Spirit of the Heart Martial Arts and Wellness in Easthampton

Trained here for 12 years and still visit once in a while - it was my foundational martial arts school. The instructors are good and kind, and they both support and challenge their students in order to cultivate physical and personal growth. I would recommend anyone who's curious to try a class! This is a great school both to take your kids to and to train at yourself. There's been multiple instances of parents trying an adult class and then going on to train for years! Another big plus is that this school is welcoming and inclusive to people of all identities.

The mandatory masking and vax is overkill (still Fall of '22!), but everything else about this place is wonderful. Instructors are direct and require student follow-through, much needed for my type of kiddo, but understandably not everyone likes the direct/non-gentle approach.

My 7-year-old daughter wanted to learn a martial art after reading the Bunjitsu Bunny books this summer (look them up—they’re awesome!). We looked at various local options and decided Spirit of the Heart seemed like the best fit. She’s been thrilled with her classes since Day 1! She really likes learning from Nancy and enjoys practicing the sequences at home. It’s a fun and welcoming community, too — I’m really happy we found it!

I've been training at Spirit of the Heart for roughly ten years. I started as an adult as a 30th birthday present to myself to learn self defense. I could not have predicted the personal growth, concentration, focus, physical health and self-confidence that I gained on top of that. I also gained a family of amazing people who are there for each other on and off the training floor.

I have two kids (ages 9 and 6) who have been taking classes at Spirit of the Heart for over a year now. I have been so impressed with the way the teachers engage and teach my kids. Nancy is brilliant at seeing the strengths in each child AND seeing the places where they can grow. I love that my kids are being active and learning martial arts, but I love even more that they're also learning discipline, self-control, pride, and bravery. Can't recommend enough!

This is a wonderful studio that is capable of working with all ages. They are structured but patient and all of the participants seem to be comfortable in moving at their own pace as well. They have taken measures to ensure safety of their students both before the pandemic and throughout the pandemic. If you ever have a concern about anything having to do with your class, they are very quick to listen and respond in a supportive way. The cost is well worth what one can get out of it. If you are considering martial arts, you should at least check out the free starter class. My guess is if you do then you will be hooked.

These folks are the best! My kiddo recently did a week-long camp, as well as his sixth birthday party, at Spirit of the Heart, and I was so impressed with the organization, care, attentiveness of Nancy and her team. I intend to return soon for some of their family-oriented offerings, which I've no doubt will also be great. Big recommend!

Hard to say enough great things about Spirit of the Heart.... it's a place of structure and discipline, combined with warmth and flexibility. It is great for kids of all ages, abilities, and personalities, and your kid can start any time of the year. It's been a pleasure to watch my son grow stronger in mind and body as he has progressed. I recommend it to everybody, especially to parents of kids who might be struggling in any way -- it's a place that builds children up!