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.
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