I have reviewed FTF Charlotte before, but I cannot say enough good things about this place. First, the people. I don't care if you're curious about the students, instructors, or the folks who run the place, they are all fantastic. The people behind the counter and keeping the place clean are super-friendly, helpful, and simply pleasant to talk to. You can chat with them on day one, and it's like you're talking to an old friend. The instructors are incredibly skilled, competent, invested, and personable. They CARE about your training!! This place is not a "belt factory". They ensure that you know what you're doing, because they understand that if you need to use your training, it is your life that is on the line... and their goal is to give you every tool, technique, and opportunity to leave a bad situation with yours. Then, there are the students. At FTF Charlotte, you are going to see and work with people from all walks of life, and they will be some of the nicest, hardest working, most motivated people you will meet. They are all there to work hard and learn... just like you. They will motivate you. They will entertain you. Most importantly, they will help you get better, just as you will help them.
Now, let's talk offerings... FTF Charlotte has one of the best lineups for fitness AND self-defense that I have ever seen. Full disclosure, I don't claim to be an expert in any self-defense system (yet), but I have trained in boxing, jujitsu, and American style karate in the past. With that said, I think FTF Charlotte has chosen the most practical forms of martial arts to teach for REAL WORLD situations. Krav Maga, Brazilian jujitsu, and Judo are highly effective systems for saving your own butt!! Couple these with the various fitness classes offered to help augment your technical training with more practice and fitness, and you can "go the distance" and outlast your opponent... assuming the attacker can hold up to the level hurt you bring them for making the mistake of attacking you! :-)
In a nutshell, there aren't enough positive words in the English language to properly express how great this place is. In my opinion, if you give them a try, you can't help but love the place, people, and training. Out of five stars, I give FTF Charlotte TWELVE!!