Phats Martial Arts
About
Phats Martial Arts in Atlanta offers mixed martial arts training under the guidance of founder and chief instructor Secondria Howell, who holds a 4th degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, and Hapkido. The gym focuses on teaching discipline, integrity, and accountability, with programs designed for all ages. Many members describe the studio as having exceptional energy and praise Howell's dedication and credentials developed over years of practice.
reviewsWhat Members Say
Many members praise Master Howell for teaching children discipline, accountability, and how to overcome fear, noting that children with social issues thrive under her instruction. They describe the studio's energy as amazing and appreciate that she doesn't baby children but provides needed structure. However, some reviewers express serious concerns about safety, alleging that children are instructed to spar until they pass out and that the instructor creates a hostile environment where students don't feel comfortable asking questions. Specific complaints include accusations of bullying, belittling, instructor ego leading to injuries, and attempts to isolate members from other systems.
rate_reviewGoogle Reviews (5)
The Beautiful One
3 years ago
Master Howell has become a major part of my village. Her willingness to teach children to overcome fear and pain is impeccable. I’ve watched numerous children thrive socially with complex issues with their peers due to her teachings. If you are looking for a class to teach discipline, integrity and accountability this is IT. Truly a learning experience for all ages!
75soufeatz
10 months ago
Love the way master Howell handles and care for and teach these young children she don’t baby them and she holds them and teach them accountability! Kids need structure and she teaches them just that with the world we are living in they need that
Social Saturation
a year ago
We would like to thank Sensei Howell for choosing Social Saturation to represent P.H.A.T.S Martial Arts. Sensei Howell has an amazing martial studio and the energy within the studio is second to none. The credentials sensei Howell has achieved through years of dedication is amazing.
Jesus Chick
3 years ago
Stay as far away from this place as you can. Ms. Howell, the owner of this place tells children to spar/fight until they pass out. This is not safe! Stay away. She is supposed to time the children when they spar and she does not always do this. She does not properly instruct children on how to spar. My prayer is that she will receive inner peace and learn how to better instruct students.
Dr J
3 years ago
Do not go to this place. The owner does not train children properly and creates a hostile environment for children. This place is not safe. I witnessed her advise two small children to spar until they passed out. This is not the way to teach children. Upon doing more research and within my personal experience with Howell, below are signs of a toxic martial arts school. 1. Students don't ask questions because they do not feel comfortable doing so. The instructor is worshipped at times and group think is extreme. 2. The instructor is self centered and or appears narcissist. 3. Some students are bullied or belittled during class. Schools that select students for verbal bereavement are signs of a toxic school. 4. The school attempts to isolate members from other members and or from looking at other systems. 5. Students get injured due to instructor egos. 6. Students who leave for a period of time may not come back. This may be because the student caused injuries were reckless or they didn’t pay fees. However, this is a sign of toxicity.
paymentsMembership
$115/mo
Contact
5226 GA-85 #5, Forest Park, GA 30297, USA
scheduleHours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: Closed
groupCoaches & Instructors
Secondria Howell
Founder and Chief Instructor
4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, and Hapkido
CEO of P.H.A.T.S Martial Arts, Inc. Certified cardio kickboxing instructor and personal trainer. Trained under Master Arthur Ferguson, Master Peter Brody, and Grandmaster Min Suk Song.