based on 110 reviews
Don is an amazing coach. I could see the difference in my neice's eating habits and also confidence. She's always eager to attend the classes. Don pays attention to all the kids during the session. I would recommend youths who are interested to learn self defense to attend the martial arts laboratory.
Dropped in for a week from out of town. Amazing culture!
"My son has been attending for about a month now, and it has been an amazing experience for him. He has faced challenges in school, but his emotional well-being has significantly improved. This gym feels more like a family than just a business. Coach Don truly cares about the kids as individuals, and my son looks up to him, always excited to see 'COACH!' If you haven't checked out this gym yet, I... More
"My son has been attending for about a month now, and it has been an amazing experience for him. He has faced challenges in school, but his emotional well-being has significantly improved. This gym feels more like a family than just a business. Coach Don truly cares about the kids as individuals, and my son looks up to him, always excited to see 'COACH!' If you haven't checked out this gym yet, I highly recommend giving it a try! Less
Could not recommend this place more! Professor Don really cares about the kids and it shows in his coaching. He treats everyone like it’s a private lesson even though they’re in a group class. Very impressed!
My husband, son and I all train at The Lab and we love it!! We sometimes go to the Princeton location and absolutely love the coaching and instruction from all coaches. Their ability to meet you where you are and help you reach your goals is superb! The atmosphere is great and our only regret was not finding them sooner.
Our whole family trains at The Lab and we could not recommend it enough! The instruction and coaching is amazing at both locations from all the staff. There is so many classes available which is nice when you have three kiddos and want to train multiple times throughout the week! Do not hesitate to give The Lab a try, Don is awesome and so welcoming. Regardless of your previous background JiuJits... More
Our whole family trains at The Lab and we could not recommend it enough! The instruction and coaching is amazing at both locations from all the staff. There is so many classes available which is nice when you have three kiddos and want to train multiple times throughout the week! Do not hesitate to give The Lab a try, Don is awesome and so welcoming. Regardless of your previous background JiuJitsu is truly great and for anyone at any age! Less
Don is very experienced and great with my eight year old son!
Great place for the kids and family. Coach is amazing!!!!!!
Don is absolutely amazing with the kids he teaches. So grateful my grandson has the opportunity to learn from him!
My 4 year old son absolutely loves it here. Coach does such a great job teaching him and is so patient with him. The location is super clean too!
The time I walked in I knew this is the right place for us. They’re welcoming, teaching, how they treat the kids very kindly and professionally. Coach Don with his team are the best I ever seen.
I’ve been training here a little under a year now and I’m in the best shape I’ve been in since my early 20s. Jiujitsu is the ultimate physical and mental challenge, but Coach Don makes it so simple. He’s very supportive, encouraging, and I really appreciate his teaching style. The people I train with have become like extended family. I can’t recommend The Lab enough!
My 11 year old daughter loved the class.
Coach Don is great! My son has been taking Jiu Jitsu with Coach Don for two years and Coach Don has made him so much braver!
Great coaching staff. My kiddos love training here and it is a very welcoming and safe environment.
Upon moving to the McKinney area, we tried gyms in the area and ended up putting roots here at the Lab. Professor Don has definitely built a community that reflects his big heart and love for the sport. Like a big family
My two sons (ages 3 and 7) absolutely love the Lab. My oldest has thrived under the coaching of professor Don! I am continuously blown away by how fast he progresses on a weekly basis. Coach Don has a unique style that really makes his technique and skill stand out. It’s even got me interested in trying out some adult classes! Highly recommend to anyone wanting to try out BJJ!
Hands down the best martial arts studio EVER!! I have a 12 yr old daughter that started with Professor Don in December. She wasn't excited to start something new especially not knowing anyone. He made us feel so welcome!! She absolutely loves her training sessions and it truly makes us feel like we are ONE big family!! Thank you for everything that you do!!
I’ve been training at The Martial Arts Laboratory for almost a year and the people and coaches are the reasons I train almost every day and have progressed so far with BJJ. Don is a great coach and I have learned so much from him. Everyone is like family and makes me feel welcome. If you’re interested in learning BJJ this is the place to train.
What has this place done for my daughter and myself? It brought us into a strong and welcoming community of amazing people. The mentality here isn’t ’crush the new guy/gal’, it’s focused around finding your limits and surpassing them get stronger both physically and mentally. Don has created an environment that welcomes new people and challenges veteran BJJ individuals. The only way to truly expe... More
What has this place done for my daughter and myself? It brought us into a strong and welcoming community of amazing people. The mentality here isn’t ’crush the new guy/gal’, it’s focused around finding your limits and surpassing them get stronger both physically and mentally. Don has created an environment that welcomes new people and challenges veteran BJJ individuals. The only way to truly experience what there is to offer is to come over and give it a try! Less
My little girl started when she was four and has loved going to BJJ classes. She has grown not only in her skills but also as a person. Learning respect for herself and those she trains and competes against. Professor Don is our family now and my now five-year-old and three-year-old love him. If you are looking for a place to grow your child this is it.
Great facility and instructors! Definitely check it out!
Coach Don and the members of the gym do a great of of creating a welcoming environment. Have been training here for a few months and have loved every session.
Don is a top notch coach and all around great guy - he cares about his students and is always welcoming to anyone passing through and stopping in for training. He’s got a great team, years of experience coaching, training, and refereeing, and the Martial Arts Laboratory has a really great atmosphere, I highly recommend if you’re looking for an awesome gym in the McKinney area!
I have never been to an establishment /school/academy/etc like this ever. I signed my kids up here first and then made the switch myself. Let me say this: while it is absolutely great for kids and adults, and the skills are top notch; There is nothing that can compare to this kids program. From the way they are taught to the implementation of the skills in a real setting. The teaching is all ... More
I have never been to an establishment /school/academy/etc like this ever. I signed my kids up here first and then made the switch myself. Let me say this: while it is absolutely great for kids and adults, and the skills are top notch; There is nothing that can compare to this kids program. From the way they are taught to the implementation of the skills in a real setting. The teaching is all very practical, extremely applicable, & understandably realistic for these children. Some come in scared and timid (understandably) and ALL leave with confidence they didnt know they had ! I cannot say enough ! Less
Great coach and challenging, welcoming environment.
Fantastic gym! Professor Turnage is a great instructor.
Never done BJJ before. Coach Don and coach Nicholas are great. Everyone there is super friendly and helpful. I use BJJ as my primary workout a few times a week and it has really helped me to get more fit and even lose some weight in my first few months. I signed the whole family up. Everyone loves it and we are all learning a new skill together.
Great people and great place!
We researched a few different Jiu Jitsu gyms for our son. Don got back to me right away and invited me to the gym to interview HIM! He accommodated our son, and helped him grow dramatically from no experience to feeling confident enough to compete in a matter of months. He is excellent with all kinds of kids! We are so grateful to have found a goldmine in Don and his gym. Highly recommend!
The Martial Arts Clinic has been a fantastic experience for my son! Would recommend this place to anyone looking to get started!
The Martial Arts Laboratory is a fun and exciting place to train for BJJ , striking or wrestling. Professor Don makes sure everyone understands the techniques and feels comfortable. The environment is very family oriented, where you can train with any level of belt . My son , husband , myself and now my daughter all train here and all love it . Come find us on the mats because you will never look... More
The Martial Arts Laboratory is a fun and exciting place to train for BJJ , striking or wrestling. Professor Don makes sure everyone understands the techniques and feels comfortable. The environment is very family oriented, where you can train with any level of belt . My son , husband , myself and now my daughter all train here and all love it . Come find us on the mats because you will never look back ! Less
Brazilian jiu jitsu and striking classes with Don have been humbling and empowering. Don truly cares about your progress as a student, I’ve been to gyms where they’re more concerned about membership renewals, not here! If you want a place to truly learn and build your confidence this is it.
Don is a particularly talented Jiu Jitsu instructor. I've practiced Jiu Jitsu since 2014 and within the community of Jiu Jitsu players, you'll frequently hear Don Turnage's name mentioned in high respect. He's somewhat of a Rainman of Jiu Jitsu. On top of that, he's a very capable teacher and most importantly, he understands the value of running a family friendly safe environment, which is imp... More
Don is a particularly talented Jiu Jitsu instructor. I've practiced Jiu Jitsu since 2014 and within the community of Jiu Jitsu players, you'll frequently hear Don Turnage's name mentioned in high respect. He's somewhat of a Rainman of Jiu Jitsu. On top of that, he's a very capable teacher and most importantly, he understands the value of running a family friendly safe environment, which is important when teaching REAL hand combat skills. I'm pleased to endorse both Don and his gym The Martial Arts Laboratory, both of which I hold in the highest regard. Go check them out. Less
This "Laboratory" is what you make it. You can drop in for a variety of classes to check it out; BJJ, Striking, wrestling. Great family environment from an instructor that has great lineage in the BJJ world. Come take a group or private class from Don. My family has trained in a wide variety of martial arts for many years and "Lab Rats" run one of the most family friendly environments combined wi... More
This "Laboratory" is what you make it. You can drop in for a variety of classes to check it out; BJJ, Striking, wrestling. Great family environment from an instructor that has great lineage in the BJJ world. Come take a group or private class from Don. My family has trained in a wide variety of martial arts for many years and "Lab Rats" run one of the most family friendly environments combined with high competency training. You can come learn to be a world class martial artist or just building up your confidence while loosing a little weight, the Lab has something for everyone. Less
Don is awesome!!
Great place to learn and practice.
The Martial Arts Lab has been a great place for my family to learn, grow, and exercise together. Professor Don provides engaging classes for people of all ages and abilities, and is building a wonderful community here! The Lab is definitely not a belt farm, but focuses on a self-defense first approach. Classes include Gi and No-Gi as well as striking and general fitness. Come check us out!
Don is a great teacher and The Martial Arts Laboratory is a great school! Having trained martial arts for 2 decades I've developed a pretty great radar for weird instructors and shady business practices; I can safely say that I trust this academy and it's leadership so much that nearly my entire family has started training here. Come check it out!
Couldn’t of picked a greater place for my son and daughter to begin learning. Professor Don is great with all the ages !!! Highly recommend at any level!!!!
Friendly and family oriented for those with kids; my son has tried different places and ended up never wanting to go back until he tried The Martial Arts Laboratory. The instructor is very observant and tends to each child and adult accordingly. Highly recommend!
Professor Don is amazing with kids. He is able to study each one of his students and motivate them in the way that fits their individual needs. Amazing patience, talent and heart. We love it here!
Excellent!!
So thankful to have found this BJJ spot for our 6 year old after moving to the area. Coach Don teaches all of the kids classes himself and is amazing. It has been great watching as our son gets better each week.
Stopped in to train, very welcoming and had a lot of fun.
Super nice people and the right vibe for this kind of martial arts
Fundamental technique is taught often and the class structure is always overseen to support all belt and experience levels. If you'd like to engage in a chess-like sport, get in shape, and be part of a meaningful community with wonderful people, then The Martial Arts Laboratory is for you.
The moment I walked in I knew this would be a great place to train at. Great atmosphere and you can tell Professor Turnage has really put in effort to build a culture that is welcoming and helpful. He takes his time with new people so you don’t feel lost from the moment you get on the mats. Everyone is learning combat skills but can still smile and have fun. Very up front about costs without hidd... More
The moment I walked in I knew this would be a great place to train at. Great atmosphere and you can tell Professor Turnage has really put in effort to build a culture that is welcoming and helpful. He takes his time with new people so you don’t feel lost from the moment you get on the mats. Everyone is learning combat skills but can still smile and have fun. Very up front about costs without hidden fees or contracts and will answer any question without hesitation. Less
Amazing environment to train, and learn. No matter your experience level, Coach Don makes sure you feel part of his family.
Great class Great people.
Instructors know what they’re doing. They create an atmosphere that encourages personal growth and push everyone to be better. Couldn’t recommend a better place to train.
This place is a family accepting of everyone. If your looking to grow in a new way while getting healthier the Lab has been great and BJJ is any speed you want it to be. Started bringing my kids and we all fell I love. Come try a few free classes make sure your a fit.
Excellent coaching and great people.
I was looking for a gym to get back into the hobby after 15 years of not doing any jitsu/rolling. I found the M.A. Lab on google and I’m so glad I did. Don is a phenomenal teacher and the environment he has created is what I was looking for. If your looking for a place to grow as a martial artist and for the training to be customized to your game. This is the place to be! I found my BJJ home.
This place is great! Family oriented, feels like home. My son is learning so much and is always excited to go to go class. Not to mention the adult classes are killer and give you a great workout! Would recommend to anyone of any age!
A fantastic BJJ gym to go to - Don is the head coach and super knowledgeable of grappling, catch wrestling, good mix of belts for training and shows a lot of great tips and tricks for subs, regularly has competitive partners as well that bring in what they have picked up from competitions. Really good to at picking out your strengths and maximizing your skill set. Love it, highly recommend for s... More
A fantastic BJJ gym to go to - Don is the head coach and super knowledgeable of grappling, catch wrestling, good mix of belts for training and shows a lot of great tips and tricks for subs, regularly has competitive partners as well that bring in what they have picked up from competitions. Really good to at picking out your strengths and maximizing your skill set. Love it, highly recommend for self defense and better training for bjj ! Less
I've been training under Don for ~3 years now. I've medaled at Jiu-Jitsu competitions using what he taught me. Don's goal isn't to make everyone meet the same standard, he analyzes each individual student and custom tailors techniques that accentuate their attributes. Additionally he takes great care in cultivating a healthy, safe, and productive gym environment. I look forward to class every day... More
I've been training under Don for ~3 years now. I've medaled at Jiu-Jitsu competitions using what he taught me. Don's goal isn't to make everyone meet the same standard, he analyzes each individual student and custom tailors techniques that accentuate their attributes. Additionally he takes great care in cultivating a healthy, safe, and productive gym environment. I look forward to class every day at his gym. Less
This gym has become a second home to me, and the members, family. I can count on an incredible work out, balanced with technique and cardio. Professor Don Turnage is an incredible instructor and He truly puts his all into customizing his teaching to his students, and cares about each individual student dearly. I have trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu elsewhere, and none can compare to the passion, auth... More
This gym has become a second home to me, and the members, family. I can count on an incredible work out, balanced with technique and cardio. Professor Don Turnage is an incredible instructor and He truly puts his all into customizing his teaching to his students, and cares about each individual student dearly. I have trained Brazilian Jiu Jitsu elsewhere, and none can compare to the passion, authenticity and comfort that this gym resonates. Less
We love the family atmosphere here! Abbigail felt at home from the first day and her skill set has improved tremendously!
I've been training at the Lab for a couple years. Don has taken great care to ensure the culture in his gym is healthy and it shows. He excels at the ever increasingly rare skill of "personal development" wherein he coaxes out each individual's highest potential, observing each student and developing a custom tailored set of goals and expectations based on that person's physicality. Don will ma... More
I've been training at the Lab for a couple years. Don has taken great care to ensure the culture in his gym is healthy and it shows. He excels at the ever increasingly rare skill of "personal development" wherein he coaxes out each individual's highest potential, observing each student and developing a custom tailored set of goals and expectations based on that person's physicality. Don will make you the best YOU you can be. Less
Whether you are looking to compete in MMA or BJJ or to learn self-defense the Lab is for you. Professor Don has built a community of students that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds and ages. My whole family trains there(wife and 2 boys) and love being able to do so in a family-centered environment. Just make sure to leave your ego at the door!
I've been coming to this school for almost a year and it's been a great experience. Great coaching and a great group of people to train with. This is a true martial arts school. A great place for beginners (me) to learn and for experienced martial artists to continue their training.
Great people and great training. Don Turnage has created something truly amazing in the Martial Arts Laboratory. The atmosphere is very welcoming and the training is effective and innovative.
Amazing Academy. People welcome you with open arms. Professor Turnage has a lot of knowledge to offer his students.
Coach Don and the other members all make you feel welcome and like family from day one. I came in with no former training or background in fighting and now through three sessions I am developing and learning very quickly. No shortage of knowledge and skill that Coach and other members are more than happy to pass on. Can not recommend this gym enough.
Don's the best coach in dfw.
Love this place, Don Turnage has created a friendly and inviting atmosphere to train BJJ and MMA. His techniques and approach is based on real world self defense and combining multiple martial arts (that's where the name comes from). Using what works and importantly what works for you as an individual. Thank you Don Turnage!
Great for kids and adults. Don’s bag of tricks works well.
Coach Turnage is an experienced and personable teacher. His teaching method reflects his deep knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and his one-on-one care for each student reflects his ability to teach and mentor. The Martial Arts Laboratory is all together excellent.
This is an amazing gym with an extremely highly qualified coach. I’ve been to a few other schools but Coach Don and his students have made this feel like home very quickly. I’m exited to have my kids start training once they are old enough.
Our 8 year old son started Brazilian jiu jitsu with Professor Don about 2 months ago. He absolutely loves it. Don is super supportive and my son’s confidence is improving SO much! His focus has improved and he really pays attention and wants to do his best. I can’t believe how much he has learned already and his althletic endurance has also improved. We are so thankful we found Martial Arts Labor... More
Our 8 year old son started Brazilian jiu jitsu with Professor Don about 2 months ago. He absolutely loves it. Don is super supportive and my son’s confidence is improving SO much! His focus has improved and he really pays attention and wants to do his best. I can’t believe how much he has learned already and his althletic endurance has also improved. We are so thankful we found Martial Arts Laboratory and would recommend it to anyone! Less
Best bjj program in the area. I have trained at 4 different schools and all were great but Don is a great instructor and truly makes everyone feel welcome. Kids and adults alike will love training here and the pricing is perfect too.
Great positive training atmosphere!
I had wanted to join a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym for years but was hesitant to go for it. However, finally at the age of 28 with no martial arts experience I decided to try a free trial class at The Martial Arts Laboratory. Now I find myself looking forward to each class I attend. (3 nights a week) Professor Don Turnage (a black belt under Carlos Machado) creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosph... More
I had wanted to join a Brazilian jiu-jitsu gym for years but was hesitant to go for it. However, finally at the age of 28 with no martial arts experience I decided to try a free trial class at The Martial Arts Laboratory. Now I find myself looking forward to each class I attend. (3 nights a week) Professor Don Turnage (a black belt under Carlos Machado) creates a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for all of his students. If you’re interested in training Jiu-Jitsu under a lineage you can be proud of The Martial Arts Laboratory is for you. Less
Nice smaller gym with cool and fun people. Owner is a real welcoming guy and I got in a open mat roll session with some old and new friends. Check this place out.
This place has felt like home to us since our very first class! Both of my children have learned SO much from Master Don! They look forward to every class and are ready for the next class before they even leave! It has taught them so much! Needless to say WE LOVE THE MARTIAL ARTS LAB!!
Awesome professor, that is very detailed and explains well. Makes it fun for all ages. Clean fun family atmosphere with high level training.
I just need to send a big Thank You to Don Turnage and his facility The Martial Arts Factory! He is an amazing teacher and coach! If you are interested in Martial Arts or MMA reach out to this man!
I’ve been at this gym for about a month, doing the fitness class. The owner is very helpful and encouraging and has changed my body! The people are great and it is a family atmosphere. Try it!
Great family atmosphere, awesome instructor,my kids love it there!
I started training at The Martial Arts Laboratory soon after they opened. I had never been involved in any form of martial arts, and I honestly expected my ignorance to be met with condescension and humiliation. I literally knew nothing about BJJ, and was picturing that my first few classes would somehow end up involving me getting head kicked by a 10 year old (which should show how little I un... More
I started training at The Martial Arts Laboratory soon after they opened. I had never been involved in any form of martial arts, and I honestly expected my ignorance to be met with condescension and humiliation. I literally knew nothing about BJJ, and was picturing that my first few classes would somehow end up involving me getting head kicked by a 10 year old (which should show how little I understood what I was signing up for). For background on my situation: I was 35 at the time, and had spent the prior 15 years overtaxing my body with stress, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle. I was one of the last people that should have been setting foot in a place like this. But what I found was shocking: I found an instructor that understood where I was, and was willing to help me move forward: everything from diet, to what training schedule would be optimal for my goals. And rather than teaching a standard format, Professor Turnage teaches to my strengths, while also working with me to overcome my weaknesses. Rather than condescension, I found a place where the entire focus is to help make everyone better in their own unique way. Professor Don Turnage is a unique teacher. He recognizes that BJJ is an evolving craft, and he is constantly refining techniques, both offensive and defensive, to not only train us to be better competitors, but to enable us to also have real world skills that apply off the mat. Yes, this is a martial art that has a PRACTICAL application in the real world. If you are in the area and are looking for a new way to get in shape (after all, do you really want to simply be good at “exercising”), you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the free first class. You won’t regret it. Less
Don's the best instructor you can find! He's great with kids, keeps classes constantly interesting, and best of all, his techniques really work. This place feels like family.
Don and the other instructors are fantastic with adults and kids alike! Great and inviting environment with zero ego, which is a theme here. Feels like a family, not a business, which is the way martial arts should be.
Cutting edge Jiu Jitsu from an awesome instructor. Coach Don has a natural ability to blossom your existing skills and bring you to the next level! If you're looking for a top-notch place to train, look no further.
The Martial Arts Laboratory is a great school where the instructor has everything figured out and has a strong unending desire to make sure his students get a great beneficial and practical workout in a friendly family environment. Don Turnage has been active in the arts for many years as a referee in small local BJJ tournaments up to the professional world wide level of MMA. He freely shares his... More
The Martial Arts Laboratory is a great school where the instructor has everything figured out and has a strong unending desire to make sure his students get a great beneficial and practical workout in a friendly family environment. Don Turnage has been active in the arts for many years as a referee in small local BJJ tournaments up to the professional world wide level of MMA. He freely shares his great depth of refined, no-nonsense techniques from multiple arts to everyone that steps on the mat. Don teaches with great humility and a great sense of humor. He teaches techniques that are simple and effective and work in both sport (GI and noGI) and self defense scenarios. Plus, you can't do better than have an affiliation with the great Carlos Machado in the North Texas area. Come see for yourself. Less
I've been coming here for about a month after taking a long break from jiu jitsu. I feel like I learn something new every time! The family-like atmosphere gives me a feeling of comfort as a woman in a male dominated sport. There's a good mix of men, women, kids, as well as upper and lower level belts. Everyone has been really nice and helpful. For the first time ever, I actually look forward to c... More
I've been coming here for about a month after taking a long break from jiu jitsu. I feel like I learn something new every time! The family-like atmosphere gives me a feeling of comfort as a woman in a male dominated sport. There's a good mix of men, women, kids, as well as upper and lower level belts. Everyone has been really nice and helpful. For the first time ever, I actually look forward to coming to jiu jitsu! Less
Awesome instructor and ego-free environment! Whether you are just starting your BJJ journey or looking for a new home, this is the place for you and your family!
My son has learned a lot and continues to learn from what he is being taught. Great atmosphere, great professor.
World-class instructor, instruction, and facility! The knowledge and dedication given to members is incredible.
Don is a great professor with loads of experience. Train with him!
great atmosphere, great training partners and one great head instructor.
Great place to train! Real laid back, no egos. My son and I are coming back to grappling after about 3 years off and found this place to be incredibly inviting. If you are looking to get in better shape and learn a mix of martial arts that actually work in real life this is the place to be. The culture is great, I can not recommend it enough.
This gym is great. If you want a great cardio and Jujitsu experience this is the gym to attend. The atmosphere is positive instructor is there for you to make sure you have a great experience. I definitely recommend this gym to anyone looking to get into jujitsu for the first time or that is coming back into it after a long break from it. Come check this place out you will love it.