This place is fantastic! Kids are able to be kids, play around and learn martial arts in a professional environment. The staff is friendly and caring. It’s one of the better after school programs in the area and I fully recommend it.

Trained at this academy while visiting from Chicago. Great instruction from Professors TC and JM! Everyone I trained with was super welcoming. Would definitely join if I lived in the Charlotte area

Leadership Martial Arts is such a wonderful place for the kids to learn great skills, my daughter has been in the Little Ninjas class for a few months now & is just as excited to go as the very first day every time! Kudos to the leaders here, they are ALL so great!! Highly recommend ☺️

If youre looking for a great place to learn martial arts/self defense/combat sports techniques... then look no further than Leadership Martial Arts! Quality, qualified instructors teaching proven techniques in a welcoming, clean, spacious and beautiful family owned and operated facility! Stop in and try a free class!

I would recommend thisMartial Arts studio for its teaching of different programs for all ages from children to adults.

Leadership Martial Arts is a family friendly academy where everyone from the full novice to seasoned practitioner can find a fun and challenging environment in which to study. TC runs a great academy that adheres to the highest standards of cleanliness and respect for others. With his highly respected pedigree in Judo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you can be assured the lineage of your instruction is respected internationally.

Amazing facility, wonderful people, excellent instruction. Offers a large variety of classes and programs for adults, teens and children. It will be your home away from home.

Leadership Martial Arts is the kind of place I *know* my kids are learning good skills. They have learned to handle conflict better (thinking and talking, not just acting out), how to be a leader, how to listen, how to be a supporter not just a follower, take and give constructive criticism...major life skills!Sensei Derek really understands not just the heres how to do this move but also what is happening in the body. He is able to explain why it works and also make adjustments so it works for the individual. My kids have joint issues and he was able to find ways for them to safely participate and strengthen the muscles around their joints to prevent problems. It was amazing to watch them be able to just be kids for a change.The kids look forward to the classes and events. Everything is done in a fun way. The events, especially, are out of the box and always a blast.

My boys recently began at Leadership Martial Arts - we’ve been thrilled to watch them enjoy it so much! My oldest has several challenges and has never found his thing and it makes my momma heart so happy when he says “I loved it, that was so much fun”. When it’s typically a chore to try something new this is huge! We’ve found it’s the perfect blend of fun and learning for 4-7 year olds. The staff was super helpful with my millions of questions and the people are all awesome!!

I started training at leadership martial arts during my year as an exchange student. Derek, the owner, made me felt very welcome and it was a great place for me to work on my overall fitness. There are a lot of different classes to take each different and interesting. Its a great place for both vildren to enjoy the kids classes and for adults to do classes such as MMA and BJJ

Great energy from the owner Derek who made himself available to me right away. Great facility!

A family atmosphere. Knowledgeable instructors. All students are like family. Highly recommended.

Derek “TC” Richardson is not only a highly qualified martial artist, but a leader and teacher of the highest order as he roots the foundational martial arts disciplines in keeping with the most fundamental ethics of “family,” “compassion,” “kindness,” “community,” “acceptance,” and of course “fellowship.” Leadership Martial Arts’ programs are unrivaled for their balance of a non-intimidating atmosphere and also pushing onward in the acquisition and sharpening of techniques and strategies. Whether you’re looking for a children’s beginner’s program, or refining advanced jiu-jitsu for competition, Leadership provides it all. A true martial arts gem of the Queen City.

What an awesome place to train! Sensei Derek is very knowledgeable and just an all around awesome guy. I take several different classes and am constantly learning new things. His care and professionalism go far and beyond what is necessary. He has great respect for his students. He has been extremely flexible over the last year with Covid hitting all of us, making sure he keeps us safe and healthy by taking precautionary steps for sanitization. I highly recommend this gym for students of all ages!

LMA was like a second home to me throughout my teenage years, and the amazing instructors and leaders helped me earn my black belt 7 years ago. I had the privilege of attending classes, being a member of the leadership team, and working as an after-school and summer camp counselor at the dojo. The atmosphere is one that welcomes anyone who walks through the door and provides the tools you need to achieve success. The variety of classes encourage people of all ages to learn martial arts and train their bodies well, all while having the best time. One of the most iconic things about Leadership is the familial atmosphere. People get to know your name, your goals, your humor, and it’s impossible to not walk out of there with a new friend. Long after I stopped training, I never stopped visiting LMA. I continued my job as a counselor through the summer of 2019 and still do my best to make it a point to pop or check in with Mrs. Jodi and Sensei, who always love listening to and encouraging me. A big part of what makes Charlotte home is Leadership Martial Arts. The best academy and the best experience!

Great teachers and students! Everyone was supportive and helpful. Very family like!

This place is amazing and the people omg are the best. Love going there and seeing the amazing faces that enter the building.

Our son has been taking ninja classes since march and he absolutely loves them! He has become more confident and has so much fun during classes! We are so glad to have found Leadership Martial Arts, they are so welcoming and make you feel like youre family! the owners are wonderful people and all of the staff are absolutely fantastic! special shout out to sensei Henry, our Henry looks up to him so much!

Love being apart of this amazing Jiu Jitsu family. Very caring and looks out for everyone we are like a big family.

Amazing place! I recently started taking jujitsu here and have been so impressed by everyone here. The staff and owners really care about people and are fantastic to work with. Everyone has been very welcoming including other students. They treat everyone like family! Highly recommend checking it out!

The kids classes here are so awesome that its everything I can do not to get up and get on the mat myself. Awesome energy and really great people. I dont think you could find a place anywhere that there is more knowledge, and heart, for the art. A real gift for teaching and keeping the students engaged. My son absolutely loves it. Thanks TC and family!

Our daughter has been coming here for summer camp and she LOVES it! It’s been a great experience having her here and will be coming back again. Highly recommend 👍🏽

My son has been attending LMA since 3 yrs old and he is now 7 and LOVES the program!! I’m grateful for all of the staff that works with him and he’s learned a lot of discipline while attending! Thank you LMA for all that you do!!Warm Regards,A Satisfied Client💜🤗

Hands down, the absolute best martial arts studio. The instructors are fantastic. They take their time with the students and are extremely patient. The assistant instructors are just as great. Cannot think of any areas of improvement. 5 stars all the way around. Great job guys.

Amazing place to train. The owner/head instructor is a great guy very friendly and knowledgeable. Super fun classes

Fantastic place to learn, grow and have fun! It is an amazing place for the entire family to learn useful skills not only for self protection but in team work, discipline and commitment!

I started training at Leadership Martial Arts 13 years ago and, after a 7 year absence, Ive returned and my love for this academy has grown even more. I spend almost every second I can spare on the mat. Everyone is super friendly and fun to be around. Definitely one of the best Martial Arts schools around.

Im daughter loves it! It gives her something to do

I’ve been training at this school for over 7 years and have always been impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of not just Professor TC but the entire staff. There is a saying that people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care. During the virus, I’ve been unable to train or partake in the minicamps. The professor reached out to me and paired me up with another student in a similar situation where we can safely train one on one. This is honestly above and beyond any expectations that I could have. BJJ has been so good for my health, both physical and mental. I will belong to this team for as long as my body allows.

Leadership Martial Arts is absolutely amazing. My son has had the best experience here over the last couple of years. The owners are amazing and truly care for each of the students. Sensei Henry is one awesome leader and we are so grateful for the time that we’ve had here.

Ever since I set foot in this dojo and had the privilege to train with the staff I have felt nothing but fortunate to be there and look forward to going the distance and I know with everyone here I will get there and further as well as become humbly a competent martial artist. Much love and respect to you LMA!

Great program for youth and adults alike.

Stopped by on my way out of town, it was worth the late night drive. Warm, welcoming group of people from staff, instructors, and students. To top it off, great, technical instruction. Great experience all around. If youre looking to start a martial art, or just passing through town, come check this place out. You wont regret it...unless you hate learning, growing, and meeting awesome people, of course.

Just had my son’s 7th birthday here on Saturday and it was, by far, the best party he’s had to date. Everyone was super friendly, helpful and super energetic. We will def be going back!!

I started bringing my 13-year-old son to training because a good friend of ours already training there recommended the school. My son LOVES it. Derek is a wonderful trainer making the classes both challenging and fun/playful for the kids. My son respects him a lot and is becoming more disciplined. The whole staff in the school is very welcoming and friendly. Me and my son fit right in! LOVE IT!!!!

It’s really awesome for kids to express their self can have fun with other kids and meet new people I go there and that’s the thing I am looking forward to instead of being stuck at the house all day

We were introduced to leadership through a birthday party and had no idea the impact that hour would have...the owners of this place have the most passion for teaching and nurturing children I have ever experienced. Their mastery of the martial arts is amazing; but more than that, their work with the kids is beyond what I could have ever expected. My kids can not wait for class each week and my husband and I truly value and appreciate everything this place has to offer!!

Wonderful dojo with an amazing sensei! The staff truly cares about each and every student. At Leadership Martial Arts, there is such a positive, encouraging atmosphere that encourages everyone to achieve their best.

I stopped in Leadership Martial Arts on 9/26/16 with an unusual request. I was not interested in martial arts classes. I myself am a new business owner and I am always seeking out insight and advice from successful local businesses. I wanted to speak to one of the owners about their impressive building and some of the how, what, and when, of their success. Derek, one of the owners, was in the middle of a training session; however, he took enough time to chat with me for a minute and said he would be more than happy to discuss business strategy with me. He gave me his personal cell phone number to call him at another time. I called him today (9/27/16) and just spent 15 minutes with Derek on the phone and he provided me with some invaluable insight as he shared some of his personal experiences in running a successful business. Im a complete stranger to Derek and Im not a potential client for him, yet he gave up his valuable time to help me out- it demonstrates his high level of character. He has no idea how helpful our conversation was to me. Great guy. Class act.

Great instructor and facility. Wonderful place to learn!

We have been an LMA family for 5 years. Love the facility and classes. Sensei Derek makes everything fun for the kids.

Such a fantastic and well behaved group! Their summer camp came out and visited us at Whispering Hope Farm! A well behaved group that we welcome back anytime! Their kids were polite, respectful, and disciplined!

So very grateful for Leadership Martial Arts they have changed my way of life as well as my husbands. Bless all of you for all the support and caring ways. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for my husband and I with this amazing family.

Very cool place, very fun, counselors are very good at keeping the kids they keep them well behaved yet still let them have fun. One of my all time favorite places to go and they have very fun skills and exercises in the classes. One of my favorite things is the exercises or warmups are very creative and fun wich motivates me to finish them with out any doubt. I could not imagine what i would be or act like with the good teaching and other things that have helped me. This place deserves 10 stars.

Awesome place, great instructors - great atmosphere. Easily the best and most professional around! Mr Richardson shows a true passion for the martial arts that shows through his teaching methods and enthusiasm. Kids learn character development traits that most other schools do not teach. If you want the best instruction for you and your family, this is it!

Great place for kids and older looking for a good workout and quality training

Mr Richardson visited Mallard Creek’s business students to share his expertise as a business owner and he was dynamic and engaging!

Best martial arts studio Ive ever attended

As a school owner myself and someone who has been training in the martial arts all my life, I am so impressed with Professor Richardson and his entire staff at Leadership Martial Arts!Their approach to training is hands on and caring about every student who steps on the mat. Professor Derek is not only an amazing Martial Artists himself but an incredible teacher as well. LMA has a brand-new, world class training facility! When I first walked in I was blown away at how clean and state-of-the-art the facility was. If youre interested in getting in shape or training in the Martial Arts please call my friend Derek at Leadership Martial Arts. You will become part of their family!

I had the pleasure of meeting the Owner. Great experience and I would let my son take lessons anytime. Thank you all very much

I have a 14 year old boy and 7 year old girl attending LMA. It’s been a very positive addition to our lives. Your family will love it!

This past Saturday, I watched their annual Kick Out Cancer (8+ years going strong!), this year benefiting the Isabella Santos Foundation. Everyone who participated had a wonderful time and were genuinely interested in making a difference in the lives of children fighting cancer. The Richardson family make everyone involved feel like family. I want to personally thank them for being so involved in the community!! Looking forward to next year!

We host their groups and the team members are great with the kids. They are organized and very well behaved group.If you are looking for a great place to send your kids we would highly recommend Leadership Martial Arts as they are great to work with and great to the kids.

Extremely friendly instructor and students regardless of your training level (mine was zero), so it wasnt intimidating as I anticipated. My husband has trained for years and is very particular about where he trains. It took him trying several schools before he found leadership, and although he still gives new schools a chance none compare to the level of training and challenge he gets here.I highly highly recommend this Martial Art school for both adults and kids! Sensei is extremely kid orientated and has had great success watching his young students become adults.

Great school with a great teacher. Unlike some other nearby overpriced schools I could mention (cough cough, the Peaceful Dragon) this place teaches you real martial arts and has a great childrens program that wont bankrupt you.

Its a great dojo come on now. Just beautiful!

Trained with Mr. Richardson, learned a lot of great things from his seminar. He’s a very engaging and interactive instructor. If you’re considering a more engaging martial arts program, he is the go to guy and will let you check out a class for free.

Great place to train. The staff is very friendly and attentive to the students and why they are training. It always feels like home when I go. These people are more than instructors they become family. Perfect place to send your kids if you live in South Charlotte.

Leadership Martial Arts Academy is an excellent training facility for those of all ages and experience. The instructors are highly knowledgable and helpful in assisting their students. Everyone is very welcoming. If you are looking for a place to train in the Charlotte area, you wont find a better place than Leadership Martial Arts.

I have been going here for over a year after my son challenged me. Great staff, great information, no pressure learning environment! I highly recommend this business for a fun way to learn martial arts!

Mr Richardson is a fantastic instructor! Fun, exciting classes that make you sweat and learn. I highly recommend his classes.

Had an opportunity to experience training with Mr. Richardson this morning. Very fun and interactive lesson. Thank you for the knowledge you shared.

We love the leadership here. Great learning environment. They also have summer camp and after school program!

Sensei Richardson helped transform the Bully Prevention and Character Education program at my school. He has served hundreds of students and adults in our community and his staff is top notch. I promise you will be proud of your decision to give Leadership Martial Arts your business. My students and I are forever grateful for the help and guidance we are receiving from this company.

Sensei Derek is amazing!! I have three boys in his classes ages ranging from 4-8 and I have seen amazing improvements in them. Our family homeschools so we where looking for a program to get the kids in to meet other kids get some exercise and to learn physical instruction. This has fit the bill for that and more. The classes are fun for my kids they can not wait for the next class. They have been learning a lot about Black Belt Manners and Black Belt Attitudes and it is amazing to see how my kids are using them outside of class. Also if you are looking for a place to have a great Birthday Party then you can not beat the party that Leadership Martial Arts puts on. My kids now want to just have Karate Birthdays because they are so much fun and it is so easy on us the parents as we do not have to do any of the work for the party!All in all Leadership Martial Arts really lives up to its name as I can see my little guys are learning how to be real Leaders.

Our whole family trained at Leadership. While we were excited to be in what we felt would be a positive and helpful environment, for us the overall experience was not a good one. We enjoyed the training for awhile, however the pattern of negativity we felt and experienced from the woman and man in charge overshadowed any good we felt from being there.

This is a great place for the whole family! They have a wonderful after-school program (my two youngest sons have been in it for 5 years now). Additionally they have several martial arts and exercise curriculums, with something for everyone. My kids and I both take classes there.

Every time I visit this school I feel right at home. Very clean and very professional. I couldnt think of a better place to train. Im very greatfull to get to train with these fantastic people

I came in from out of town and went there for the Jiu-jitsu class with my wife and friend; we all had a great time! The owner is a really nice guy. He hung around after class with us to roll, and answer any questions we had. Overall wonderful experience!

I’m sure I have given this academy a 5 star review in the past but I thought it was time for a new one. My five star review still holds true, years later. I have attended this gym since the beginning of my jiu jitsu career. Incredible instruction that Professor TC provides is taught with passion and precision. This is a man that travels to visit other parts of the world to meet the greatest that all of martial arts has to offer. He receives his information first hand and then relays it to his students beautifully. A spotless, spacious and welcoming facility with knowledgeable staff that always have a smile on their face. I drive over an honur to train with Professor TC and his students and it is worth every mile. I recommend it to everyone.

Leadership Martials arts has an awesome facility and everyone makes you feel at home. The instructor is basically a ninja. I would recommend this school to everyone. If your located in the Charlotte are this is the place to go

Mr. Richardson came in and taught our instructor training and showed us several different ways to have fun as well as learn. SSL was a huge takeaway, smile, sweat and learn! If students do this in every class than we as instructors have done our job. Thank you Sir!

Very knowledgeable instructor with a clear strategy in mind for each lesson. The facility is accommodating for a variety of skill levels, and there are a diverse amount of practitioners available, making for creative rolling sessions.

Mr. Richardson is a wonderful instructor. Pulling talent and skills out of students while having them have fun.

This is an absolute gem! They truly go above and beyond with effective training, building a community, and creative games to keep it a great time! A dojo to be confident and comfortable in.

Leadership is the best Martial Arts Academy because the instructors are the best and very clear with every directions. They are also very fun and easy to talk to. They also help you with every move.

Ive been here for years now YEARS and its been an AMAZING experience growing and learning there. Helped me get out of this shy little shell i had as a kid and recommend it to any parent that wants there kid to have fun. Learn respect and martial arts in a safe monitored environment and recommend it to anybody wanting to learn or get back into juijitsu MMA or need a good way to learn self defense and get fit.

Like many parents, I put my little one in a lot of athletic activities, and yet he still loves his sensei, and the dojo the most out of all his activities. As a parent, the things he learns at Leadership martial arts are priceless. Thank you all who have helped him get thus far.😊😀 I highly recommend this place!!

Leadership martial arts is the best place to go in the Charlotte area. Everyone that goes to train is like your second family. The Sinai is the best you will ever find. When you go to leadership martial arts youre just not a number you are treated with utmost respect. There are kids and adult mma and bjj classes. I will never go anywhere else.

I came to this school as an adult who was interested in Brazilian Jujitsu. I had some experience already from other schools in another area. Leadership provided a comfortable environment for learning and TC (the instructor and owner) and his students were gentle with the techniques. In addition, TC has a three step teaching system for that works very well for me. The lessons were shorter than I am used too, but they are fast paced and TC wastes no time on long rambling sermons that are common for other martial arts instructors, which makes up for the shorter lessons. After each lesson, I feel like I have really learned a technique. Finally, TC has a BJJ open mat on Sundays, which is free to students of other schools to come visit, which is great for the exchange of techniques and ideas.

Mr. Richardson is a fun, dynamic teacher who encourages his students to have fun while learning. A class with him is time VERY well spent!

Leadership Martial Arts (LMA) has the reputation as being one of the local “favorites” so when my daughter asked if she could try it, I did not hesitate to sign her up. A husband and wife team run the dojo…she is the friendly and professional person behind the business while he runs everything on the mat. After watching my daughter for a few months, learning life skills having fun, observing the family-friendly atmosphere, I decided to try it. At first, I lost some weight, and then I noticed some muscle tone and improved aerobic endurance. Confidence crept in as I realized if I ever needed it, I had a growing chance of defending myself. I loved the fact that my daughter was learning these skills, too.Life got in the way and I had to take a break for a few weeks. Upon returning, I said that I really missed the class. I was asked what I missed the most. My initial response was, “the friendships ...the challenging exercises ...learning new skills”. However, then I thought some more… I have had all of those things in my life in the past few weeks just in different ways. What was it about THIS dojo that I missed the most? The Sensei at this dojo. His Vision. His ability to carry out that vision. Anyone who knows MMA skills well enough can teach the skills… he raises the bar, he takes it to the next level… his commitment to the individuals, developing leadership skills in teens, inclusion of families, outreach in the community, commitment to service and more. These things keep me coming back to THIS dojo.

Great place to train MMA and BJJ! Ive loved training there. No egos, just great friends and learning. Theyre especially great with kids, but also have great adult classes.

Great place to train! If youre in the Charlotte area definitely check them out!

Today was my first time experiencing jiujitsu with Leadership Martial Arts. From the time I went through the doors til the time I left I was cared for. I entered with no gi and was given one without hesitation. Sensei Richardson went above and beyond and I will recommend this place because of the care and training everyone on the mats provided me. Thank you guys.

By far, the best martial arts school in the Carolinas. Im proud to be a part of the team.

Mr Richardson is an excellent instructor, very charismatic, fun and definitely trains his students well.

If youre looking for expert instruction, great programs, an awesome staff, and an all around great environment to learn and train in the martial arts, then look no further!! Youve found it at Leadership Martial Arts!

My kids have benefitted greatly from the leadership at LMA. Character development is foundational to a life filled with peace and purpose. Its so good I spend an extra 30 minutes in the car each day to have this opportunity for our kids.

Great school that always welcomes visitors and treats them like family.

(22 F) I absolutely loved my time here! I attended adult classes and although I was completely new I never felt left out or neglected. I was always given special instruction when something we were covering was too advanced. All the instructors are super friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. After my first few classes I was more than confident I was in excellent hands. I was instructed by Derek tc Richardson, James Michael, Terrell Grahm and Doug Towner. As a young woman my main priority is to learn how to defend myself. During my time at leadership martial arts, a women’s self defense video had gone viral that instructed terribly insufficient methods and tips for fighting off an attacker. JM had seen the video and took out specific time in class to make sure I knew how to properly defend myself, escape from and throw someone much larger than me. He made sure that if I took anything away from my time at leadership, I knew how to protect myself. I really can’t praise this business enough, being a woman in martial arts you’re almost always outnumbered but I always felt very comfortable and well cared for. I was also lucky enough to attend a promotion ceremony, the love and friendship was indisputable! This is an outstanding academy that truly cares about its students. 10/10 would recommend!!

As a career martial artist with over 30 years of training and teaching experience, I cannot express how much I LOVE this place!! Leadership Martial Arts Academy is the real deal!! When you walk into their awesome facility, the first thing you notice is how polite everyone is!!! The adults students go out of their way to talk to you and make you feel welcome. The children look you in the eye when they talk and answer politely! If my grandkids lived in Charlotte, I would send them right to Sensei Richardson to teach! Sitting in my kitchen writing this review and all I can think of is... Hmm, when can I get back on the mats? :-) Stop by and visit them, you wont regret it.

Great instructors that create a super helpful and positive learning environment!

Open, Inviting, Encouraging... Great facility, friends, and teammates with a Renzo Gracie black belt too.

I go here almost every Sunday for open mat, and hope to start taking private lessons soon. Every time Ive gone for a meeting or class everyone there is very helpful, and friendly. Not to mention, learning from Renzo Gracies ONLY Carolina Black Belt, isnt a bad way to study jiu jitsu. :)

Amazing, creative and fun Instructor training from Mr. Richardson today...

Awesome instruction, at a great academy, if you are looking to grow on your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey, this is the place to do it.

Great people and a wonderful place for kids to learn the right values and morals.

Amazing facility with a great team! These guys are always inviting and friendly. TC is the ideal image of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. He is always ready to teach, learn, and roll. I highly recommend LMA for anyone interested in BJJ or MMA. This guy and his team will teach you the way of the ninja!

Nice place, great program ! Need more parking spaces .