2026-06-18T18:17:42.893Z

Our family absolutely loves The Martial Arts Laboratory! While I don’t personally train, my husband and son do, and The Martial Arts Lab has truly become like part of our family.Since joining, our son has come out of his shell tremendously. We’ve watched his confidence grow week after week, and he genuinely looks forward to every class. One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is how comfortable he has become with physical interaction and controlled roughhousing during training. Learning alongside other students has helped him build confidence, teamwork skills, and a healthy understanding of physical contact in a safe and respectful environment.He’s also learned how to focus, listen, and apply techniques correctly. We appreciate that he’s gaining practical self-defense skills while developing discipline, respect, and self-control.What truly sets this school apart is Professor Don. He takes the time to focus on each individual child and meets them where they are. Every child learns differently, and he does an amazing job encouraging growth at their own pace. We love that the emphasis isn’t on chasing belts, learning submissions just to win, or being better than everyone else. Instead, Professor Don encourages the kids to become the best version of themselves. The focus is on personal growth, character, confidence, and continuous improvement rather than competition.Beyond the training, we’ve built lifelong friendships through The Martial Arts Lab. We have met so many wonderful families and have had the joy of watching our families grow together. Professor Don has been a part of our family’s jujitsu and life journey since I was expecting our second child, and my husband joined back in early 2023! And now, we have three little ones, with our second child getting ready to start rolling soon!If we could, our son would be at the gym every single day, and honestly, we wouldn’t want it any other way. The Martial Arts Lab has given our family so much more than martial arts it has provided a supportive community, incredible mentors, and friendships that we truly cherish. We are so grateful to be part of this amazing family.

2026-04-02T23:11:49.157Z

Hey Coach Don,I want to thank you for letting me join your Dojo for just a month. Being I live out of state.Your dojo is outstanding the staff the students are impressive. As a 56 year old man with zero experience I was terrified joining, and now I feel like I’m part of a family. Everyone including the students is so willing to help teach and guide me. I plan on returning to train with you all when I return for my turn to help my mother with dementia this fall.May God bless your business and protect you the staff and all the students from any type of injuries.Best regards,Luca

2026-03-13T22:43:23.885Z

2026-03-04T16:25:45.326Z

The Martial Arts Lab has been such a great experience for my son. He’s learned so many important life skills and truly looks forward to every class. Professor Don not only helps the kids improve their skills, but also instills hard work and confidence in each of them.

2026-03-04T00:00:26.678Z

As I write this I know I’m giving away our little hidden gem of a gym. We were referred to The Lab by friends who have been going there for years. Coach Don called me on the phone and we had a great conversation about our 3 kids ages 4.5, 8 & 10 (2 boys, 1 girl). We were brand new to BJJ and now we come 4-5 nights a week! To our kids It’s the highlight of their day. Our whole family loves it and my husband plans to join now! The coaches are amazing at the McKinney and Princeton location. They are SO good with all of the kids. This is not a belt promotion factory which I appreciate very much. The kids are taught to have good attitudes, be humble and keep your ego at the door! They take the time to really poor into each child, learning their names & abilities. If you or your child are interested at all in giving BJJ a try I HIGHLY recommend The Martial Arts Laboratory! I can’t say enough good things about coach Don, the rest of the coaching staff and the families we spend our evenings with all week!

2026-02-25T15:11:47.766Z

I can't say enough good things about The Lab! Coach Don is a phenomenal coach. Our 7 yo son has been attending for a little over 6 months. His growth has been nothing short of spectacular! I highly recommend giving it a try. You won't be disappointed.

2026-02-25T03:42:25.312Z

I’ve been training at The Martial Arts Laboratory, and it’s been an amazing experience. The level of instruction is top-tier, and the atmosphere is both challenging and welcoming at the same time.Both the grappling and striking programs are high quality and well organized. The striking training focuses on proper technique, footwork, defense, timing, and conditioning. The drills, pad work, and controlled sparring really sharpen your skills and build confidence. Every class pushes you to get better while still keeping things safe and technical.One of the best parts of training here is working with the upper belts. They’re skilled, experienced, and always willing to help. Training with them pushes you to improve, and they take the time to share details and small adjustments that make a big difference. There’s no ego — just mentorship and tough, realistic rounds that elevate your game.Professor Don, the owner, is a great coach. He’s kind, patient, and truly cares about his students’ progress. He breaks down techniques clearly and creates an environment where everyone can improve, no matter their experience level.The culture here is what really stands out. Everyone supports each other, and the environment feels like a family. It’s a place where you can train hard, learn real self-defense, and build strong discipline.If you’re looking for high-quality martial arts training in both grappling and striking with a great community, The Martial Arts Laboratory is the place to be.

2025-11-24T20:30:16.213Z

2025-06-13T01:50:07.370Z

We love Professor Don and Martial Arts Lab! Wonderful people, connection and opportunity for growth in my boys!

2025-04-28T21:53:14.849Z

The best decision I made this year was calling Don and joining the gym. I looked around for months until I finally pulled the trigger.This was exactly the community I was looking for. It’s not your typical franchise gym. It’s a gym that actually cares about its students.If you are scared or nervous to try it out don’t be. Your first day you will realize how great everyone is no matter their belt or experience.I was always worried that people wouldn’t want to roll with me because I was new. Quickly realized that was the opposite. People are constantly asking you if you want to partner up. Not only do you get coaching from Don, Nick, or Nathan but also the students.It’s more than a gym it’s a family. I started in January and got addicted fast, I just competed in my first competition.If you read this far just call Don and come join

2025-04-18T21:04:54.556Z

Great place! My daughters have been attending for three years and it has been a great experience. My oldest has gained confidence and skills. Our whole family loves The Lab!

2025-03-21T14:21:32.182Z

This place is amazing. Don is an exceptional coach and human being. My kid started here around an year ago when he was 5 and he loves this place ever since. It might sound little hypothetical but there's no other place on the planet to learn martial arts better than The Martial Arts Laboratory (it's true! at least for my kid 😅)

2025-03-19T04:31:40.569Z

I love it! My son loves it, some days more than others but I would definitely recommend. Coach Don is great and he is always a great motivator for the kids! Honestly nothing bad to say at all.

2025-03-18T01:52:04.838Z

Very great program. The instructor is very patient, I have witnessed so much growth in my son since joining. I appreciate all the dedication and consistency.

2025-03-16T17:00:16.525Z

Martial Arts Labs does a great job of welcoming new students.

2025-03-15T15:19:40.563Z

2025-03-13T22:11:19.588Z

It’s More Than Training—It’s Family.Professor Don Turnage has built an atmosphere of connection at The Martial Arts Lab. I train with the adults, while my 10-, 7-, and 4-year-olds participate in the kids’ classes. When you miss a session, teammates reach out, checking in like family.The training here instills both humility and the ability to defend yourself when necessary. My kids have not only improved their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills but have also developed leadership qualities they might never have discovered without this intense, structured training.This past summer, my son faced bullying at the Boys & Girls Club. It didn’t last long—he stood up for himself, defended himself, and gained the confidence to handle the situation. While no parent wants their child to face such challenges, the reality is that they do happen. That’s why it’s crucial to put them in environments where they’re trained to be both lethal and humble.Thank you, Martial Arts Lab, for the training, discipline, and family you’ve created!

2025-03-13T12:28:57.058Z

The Lab is a fantastic place to learn modern martial arts. It's a very healthy environment, full of great people and lots of experience. Perfect for any experience level from day one beginner to years already under your belt.

2025-03-13T03:51:11.806Z

Don is a great teacher and is great with kids. Besides learning Jiu-jitsu, kids get to learn how to be respectful and responsible. My kids love going to class everyday. Great experience! Highly recommended.

2025-03-13T02:46:57.072Z

We are so fortunate to find this place. Our coach is the BEST ever. I will totally recommend it. Thank you so much for participating in my son’s development.