Hard Target Martial Arts

I'd always wanted to take martial arts. From day one, I found everything I was looking for at Hard Target. Naturally, I was hesitant at first because I didn't want to get whooped, but was quickly put at ease by the no-pressure, fun atmosphere. The instructors are great. They're knowledgeable, friendly, and committed to seeing each student excel, truly dedicated to their arts. The students come in all ages, sizes, and experience levels, which makes for an awesome, diverse environment that keeps your training out-of-the-box. The facility is very clean and readily incorporates the wide variety of training offered, including an airgun shooting range and fight cage. The instruction is given in a very practical context so you understand not just technique, but its realistic application too (in case you're not a ninja). That application includes plenty of sparring time where we can put skills to the real test. I like feeling that I control my own training, taking it as far I'd like after class or working one-on-one with another student. HT runs on cooperation, not egotism, which I think is invaluable. There's a wide variety of training options from firearms to weapons to fighting styles, and plenty of specialized classes and extra goodies (like the reality-based Spec Ops missions, my favorite). And the membership cost can't be beat. The people at HT (staff and students alike) make it the great place it is, whether we're maneuvering through the woods on a Spec Op scenario or kicking back in the Sneaky Squirrel Lounge after class and watching some cage fights. HT provides all the resources to take my training as far as I want it to go and have an awesome time doing it. Sifu Rob and Melissa are incredibly dedicated to all their students, and they have created something truly amazing. I just love this place. more

I have been training at Hard Target for a while now and can not say enough great things about it. Sifu Rob and Melissa Hunter, along with Sifu Mik are kind, generous people who are dedicated to the instruction and training of Mixed Martial Arts. As with anything new I was a bit nervous the first time I walked in, but that was put to rest almost immediatly. I was welcomed with smiles, hand shakes, and a genuine enthusiasum about my training and future as a Mixed Martial Artist. I am in my late 20s and was looking for something new to keep me active. What I found was a wonderful group of people who want me to be there and see me progress and achieve as much as possible. The training is real, the contact is real, the apllication to realife situations is real. This is not karate training at the YMCA, this is the real thing. And the best part is that the classes are built for all ages, genders, and physical levels. Between the staff, students, and state of the art training center, I have trouble imagining a better place to train for competition, self-defense, or overall personal fullfilment. I truely feel that I am a better person since I started my journey with them. HARD TARGET IS A MUST!!!!!!!!!!!! more

If I had the money I would pay up for ten years worth of classes for my kids. And with their prices I would still feel like I owe Sifu Hunter and hard target more money. If every teacher taught like Sifu Hunter every kid in America would be successful . LOOK NO FURTHER. Once you take a free class I ganratee you will sign your kid on the spot. Sifu Hunter teaches respect,discipline ,and of corse how to fight in a very fun way. The kids are always smiling at the same time learning how to kick a$$ . I love this place. more

Hard Target is a a place where learning marital arts is on a whole different level then your childhood karate instructor. This is the place you go to learn self defense and better yourself. The people you meet are all welcoming and willing to help. Sifu Hunter is one of the most amazing individuals I know and if you are willing he will teach you to be the best you can be.Then he will make you better. Hard Target is full of things that you won't find anywhere else but prehaps the best is the sense of community that could never be duplicated. Pros: Quality beyond anything Charlotte has ever seen. Cons: None. I have never been disappointed in Hard Target. more

Our son has blossomed since he has been attending HTMA. SiFu Hunter is awesome at building inner strength as well as physical strength within his students. Melissa and SiFu make a great team together and provide a focused, disciplined, honorable, warm & cozy environment. Thank you Hard Target! Love, The Barker Family Pros: Super Self-Esteem Building more

I have been with HTMA since they first opened their doors in 2006 and not only have I found a place to receive superior martial arts instruction, I have found an evironment that encourages active attendence and participation and only tolerates positive, ""egoless"" attitudes. Regardless of your knowledge, training and background, the Hunter's will graciously welcome you to their training center and help you attain any personal goal you have set for yourself. If you are looking for personal fitness, HTMA is for you. If you are looking for ""real world"" self defense training, HTMA is for you. If you are looking to improve your knowledge in the field of martial arts, HTMA is for you. With regards to the instruction and training you will receive at HTMA, the sky is the limit and the Hunter's will be there every step of the way to guide you on your path to enlightenment. Pros: Top notch instruction, Egoless environment more

Hard Target is a life saver !!! Actually, it could be one day. My 10 year old girl has been with SiFu Hunter for over a year and has excelled in so many ways. She is a shy girl with a low confidence level... but, that is changing due to the Hard Target classes. She is learning to be strong mentally and physically and how to keep herself safe. She wants to go to class and wants to keep reaching the next level. I am thrilled that this wonderful school is available ! The positive atmosphere while expecting nothing less than your very best is a perfect combination. I would encourage any parent to get their child involved at Hard Target !!! more

We can?t say enough great things about Hard Target Martial Arts. Our 5-1/2 year old son (at the time) was struggling with team sports when we came across Hard Target. His confidence was shaken as he had not found something he was really good at. Melissa gave us the tour of facility and we enrolled our son on the spot. Once in the program, he bonded with SiFu Hunter almost immediately. SiFu has been given ability to relate to his students while maintaining their respect. We are in awe every time we see multiple children sitting perfectly quite while class is going on. In addition to respect, the students learn great strategies that will help them their entire life. Our son is now 7 and loves, loves, loves Hard Target. Once when SiFu was out sick he said, ?He would never be able to train in Martial Arts without SiFu Hunter!? We are sure his training will continue as he has gained a huge confidence in himself and has earned his full yellow belt. He has his sights set on the earning his black belt. We have and will continue to recommend Hard Target to our family and friends. Any parent owes it to their children to check out Hard Target! Pros: Hands down, the best martial arts facility in town more

I have trained at Hard Target Martial Arts for the past two years and I couldn't ask for a better training atmosphere. Wether its your first day their or you have been there for 2 years everyone is included and feels a part of the group. Sifu Hunter has had some of the top training in the world and it shows with the way he teaches class and helps students along their way of becoming a martial artist. Pros: Great Instructor and Great Atmosphere more

Our 13 year old son was hooked after just one lesson. He has made incredible progress with his confidence and his drive to excell. He has also been very fortunate to meet some good friends. Not only are they excellent teachers but they make you feel like family. more

Sifu Rob Hunter and Melissa Hunter have established what I think is one of the best martial arts instruction facilities here in Charlottte. My son (who started at age 5) and I have been attending classes with Sifu Hunter for over 3 years. He and his wife have created a truly professional and world-class instruction program that brings in the best-of-the-best from around the country for seminars regularly. Guru's like Dan Inosanto and Erik Paulson just to mention a few...plus many others. Sifu Hunter is the epidamy of a world class instructor. He is what every true martial artist is hoping to be in skill and effectiveness, and brings to his classes genuine excitement and desire to really ""teach"" you what he knows. Pros: Top quality instruction for both me and my family Cons: Only that we can't get in to practice enough~smile more

HARD TARGET Martial Arts is the best place for your martial arts training. Our son has been going to HARD TARGET for a year now and he has learned so much. SiFu Hunter is great with all the kids and not only are they learning martial arts, they are gaining confidence and the ability to focus/concentrate on the tasks at hand. This is a first class martial arts school and I would recommend it to everyone who wants a quality activity for their child. Pros: Great staff, great instruction more

Our now 9 year old son has been taking martial arts at Hard Target for 2+ years and really enjoys it! Melissa and Rob Hunter make an amazing team and continue to provide not only a safe and fun instructional environment, but also a place where kids feel great about being themselves. We have been so happy with the program and recently celebrated our son's birthday there too. It was the easiest party we have ever had and every detail was planned to perfection. The kids all had a blast, and we would certainly recommend anyone looking for a great martial arts program to stop in Hard Target for information on the best spot in town! Pros: everything! more

Hard Target has it all. Sifu Hunter is a world class instructor who has learned from the very best. Not only is learning from him a great privilege but from time to time we're allowed to participate in seminars taught by some of the very best martial artists in the world in various disciplines. Hard target offers a wide variety of training partners from blackbelts, those with military training and several students who compete in grappling and kickboxing tournaments as well as cage fights. However, no matter what your personal or martial arts background or experience all students are treated equally by both staff and members alike. I've found in hard target great training partners during class and great friends and people outside of class. Pros: World class training. Great people more

I stumbled upon Hard Target several years ago by recommendation. I've always held an interest in martial arts but had only trained a bit of Karate as a kid. Deciding to get back into shape post college, I gave Hard Target's free class a try, and haven't yet looked back. Pros: Great instruction and people Cons: None. more

We are so glad that Hard Target is there to provide it's services to our child. After his first class, he came running out of the studio jumping up and down, saying ""I wanna join, I wanna join"". That was 11 months ago. Today he stills comes out of the studio jumping with excitment after his classes. I feel the program is structured in a way that the students are recognized for their accomplishements and knowledge on a perfect schedule, that keeps the attention of those that like to advance. He doesn't know it, but I admire Sifu Hunter for the patience and understanding he has for his young students. You really get the sense that he truly enjoys what he does and loves to teach and share with others, the art that he knows so well. Unlike a lot of other places for young people to do activities, new things/ideas are always being introduced, anything from new programs to updates to uniforms. The schedule is also structured to accomodate the working parent, which in the end gives the child more time on the mat, which the staff tries to encourage. In my business, I feel it is important that each customer is greeted when they walk through the door, and Mellisa (Hard Target Studio Manager) does just that and with a smile. If you are looking for a great Martial Arts program for kids, look no further, its right here at ""Hard Target"". Pros: Great program, Great location, Great people more

Hard Target Martial Arts has been more than a hobby for our son over the last two years. It?s a community that has encouraged his self-confidence, core strength and coordination. He has learned from awesome role models about mutual respect, perseverance and sportsmanship. In addition to self-defense techniques, he has learned wrestling and boxing skills. He has fun competing in tournaments with his peers where he has learned to win AND lose well and how to encourage his classmates. He receives a medal for having the courage to compete and, on some occasions, he brings home a trophy. What a great opportunity to learn about the ups and downs of life and develop many life skills! Hard Target is truly an amazing place! Pros: Respectful, encouraging Owners/instructors. Great with kids. more

I first met SiFu Hunter about six years ago while training at another dojo in town. He was one of my original martial arts instructors and I was immediately impressed by his wealth of techniques and passion along with his dedication to impart his knowledge upon each student. When he left to further his certifications at the Inosanto Academy in LA, there was a void in my training. Pros: Diverse class schedule to fit our busy lives and needs more

Hard Target is an excellent place to train and learn martial arts. Regardless of age, body type, or experience level, Hard Target has a program that's right for you. Pros: Excellent Instruction more

I think it is a great place to learn martial arts. SIFU Hunter is a great instructor and teaches and not just talks but pushes you to learn the arts you desire to learn. I love the people I train with, enjoy learning the arts and love how supportive the class and training partners are after you get to know them. We all seem like a big extended family who helps you release anger, stress and learn how to protect yourself and get in shape in the process. Thanks SIFU Hunter and Melissa for running such a great Martial Arts programs. Pros: Great training more