We are so happy to have found Hero academy! Our two kids enjoy and look forward to class each week. Sensei Michael is incredible with all of the kids. He has a true gift for teaching discipline, responsibility, and confidence all while keeping the environment comfortable and SUPER FUN! I love to see how all of the kids in class genuinely admire and respect Sensei Michael.

My kids have tried many things, but they haven’t really enjoyed anything until now! Since attending, I’ve seen them transform physically and have much more coordination. But most importantly, classes at Hero has taught them confidence! I’m also taking classes with them so it’s been quality time spent together. Sensei Michael makes the classes fun while making us WORK! He is an amazing teacher and the studio itself is big, clean and an overall beautiful space. Highly recommend anyone of any age to join!

Hero Academy is amazing! Both my son and I joined about 5 months ago. We both LOVE it! Sensei Michael definitely has a gift for teaching. He does an incredible job of teaching technique while adding in the importance of self respect, respect towards others, and discipline. Sensei Michael is very patient with the kids, making each one of them feel comfortable and confident. We look forward to many years of training here. I can’t wait till my son and I are able to be in the same class together.

Our children have been going here for only a few months, but we have seen a drastic change in their behavior. They love coming and look forward to every class.

I have so much more to say about this academy, but heres the short version: Hero Academy was recommended by many other parents, and after working out with them, I see why. I was looking for a place for my preteen daughter, who didnt have athletic experience, to get active and build confidence. I found SO MUCH MORE :). Bonus is that we could do it together, and I found out I needed it as much as she did! A win for the schedule! A win for the physical activity check box checked for the week! A win for finding something we could bond over! Fast forward: shes speaking up for herself, shes learned shes strong and fast, and shes learning to defend herself. And as for me, Ive gone from a size 10 to a 6, and my flexibility, balance, and strength has skyrocketed! I cant say enough about Hero! -- do yourself a favor, dont waste any more time, come in and get active -- for your kids AND for yourself!

Been going for just 2 months but my daughter is really enjoying it.

If you are looking for a place for your kids to grow in martial arts and life skills — you have found it! We were looking for a new hobby for our five year old son to find an outlet for his seemingly limitless energy after being cooped up all summer long and heard about Hero Academy from a good friend. He absolutely loved his trial lessons and was hooked from the start; he repeatedly asked when he could go back again! Watching my son’s class it is obvious how much fun the kids are having and how much they are learning. In fact, the class looked so fun his older sister is now also enrolled in the older kid’s class, and she is also loving it! Sensei Michael is amazing with his students, making each class fun and engaging while also subtly teaching listening skills and discipline.

Its a challenging, fun, goal oriented, community for individuals or families.A place you can let go of the difficulties of your day. A place to help build your, mind, body and attitude for a healther happy you.Vincent ( student & member )

My two daughters joined Hero Academy last year and they have thoroughly enjoyed their time practicing karate. Not only have they adopted better balance and strength, but they have learned about leadership, kindness, and self-confidence, too. Sensei Michael is the only person I know that can get my girls to do push-ups with a smile on their face. They look forward to going to class with their karate friends. We are so glad that we found Hero Academy.

Our family is loving Hero Academy with Sensai Michael. We have two elementary girls in the beginner class and they smile non-stop through the class. They are getting great exercise and balance during the hour class. They are learning how to safely stand up for themselves, anti bullying, self defense moves and respect. Sensai Michael is always making them laugh and have a great time too. The girls practice at home with their wonderful app showing all the stances/kicks/blocks and they look forward to their class each week. Temperatures are taken at the door each class and parents stand outside to watch through the glass for Covid safety. We are very happy.

Sensei Michael is a good man, great place for learning about life. Highly recommended

I have been receiving instruction at Hero Academy for about 2 years now and it might have been one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I know most of the reviews here are from parents on behalf of their children, but I think its important to note the excellence of the adult programming as well. Aside from of of the health benefits of learning a martial art, I wanted to highlight the benefit of working with Sensei Michael specifically. His approach is enthusiastic, supportive, and encouraging. I was an athlete in high school where I excelled and then, in adulthood, like so many others, I became sedentary just by nature of my work. Beginning my journey 2 years ago at Hero Academy felt like trying to push a freight train forward. Sensei Michael is the kind of man that will get out of his car and help you push your freight train forward and hell do it with a smile! The community that has arisen around this school is wonderful. Sensei Michael has really set a tone of encouragement and inclusion. It doesnt matter how old you are or where you come from, if you want to learn, he will be happy to teach you and he will cheer the loudest when youve reached your intended milestones. I am grateful for his patience and willingness to challenge me to be the best version of myself which, of course, transcends martial arts. If youre on the fence about something like this, as I was, come meet Sensei and see for yourself. Im so glad I did.

We love Hero Academy for so many reasons!! Sensei Michael is the best!! He is fun and motivating and keeps the kids moving and engaged. The kids are excited to go to class twice a week because Sensei is an amazing teacher and treats everyone with compassion and kindness. We are very thankful we found this place!

The best program in the area! We visited 12 different martial arts schools before deciding on Hero. The facility is spotlessly clean, the cost is very reasonable, and the program is marvelous. Hero Academy promotes more than just martial arts. Sensei Michael teaches his students important character building and life skills. Self discipline, commitment, self confidence, respect for self and others as well as leadership training are imparted in a fun atmosphere. Advancement is not awarded for just showing up; it must be earned. Do yourself and your child a favor: come watch a class and you will be convinced.

Cannot praise this dojo highly enough. Would give 10 stars if I could. Sensei Michael does amazing work with children, adolescents and adults. He is kind, patient and an excellent teacher. So grateful we found Hero!

My husband and I tried the class as parents of a little Hero. We definitely won lots of points with our kid for doing it!! The adult class was really neat to learn and helped us understand the purposes behind the stances and moves. It helped us bond with our little one and we can better help our kid when she practices at home!

My two daughters have been students at Hero Academy practicing martial arts for the past 7 months. During this time I have seen much growth; not only in my kids physical skill but also in academic maturity and leadership.Hero Academy strikes the ideal balance between strong work ethic and fun. It is a positive environment led by Sensei Michael, the owner and lead instructor at Hero. Michael has a natural ability to teach martial artist of all age groups. We have tried other extra-curricular activities like soccer, piano, gymnastics and robotics. My kids like those activities to various degrees but karate is one thing that has stuck. Not just because I want them to do it but also because they want it for themselves.I have enjoyed watching my kids grow in this program so much that I have even joined Hero Academys adult classes. In our home, karate has become a fun family affair.

I have been doing martial arts at Hero Academy for over 8 years and have loved every minute Im there. Each class is a completely different and fun experience and I NEVER get bored. The instructor, Sensei Michael, is one of the nicest people I have ever met. He connects with each individual student in a way that you will never find at any other martial arts studio. Hero Academy is so welcoming and treats everyone like family. I have also been teaching there for 4 years. Hero Academy gives so many unique opportunities to be a leader as well as teach other students. Overall, I could never have wished for a better place to work out, as well as make unforgettable experiences and friends. Hero Academy has brought so much out of me that I never could have seen on my own. Thank you so much Hero Academy!

Hero Academy is the best! Sensei Michael is dedicated to each and every one of his students. I signed my son up first and after witnessing him grow not only in his technique, but his confidence and strength, I decided to sign up. I am a cancer survivor and Sensei Michael helps push me while having fun. He is super supportive and has an awesome teaching technique that I highly recommend. The members of my class have become some of my closest friends. It’s like having a big family who encourages each other and makes it feel like anything is possible.

Our 11 year old son has been taking lessons at Hero for 3+ years and my wife and I couldnt be happier. He has learned so much and it has been a big part of his personal development and maturity. Our son has also attended Michaels summer camps and every day he comes home happy and exhausted from activity, unlike some other camps where they are sitting down much of the day. My son always ranks the Hero summer camps above the other ones he attends, so I think were going to send him to three separate Hero camps next summer.Michael has a way with kids that is very rare. He provides a good mixture of fun and discipline which has been perfect for our son. Michael is honest and ethical, so we appreciate doing business with someone we trust. Weve recommended Hero to many people and will continue to do so.

Im a teacher and have been for 18 years. Sensei Michael, the owner of Hero, came to The Master’s Academy to give a special one-day self-defense course to our female students. He was clearly an expert in the field, but his way of teaching was full of practical instruction and lots of engaging activities that helped our students develop confidence and knowledge in defending themselves from attack. I was very impressed with his mix of down-to-earth humor and no-nonsense skills. If you want to learn practical defense skills, want to be pushed (without the yelling), Id recommend you try Hero Academy. It was awesome and just what we were looking for!

If you are looking for a place to learn karate/martial arts, then Hero Academy is what you are looking for. I have taken my daughters there for the past year, and they love it! It has helped their confidence and concentration, and they are learning self-defense. Sensei Michael is great with kids of all ages. They are very family oriented. I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else to learn karate.

This place is so very caring and accepting. its taught me so much and im so very glad i joined. they adapt to issues you may have during learning. they make sure that youre solid on certain techniques and they slowly ease you into things and answer any questions.

Sensei Michael has been absolutely amazing. Coming from a marital arts background, it was very difficult for me to find my forever home, well I have found It now. Sensei Michael really cares about each individual student and wants to see them succeed. The class is very energetic and you get a great work out as well. Each class I learn something new everyday!Thank you Sensei!

Sensei Michael is one of the best instructors I have come across. My daughter came with a buddy and could not wait to join that night . Now I have 2 girls that attend Hero Academy. Sensei Michael teaches them discipline, and self defense. I am very excited to have a calm, and patient yet fun instructor to teach my girls. They can’t wait to get to class. We have told all our family and friends about the fun and hard work that my girls learn during each class.My little girl Gina says that when she gets to class she’s always exited. Adri is super hyped to learn something new. I would recommend Hero Academy to anyone big or small that wants to have fun but learn from a caring and supportive yet fun instructor.

I love this place. I get to work out, have fun, and the people who come all feel like a big group of friends. What else could you ask for?

I joined Hero Academy a little over a year ago after my son had been going here for several months - Over this period Ive been able to expand myself mentally and physically; love the place!... Its a friendly and fun environment where you can develop and expand new skills, gain strength, confidence, and make new friends (and believe it or not Its even helped me get through with my lower back pain issues). Working hard is an A+ for promotions (belts are earned not given) and there is plenty of extra friendly help available from the sensei and upper class belts in case its needed! The new dojo described in one word is AWESOME! Plenty of space, clean, and modern looking!Totally recommend this martial arts school to anyone.... and yes I am over 49 and still kicking!!!!

My whole life I’ve been an athlete. A few years back I suffered a health scare that put me in the hospital for a couple of days and a byproduct of that was that it conditioned a panic reaction anytime i felt out of breath from exercise. This interrupted my workouts for years. I could exercise but if my heart rate jumped a little too fast or I started breathing a little hard, I’d panic, start imagining the room closing in, and I’d quit immediately. I never stopped exercising but I suffered. Finally, a few months back I resolved I was gonna take control back of my body. I joined karate for stress management and to feel empowered. And what it did was teach me so much more. I found a new community of beautiful folks and a dedicated kind Sensei (Mike). I felt safe. I felt like they, my new community, would never let anything bad happen to me. And I started pushing myself harder and harder. And while at first I got a little shaky from nerves, i kept gaining confidence in the process and in myself. I overcame the panic trigger. I got my first yellow stripe yesterday and my husband reminded me how far I’d come since I was “intense exercise phobic”. I have regained that joy (I’m even jogging now) one gets when they trust themselves and their peers. I now enjoy exercising again from beginning to end. I feel powerful and emboldened to keep trying new things. I am forever grateful to Sensei Mike and his dojo for accepting me and allowing me to feel safe and capable.

This is my 11 year old daughters first martial arts class. Sensai Michael is an outstanding instructor with both kids and adults. My daughter is so excited to earn her belts.

We love Hero Academy. My son has done martial arts before, but never with this much focus, work ethic and enthusiasm before. I do credit Sensei Michaels engaging teaching style for this. Thank you.

5 million out of 5... this place is the absolute best. Sensei Michael is a true hero to our family. His clear and concise instructions are delivered with the perfect blend of authority and kindness. My child has severe anxiety and these classes have helped him to overcome so much, and he has become so much more confident. Grayson looks forward to class and his focus and concentration are unbelievable at Hero which also adds to his concentration in school. It is amazing to watch, our family looks forward to every class. Whil the students learn the sport, they also learn social skills and positive ways to interact with others. I cannot say enough about how WONDERFUL Hero Academy in Longwood is. Christine DiMatteo

Fantastic leadership at this school. Our son learned not only physical skills, but how to stay calm under stress, how to patiently listen to instruction (most of the time), and how to communicate with confidence and respect. I strongly recommend this martial arts school.

I have been training at Hero Academy since December and I have always looked forward to coming to class. The head-instructor, Michael Hornback, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and is an incredible instructor to learn from. The Hero Academy is a family-friendly environment that has classes designed for kids, teens, and adults. If you are looking for a place to work-out and get in shape, meet wonderful and friendly people, or just learn self-defense, Hero Academy is a great place to come visit!

This is the best program I have seen as a parent. The instructor is amazing, he connects with the kids on a level that is above and beyond any expectations I could have hoped for. Looking forward to many years at his academy!!

Excellent instructor and great class for women’s self defense. Very positive atmosphere and great instruction I would recommend for all women and girls!

A friend of ours told us about Hero Academy, so we decided to give it a try. We absolutely love this place. Sensei Michael is an extraordinary teacher. He is so patient and passionate about teaching Martial Arts. I have joined quite a few gyms in the past, but after a while it gets so boring. NOT THIS PLACE! I really enjoy his class and my husband and daughter do as well. I can honestly say every time I have attended class I learn something new. There is no boredom - trust me. Not only am I getting a good workout, but I am learning to defend myself as well. I cant say enough about this place. I am grateful that our friends referred us to Sensei Michael. BEST PLACE EVER!

My boys, ages 6 and 8, have been attending Hero Academy for about 6 months and we are very happy with our whole experience. Sensei Michael expects respectful behavior and focus during class, but he is also fun and effective as a teacher. My 8 year old has been in occupational therapy for a long time to treat sensory, motor planning, vestibular, and muscle tone issues, and his therapist has noticed a considerable improvement in his balance and muscle strength since starting at Hero. Sensei Michael is also flexible with our schedule as we try to balance class with other sports. The summer camp was fantastic, it was the only camp my kids actually wanted to go back to. If you are considering martial arts for yourself or for your kids, I highly recommend Hero Academy!

Sensei Michael has been just amazing with our daughter. She is having so much fun while also building confidence and structure!!!

We are so glad we found Hero Academy. Sensei Michael has brought out our sons confidence, focus and concentration. His leadership skills are improving as well. The class is fun to watch and Sensei is very good and patient with the kids. Starting karate at Hero has been the best decision we could have made.

There is a perfect balance of honor, respect and fun being taught at Hero Academy! It is obvious Sensei Michael enjoys teaching the children. After 6 months we are thrilled with Hero Academy!Now that my son has been with Hero for two years we are even more pleased with his progress! Sensei Michael gently encourages the parents and the children to reach their goals with discipline and practice!

Hero is an excellent environment. The instructors uplift and challenge the students every class. There is a lot of energy in and around the classes, making time there a real joy. I definitley will be bringing my son back.

I highly recommend Sensei Michael and Hero Academy Martial Arts. My son was struggling with anxiety surrounding the FSA. On the night before class, he didnt want to go to class but I encouraged him that it might help him feel better. After class and unprompted he said to me, Mom I am so glad I went to karate tonight. Now I feel powerful to take the FSA. Watching the life lessons he is learning in karate and in Sensei Michaels class is priceless. He gets to see how goals, hard-work, consistency and dedication can manifest in other areas of his life.

We have been a part of hero academy for almost two years. Sensei Micheal is very up lifting and encouraging. Works with his students until they understand how to complete the exercise. Wonderful confidence builder. Thank you Sensei Micheal.

Both of my kids attend Hero Academy and truly enjoy the training, the challenge, the students and Sensei Michaels teaching style. Recently, my 7th grade daughter thanked me for enrolling her as it has really boosted her self confidence. Truly awesome!

My son Has attended Hero for almost 3 years now and they are a part of our extended family. I am thankful for the amazing leadership and training it has provided for my son. My son has learned self motivation, dedication, and self control. I couldnt imagine attending any other school. I am looking forward to seeing my son achive his black belt based on hard work and great teachers.

We have been very pleased with Hero Academy. The dojo is always clean & a safe fun environment for our son to learn in. Sensei Michael provides a good enriching program for the little ones. Our son is always looking forward & excited about attending his classes there.

My daughter has learned so much in the year that she had been attending Hero Academy. I highly recommend this academy to anyone thinking of pursuing martial arts.

Our son had the best time at camp! So much fun! Sensei Michael is the best!

My daughter has been taking group and private lessons with Sensei Michael, the owner and Head Instructor at Hero Academy, for almost nine months. In that time, I have been consistently impressed with Michaels ability to relate to and inspire the youth he teaches. He has demonstrated a genuine desire to understand how my child learns best, and works to reach her in a meaningful way. The encouragement and enthusiasm he communicates has made a recognizable improvement in her confidence while also inspiring in her, a desire to improve. Not only is he highly qualified and experienced, he has that something extra that every parent hopes their child will have in a teacher. Our daughter is only four years old and has seen significant improvements in concentration, following instructions, patience and persistence due in large part to the skills she practices at Hero Academy. These are early learning experiences that can shape her outlook on all future endeavors, so we are very grateful for Sensei Michaels dedication, patience, and heart.

My nine year old boy has been super duper charged about Hero Academy Camp. He learned about many different things he was most interested in. He was so enthusiastic about his week long experience that we set him up with another fun filled week of camp!

Hero Academy gets a 5-star rating from me because of what it is: an excellent family-friendly martial arts school. You have to choose your martial arts school based on what you want and finding the school that best trains you to be the person you want to be. If you want to train to be the next King of the UFC, or if you want to fight for the biggest trophy and the biggest ego, then this is NOT the school for you. If, however, you wish for you and/or your child to TRAIN TO BE A BETTER PERSON FOR LIFE, then Hero Academy is the perfect place. They are encouraging and not oppressive, wise and not silly, hard-working and disciplined – and a lot of fun. Hero Academy is about training both body and soul.My son has been going to Hero for many years, and I have always been impressed with how Sensei Michael creatively and lovingly encourages young children to do real martial arts techniques with his immense gifts of kindness and creativity. It is something you have to see for yourself. I was involved in another martial arts school and switched to Hero so that I could train together with my son, who is now a teenager. I have watched him grow in his leadership ability, confidence, and in how to overcome adversity because this is what Hero Academy is all about.I am not the only parent/child combination at the school—there are lots of us. It’s something we can do alongside our sons and daughters without feeling foolish, but feeling like one of the crew. If you are just looking for a place for your child to learn self-defense, and you think, “I can never do that,” I would really encourage you to come and try it, too. With their encouragement, wise training, and thoughtful motivation, I have no doubt you will be surprised at what you are able to do. You will absolutely not regret it!“Will my child learn self-defense?” Most certainly. This aspect of training is done with great care, control, and in a progressive manner so that confidence can be built along with camaraderie with classmates.“What style is it?” At Hero, they teach Cuong Nhu, which is a combination of 7 different martial arts, both hard and soft styles. It is like a liberal arts degree for martial arts without being simplistic on any one style. The Renaissance man is able to comfortably discuss history, arts, philosophy, and science. Likewise, the Cuong Nhu black belt can understand and use forms, break boards, and seamlessly integrate both hard and soft styles of martial arts. Like any black belt, it takes many years of dedicated training, and my hope is one day to become one.If you have read this far, then I really hope you’ll come and see for yourself. I will be the first one to say “Hi! Welcome to our family.”

Awesome class! Great teacher and encouraging environment!

Sensei Michael is an amazing teacher.