Tristar Martial Arts Academy

I joined Tristar Martial Arts about a year ago with my kids. I did it at first as just something to do with my kids. I am a single 30 something mom and am forever trying to find a family activity that the kids want to stick with.

Well, we all got our free uniforms with our trial lesson and I just figured it would be just another impersonal cookie cutter place to take our money. I was wrong.

The folks that work at Tristar made us feel like family from the word go and the kids love the lessons. We go twice, sometimes three times a week... as a family... and we have real fun.

Don't get me wrong, The training is tough sometimes. But practicing at night with the kids before they go to bed and seeing the progress over time is a joy.

The class schedule is very flexible so that it doesn't interfere with work or school. I like that. Nothing too late at night.

It's not all about karate either. We have been to picnics, bithday parties and other family friendly events put on by Tristar. It is a very family oriented place.

The people I have met there over the last year or so, both staff and other members, have been AWESOME!! Thank you Tristar!!!.

Posted 12/14/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been a student of Tristar since it's beginning. I have taken the lessons I learn there out into the world and applied them real time to help me survive many violent encounters. REAL violent encounters. Not sport fighting.The things, ideas, views and friendships that I have attained there have never failed me. Tools that I have taken away from there have always served me well.

The senior staff has always encouraged myself and other students to find ourselves within the techniques and to make the most of what we take away, They appear to understand that everyone's reason for doing martial arts is different and they offer something for all of them.

The staff is friendly, courteous, professional and attentive to the needs of students. The training environment is clean, safe and friendly. The material presented is done so in a clear and easy to understand manner. Each student is given the chance to grow and excell at their own pace and for their own reasons.

I have been in law enforcement for over 20 years. I have trained and trained with law enforcement and military units all over the planet. My "tool box" is full of tools that I got at Tristar. It is top notch!!!

Posted 12/14/09 | Report Abuse

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I have been with Tristar Martial Arts for over a decade, and I believe in their mission to provide quality, professional instruction in a traditional martial art in a family-oriented atmosphere. I believe in it so much, I enrolled my daughter as soon as she showed interest. The school has a friendly, well-trained, professional staff. It is clean and well-maintained. The schedule includes a selection of classes for every level at times conveinent for students. The school maintains a variety of training, fitness, and safety equipment which is regularly inspected and replaced as necessary.

Tristar teaches a traditional martial art that includes striking, joint-locking, throwing, and some weapons. Basic grappling has been introduced over the past few years. Physical fitness is emphasized. Mixed in with the physical techniques are life-lessons about modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. Children also have lessons in safety and self-confidence. These are old-fashioned values, but I still believe in them. If you do too, and want a great workout, please come visit.

I've been involved in martial arts since the Mid-80's and I've trained in all kinds of arts and facilities. It is very rare to find a school that gets everything right and can sustain it for as long as Tristar has. It is a special place.

Posted 12/13/09 | Report Abuse

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Tristar Martial Arts is an exceptional school! The classes are exciting and the training is very consistent and nobody is made to feel like they can't do whatever is being taught. Kids learn discipline, respect and get physically fit. Tristar staff are very professional individuals who truly care about their students. Tristar Rocks...

Posted 12/11/09 | Report Abuse

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I heard about what the Martial Arts could do for my child from a friend. They were attending Tristar Martial Arts Academy and were loving it. Their son's behavior had improved so much, I couldnt believe it when I asked him a question an he answered "yes sir". On the advice of my friend we took our 8 year old son to try out a class. He loved it. The instructors were enthusiatic, patient, and they took the time to learn about my son. We enrolled him in the program and the benefits have been incredible. His focus, attitude, self control have all increased. He was struggling with school work, but his grades increased since we enrolled him. His teacher had noticed a big difference, she asked how we have been working with him. We told them we teamed up with Tristar Martial Arts Academy.

Our son has been training in the Martial Arts for over 2 years now, he loves it so much. My wife and I have since joined ane we love it too. I would like to thank the Tristar Team for such an incredible experience. The way my wife and I are looking at it is we are not paying for "karate"lessons. We are investing in our families future.

Posted 12/11/09 | Report Abuse

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We have been training there with the whole family for 3 years. In a 20 mile radius no one does it better. He teaches excellent morales to my children through martial arts, honor, humility, character, and self control. On the self defense aspect they also hit a home run. As someone who travels the world , I have never felt I was in a situation I could not handle. But the key in training is knowing how to be aware before the attack. In our minds no better place to learn self defense and a get a workout around. SJK

Posted 12/10/09 | Report Abuse

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After two years at Tristar, I was no better off using Martial Arts than I was before I started. Yeah, I attained the level of "brown belt", but it meant (means) nothing. I was no better prepared to defend myself than if I had done nothing. The different skill levels within each belt is amazing to the point of being pathetic. Tristar is a belt factory. You ARE going to promote to the next belt level just by attending the "required" amount of classes, showing up to the test which you can take every three months, going through the motions and breaking a thin piece of pine (confidence builder I guess). In two years, not once did I see a single student NOT pass a belt test. I saw through all the B.S. early on, but kept hoping I was wrong. I actually quoted nearly all of what Former Instructor said to other disgruntled students who felt the same way I did! Check out the local papers each month to see the hundreds of students that promote to the next level. It's a BELT FACTORY.

As an adult, I can't speak for the kids, other than they do appear to teach or preach good values (a lot of money to pay to have someone else teach your kids right from wrong), but as an adult, a major waste of money and time to learn choreographed moves. Everything is in stages and if a real situation presents itself, I'd put my money on the non-Tristar student coming out on top because bully bad guy isn't going to choreograph assualting you!

When it comes to $$$, there is a charge for everything and nothing is free. They encourage kids to bring in their friends to attempt to sign them up, they have specials every holiday to bring in friends and family. Check out the advertisements in the local papers. Never really changes. Even the "free" lessons cost $19.95, but the uniform is free, until you commit to 4 years at a minimum of $129.00-$165.00ish, then you can purchase new uniform (black pants like everyone else whose signed on for 4+ years. A buddy of mine calls it "Tri-Bank", there is a reason for that!

My reason for quitting was 2 years dedicated, including numerous hours training at home and I was still more comfortable and proficient using what I had learned from boxing, wrestling and 3 months of another form of Martial Arts I took when I was a teenager (middle aged now) which I learned more in 3 months than I did in 2 years at Tristar. When I brought my dissappointment to the owners, I never heard anything more about it, I've only received one call when my checkcard expired and they needed the new expiration date to CONTINUE to charge me each month for another 2 years! They WILL NOT let you out of your contract! If they did, classes would be scarse.

Sparring is far and few between and when you do spar, it's for 30 seconds and minimal contact. What a waste. Learn by doing does NOT apply at Tristar. If you want your black belt, order one from a karate magazine, it's much cheaper and will do you just as much good!

Tristar is a BUSINESS not a Martial Arts School!

Posted 10/23/09 | Report Abuse

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Here is the honest to god truth about Tristar. I worked behind the scenes of this operation for many years. The bottom line is that this school and especially the owners DO NOT CARE about you. They slander nearly every student behind closed doors and crack fake smiles at them when they walk in for class..if you're thinking "no not me!", yeah you too.

The goal is locking you into a non-negotiable contract for lots of money for many years, if you don't make black belt before the contract is up, sorry jack, you have to sign ANOTHER contract...Oh and when you achieve black belt you are forced to pay an expensive testing fee along with purchasing overpriced equiptment, honestly the mark up is disgusting.

lets be honest, if the quality of training was all it's cracked up to be shouldn't you let your product speak for itself instead of "locking" people in?

It's easy to get voted "carroll's best" when you have hundreds of students locked into contracts and you force them to fill out ballots! (they purchase literally hundreds of papers and make the students fill them out...pretty sure thats against the rules)

And those phone calls and post cards you get when you haven't shown up to class for a week or two...they DON'T CARE that you weren't there they are just making sure you "feel" missed so that you keep paying. open your eyes..it's all systemized!!

Or how about when you've practiced your butt off for your next stripe and the student in front of you skates by with a half-assed attempt of the requirement...really fair right? but little do you know, that kid was discussed in a meeting that he might quit...so let's "encourage" him by giving him a free pass..bullsh*T

The one positive attribute is teaching students about focus, committment, discipline ect... but if thats what you want, sign your kids up for scouts, way less expensive and more genuine.

But here's my biggest issue, and I hope all the instructors and high ranking students are reading this...the training is a complete JOKE. I have trained at many different dojos of many different styles with many different instructors...tristar by far has the weakest training methods, (NON-contact sparring? what the hell is that? I guess it's a new training method for a non-contact fighting?) the students are lured into a false sense of security and wouldn't last ten seconds in a real-life altercation..

How many of you instructors and black belts can say you would feel confident against a ju-jutsu practitioner, or an experienced boxer...i know ALL of you and I know you wouldn't stand a chance! Your "safe" training methods are not going to stop someone who wants to hurt you.

don't sign up, don't sign the contracts...take real martial arts..and to all students still training at tristar..do some homework, ask questions, try out some different schools check out ground control. Lloyd irvins' mma, carroll county kempo, Also there is a dude name joe dressell who teaches kickboxing in the armory in westminster and he is amazing, try mma or kickboxing classes and you will shocked at how much you are being mislead!

Posted 10/16/09 | Report Abuse

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Tristar Martial Arts has taught me self discipline, courtesy, and many other things. It is a good school with many great people who work and train there. Some things that are taught are not necessary, and rates have doubled since 2004. I am not happy about the way Shidoshi doesn't say hello to you unless you say it first.Black Belt Club is a commitment, and do not let your children join until the right age of understanding. Also, make sure your child understands what they are doing first, and trust me, I've learned my lesson! I think Tristar is a scam for unsuspecting parents. Also, usually, Shidoshi and Sensae Thompson only notice you when your having difficultys with things martial arts wise.Also, Shidoshi does not watch any belt tests, so don't be surprised if you're child does not feel proud that Shidoshi didn't see them for something they worked so hard for. If you want your child to get involved in something, get them involved in something that will not take endless amounts of breath from them.

Posted 10/09/09 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My experience with Tristar is nothing but horrible. They are friendly on the outside but stab you in the back when they get the chance. They are bullies themselves and try to get what they want when they want it. They are a belt factory and very expensive. What happened to martial arts to defend yourself and courtesy & integrity?

Posted 07/28/09 | Report Abuse

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My family has been training at Tristar for many years...the instructors are enthusiastic and if you put your energy and focus in getting something out of the classes, you will. That being said, they are somewhat disingenuous. They are very friendly and seem interested in not only your karate training but your personal life until you sign the contract for the black belt club. Once you are locked into that, they move on to the next unsuspecting student or parent to lock him or her in. It's nothing but a money game and it only becomes obvious once you sign that long term contract so think twice before you do.

They also have a problem with consistency -- when you are testing for your stripes, different instructors accept different levels of mastery. This is very frustrating and it is not fair to the students or the parents who are paying the outrageous tuition.

Posted 03/05/09 | Report Abuse

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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I signed my daughter, then age 4, up for karate lessons in 2004. I then decided to join to show her by example that karate can help in so many areas of your life. Then, i signed my son up. Tristar Martial Arts is more like a community, a family, a place that is supportive not only in your karate, but personally as well. Leigh Thompson is by far the best instructor, and it is a shame that they lost a few other instructors, who as well had the energy to give when you thought you had no more to give. My daughter is now 9 and will get her black belt in April, 2010. My son continues, and with the help of karate, has improved his focus. Me, Black belt in April, 2009. Tristar has really helped me become a better person, and a better Mom. Sure, it's not cheap and rates rise, but to me it was all worth it and I'd do it again if I had to.

Posted 02/26/09 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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My family and I have trained at Tri-Star since 2005. Recently, my wife and I experienced injuries that were made worse through training, and were instructed by our doctors' to cease training. Instead of being understanding, we were offered unqualified medical advice on how all the trainers have injuries and work through them through meditation. I'm sorry - I like being able to walk or not becoming paralyzed.

My children still enjoy the classes, but from how we were treated regarding our injuries and how the tests appear, the school is just a belt factory. Half of the children wouldn't fare at all in a real fight if they had to defend themselves. If you are looking for self-defense and discipline for your kids, do yourselves a favor and find a gym that does MMA (mixed-martial-arts) for your teens after they get through junior martial arts, or better yet, get your children into wrestling instead of martial arts.

Posted 08/29/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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The owners only have dollar signs in their eyes. The only people at Tristar Martial Arts who care about your children are the people who drive them to the there. The best thing parents can do for their children is spend time wtih them on your own terms or go to gymnastics classes with them. Tristar is a nothing more than a Black Belt factory. If you want a Black Belt and have about $6000 give it to Tristar, If you want a Black Belt and have $25.00 order it from a Karate Magazine. They are both worth the same. Oh and don't forget the special fee to take a Black Belt test. That's an extra cost that they do tell you that you will have to pay but, do not tell you what the cost is up front. So in closing. don't waste your time or money.

Posted 08/08/08 | Report Abuse

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Not the best, so true. Daughter was there for many years, seems that only a certain few who are treated as the best. Then there are those that are doing poorly and they get promoted along with those who are doing good or the best. Ya, the so called black belt test..have to do 50 push up, so the poorly doing students can use a mat that is six inches high to do the push ups on. This place is a factory. Expenisve and over crowed classes for the kids, and sitting in the parents section is very loud. I would not recommend this place, My daughter did pass, but her confidence watching the poorly doing kids were passed so her thinking was why should I try when I can pass without the work, then why should she try her best when there were a certain few that were always treated differently as the special ones. Yes, and the positive info is from the intructors or there family members. So say what you want, but it was a waste of hard earned money and such a scam. All about the money and not the kids.

Posted 04/06/08 | Report Abuse

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Destroys families...The common thread in cults: negative cults creat an attitude of us-against-them, "we're the only ones right," and imbalance. There is copying, dittoing, a loss of identity.

Well that is what Tristar does to families.

Posted 03/05/08 | Report Abuse

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What's with all the self praise ? Why are the reviews by employees of Tristar martial arts ? This seems to be a reoccurring theme here. Maybe it's all in the marketing and advertising combined with savey networking that keeps the machine going..Good Luck Team.

Posted 02/22/08 | Report Abuse

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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My daughter and I have been training at Tristar for many years. We both feel very fortunate to have such an exceptional school in our area! The instructors are not only very talented and knowledgeable but also patient and always willing to go the extra mile for their students. While maintaining a top notch business, they have also managed to create a close family atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome!!

Posted 10/30/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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I have been training at Tristar for many years and will continue because it takes professionalism to new heights. It's a safe, fun and friendly place to train. The staff is very encouraging and helpful.
They have classes for all age ranges so there is always someone to work with. Parents will love it for their kids because there is a huge emphasis on respect focus and self-discipline.

PROS: challenging classes, practical style and fun
CONS: none

Posted 10/01/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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Tristar Martial Arts is an exceptional school! My son started training at Tristar a few years ago. After seeing significant improvement in his physical fitness, self-confidence and self-discipline, I decided to try it myself. We both love it! The instructors are amazing with teaching all ages and skill levels and instill a "can do" attitude in all their students. They lead by example. At Tristar, everyone is a winner!

PROS: Excellent instructors, clean and well maintained facility
CONS: None

Posted 09/21/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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A community based business. Tristar is a place where younger individuals as well as older individuals gain a tremendous amount of support and learn an effective form of martial art. The instructors respond to the students needs effectively, and understand how to help students adjust to their learning style, whether it be kinesthetic, auditory, or visual so that they can learn faster. After all everyone likes to try new things and progress. Tristar has a rank system that allows you to learn the necessary requirments, at a belt rank, in enough time that you understand and perform them well, but it won't seem like it took you forever to learn them.
Tristar has literally changed my life for the better. I know very well that I am not the only case. Tristar has helped me to be confident, strong willed, goal-oriented, and I have developed a positive outlook on life.

Almost anything is possible with your potential and Tristar gives you a window to express that potential.

PROS: Awesome classes, friendly/ professional staff, & positive intention
CONS:

Posted 09/20/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 20 people found this review helpful.

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I have been doing martial arts my entire life. I've trained in different styles at different schools but Tristar is hands down the best I've experienced. Great for both kids and adults. There are always plenty of different training partners to work with, unlike some smaller schools I've been to where you get stuck working with the same person constantly. I would recommend everyone come and try a class!

PROS: clean, proffessional, friendly, challenging and fun!
CONS: none

Posted 09/19/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Tristar is by far the best Martial Arts school in the area. The staff are very professional individuals who truly care about their students. Excellent place to train for children as young as four and adults of any age. Very energetic staff who run great classes!

PROS: Energetic Classes, Caring Staff
CONS:

Posted 09/18/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 7 people found this review helpful.

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I have been a student of Tristar Martial Arts since the age of 12. As a staff member now myself, I can tell you we train constantly on our ability to teach and provide the best service possible to our students. Not only do we teach an effective form of self-defense, but Discipline, Focus, Respect and life skills as well. For that reason we have earned, for the sixth year in a row, Carroll County's BEST Martial Arts school along with National recognition as one of the best in the U.S.

PROS: Passionate, well trained staff. family oriented and safe place to train
CONS: grades will improve, confidence will go up, and you'll learn self-defense

Posted 09/15/06 | Report Abuse

0 out of 13 people found this review helpful.

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I left this school because the rates increased so much that it was like having another car payment. The classes were too big and the instructors had to use microphones to instruct. Although the staff was friendly there was an elite "group" that made others feel unwelcome. I feel that the students are having fun but are not really learning anything. They push the students to test just to get through the belt ranks faster.

Posted 02/09/06 | Report Abuse

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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This is a great place for both kids and adults. The instructors are energetic and very sensitive to their students. The classes are exciting and the tests don't take all day like some other places. The training is very consistent and nobody is made to feel like they can't do whatever is being taught. Kids learn discipline, respect and get physically fit.

Posted 09/02/05 | Report Abuse

1 out of 15 people found this review helpful.

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Tri Star Martial Arts is an excellent karate school. Children as young as 4 are able to start lessons. Not only are the children taught karate but they are also taught the importance of self-disicpline, manners and overall good behavior. The instructors are all very involved with the children and make you feel at home. It is a wonderful school!

Posted 05/09/05 | Report Abuse

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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