Black Belt America Karate | Martial Arts School | Madison

Hello parents looking into Black Belt America! Before you sign on for this after-school program, I have a few questions! Are you a single parent looking for a reliable after-school program so that you may work? Are your children considered special needs in a non-physical manner such as Autism? Do you like it when you pay someone to watch your child and they are able to complete that task, be it a good or bad day your child is having (within reason, of course)? If so, then please keep looking elsewhere. This company are one of the most ableist, uncaring companies I’ve ever met. I had explained multiple times to her teacher for the class that my daughter is Autistic and that sometimes she’s reading the wrong social cues from other students. The teacher's response was “It doesn’t matter.” My child is 7 and will not fit into their “perfect little soldier” mold. So, what did they do but push my child's buttons until she became “unbearable” with a tantrum or two that 7 year old's can get (especially when they’re hot and tired) and then call me to come pick her up? For $125 a week, no refunds on the times that I had to leave work early to pick up my child because she was “such a distraction and too much to handle.” The only good thing I can say about this place was their system of security and that fact that they were nice enough after a very long and heated argument to refund me the rest of the cost of Spring Break that I had paid in advance for my child. The childish moves that I will condemn them for, however, is the line “If your child acts out tomorrow (this was Tuesday for Spring Break week) you will have to come pick her up and we will deny you service for the rest of the week.” I would find this acceptable if my child was causing property damage and hitting other children, but for a simple tantrum because she’s hot, sweaty, and being picked on by staff and students alike? Unacceptable!Children will have fits and tantrums. I have seen other children display behavior that my daughter has (hitting each other with their uniform, having fits and tantrums, not listening or keeping still during class) yet I have never seen these children be pulled aside or disciplined. Unless you fit their mold of an abled, higher-wage family and have on-call butlers/maids/sitters/family that can pick them up at the drop of a hat, please don’t send your child here!PS It really upsets the teachers if you call their balls that they use for training and playing purposes “stupid.” they sent my child home after calling one such ball stupid. I thought inanimate objects had no feelings.

I have been a driver for Black Belt America's after school program for 6 years. It's a pleasure to see the kids grow and learn their skills in martial arts.The instructors are awesome, and teach as they were taught, this is why it's a successful program in my opinion

My son, Andy, has been with BBA for about 5 years and we loved what we've observed. Andy was a shy kid who was not confident. After being trained in Karate class and moving up with belts, he became more and more confident. He spoke up and help his friends in school when he observed his friends were bullied. I couldn't believe what I saw during the Black Belt testing. It is not about he past the test and got the Belt but about the spirit that he demonstrated after the candidate training. Thanks BBA!

I have had a great experience at Black Belt America since starting in July. Beginning to learn martial arts at 27 has been a fun challenge, thanks to the excellent staff and curriculum.I love that they offer make up classes—it makes it so much more likely to work for a variety of lifestyles and schedules. All of the instructors offer unique, valuable perspectives and it is great to see their patience and candor with children.I would both recommend this school to adults like myself, aiming to learn some self-defense and get some exercise, and for parents who want to instill values of discipline, respect, and an active lifestyle in their children and young adults.

This is a fantastic program. I've been involved in Martial Arts since I was 5 at various schools due to moving around. Now that I live in Madison I looked into many schools and decided this was the one for me. The instructors are all very professional and a lot of fun. The black belt and adult classes are physically challenging, but never so much that the students can't handle it.I've also watched multiple youth classes taught and am amazed at how great the instructors are with the students. Working with that many kids is not a simple thing to do, and they do it with such grace.I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this program to anyone I know, hope to see you in class :)

Black Belt America is an awesome place! My son has been attending for over a year and grown so much. The self confidence he has developed is showing in all aspects of his life. His attention in school has improved,his attitude is positive and he loves it! They focus on community building through teaching the kids respect, confidence, physical fitness, social awareness and discipline. They treat everyone with open arms and we definitely consider them family!

Over priced and extremely unprofessional (especially with speaking with the owners). There are so many other great places in the area. Please do your research, I unfortunately learned the hard way. As a mother I would not recommend for an after school program. 5 year old was not happy and my 11 year old was very disappointed.

The best karate experience I have seen so far in Madison, WI. Registered my son here for 3mo program, and later enrolled him for 6mo straight without much thinking. Had belief in their Masters Mr.O'Donnell & Ms.Bass for their impeccable teaching skills. Last but not least Erica for her great customer service. Good job BBA. You Rock!!!

My son started at Black Belt America almost 6 years ago in their after school program and my daughter is going on almost 2 years now! We absolutely love their program. Watching my son progress from tiny kindergarten white belt to a black belt has been amazing. The instructors and other members of the studio have been a huge positive influence on his life. The focus not just on the martial arts techniques but also on life skills such as leadership, teamwork and responsibility have helped my son and daughter both inside and outside of the karate studio to work towards their goals and grow as individuals. The kids enjoy the classes and the community so much at BBA that they also ask to attend summer camp there too. After watching the kids for so many years I also decided I had to give it a try and started classes recently. It is definitely a great workout and a lot of fun.

I recently had to take my two younger daughters out of BBA because we were having trouble getting to class regularly and just couldn't make it frequently enough for it to be worth continuing.However, I wanted to write about how impressed my wife and I have been by their instructors.When our girls could make it to class, my wife and I were awestruck by how every person who works at BBA always brought a positive attitude to class. There was always a focus and friendliness brought from everybody, whether they were an adult who was leading the session or a slightly younger kid who was helping out for the day.I honestly can't imagine how they do it, but whoever is in charge of choosing instructors for the classes is to be commended. To be able to bring that positive attitude to each session when working with the younger classes did not go unnoticed. We didn't take it for granted.We're seriously going to miss BBA and really enjoyed having our girls there and seeing them get a little work in.