Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do Health Center

This is going to be a long review, so, buckle up.

My boys took TKD at Chris Gates TKD Center from 2016-2022. In those 7 years, they earned countless stripes and belts, including their Junior Black Belts. Yes, it's been a while since they've attended a class here, but I am inspired to leave this review.

TKD and Boy Scouts were always "non-negotiables" in our household, meaning our sons (now 14 and 16) could drop any other sport/activity they wanted except these two. We loved the morals/teachings of these two programs as they aligned with our family's values. To date, both boys are still in BS with our older son getting ready for Eagle.

When our boys first started TKD they were 4 and 7. The 4 yr old was the tiny, feisty one while the older one was a gentle, old soul. The older one sometimes got picked on because he was an easy target. He never wanted to "fight back" despite being of size and ability because he never wanted to get either himself or the other child in trouble. All it took was a couple of good talks from instructors like Sir Chris, Sir Joe, Sir James, Sir John, and Sir Bryan to boost his confidence and defend himself. After the first time he stood up to a bully, he was emotionally and mentally able to defend himself and his little brother any time something arose in the future.

Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, December 2024. My younger son has recently started playing hockey. He's on a travel team and says it's his favorite sport despite only being on this team for 3 months. There has been a few physical altercations with one player attacking other players. Each time this happened, my son was the one to step in and break up the fighting. Two weeks ago, this one boy had another in a headlock. The victim couldn't breathe and his nose started bleeding. My son was the ONLY teammate to step in and get the bully off the victim. Once he got him off and calmed them down (lots of screaming, punches, scratches, etc.), he sat the boys down and got both sides of the story. The bully even started verbally assaulting two other boys and my son got him to stop. A coach finally came into the locker room to handle the situation. My son was worried because he knows there's zero tolerance for fighting and kept saying, "I'm sorry, but I had to. I had to get [bully] off [victim]."

The next day I received two phone calls. One from the mom of the physical victim and one from the mom of the verbal victim, both thanking my son for saving [name] and if it weren't for my son, the outcome could've been much worse because that bully was not stopping despite the victim losing consciousness and bleeding.

When I spoke with my son, he kept apologizing again. I said, "Do not apologize, we ALWAYS stand up to the bullies and fight for the victims. You are a black belt in TKD and it's taught you to defend yourself and others when the time comes." My son said "Thank G-d I'm a black belt because [bully] wasn't stopping and [victim] couldn't get out of that chokehold." I said he saved [victim's] life because who knows what could've happened if you didn't stop him.

THIS is what TKD teaches! You don't instigate the fight, but, the physical, emotional, mental training you receive will allow you to stand up to those who want to cause harm. During the 7 years my boys were at Chris Gates, they learned discipline, perseverance, courageousness, etc. and these are the principles are now carried with them years later. Yes, we raised them with these values, but, this CHTKD reinforced our familial values. Without those years with Chris, Joe, John, James, Bryan, Charles, Juliana, Heidi, Steph, Aidan, (and so many others I'm sure I'm forgetting), I don't know if my boys would have the courage, valor, and fearlessness to navigate this crazy world.

There is so much evil in society today. Chris Gates TKD Center is a beacon of light, navigating those troubled waters and leading their students to the good side. I can't recommend this place enough. Thank you ALL for being you.

My Grandson has been going there since he was 4. He is now 16 and works for Chris. Chris has been wonderful with all his kids. He expands out of just TKD. If it is Halloween, he talks about safety issues. He takes the opportunity to give further instructions. He helped to make my Grandson into a real gentleman. As a review stated before me I would give Chris 100 stars if I could. TKD takes real dedication and work and I am extremely proud of my Grandson. Thanks Chris

I would give Chris Gates 100 stars if I could! He came highly recommended from a friend who sent her son years ago. My 4 year old son just started and I could not be happier. He is kind and caring, making the kids so comfortable. We felt at home from day 1 (and we haven’t been there much longer than that!). The older kids who stay to help out are also amazing. Highly recommend!!!

I have gone to Chris Gates since I was a kid. He taught us respect, patience, to work hard and most importantly when its acceptable to use what he's trained us. I am now an adult and a better person because of Chris and his team's teachings. They have a fantastic way of connecting with all personalities. And I am honored to now see my nephew loving his classes as I still do.

One of the best decisions I have ever made was signing up at Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do Health Center. I've been training here for 15 years now and I am still learning new things every day. The values that I have taken from all of my experiences will forever stay with me through everything I encounter in my life. Martial arts is not an activity that one can start and stop, it is a lifestyle. Every day that I walk onto the mat, I am warmly welcomed with a sense of peace and happiness. Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do is a second home to me and I have the privilege to spend much of my time teaching classes and helping people change their lives for the better with the best team I have ever seen.