Monk Wise, Holladay

"While the students and general instructors at Monk Wise are great, the owner will nickel and dime you over anything and everything. Read the contract* carefully. Monk Wise will charge you maintenance fees on top of your tuition. If you cancel your membership, you still have to pay two months’ worth of tuition (supposedly this has been changed to 30 days, but in all our negotiations to end our contract, we never once saw a new contract or signed it, even when we were still regularly attending the school). You’re charged to advance, you’re charged to participate in extra activities, you’re charged to put your account on hold . . . you’re even charged to attend a potluck. Monk Wise works off the idea that you pay a fee and then attend as many classes as you want. But if you have a schedule that makes it hard to come in often, or, say, children, this model is not ideal. We paid extra to receive private lessons, only to never receive private lessons or a contract for the adjusted payment. But, of course, we got $118 taken out of our account regularly, every *two weeks*. Attempts to discuss payments with the owner were either met with very salesman-like runarounds or complete silence. (We were even charged for two weeks’ of lessons when the studio was closed for Christmas break, which is illegal. Like I said, you will be nickeled and dimed to the point of insanity.) If you’re interested in martial arts, there are much better places to enroll. Learn from my mistakes and go somewhere else. *Their website says they have no contracts. This is a lie."

"I started at Monk Wise about 6 months ago, having never done any martial arts before. Not only is it an amazing workout, but it's also a great way to destress and focus on your body and yourself. The people are great, the instructors are fantastic, and I've never had so much fun while exercising. I highly recommend this place!"

"I've been with monkwise for almost 5 years now. I have learned so much and has so much fun. The classes are exciting and you definitely get a good workout. The fact that there are different subjects being focused on and cycled through each day is cool too. One day is weapons or forms and other things. The instructors are understanding and helpful but also help to push you."

"I've been at monkwise for about a year and a half now. My experience here has been fantastic, the stuff you learn in your curriculum is great and everyone there is super friendly and helpful. The events happen are awesome too, with moon festival, summer retreats and Chinese new year celebration to name a few, the experiences you have are ones you'll remember forever. Both Shifus are amazing too, they have tons of experience and are great teachers!"

"One of the best things I could have ever done for myself was starting Kung Fu at Monk Wise two years ago. Since starting here I have improved my health (weight and overall), confidence and balance, making friends at the same time. The Shifus and Instructors are very knowledgeable and supportive – taking the time to make sure information is completely understood by everyone. I enjoy the material we cover, particularly the weapons training, and forms –even liking Tai Chi! The times for classes work well and by going here, I also have the option to attend classes at their other location on Redwood Road – including the three hour combined training on Saturdays, something that sounds daunting but leaves me feeling accomplished."