12/24/08

Wonderful dojo!

by Ariana1984

I have 2 girls (5 & 13) who have been studying at Apex for a little over a year. My 13 year old dragged her feet at first, but once she started progressing her self-confidence level shot through the roof & now she would go to every class if I'd let her. She practices ON HER OWN (which is NOT like her at all!) & has even become more responsible with her schoolwork, keeping track of assignments on her own & maintaining her grades (which is part of the dojo's "bushido".) She's made friends at the dojo, too -- the kids there are great & help each other, & any attitude problems are NOT tolerated by Sensei McLaughlin or Sensei Terri. My little one hasn't developed quite the same enthusiasm yet, but she's very proud of herself every time she earns a promotion. And -- extra important to me since I have daughters -- there is a LOT of emphasis on practical self defense & how to deal with strangers (how to recognize their tricks as well as how to physically defend against an attempted attack.) There are grappling & sparring classes as well as traditional, so it isn't all theory & choreographed moves but also actually applying the lessons in real-life situations. I can't say enough to recommend this school.

• Pros: The teachers are great & there are always higher level students helping lower levels.
• Cons: The costs can add up, between sparring gear, tuition, etc. but it's still worth it.

04/20/07

You can check out everyplace in town but you need to end up here!

by pmccrory2007

My whole family loves this dojo. We relocated from LA in 2000 and looked for a new place for my kids for 4 years before being recommended to Master McLaughlin and his school. Before it was just my kids, but the staff and other students made us all feel so comfortable, both my wife and I signed up immediately. This school is light years ahead of even our dojo back in Carson California (sorry Master Eric). Our children had to start all over but said we wll believe it was well worth it. The material is taught at their age levels (4, 7, and 11) in their individual classes. I have also seen Master McLaughlin perform some awesome corporate seminars that really pumped up the people at our corporate office.

I was never really interested in starting karate because of my bad back and previous knee surgery (too much running) but Master McLaughlin showed me how the Isshin ryu system limits strain on the body, while being one of the most effective fighting styles around. Now I am back in shape and even my wife loves it. They have a fitness class that appealled to her and then she signed up for regular classes. All the other schools we went to wanted long term contracts and we weren't sure of whether we were going to be moving or not. When we left LA we abandoned a 2 yeear contact and lost almost $5000. Master McLaughlin and Miss Renee told me that their Philosophy is that Apex doesn't do contracts, because he wants his students to be there because they want to not because they feel they have to. That is a sign of a business that has complete trust in its services.

I was also very impressed by the moral character. Master McLaughlin uses Christianity as the base of his philosphy but doesn't force religion down your thoat, In California its just the opposite, they force buddhism and atheism on you and no one bats an I. I am thrilled with someone that doesn't bow to popular opinion there is a great mix of cultures in this school, Christian, Hindu, Muslim, but they all train.

• Pros: Great atmosphere, professional service, clean, Family friendly, work area for waiting, accomodating hours, no contracts, effective lessons
• Cons: hard to find when whizzing by at 65mph,