Dojo Body Mind

I came into Dojo on a Groupon, and trained with Brandon/​Martial arts expert/​Kung Fu/​Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master for several weeks. The studio is located in Noda, a few blocks away from the new Harris Teeter.
I was very impressed with Brandon’s teaching style/​method, the classes, his overall outlook, and positive-​centered approach to training.
The cool thing about Brandon is that he can either plan a regimented routine, or make up an impromptu session without a lot of forethought. I came in with a group of friends, giving Brandon only a few days notice, and he was able to execute a training session with us, as beginners, and his other, advanced practice students in the same class.
He also keeps you motivated and driven, without being stern or harsh. He has a very easygoing. pleasant nature, and in spite of his advanced background, he teaches on a fundamental basis for those who are new to these types of activities. I felt challenged with each class, but not overly so. And I felt that I became better conditioned during the weeks that I trained here.
They play a nice eclectic mix of music, which enhances the workout.
It does get hot in the studio in the summer, because the a/​c is either not working, or is not going full force, but this unpleasantry can be avoided if you go in the fall, when it is not hot outside.
There is not a lot of parking, but we were not affected, as the class size was fairly small, and not a lot of people were there during our sessions, but parking could be a problem if the class sizes increase.
If you can catch him during a class when his son (who is 2 or so) in the studio with Mom, you’ll get the added bonus of watching Brandon do some backflips/​mid-​air flip jumps, and handstands, which he is apparently teaching to his son!

A seminal place to train, workout, or learn something new is Dojo Body Mind in the Plaza Midwood area! Excellent classes for the novice or the experienced in kick boxing and martial arts!

All martial arts gyms are not created equal. Having been to others around town, I have to say that Dojo Body Mind is the cream of the crop. Located in one of Charlotte’s hippest neighborhoods: Plaza-​Midwood, this is indeed an inspiring place to train. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Capoeira, and strength and conditioning classes are offered in this clean, well-​maintained, no BS gym.
Owner and Black Belt, Brandon Powell brings an extremely high level of experience and dedication to his craft that shows through his expert teaching. No matter what your level of experience, Brandon will encourage you to reach for the next level with fun and challenging work-​outs.
If you are looking for a truly authentic training experience, look no further. Brandon and Dojo Body Mind will inspire you to dig deep and to finish strong.

This is THE place to train jiu-​jitsu and muay thai (kickboxing) in Charlotte. Dojo offers classes for beginners and experienced people alike. Brandon Powell offers a straight forward, no nonsense approach to martial arts. The environment is very friendly, uninimidating, and easy for folks of all skill levels to come in and train.
In my opinion there is no better way to get in shape than to train martial arts. The classes that are offered at Dojo allow you to piece together the types of workouts that you want to meet your goals. If your main goal is to get (back) in shape then there are great cardio and strength classes. If you goal is to increase your flexibility and stamina then try out a jiu-​jitsu class. If you are experienced in jiu-​jitsu/​kickboxing and want to fine tune your skills then Dojo is for you as well.
Brandon is one of only a few Black Belt jiu-​jitsu instructors that teach in the Charlotte area. He also has a background in personal training so you get a very well rounded workout. If you want to rapidly increase your jiu-​jitsu aptitude and have a steady flow of new techniques added to your toolbox then Dojo is the place for you.
The mats/​facilities are clean, the techniques/​instruction are solid, and the instructor is very approachable and loves the art. You really can’t ask for anything more in a martial arts school. Come on in and give it a try… see you on the mats.