MILLENNIUM ACADEMY

as I was looking at the few negative comments and the one comment about all the positive comments, I decided to write one too! I guess no-one is perfect... but this school is definitely close enough for me and my family! we just moved here from the east coast. we've done martial arts as a family for a few years. obviously, the kids didn't want to leave their friends behind and especially their old karate school. after visiting Master Butler and his school (Millennium Academy), we tried a class and signed up pretty much after our first class! the kids loved him and I think he's one of the BEST teachers I have ever seen. gentle and kind but firm and serious. it's great fun but the way he teaches is honest and direct. I can't explain it. you have to come in for yourselves!!! good location, good pricing. BEST decision we've made and I even got in class too for my personal fitness need PLUS I now get to spend time with the kids! great FAMILY activity! we're SOLD! thank you SIR! more

I've been going to this school since April 2006. As a kid I was never into sports (much more of a bookworm), so I was pretty nervous about walking into something like this as an adult. 6.5 years later and I'm a 1st degree black belt and I teach at the school. As a previous reviewer mentioned, there are probably a lot of these reviewers who help at the school in some way, or since leaving these reviews have been with us long enough now that they are black belts and are starting to help at the school. But here's what that person doesn't point out: we volunteer. We are not employed, therefore no one is paying us to leave positive reviews. In fact, we are still students (a.k.a. ""customers""). We leave positive reviews and assist at the school because that is part of the martial arts way and the family atmosphere that Master Butler has created at Millennium. The higher ranks helped support us when we were nervous newbies. So now that we are higher ranks, we see that person walk in for the first time and think, ""Boy, I know how that person is feeling"", and we want to help. Yes, we are enthusiastic, but it's genuine. Martial arts has been a huge and positive force in my life and I'm excited for others to have that same thing. A previous reviewer asked for us to ""dish out some dirt"". Here's the best I can come up with: martial arts is a challenge. There have been plenty of times as a colored belt that I thought to myself, ""I can't do this."" ""This is too hard."" Even, ""I must be crazy!"" But time and again I found that if I worked hard and didn't let myself quit because of doubt and fear, I COULD do whatever it was. There is no greater feeling than realizing you are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for. But it is hard, you will sweat, you will be sore the next day, and you will be expected to push yourself (within your physical limits). Not everyone will be persistent (or in my case, stubborn) enough to stick with it. It is not one of those pay-for-your-belt schools. You will be expected to earn your rank. But if you have that determination in you, you can do it regardless of age or weight or whether or not you are a jock (or bookworm!). The reason I wanted to start martial arts in the first place was because I knew if I started a gym membership I would never go and would be paying monthly for nothing. I thought martial arts sounded interesting and that would help keep me going. And I liked the idea that in addition to exercise I would also be learning self-defense. Did I get what I came for? Absolutely. Before I had my baby there were some weeks that I was going in 4-5 days a week, learning hapkido, TKD, and tai chi. I could go as often as I wanted and my monthly rate did not increase. So I was definitely interested enough to keep going. And fortunately I've never been tested on this, but I'm pretty sure if anyone ever pegged me for a likely victim and jumped me in a parking lot sometime, that person would be in for quite a surprise. To sum up, Master Butler KNOWS martial arts. Lots of different kinds. He's a natural teacher. He expects the black belt teachers to know their stuff and teach it appropriately to the age and rank levels. There are really good people there. We love our school and are proud of it. more

OK guys most of the reviews here are pretty positive...but seriously! It now seems that you all are coerced in writing such egregiously positive review. And the rebuttals? Be honest now and give out some constructive cons with this establishment. I am new in the KC area and have been a black belt in WTF TKD for 4 years now, and I want to continue my training here in KC. I almost bought in to all of your seemingly identical positive review of this school...So be honest and dish out some dirt. This school can't be as perfect as you sheeps are portraying. more

These guys know marshall arts. I am really impressed and glad I found them. Me and my kids now train with Master Butler and Mr. Moore. My wife was impresed with the rate when I came home with the contract. Since it was so good, she expeceted a higher price. If you want a good school, dont worry about looking anywhere else. We checked out about 5 or 6 other schools before we found Millenium academy. We found the perfect school. Thank you Master Butler. Pros: rates, service, clean, instruction more

Ok, I just have to add my review here! I LOVE Millennium Academy and Master Mike! Since joining this school a few months back I have lost weight, gained tons of confidence, and have made some great friends! Master Mike teaches great classes that leave you sweating and smiling! You can tell he really cares about his students and his martial arts and he tries hard to accommodate everyone. I know sometimes people have complained about the occasion schedule change, but come on! If the schedule changes it is rarely and only by maybe 15 min! I would rather have the schedule change a little to allow for more classes with less people in each class. Bottom line: If you are looking for a caring, serious, but supportive martial art school you HAVE to come to Millennium!!! Pros: great instructors, huge space, awesome! Cons: Wish I could make my schedule work to go to more classes!! more

in response to comment posted by ""thinkaboutit"". everyone has a right to their opinion. actually we feel sorry that your husband lost his job... we hope things look up for your family. we appreciate your 6 months with the program and please remember we tried to offer you a way out, but unfortunately you seemed a little too stressed out to really listen to what we were offering you and you refused our offer. We sympathize with other people's finances, but please try to understand that we also can NOT just simply cancel a contract (which are our only means of income) and allow you to make your problems, ""our problems"" too. === please understand and we hope it all works out for you guys! bless you and be well. oh, and as far as the 'sucking the wallet dry', yes the initial start up fees ""can"" be high, but this person was NOT forced to buy ALL the sparring gear in her first month, she chose to do that because we had a sale and she got a 40% OFF discount price. I am sorry your kids wanted to quit === yes we started a new program, the Little Ninjas and yes, we have had a few changes while trying to work out the kinks... so consistency may be a problem with that ONE program, but that's why the class is only $60 per month (50% OFF most schools for that same kids program) === I am sorry you feel anger at us but we can still work it out if you are interested, but a contract is a contract and we are honoring our part of the agreement as promised. I think cell phones, car payments, house payments, utilities and credit cards have penalties for early termination too... it's not fair that you speak poorly of us === I am a normal guy who is only trying to do right and fair to people. we have over 350 students and 3 locations who love what we are doing === I have no more comments whatsoever about this issue. I have said what I had to share my side. good luck at your next school. Pros: at least we get a Pro on our instructors, thanks! Cons: only one side of the story... more

I would have to agree with what a joke. Be prepared to have your wallet sucked dry, it is kinda like going to a used car lot...........""but wait there's more"". Master Butler's credentials change on a weekly basis, check it out on the wayback machine on archiveorg Pros: The intrstuctors are great Cons: price, schedule and consistency more

I have been under Master Butler's instruction for almost ten years now, and I am very pleased. The instruction is top quality, and the people very friendly. I am four-teen years old and have had the luxry of being involved in such a great life activity being taught with such great instruction for most of my life. I enjoy the art itself as well as great physical fitness and the growth as a person by means of setting goals in my life as well as in training. Tae-Kwon-Do and Master Butler's instruction has helped me in the area's of my life such as physical health, growth as a person, self-defense, acountability, and pride in my work, as well as many others. Overall, I am very pleased with the school itself as well as Master Butler's instruction. Pros: Instructon, and service is excellent. more

Great location, great classes, great instuctors, great class times! I've been going over my lunch break now for several months and what a way to break up the day. Instead of bellying up to the table for lunch now, I'm getting great workouts in twice a week and learning a ton about martial arts, focus, direction, etc. I've already lost almost 10 pounds and have gained significant strength since starting. Pros: Location, instruction, convenient parking, good atmosphere more

I have been taking classes at MMAA for 2 years and if I could describe the classes, instructors and Master Butler in one word, it would be ""Unbeatable"". I own a few businesses and I was looking for something to get a great workout, but also give me some goals and help satisfy my competitive spirt. I found it with Master Mike and my new family at Millennium! Master Butler cares about his students and wants them to succeed not only in martial arts but also in life. I was amazed at how diverse all the students were when I first attended class. And I can tell you from experience, it's hard to accommodate everyone, but Master Butler and his staff do very well. I am impressed with the attention to detail and the respect of all the students for the art as well as the staff. I have grown as a student, a manager, and a person since I joined the Millennium family and I would not trade my training nights for anything! more

I am proud to be a part of Millennium Martial Arts Academy. I attend the Tae Kwon Do and Hapkido classes and have received nothing but superior training. Since I started a year ago, I have improved my strength, flexibility, speed, and endurance. I look forward to every class and enjoy the atmosphere of friendliness and respect among everyone at Millennium. Master Butler and staff are always courteous, professional, and eager to teach. I am excited about my future with this academy and have told many of my friends and relatives about it, including my wife who will soon be attending. If you are interested in learning Martial Arts, I urge you to give Millennium Martial Arts Academy a try. You will not be disappointed! Pros: Quality Martial Arts instruction, excellent facility more

I have been going to MMAA since october of 2008 with my five children. Not only do I feel better physically then I have since I was 17 but mentally as well. Im 32 years old and most adults by that age don't learn alot unless the are going to college. I learn something new with every class. My children are getting better grades since starting then they ever have. They also show respect towards others and have grown by leaps and bounds in the attitude department. And their self esteme is outstanding. It was like a emotional make over for my little ones. We have instructors that moved here to Kansas City MO because this is the best martial arts school in the midwest. I promiss you that you will not be disappointed in any means with MMAA. I am proud to say that I am a member of a place as special as this and believe that this was one of my best investments into my familys future that I could of made. If you have any issues that you believe that would prevent you for becoming part of our family at Millennium just talk to master mike and he will find away just like he did with our family. Don't let anyone tell you that your family is not worth the very best and that is what MMAA is .... The best martial arts school in the midwest. Just ask any of the members and they will tell you. Pros: Everything Cons: I wish I would of known about it sooner. more

I am a student of Master Mike Butler of Millenium Martial Arts Academy in his Silver Samauri program for over 50 adults. Currently I am hold the rank of orange belt. I am 63 years old and have never been athletic until this year. This last weekend my daughter's boyfriend did not believe that I was really becoming adept at tae kwan do. He proceeded to put me in a wrestling hold that he had seen on the ultimate fighting match on t.v.. He said "" Now you are helpless. You can't do anything."" I immediately used a twist and torque technique on his arm, and seeing that his knee was exposed, knocked his knee out from under him. I put him on the floor! He is much younger than me and a builder, so he was surprised, to say the least. My daughter told him that she was going to tell everyone that her 63 year old mother put him on the ground. He was a good sport about it in the end, and I was careful not to really hurt him. Thanks to Master Mike for making a senior citizen feel like a kid again! more

""You can't please all the people all the time."" Bill Cosby Pros: Staff is always listening to parents/members and trying to be accomodating Cons: doesn't cancel contracts arbitrarily on client's whim... more

Master Mike is a good instructor, but has no people skills. He rarely teaches, instead its some kids who have no idea what their doing. That makes me feel good about leaving me kids safety in their hands. Then, you have the school trying to nickel and dime you everytime you turn around. Every month there's some new ""fee"". There's no communication with parents. If you question something, your told it was on the website. Not everyone has access to the website and has time to check the site every day. If you question Master Mike on something, he is rude, disrespectful and unprofessional. Defiently not how to run a business and I will be SURE to let all the parents I know now and in the future know our experiences with this school. more

My son started at MMA A the first day of school and my daughter and I started the following month. It is a GREAT family activity! Pros: More respectful children, better physical fitness and increased self confidence Cons: None! more

Finally! An incredible martial arts program designed specifically for us 50+ persons! This has been such an adventure for me! I am a 52 year young female, & the Silver Samurai program has been awesome! We practice a traditional martial arts program which is designed with older joints, disabilities & weight in mind. Taekwondo, Tai Chi, hoshinsool-we do it all! Master Butler's programs have allowed persons of my age to achieve true harmony & balance in our lives, with a modified regime that is rich in culture & steeped in tradition! We practice taekwondo poomse (forms), the slow & graceful, yet strengthening & energizing moves of Tai Chi, practical self-defense in the form of hoshinsool, awesome board breaking techniques utilizing the strikes & kicks that we have been taught, & basic weapons training in nunchaku, sword & bo staff! And, this adventure leads to an incredible accomplishment of a black belt! Master Butler has created a program that not only gently strengthens, tones & creates a newfound flexibility in the aging physical body, but the way of life that is a result of martial arts training also strengthens, tones & creates flexibility within the mind with new challenges, enabling us to take & retain control of our lives with new gusto & a joie de vivre! I have personally lost 25 pounds in the one year that I have been in Silver Samurai, & my flexibility with a bad hip has seen a range of motion that I never thought I would regain. As most aging adults, I had a host of minor physical ailments that, with the Silver Samurai program, have pretty much disappeared. I never felt this good or this strong, even when I was 18! And, the best part is that you train with other wonderful, like-minded adults & a talented & extremely skilled black belt staff in the school who simply want to see you earn that black belt! Black belt is a goal worth earning, even over the age of 50! more

I am 59 years old and have been under Master Mike's instruction for about a year. His unique Silver Samurai program for 50+ers opens up martial arts to almost everybody. Some of the more rigorous exercise and sparring required of younger students are modified for us who are not so agile and limber as we used to be (though anyone is free to try their best with Family group instruction under the Master's guidance). We train vigorously in forms, board breaking, and Tai Chi, and can also take instruction in weapons proficiency including bo staff, nunchuks, and sword (awesome!). Master Mike teaches proper martial arts etiquette and philosophy, and his goal is not just to guide you to a black belt, but to create in you a true martial artist. He even presents programs periodically in Korean language and calligraphy, and other aspects of Korean culture. He expects focus and effort in his program, but also insists that you have fun, and indeed I have. I have pushed myself farther than I thought I could at Millenium, and I (we) have found Tae Kwon Do under Master Mike to be a lifestyle. I plan on doing this for a long time to come. To all 50+ers who have thought they might want to try a martial arts education...Millenium Academy is the place to be. Give Master Mike a call! Pros: The camaraderie and energy in this academy! Cons: None that I can think of. more

My children have been going to Millennium for over a year now. Pros: Hours, Instructors, Price, excellent children's program more

I began receiving training from Master Mike many years ago. The training has evolved tremendously over the years into many lessons in life. Master Mike is a unique individual who truly cares about every student. There have been times in my life I was looking for direction and every time I can relate my decision or direction change back to something Master Mike has said or taught me. The training and teaching I have received truly transcends the physical into mental and spiritual. Master Mike and his staff always have an answer to any of my questions and treat every question as an important one. I would recommend Master Mike?s school to anyone looking to even ?try? martial arts. Everyone will find a home at Millennium as I have. Pros: Character Development, Respect, Tradition, Instructors Cons: Nothing I can think of more