Your Sucess is My Success
- Grand Master
I have been practicing martial arts for over nine years. Three of those years I have been at United Martial Arts and within that time I have learned more than I learned at my previous school for six years. Grandmaster McGee and the other instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. There is a sense of belonging at this school. Everyone is welcome and everyone learns at their own pace. What I have learned while being at this school is that it is not just about self defense. It is also a way of life because you are improving your overall health. In my opinion, Grandmaster McGee is the best martial arts teacher there is. Go check it out yourself!
When I first went in almost 2 years ago I wasn't sure what to expect, I had some martial arts experience at the time, but every place is different. Grand Master McGee was very friendly when I walked in and was very good at explaining how every thing worked and gave a very detailed demonstration of the various forms and styles taught at the school; From incredibly fast multiple death point strikes, to judo style throws and joint locks. He teaches both internal and external forms in a very comprehensive but still tailored to the individual way. On top of that, its a kick butt work out and great physical therapy. I had injured my shoulder a few months prior and up to joining it had showed almost no signs of recovery and my range of motion was still very limited. My shoulder was back at 100% in less than a month of joining. This school is easily one of the best investments anyone can make in them selves.
This is going to be a little long, hopefully you'll find the background relevant. I've been disabled for 20 years. Severe chronic back pain from a car crash. I've gone through the pain management program at MarionJoy three times to no avail. Some of their docs really tried to help, others not so much. I've been to most if not all of the major pain specialists in the Chicago area, as well as several out of state, including Mayo Clinic. Tried every non-invasive procedure I could find (I wasn't a candidate for most surgical options): acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, various shots, etc. On a good day (once every month or two) I could go grocery shopping, but would be exhausted afterwards. Needed a cane for the past decade if I was going to walk more than 15-30 minutes. Walked like an 80-year-old most of the time. Everything took effort. Then I started at UMA for Qigong with Grand Master McGee. I've still got a ways to go, but have made vast improvements. I can go shopping most any time now, errands aren't usually a big deal, and I can usually cook once a day. Able to be more social, can sit and talk with company without too much discomfort, where it used to be completely exhausting. Haven't used the cane since. In short, I'm feeling human again. Grand Master McGee as well as the other students are a big part of that. Self-defence hasn't been a priority for me, but I'm learning quite a bit in addition to getting me healthy. I'm able to do most of what the rest of the class does, which I honestly didn't think I'd ever be capable of. Grand Master McGee really knows his craft.
This is my first experience learning martial arts and Grand Master McGee and the other Masters in training make the learning fun and easy-going! It is a high-energy and super-friendly environment where everyone is focused and serious about the arts and path to a healthier life. Grand Master McGee gave my family a huge discount and is very dedicated to his students who are serious about learning. Prepare to sweat a lot!
Great place to learn martial arts. Grandmaster Mcgee is truly interested in the health and well being of his students. It is not all about the money. I have witnessed numerous occasions where he has given of his time and talent to people without compensation. I have been taking instruction for four months and find it to be challenging and invigorating. The longevity of so many of his students is positive testimony to his character and his school.
Great place for martial arts training regardless if your a beginner or if you have current experience. The Grand Master is very knowledgeable and even has skills in the healing arts. If you have pains or aliments, this school is excellent at helping you recover while also giving you the ability to live a healthy lifestyle. I recommend this place for all ages.
I started practicing at United Martial Arts at the end of 2015. I chose the school because of the focus on health and longevity as well as grandmaster Mcgee’s obvious passion for teaching and passing on his knowledge. I quickly started seeing results in my overall flexibility and energy level, while learning different styles of martial arts and numerous self-defense techniques. The atmosphere at the school is great; everyone belongs here and has respect for each other’s efforts to better our lives. If you’re looking to practice martial arts beyond the superficial kicking and punching, United Martial Arts must be your choice. January 2018: I have now practiced at United Martial Arts for another 5 months since my last review and can reaffirm my opinion that this is the place to go to study martial arts. Practicing at the school keeps me in great shape. Sometimes when life gets busy and I skip a week I will get some general aches and pains in my joints, which disappear immediately when I get back and I feel great again. If you want to feel better physically and feel better about yourself, you have come in for an intro session and sign up.
6 Month Summary update: I've been @ UMA since july '17. People ask how i like it? I love it. The school has a challenging can-do environment. The instructors help all the students to succeed in personal goals and develop physically and mentally. We do team building strength exercises. everyone has an equal chance to learn. I'm amazed at the variety of forms we learn. Grand Master McGee truly cares about the well being of his students. Our school is one of a kind. Come in and see for yourself! My full personal experience: I joined the school because I desperately needed to make some changes in my life. I've been fighting depression for several years and dealing with constant and increasing pain in my knees and feet since i was about 15. (I have tendinitis and flat arches.) These issues have caused me not to exercise effectively or pursue social outings. I wanted to rehabilitate myself physically and mentally and I sought out a physically active and creative outlet to do this- martial arts was an obvious choice. After researching several other schools and only finding places offering basic one style programs, restricted hours and mediocre reviews, I found one that was very different; United Martial Arts. I visited the site, read the reviews and learned about the training programs offered and the multiple different styles being taught. I saw that I could do this as often as every single day even with my long work schedule because the classes are later in the evening. I put a call into the school and after a promising conversation with Grand Master McGee, I went in to try a session. Some things i noticed that are worth mentioning: 1)This was going to be hard work. -I had never tried to do anything like this before and this is a school that emphasizes pushing yourself to do things you might think you can't. Focus is placed on breaking down those barriers so that you can use your training to change your body and your mind. 2)The Master's Intern's train alongside the students and they are quick to provide guidance when necessary. -Since this is a school that offers an Official Certification to those who wish to teach the art, you have the benefit of learning from instructors in training who are very patient as well as eager to teach you. this is extremely helpful in correcting mistakes in your forms practice. 3)The training really works. -After an initial capability level assessment, the instructors have a better idea of your strengths and weaknesses and they know how hard they can safely push you in your training so you don't hurt yourself but so that the training still makes a noticeable difference. This allows for everyone in the class to participate in the warm-ups and conditioning exercises while maintaining an understanding of your personal physical limitations and still providing a meaningful challenge. I'm now able to do things that i could not even begin to approach in the beginning days of my training. As you begin to improve your physical ability, this type of results reward system builds your confidence and mentality Results: After only just a few weeks, I noticed I have more energy, greater strength, better range of motion and overall greatly increased flexibility and I am even sleeping better. After a couple months, my personal training has greatly helped me to loosen up my tendons, increase blood circulation, and eliminate inflammation and scar tissue buildup that had been in my knees and feet for years. I just recently earned my Second Section rank advancement and although I am still working through my personal rehabilitation, I can see the training has clearly had positive impacts in multiple areas of my life. If you are thinking about taking martial arts, this is the place to do it. Come in for a session and talk to some of the students. They will tell you firsthand how the training works and through it, what mental and physical challenges they were able to overcome. for me, the best part of my day is when practice session begins. hopefully we'll see you in class!
I have now attended United Martial Arts for 2 years. I can't count the benefits that this school has helped me get though. I have learned better self-respect and self-defense, what it feels like to have a virtual family who cares very much about each other, how much further I can actually push myself, allowing myself to feel pride and joy in my accomplishments (as well as other's) and how to overcome your body with your mind. I'm so grateful for and happy that I joined this school.
I have attended classes at UMA for over 13 years and highly recommend the school. 14 was the age when I started. Now I am 27 and there are no signs of stopping. Practicing at UMA has been incredibly helpful getting me through the good times and bad. I can always count on leaving after a good practice feeling better than before. There is an unbelievable amount of knowledge to gain here and will help those who seek to improve physically as well as mentally.
United Martial Arts under the direction of Grand Master McGee is the ultimate place to train for your mind and body. I've been a student for nearly three years now and enjoy the benefits training here provides. You will get in the best shape physically but also develop a stronger mental attitude about many things in your life. It's a great way to lose those extra pounds while de-stressing your life; all the while you learn how to defend yourself in the most effective way possible. You'll learn many different styles of Martial Arts along with very practical and easy to learn self-defense techniques. Grand Master McGee's school is unique among all of the other schools out there mainly because he cares about each student and teaches you what you want to learn along with many things you never knew you needed.
Three years ago we decided to join a program that would improve our overall health and longevity while at the same time learning self defense. To this day we have no regrets being a member of the CIT program at the United Martial Arts school. Grand Master McGee is very experienced and cognizant of each student's level and ability and through encouragement and challenge, he always gets us to the next level. All the instructors are very helpful and there is a high level of respect for one another. We can truly say that our minds and bodies have and continue to improve. We highly recommend this school !!!
I've always wanted to study the Martial arts but thought I was too old and dealing with some serious shoulder problems and thought it was to late... However after speaking to Grand Master McGee he assured me he could get my shoulder fixed up and get me in the best shape of my life! So I tried it and the Grand Master is a man of his word, I was told I could get a shoulder replacement by my doctors anytime I wanted and being as young as I am would probably need a second replacement in my life time! But through the therapy and training I have been receiving since June 2011 I have experience greater range of motion and far less pain in my shoulders and will be putting off surgery! I have gone from 3-4 Advil a day to none! I have also lost weight and gained greater balance and agility. Plus learned many self defense techniques which is invaluable in today's world and in my career in Federal law enforcement. Whatever your health or physical goals are the Grand Master and his staff can help, they are very patient!
I have been going to this school for over a year and Im always being surprised the way it teaches you outside the scope of martial arts. There is almost nothing in my life that has not been affected by what I have learned here. I would have to suggest this for anyone who may want to be more coordinated to fixing medical weaknesses to just having a bit more focus in your life.
Every review I have read has been written from the perspective of obtaining better health. This review examines United Martial Arts from a Martial Artist perspective. United Martial Arts is a serious martial arts training facility. There is no point sparring or learning to tap your opponent out. The movement is efficient and effective: A “one movement one destruction” technique. These techniques are designed to take out an attacker and put him down instantly. The physical conditioning changes your body’s flexibility, improves quickness and endurance. You set your own pace, but if you are serious about learning real martial arts, this is the place. You are not a number walking thru the door. Master McGee cares about his students, and develops a plan with them to further their development. And lastly, this is not a “store front open at night” operation. Master McGee does this full time and he also has day classes.
I am a familly practice doctor and I joined the dojo this time last year. I feel so much better about my body and my overall health. My confidence has also increased and I can't wait to learn more. This is a great environment to learn and there is no pressure to go any harder than you can. Everyone is STRONGLY encouraged to respect each other's efforts.
After enduring about 7 months with extreme shoulder pain I went into the doctors, on to the MRI's and finally to the surgeons. They told me I would need both shoulders replaced within the next several years. This wasn't an option I was willing to take. I started researching different types of treatment and therapy and decided on Chinese Medicine.I had tried a few different practitioners before being recommended to Master McGee. Within a couple weeks he was able to lower my pain level substantially to where I could at least sleep at night using Qigong Therapy. Within a few weeks I started taking Martial Arts classes and along with the continued Qigong Therapy my shoulders are at least 50-60 % better. Through the classes, my flexibility and endurance have improved to the levels I had at least 15 years ago. I didn't think that in my mid-fifties it would be possible to improve so much but this school, its programs and Master McGee are phenomenal. I can't tell you how lucky I am.