Joe Corley American Karate & TKD

04/30/2008 Posted by luv4dogs

My son attended for a year and a half and part of the time was really great. He built some self esteem and gained some confidence. However, I totally agree with the poster below that Mr. Corley is entirely too pushy about money. He is constantly badgering people to sign 3-year contracts (which involve a $5,000 loan) for a child that is only 5-6 years old. He doesn't get it when you tell him that you are not ready to make that type of committment for a child that young. Also, the instructor turnover ratio is extremely high. My son would get attached to one then he would leave. New instructors did not know the level of skill for all the children, and by the time they learned, they were gone. And Mr. Corley is completely unavailable for several months out of the year while planning his even, the Battle of Atlanta - he will not even take your phone call during that time. Our experience was not one that showed how much the instructors cared about the children, but rather how much Mr. Corley cared about money.

Pros: Some good instructors, convenient location

Cons: Way too much for money, high instructor turnover ratio

04/13/2008 Posted by OliviaHorne

We started tang soo do in California as a family. My sons, my husband and I loved it. When we moved to Georgia, we were afraid we would not find a place we could all enjoy the way we had in the San Fernando Valley. We tried the family class with Master Corley, and we were immediately impressed with the kind of instruction and the quality of the family environment we found here. Our kids are having great fun and learning all the martial arts principles we felt to be so important.

Pros: Welcoming, nurturing instructors, great role models; great families and friends

04/13/2008 Posted by BTucker75

Our twins were both great kids but would not really assert themselves. With middle school approaching, I was concerned they would be followers, or worse, targets. A mom in the neighborhood recommended Master Corley's Leadership Training Program. We enrolled in the Basic Course for twice a week course, and later in Black Belt Leadership Training when they qualified, through their hard work. I have marveled at the metamorphosis as they are so much more confident now and actually take charge of situations they used to shy away from. I see this making a HUGE difference in their lives! Many Thanks to my neighbor and to my children's instructors!

Pros: Instructors have real life experience, truly care for the kids, schedule flexible

04/13/2008 Posted by JohnWaterman

I had friends who took karate as I was growing up, but my parents would not let me do it. As an adult, I often wished I had more confidence in certain situations, but there was no one to really talk to about that. I saw a box for a set of free lessons at Joe Corley karate and put my name in. Now, 2 years later, I am on track for my Black Belt. Friends I haven't seen in a while always tell me they sense something different about me. I feel more focused, and while I'm not where I want to be yet, the investment I've made in time and money is the best move I've ever made for my personal development. I really feel I can do anytnhing now I set my mind to. Interestingly, I feel increasingly greater humility as my confidence grows! I owe it to great instruction and great role modeling from my instructor / mentors!

Pros: Professional,caring instructors, great levels of experience

02/25/2008 Posted by coffeeparkmom79

My son loves going to karate. Master Corley is a fair, kind man who genuinely cares about each student. He goes above and beyond to make sure that each student is able to reach his/her potential. At one point I was frustrated, and was very humbled by the way Master Corley dealt with the situation.

08/11/2006 Posted by plwaters

aster Corley came to our school at then end of teh school year and presented a 3-week program to our 5th graders, at no charge. Not only did they learn Karate, but they also came away from the experience with new found respect for others, courtesy and self confidence. Here's what some of the kids have said: I think that it is a very good way to learn focus & discipline, and that's very important in day to day life. It's great to know that someone cares enough to give students free lessons. "The time I spent with the karate class made me feel great to learn something new just taking 2 classes. Showing us how to be respectful to our family, friends and teachers." I think that these classes are extraordinary I have learned more discipline, focus, respect, and responsibility.

Pros: Great Public Service at No Charge

08/04/2006 Posted by ltones

I recently attended a Women's Defense seminar at Joe Corley Karate and was able to learn directly from Mr. Corley. He and his instructors were really sensitive, practical and positive in the way they treated us. My previous karate experience in a "traditional" school felt much more "controlling" than what I experienced here and much less practical. The open-minded, common sense approaches to women's specific self defense needs really made a big impresssion on me. My sincerest thanks to Mr. Corley and his staff for an inspiring, empowering day!

05/29/2006 Posted by builder121

As a 40+ year old, I have had the pleasure of learning many things in my lfe, from golf to basketball to swimming, football, baseball and more. Hands down, Joe Corley is the most articulate, coherent, analytical, focused, effective and inspiring instructor/coach I have ever worked with. My son, only 4, has definitley increased his focus and confidence, and the way we can train together with Master Corley is indeed a privilege. I recommend him to anyone seeking a clear path to learning the martial arts, individually or with their families.

Pros: Goal Oriented, Personalized, Cost Effective

02/01/2006 Posted by bombercc

We transferred our family from a school in New York, who highly recommended Master Corley. We were very impressed with his credentials, but more importantly with the personal attention he gave our kids. At this school they are learning positive character values along with world class martial arts, in a systematized, organized fashion not usually found in karate schools.

Pros: Focused, Caring, Nurturing

01/13/2006 Posted by atlantachef

I am not a big writer so please bear with me. My son loved Joe Corley Karate. He learned self esteem and leadership + he made a lot of new friends. It was such a thrill for me (and for him) when they had the awards ceremony for the class. I also liked the Mr. Corley was available if I had questions or concerns.