform! In some cases, I don’t like being “bribed” to become a consumer, but in this case, I was thrilled to have the chance to get to know the teaching style, instructors, and my son’s interest level before committing with $’s down (the commitment is one year at a time) but the upside is that after paying for two students, anyone else in the family can be trained for free.My son has been training for about a month now, and I am very satisfied with the experience thus far. Mr. Gibson, the instructor, is clearly well trained and disciplined himself, and is very good at meeting the kids where they are, as well as teaching the skills in the way young kids can learn without losing authenticity. There is not really a focus on meditation, but definitely a high focus on discipline, empowerment, self-defense, and character building. They have a creed that they recite at each class (which I love!) and there are two themes each month, one of the heart (like honesty) and one of the body (like accuracy), and the students are tested on these each month to earn a stripe on their belts. They are tested quarterly for advancement to another belt color. And badges of integrity can be earned at your own pace (they take commitment at home). Plus the physical exercise is great to help my son get some energy out.The instructors are very good at using the whole 30 minutes for each session, but there isn’t a break in between classes, so there’s no time to talk to an instructor afterward, which is disappointing since my son often has questions (or comments haha).The facility (FW Coldwater Rd. location) is very clean, and they have many tools to assist with training. The biggest disappointment is the size of the space they rent in the building. It’s quite a tight fit for parents who sit to watch, plus all the students’ gear, and you have to cross the training space to use the restroom or talk in a private office.Lastly, I am pleased that it’s a family business; even though Premier is franchised, the business manager of the local facility is the owner’s daughter (who is well informed and friendly), and the instructor completed his training alongside the owner. It’s family friendly (I never feel uncomfortable bringing my 1 year old along) and my son finishes every session by running to me with open arms and a wide grin. We are very happy to be there 😊

Amanda Podgorniy: Always a great experience. 🙂

Jon Symington: My daughter has learned so much in a short period of time. All the students are respectful and are very helpful to one another. The teacher explains each step of the way and ensures everyone is engaged. This is a great dojo!!! Each kid that steps into the door, steps out more confident and prepared to take on the world.

Arijana Gackic: Great place for a child to gain confidence. Be respectful and learn great karate moves. Great staff and teachers.

Diana Patterson: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,QualityWe joined the PMA family last year. We have been overwhelmingly impressed at how quickly the boys have picked up discipline, dedication and skill. Recommend for anyone hoping to improve their child’s attitude, growth and physical health.

gennifer Robbins: A wonderful experience for our son who has been attending for 3 years. He has grown in skill, confidence and mindset. He is willing to try and fail, knowing he try again without judgement.

Lone Star: They made my kids feel very welcomed and excited to come back

vinita jaiswal: My son coming this place for 4 years and still going strong!! I love this place sooooooooo much! It is very positive and everyone is very respectful! Its quality not quantity. It has helped my son with social skills, physical and mental health, respect, and so much more! This place helped my son in so many ways. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would! They deserve it! I would recommend this place to everyone and anyone!!

Melissa Albert: My son just started going here. He was so nervous his first day. After class almost all the students came over to him and told him how great he did that day! It melted my heart how great the other kids were to my son! He loves going every week now!

Tabytha Przedwojewski: I have seen a huge change in my young son since beginning at Premier Martial Arts Pine Valley around two months ago. I watch every class and the instruction the kids receive is both professional and fun. I'm very glad that we made the decision to sign our son up, he loves it and so do we.

Tereaa Calhoun: We already love Premier Martial Arts! Teachers and staff are kind and professional. We would highly recommend this business.

Michael Unverzagt: Great, therapy for the soul!

Tyler Ungerer: I’m glad I walked into the Gracie Jiu Jitsu gym 2 years ago, I’ve been coming in on and off for that two years but I couldn’t imagine a better place to train at. Everyone is helpful if you are struggling with something. Amazing atmosphere to train in I’d recommend this place to anyone looking to learn or has been training and looking to get some mat time in.

Tyler Liechty: This place has so much to offer on and off the mats. I've been here coming up on 6 years in January. I highly recommend stopping by and checking it out! 10 day free trial!

Brandon Jodway: Absolutely love the atmosphere learning and rolling with everyone🤙

J J: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Valuelove this place, home away from home, you'll be hard pressed to find more technique driven jiu jitsu anywhere

Andy Mack: Great place, great group of people, can't wait to go back!

Sarah Mohr: Love everything about this. Im learning it as self defense and I feel so much more confident and safe.

Kirk Vakantie: Head instructor seems like a good guy. Welcoming atmosphere.

Hu Ch: I'm new at it still, but there are a lot of helpful people there to show you different moves you learn. The instructors are very good at demonstrating the moves and not rush through. Even though there are a lot of experienced students they always make sure the newbies like myself are considered when explaining the lessons. If anyone is interested in trying it out I'd say you should do it. It's worth it. We went through the 10 day trial and ended up signing up.

Justin Drew: Great facility to train Gracie Jiu JItsu. Both Chet and Cameron are good instructors with a solid grasp of jiu jitsu technique. The facility is always clean and very well kept.I will advise that the focus of the academy is more towards the art as taught by the Gracie family in Torrence, CA. WIth that said, if you are looking for more of a sport Jiu Jitsu academy, or taking up JIu Jitsu for the purposes of weight loss or conditioning, there are a few other academies in Fort Wayne that will better suit your needs. If you have trained jiu jitsu elsewhere, it may surprise you that a good portion of the people who train there do not practice live rolling. Even though the Gracie combatives curriculum teaches a few takedowns and clinch positions, typically live rolls do not start from a standing position.For the purposes of learning basic self defense in a safe and controlled environment, Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a great place to train.

Drew Curlin: Great facility. The instructors are knowledgeable and friendly

Dan Bacon: Excellent teaching skills. Very positive. Very clean environment. What a great place to learn.

Frank Pabon: One of the most structured academies I've been to, I'm looking forward to attending again.

lilly roberts: Signed my kids up a few months ago and they love it . They look forward to attending class . Great program with great instructors . Thank you !

Steve Basche: I have been training and teaching Martial Arts for over 35 yrs.All I can say,is that I'm very happy to be a part Gracie Jujitsu Family here in Fort Wayne.Very good quality instruction,beautiful facility.Plus it's exciting to be a student again:)

Philip Shear: Dedicated instructors and good atmosphere

Trang Tran: I wanted to get some training while in town for business. I contacted the school by email and received a prompt response welcoming me to drop in. After my flight landed, I drove my rental car to the academy (located in an industrial park), paid my drop in fee, signed the waiver, and was on the mat.The class I attended was a Gracie Combative class followed by a Master Class. The curriculum for the Combative class was 3 variation for the headlock defense. The instruction was sound. Many of the students in the class were white and blue belt but they seem to have a good grasp of the concept.The Master Class was 40 minutes of fight simulation with 2 stations where a partner wore MMA gloves threw strikes at 10% and the students rotated through the station practicing mount defense and taking down a standing opponent. This phase was followed by 3 -4 rolls.I found the facility clean, the mats large, and the staff very professional. The blue belts had good bottom defense and had very good attitude. The instructor was friendly and competent. I would recommend this academy.

Joanna Liberty: My son has been attending the BullyProof program for about three months and he has learned so much! The classes teach children techniques to diffuse situations (fighting fire with water) and are presented through games - so it's fun and learning at the same time. If you’re looking for a confidence building, non-violent approach to teach your child about self-defense and wellness, then I would highly recommend that you check out Gracie Jiu Jitsu Fort Wayne.

Mike Bingham: One of the best schools I have ever trained at! If you are looking for a safe place to learn this is it.

Josue Ortiz Jr: I am a student of the early 2000s. The instructor was a very educated and disciplined teacher. A focus on family was one of the points that I saw as good. Untill this day I've leaned on his way of patience to better my Christian walk.

Amanda Herald: Positive:Professionalism,Quality,ValueMy son has grown to an amazing young man and with help of Master Cunningham, he is able to channel his energy, focus, and teach others to do the same in all of his life decisions. I know that my son is prepared and able to protect himself and make the positive choices in life!

MOTOMAN: Great school for taekwondo.

Jazlyn: I love the place I went there was I was like 7 or something MR.Cunningham is a good teacher he teach me how to protect myself.

chris llamas: Great master , great location, great kids

Dirk Greene: The best...

Erick Cocks: It is the premier karate dojo, it is the karate that was brought here from the people who created it. It is not a knock off it is traditional, the best, of which many triple crown and world karate champions have come from!!