Since 1994, Sidekicks Martial Arts has provided a family atmosphere and a place where students can achieve their goals. The focus is on respect, perserverance, and self-improvement. Our flexible class schedule allows adults and children to fit training into their busy lives. Sidekicks Martial Arts was founded in 1994 by Grand Master Brian Pontillo, 8th Degree Black Belt, to teach the system of Moo Sool Do ("the way of the martial arts").
This style incorporates Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do (Korean Karate) and Hap Ki Do. Over the last 25 years, Sidekicks has evolved to teach kickboxing and Krav Maga to meet the fitness and self-defense needs of the community. For individuals and families seeking to learn an art form and develop self-defense skills, improve mental focus, and build self-confidence.
This style incorporates Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do (Korean Karate) and Hap Ki Do. Over the last 25 years, Sidekicks has evolved to teach kickboxing and Krav Maga to meet the fitness and self-defense needs of the community. For individuals and families seeking to learn an art form and develop self-defense skills, improve mental focus, and build self-confidence.
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I never trained anywhere that had more opportunities to train, with both morning, late evening and weekend options. They make use of diverse training equipment that you won't encounter at other facilities. Every class is different and exciting. If you're on the Eastside and looking for traditional martial arts or fitness kickboxing, Sidekicks is the best option.
Great for anyone who wants to improve their mental focus, develop self-defense skills, and build discipline and self-confidence -- all while learning an ancient art form. We offer mixed-ages classes that are ideal for families who want to train together, plus a kids' program specifically for 5- to 12-year-olds, and "Little Kickers" for 3- and 4-year olds.
Reviews (10)
Mark Grech
Sep 02, 2021
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My son has been training here for five years, starting as a white belt of course. We tried the local Community Education Karate class first just to see if he had interest. He did, and I immediately then moved to Sidekicks MA. Here he really found an opportunity to learn so much more and he loves it. I concur with all of the positive reviews from other parents. The teacher's have always been very good. Grand Master Brian and Mr. John P. inspire him to put in the effort and challenge him to get better and grow his ability, physical strength and mental discipline. I also believe that
Diego Quinones
Aug 31, 2021
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Susanne Kryscynski
Aug 21, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
The teachers are great! I love that the kids work with their peers and the adults have different times that they come in. I love that all the kids look out for each other and they never put anyone down that is having a hard time and they help each other out . This is a great place for discipline. Grand Master Brian is the best.
The teachers are great! I love that the kids work with their peers and the adults have different times that they come in. I love that all the kids look out for each other and they never put anyone down that is having a hard time and they help each other out . This is a great place for discipline. Grand Master Brian is the best.
Rachael Russell
Aug 19, 2021
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My husband and I have been training with GMBP and his team of professionals since 2013. Even after moving across the state to Grand Rapids we found a way to reconnect when Sidekicks started offering Zoom classes during the pandemic. Believe me when I say there is no one more dedicated to the health, well-being and development of their students than Master Brian, John P. and the rest of the Sidekicks team!!!
Spero Exodos
Aug 18, 2021
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My son has been training here for the last few years and has learned martial arts and life lessons that he will remember for the rest of his life. Martial arts is not just training the body, but also the mind and they instill that at sidekicks. I hope my son grows up to be strong in body and spirit, with Grand Master Brian and his staff’s teachings, I believe he will.
Dale Price
Aug 14, 2021
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Our family discovered Sidekicks back in 2015, and we are glad we did. It has been life-changing, in the best possible way. We have three children learning Tae Kwon Do and myself and others taking advantage of the fitness center. The staff, from Grand Master Brian on down, set high expectations and provide the tools and training to meet them. The environment is solid and there are a lot of dedicated students who have stuck with it for years. I give the studio the highest possible recommendation, and it is worth every penny and minute.
Jacob Volpe
Jul 24, 2021
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Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Value
The owner of this place was rude and you have to pay to try out the class. Says the first class is free and then when you get there he says it's money just to try out. I've been to many other gyms and none of them have ever made me pay for my first day. Very unprofessional and I don't recommend this place to anybody. Terrible gym!
The owner of this place was rude and you have to pay to try out the class. Says the first class is free and then when you get there he says it's money just to try out. I've been to many other gyms and none of them have ever made me pay for my first day. Very unprofessional and I don't recommend this place to anybody. Terrible gym!
Andrew Smith
Jul 08, 2020
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GOLD STANDARD OF MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING:
I have gone to many places. This place is the best. They train you technique, why your doing what your doing, effective body movements, grappling, kicking, punching (and how to do well). It wasnt till I started to look at other schools that I realized just how precious this place was. (I move around alot)
They are great with kids.
It's great training.
The instructors are great.
Would recommend %100 of the time to people in that area.
I have gone to many places. This place is the best. They train you technique, why your doing what your doing, effective body movements, grappling, kicking, punching (and how to do well). It wasnt till I started to look at other schools that I realized just how precious this place was. (I move around alot)
They are great with kids.
It's great training.
The instructors are great.
Would recommend %100 of the time to people in that area.
Mari Reitzloff
Aug 09, 2019
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This is the studio to bring your family to if you’re search for Martial Arts. Grand Master Brian has built a program that allows the student to grow in many directions and become a truly well rounded martial artist. The instructors are the BEST and keep it light and fun all while your child learns respect, discipline and self control. My boys have been training here for almost 4 years with my oldest son (11) having earned his Jr. Black Belt and my youngest (8) having earned his Brown/White Belt. My boys have grown tremendously in confidence and character from their training at sidekicks. I would
Erica Hammel
Jul 18, 2019
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I’ve been going to Sidekicks for almost 6 years now. I started off just kickboxing and now I also do Krav Maga. I love both. Sidekicks has truly become my second home and second family. I have learned SO much from Grand Master Brian not just physically but mentally too. All the instructors are wonderful and will push you to where you never thought you could go. I can honestly say I am my best self (that I’ve ever been in my life) because of my training at Sidekicks.
