Samurai Institute LLC

7.6
919 8th Ave NE #103, Hickory, NC 28601
Perfect for:
FamiliesChildren
Opens tomorrow at 1
Samurai Institute LLC interior

About

Samurai Institute in Hickory, North Carolina offers comprehensive martial arts training with a focus on both traditional techniques and modern self-defense. The facility, led by instructor Pete Nappier who brings over 50 years of martial arts experience, has established itself as a prominent training center in the area. The dojo particularly stands out for its work with children and families, offering a structured environment that promotes both physical skills and personal development.

Jiu Jitsu Near Me VerifiedJiu Jitsu Verified
7.60/10

Our weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.

We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.

Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.

Overall Vibe imageOverall Vibe
8.7330 reviews
Instructor imageInstructors Quality
9.0329 reviews
Class Structure imageClasses
9.569 reviews
Facility Quality imageFacility Quality
7.9417 reviews
Value for Money imagePricing
1.001 reviews
Location and Accessibility imageLocation & Accessibility
9.333 reviews

Public Review Sentiment

Google
Based on 44 Google Reviews
The majority of reviews are highly positive, particularly praising the instructor's patience and expertise with children, though there are some concerns about pricing and contract terms.
Last Updated 15 Apr 2025

Instructors

Lead instructor Pete Nappier brings over 50 years of martial arts experience and is particularly noted for his patience and ability to work with children. The instruction style focuses on both technical skills and personal development, with a strong emphasis on making martial arts accessible to all skill levels.

Facility

The facility is clean and well-maintained, though relatively modest in size. The dojo features basic training equipment and a comfortable viewing area for parents.

Pricing

The pricing structure includes monthly membership fees, annual membership dues, and additional costs for belt testing. While some find the fees higher than comparable options, others value the quality of instruction received.

Facility

Well MaintainedMixed SpacingParent Viewing AreaBathroomTraining MatsPunching Bags

Gym

Casual AtmosphereWelcoming VibeGood Safety

Instructors

ExperiencedPatientChild-friendlyKnowledgeable

Classes

GiNo-GiAdvancedOpen matKids ClassesAdult friendly

Pricing

Fair ValueFree trialHidden Fees

The gym appears to offer trial classes, though specific details about the trial period are not clearly stated.

Location

Ample ParkingGood Accessibility

Opening Hours

Opens tomorrow at 1
Monday 9AM - 8PM
Tuesday 9AM - 8PM
Wednesday 9AM - 8PM
Thursday 9AM - 8PM
Friday Closed
Saturday (Today)10AM - 12PM
Sunday 1 - 4PM

Location

The dojo is conveniently located in Hickory with good accessibility for local residents.

Address

919 8th Ave NE #103, Hickory, NC 28601

Website

https://www.martialartshickory.com/

Phone

+1 704-775-3401

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this gym suitable for children with special needs?

Yes, the gym has experience working with children with special needs and provides accommodating instruction.

What age groups does the gym cater to?

The gym welcomes students of all ages, with specialized programs for both children and adults.

Are parents allowed to watch classes?

Yes, there is a dedicated viewing area where parents can observe their children's classes.