Vertical Journey Martial Arts (VJMA) in Waco, TX offers a comprehensive martial arts program for all ages. Under the guidance of Mr. TJ and his team, students not only learn martial arts techniques but also develop life skills like discipline, self-defense, and confidence. The instructors exhibit a warm, friendly, and engaging teaching style, making classes fun and educational for children and adults alike.
VJMA has received glowing reviews for its positive atmosphere, structured classes, and commitment to student development. The martial arts school also encourages family participation and personal growth through a nurturing community environment. They frequently offer promotions, like free trials, to help newcomers explore their programs.
Pros:
- Highly-skilled and passionate instructors
- Focus on character building and life skills
- Engaging and fun teaching methods
- Positive and supportive community
- Great for all ages, including 30+ crowd
- Promotions like free trials for newcomers
- Increases confidence and self-defense skills
- Well-structured and well-managed classes
- Christian values incorporated in training
- Encourages family participation and bonding
Cons:
- Limited hours of operation
- Closed on weekends
- Sessions might get fully booked quickly
Location / Contact
- Address: 8818 Mars Dr, Waco, TX 76712, United States
- Phone:+1 254-447-4271
- Email:[email protected]
- Website:verticaljourneyma.com
Rating Stats
Reviews (20)
Frequently Asked Questions
Except the peak hours, this place remains quite free or moderately crowded.
This business has a rating of 5.0-star.
This business has 20 reviews.
The address is: 8818 Mars Dr, Waco, TX 76712, United States .
The contact number is +1 254-447-4271
This service is listed under Martial Arts School .
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Charlie Davis
1 year ago
Our boys started going to VJMA within the past year and TJ and his staff are so kind, helpful, and intentional in sharing their knowledge of martial arts and life principles with our kids. It's clear from attending weekly that this is more than just a business for them. They are passionate and take a genuine interest in the well-being of their students.TJ has a true gift of teaching. He is a wonderful mix of entertaining and serious and that keeps the kids motivated and interested. He is an inspiring person. So much so, that I'm joining myself after seeing my oldest boy earn his first belt promotion.The boys enjoy the skills they are learning and find the lessons fun and exciting. I can see them transforming before my eyes into confident, polite individuals who can defend themselves. Martial arts has been helpful for developing character, fitness and self-confidence which has overflowed into most areas of their lives.I highly recommend testing the waters yourself. When we started, they offered a free trial which made it easy to try with no commitment. VJMA is exceptional.
Anson Massey
1 year ago
My soon to be stepson has been training with VJMA for over a year and a half and invited me to train for free back in June for a month as part of a promotion that Mr TJ was having for parents. After two classes I was hooked and found myself starting this challenging new venture at age 44. It started as something fun and challenging for me and has now turned into a dedicated craft that I'm taking on 100%. Vertical Journey has challenged me physically and mentally and with Mr. TJ and his staff's amazing instruction I have grown as a person, setting new goals both inside the facility and outside in my full life. Vertical Journey not only provides physical training, but a new way of life combining the martial arts with strong Christian values. You get it all at VJMA and best of all, you become a better human. Thanks Mr TJ, Mrs. Jamie and all the great leaders of Vertical. My journey has been amazing and it's just getting started.
Brad Mace
1 year ago
I have two kids attending VJMA one for over a year and their older brother was tired of missing out on all the fun and joined this summer. Mr. T.J. as well as all his instructors and helpers do an amazing job at keeping the kids focused and engaged in their training. VJMA has been a positive and encouraging experience for both of my kids. The kids look forward to each and every lesson and have been excited about their journey since the very beginning. Mr. T.J. and his team give something the students can apply in their daily lives from day one to adulthood. Thank you VJMA!Sincerely,The Mace family.
Samantha Horne
2 years ago
First let me start by saying I met Mr TJ and his wife this spring at a spring business popup shop. They both had wonderful spirits about them that I enjoyed and I was looking for a martial arts or boxing class to put my 7 year old Honey's Baby (Grandson) in starting in the summer.Now let me tell you a little about my Honey's Baby and why I wanted to enroll him in Martial Arts. He is very soft spoken, and always willing to help. I work with children with behavioral disabilities many that have autism diagnosis so he has grown up around children with disabilities. Due to him not only understanding differences but also accepting them he sometimes will tolerate more than he should from people in this world with no retaliation or ill feelings and it hurts my Honey hurt. He can get hit or kicked and he will respond with "it's OK, they are special. They were not trying to hurt me."Well, today a little over a month since he has been going to Vertical Journey, my Honey heart saw something that set me at ease. My Honey's baby was at camp today and a boy who has autism ran at him and attempted to hit him. My Honey's Baby, instinctively blocked the swing, ducked, and by passed the other boy. I don't know who looked more shocked and proud....My Honey Baby or me. I am so grateful for TJ and his staff. Last Summer he would have just stood there, took the punch, cried, and said its ok. Today I saw the confidence in his smile and stance afterwards. He never even attempted to hit him back or anything. He simply protected himself and got out of harms way. That is all this Honey wants for her Baby.THANK YOU VERTICAL JOURNEY! I pray God's continued blessing over your company, owners, and staff.One Grateful Honey
Диана Тушакова
2 years ago
Very kind and friendly people. My son had a lot of fun with a training. Personally I am enjoying watching a class and how teacher interacts with kids
carlos
2 years ago
I don't even know where to start with this review because I am so full of gratitude. TJ and his group of leaders are amazing with my son. In the short time he has been there I have seen my son grow exponentially in character (AND HE LOVES IT!!) I highly recommend THIS school.
Nick Teixeira
2 years ago
Vertical Journey is great! My son has been coming here for the last 6 months and he loves it. TJ and Jamie are the best. Thank you for all you do!
Rick Pringle
2 years ago
We love this place. Mr. TJ makes it fun for kids as well as teaching integrity and discipline. Our son has learned so much and loves going to class. In addition to the martial arts they also teach kids how to escape if a “bad guy” tries to grab them.Can’t recommend this place enough!
Maggie Vasut
2 years ago
We absolutely love Coach TJ and Mrs. Jamie, who have become like family.Our 7 year old daughter started in VJMA's Tiny Tigers Program in 2019, when she was only 4. Soon she is challenging her green (5th) belt this Saturday on 1/21/23. Her dream is to Coach TKD when she grows up.5 out of our 6 family members are with VJMA today. We train together, and grow together and have fun together.A master in class management, Coach TJ is both strict and graceful, beloved by both students and parents. I have told many families about VJMA, and even have tried to invite our Sunday school teaching assistants to come watch him in order to learn class management skills.VJMA is totally a 5 star.No reservation!
Cody Ochoa
2 years ago
We came to Vertical Journey Martial Arts because I wanted my girls to learn how to defend themselves should the need arise. After a couple of weeks I jumped on the mat with them. I had never done martial arts before but Mr Tj did a good job of explaining things and answering questions. I've seen my girls confidence grow along with their self control (listening). They know that they can do hard things. I love training with my girls and seeing them grow. I also love that it kick started me into getting back into shape (no pun intended). Mr Tj does a great job of teaching the kids. He's very patient at working with them and makes it very fun and challenging with a lot of laughter. But, he can also help them see the seriousness of what they may face one day. He's also very good at working with the 30+crowd. If you're on the fence about trying it out. I would highly encourage you to do it! It's fun and you learn real world techniques that could save your life one day.