Hero Academy Martial Arts & Leadership - Karate school in Longwood - 851 E State Rd 434 Suite 194, USA

Hero Academy is amazing! Both my son and I joined about 5 months ago. We both LOVE it! Sensei Michael definitely has a gift for teaching. He does an incredible job of teaching technique while adding in the importance of self respect, respect towards others, and discipline. Sensei Michael is very patient with the kids, making each one of them feel comfortable and confident. We look forward to many years of training here. I can’t wait till my son and I are able to be in the same class together.

We found Hero Academy about 8 months ago and couldn’t be happier with Sensei Michael and his leadership, compassion, insight and professionalism. Since starting with Hero our 7 year old son has gained confidence, self awareness and a love for martial arts. Here is a recent experience with Sensei Michael: Sensei Michael, tonight at the class you had our son help lead the last part of class with the hero talk. You must have known or felt he needed a boost or something. He was so happy and confident afterwards. Our family really appreciates you. Also wanted to let you know that I've been in the hospital all week and so he's been out of sorts and the extra attention from you was a boost he needed.

We are so happy to have found Hero academy! Our two kids enjoy and look forward to class each week. Sensei Michael is incredible with all of the kids. He has a true gift for teaching discipline, responsibility, and confidence all while keeping the environment comfortable and SUPER FUN! I love to see how all of the kids in class genuinely admire and respect Sensei Michael.

My 10 year old started in the Tigers class a few months ago, and it has already been so worth it. Sensai Michael is absolutely phenomenal with the kiddos, and classes are a great mix of challenging and fun. My son still sometimes asks to skip Martial Arts classes because they are so exhausting for him, but EVERY drive home we are both so glad he went. If you want your child to be challenged to learn and grow in a respectful and fun environment, join us at Hero.

My kids have tried many things, but they haven’t really enjoyed anything until now! Since attending, I’ve seen them transform physically and have much more coordination. But most importantly, classes at Hero has taught them confidence! I’m also taking classes with them so it’s been quality time spent together. Sensei Michael makes the classes fun while making us WORK! He is an amazing teacher and the studio itself is big, clean and an overall beautiful space. Highly recommend anyone of any age to join!

My kids (currently ages 11 and 9) have been a part of Hero Academy for about three months now, and I can't overstate what a positive experience this has been for our entire family. It can be intimidating to go to a place that's new to you, to learn something you've never tried before, and to do it with people who have been doing it for longer. Leaders and fellow students alike have been incredibly welcoming of our family, and as I've watched newer families come in after us, I see them experience the same welcome and encouragement that we did. It's a place that pushes my kids to embrace challenge and excel no matter the obstacles that are in front of them. They are challenged mentally and physically, and encouraged to keep pushing and trying when something feels too hard at first. They are learning the rewards of consistent practice and discipline in a community and with instructors who are committed to seeing each student grow and succeed. If you're on the fence at all, I encourage you to give it a try. Before our trial week, I was hesitant and a bit nervous, but I can tell you now that we've gotten more from our time here than I ever dreamed possible. We have come to love our Hero family, and I can't recommend emphatically enough that you give it a try.

As a parent of a neurodivergent child, finding the right environment for my daughter to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally was a priority. I am thrilled to say that Sensei Michael's martial arts classes have proven to be an extraordinary journey for my daughter, offering her not only physical strength but also an enriched spirit, improved social skills, and a soaring self-confidence. From the very beginning, I noticed that Sensei Michael's teaching methods were unique and well-tailored to the individual needs of each student. His approach was filled with kindness, compassion, and understanding, which were essential for my daughter's progress. Yet, he also maintained a sense of strictness, instilling discipline and focus in the class. This balanced combination allowed my daughter to thrive in the environment, making progress she never thought possible.

Our two girls have been attending Hero Academy for about 6 months (in the Tigers and Little Heroes classes respectively). We wanted them involved in something that would make them feel strong and confident, and counteract the negative messages that girls receive about their bodies and being strong in general. The girls LOVE it. I’ve never had such an easy time getting them to an extracurricular activity- no grumbling, they’re always ready to go to karate. Sensei Michael is a dedicated and gifted teacher who cares deeply for his students and always engages with the parents as well. He creates a firm, structured but also super fun, caring and encouraging environment that has strengthened the confidence of both girls. It has been tough to get them there twice a week but it’s worth it! Here is what they had to say: From the 9 year old: you think about karate you might think of punching and kicking. But at Hero Academy we do a lot of fun games like ninja and samurai that help us learn. The more you learn, the better you will learn karate and other things you wouldn’t learn regularly. It’s a good way to push your limits and get out of your comfort zone- and it’s REALLY fun. From the 6 year old: Sensei is the nicest sensei I have heard of and he helps me learn in a happy way, not a sad and grumpy way. Karate just makes me strong. It makes me feel like a ninja. When I do karate, it feels like I’m doing something that fits right in to me and I fit right in.