Testimonials

What our students have to say about us...

I would like to say a BIG thank you for all of your support over the past few years and to everyone past and present who’s contributed to this page, we are continually humbled by the fantastic things you all have to say! I wish you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2008- Mrs Kingsley.

The Academy is clean and friendly. The Instructors give the children a sense of worth and pride. Their dedication is second to none and this ethos of pride, dedication and commitment is transferred to the pupils. Well Done. Parent – Chelsea.

The TAO Academy has been the greatest experience for me. All of the Instructors are really helpful at trying to bring out the best in people. A unique place, with a wide variety of people from all walks of life, I’m glad that I’m a part of this – Saddaf Mukhtar (Leadership & SWAT)

I have been very impressed with my time at the Academy; the Instructors are first class and very approachable. The training has been really good and challenging, yet the Instructors make you realise it’s achievable. I have found that my own fitness and attitude have improved as well as that of my son Joe’s. I can speak for Joe, to say that he is loving his time being here. He’s made good new friends and is enjoying all the challenges that are set - Kevin Bales (Leadership & SWAT)

My son has been a student with The TAO Academy since the age of 5. Over this period he has developed in to a confident, self disciplined, young person, ready to take on the challenge of growing up in the 21st century. We have visited quite a few Martial Arts training facilities in Nottingham city and found that the teaching standards of The TAO Academy and the discipline maintained in the training area were exemplary and could not be matched by any of them. Both my children and my husband are proud to be part of the Academy that has enriched my children's life experience - Mrs Sangita Dhawan

My 6 year old daughter was extremly shy and found it difficult to make friends, until she joined The TAO Academy. Within a short period she has developed her confidence and this was immediately noticed by her teachers at the school. Her training with TAO has instilled in her a strong sense of pride and confidence - Mr Rajan Dhawan
WOW!!! – One of my 2007 goals was to join a Martial Arts class and attend regularly. I must leave soon (to start my own business in the South) BUT I have to say I’ll always have a piece of The TAO Academy with me. The classes are more fun, testing, expanding and relaxing that I could have imagined. It’s such a wonderful place to learn a new experience and develop personal abilities. The acceptance to join in with everyone is fabulous, I felt like ‘one of the team’ from the 1st training session and the emphasis placed on ‘try your best’ made me develop much faster. My life is currently at a point of development (as we all are constantly) but The TAO Academy has really shown me a new enjoyment and passion. A special thanks to the Instructors they have created a peaceful and dynamic atmosphere, I’m sorry to leave but graced to have been part of it – Tom Sanders.

My son joined Lil' Dragons a few months ago and looks forward to every session. The classes are structured differently every week teaching them many life skills together with a quick pace fitness regime. Instructors work within your own child's pace which has been fantastic for confidence. There is always a friendly welcoming atmosphere within the Academy. The Instructors put their 'everything' in to each class and the kids love it. I would strongly recommend this fantastic Academy - Parent Sarah Bernard

Friendly, smart-looking, professional place in all respects – congratulations! – A Geary.

My time spent at The TAO Academy is consistently a joy. Overwhelmingly supportive staff, Instructors and fellow students are always there for you in many ways. From economical flexibility and not pointing fingers (even after weeks of absence) to verbally willing you to go the extra minute in the Dojang and the extra mile outside, I am always surrounded by positive and accommodating individuals – Student Hamish Melrose (SWAT)

The facilities at the school are truly world class. The training room has a padded floor, air conditioning and is always a pleasant, clean environment to be in. There is a range of equipment which is all in fantastic condition. But it is really the Instructors that shape a Martial Arts school. At the TAO Academy the Instructors are not only very skilled at martial arts but also very skilled at passing on their knowledge with great enthusiasm and dedication, it is very hard for their positive 'can-do' attitude not to rub off on you! They treat everyone with respect and as equals while recognising that each one is an individual with needs and challenges unique to them. Since joining the Academy I have noticed dramatic improvements in so many different areas of my life such as fitness, health and confidence but also in areas that are less obvious like my work quality and happiness. I would recommend the school to anyone and everyone and as it is not just for the young and strong - my mum joined up at the same time and I have noticed amazing improvements in her life as a result. Thank you so much to everyone who has helped make The TAO Academy what it is. - Amy Stevens (16yrs Leadership & SWAT team)

Joining a Martial Arts class was something I’d always wanted to do and to become a Black Belt has always been a personal goal of mine. However the fear of being knocked unconscious always stopped me from trying. This however all changed in Feb 07 and I have not looked back. The TAO Academy is a fantastic venue. My fear of being knocked unconscious was completely unfounded as the Instructors made me feel welcome and the students made me feel part of the team and I always felt safe. Each lesson I partook in I learnt something new and each new belt I gained I felt immense pride. I have proved many people wrong by continuing with TKD and I now know I shall continue until I have a Black Belt. Sadly this will not be at The TAO Academy as I am emigrating to New Zealand, sun and beaches beckon. Make no mistake this is a very special place filled with extraordinary people who I will always remember. Take care, train hard and never lose focus – Paul Smith

Wicked cool place – I love the kickboxing class! – A Allsopp.

Awesome facilities keep up the good work! All the best for the future – J Goorwitch (Black Belt Academy-Norwich).

My son has been a member for some 3 months now and has shown some improvement in his behaviour in all areas. In addition to this he has shed some of the excess weight he has been carrying for some time. So to that I am pleased with what he has achieved so far and hope that he can continue to progress in his health/fitness and general good balance in life. Thank you both – Parent Tony.

I have found all of the Instructors extremely supportive. The school has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere – a student.

The first time I walked through the Academy doors I was a 30 a day smoker, bags under my eyes and barely enough motivation to pull 10 press ups in a week. 1 year later after quiting smoking (very recent I must add) and sticking to 3 sessions a week, it becomes a challenge to find something worthy enough to fills the other 4 nights. Energy levels overflowing, enthusiasm for life increased 10 fold and all in all brimming with self confidence of what can be achieved by oneself both physically and mentally. All owed to the best Instructors who’s enthusiasm and experience for Martial Arts is second to none...Don’t change one bit!!! Matt Sharpe


The Instructors are focused and want the best for their students. They are encouraging and push them to realise their potential. Darius is more focused in his attitude and aims to do well. It has taught him valuable principles for example respect and discipline. He’s made some good friends and the parents also get to meet and get to know each other - A Walker.

Fantastic facilities – S Stayte (Paragon BBA).

I discovered Martial Arts at The TAO Academy and I haven’t looked back since. Martial Arts offers the perfect combination of fitness, strength and flexibility and is a great way to work out some of the stress at the end of the day and to meet new people. It beats the lonely and tedious atmosphere at the gym every time. The Instructors have found the perfect balance of discipline and friendliness to get the best out of people without putting undue pressure on them. I’m personally very grateful to the people here for encouraging me to develop in the way that I have. Although I’m leaving Nottingham soon, my experience here has made a lasting impression on me and I intend to continue training in Martial Arts and particularly Tae Kwon Do for as long as I can – Chris Holtby.

This place is really cool – L Watson from Watford.

It is great to have a regular exercise routine and to come to a class and learn something new each time. There is a good feeling of achievement with the regular tip tests and belt tests. I have been a member for 6 months and always enjoy the classes. I was previously a member of a gym but Martial Arts is better (gyms are rather a soul less experience!). The classes are varied with a mix of circuit training, fitness kick boxing, Tae Kwon Do and weapons. I was keen to try a modern style (having previously done traditional karate) but it is good to do traditional forms as well. My confidence has improved and this is good for work and life generally –Susan Page.

It’s really friendly and has a nice atmosphere. We are always learning new stuff and perfecting old techniques. Now I’m on leadership I am picking up stuff even faster. You should come here! Looking forward to my next belt test! - C Jones.

The TAO Academy is an excellent place to train, to meet new people, discover yourself, you become part of something exciting. It gives you a new found confidence, it can open many doors you thought not possible, everybody’s experiences and journeys are very different. You don’t know until you try! You have to keep trying in order to find out what you can do! I’ve now achieved my Black Belt and it feels great, the beginning of a long journey! Why not join today it really is worth it! See you in the dojang! – Jo Duggan.

I have to say that all the things they tell you about Martial Arts...they’re true. I started at The TAO Academy at a difficult point in my life. Training at The TAO Academy gave me the confidence to gather myself together and move on to the next stage. The respect and self control taught here can be and will be useful in a wide variety of situations throughout everyone’s lives. When I first began I found the academy quite daunting but quickly learnt that all is expected is for you to do your best, do it for yourself and help others to reach their potential. Thank you to everyone at The TAO Academy, it is a brilliant facility and I’m sure I wouldn’t be doing what I am without it. Good Luck for the future – Ben Cook.

Well, what can I say about this experience? Martial Arts has always been something I wanted to try without ever actually daring to do it. I was introduced to The TAO Academy by a friend and I never regretted my choice – Everyone I met was extremely friendly, always ready to help. The workout is great, so much so I stopped going to the gym. Shame I couldn’t get to the stage I could do the moves like at the Olympics....anyway, I’ve got nothing negative to say and I would advise anybody to try it. Thanks to everyone, to the Instructors for their help and encouragement – keep going – Daniel Moreira.

I enjoy the cosmopolitan nature of the classes and the structured approch to exercising. When I' having a really bad day at work, the thought of my evening classes cheers me up! - A student.

Jan 08 Happy New Year y’all! I’ve eaten so much during Christmas and New Year’s so now it’s time to keep fit :) It’s been a month since I started fitness kick boxing and all I can confirm is that I’m enjoying every bit of it. I love this place. Keep it up! – Maria Alias