Instructors at Dynamite Agility Center in Rockville

[kjralston]

Hello. I am going to sign my 6-year-old son up for classes at Dynamite Agility Center in Rockville. I'm hoping the classes will help to build his strength, coordination and confidence. Two instructors, Michael and Joe, were recommended. I understand that Michael has a more gentle approach and that Joe is more of a "drill sergeant" type. Both of those qualities could be great for my son, but I'm wondering if anyone has any specific feedback about either or both of these instructors? I really want this to be effective for him and the instructor could make all the difference. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My boy child, who is very high energy and does not take to being told what to do by anyone, LOVES Joe. Drill sergeant is accurate - he bops them on the head (gently) and kids around with them and has a loud (very) voice, but everything he does you can tell is done with kindness and the kids pick up on that and love him for his structure and his kindness. I cannot recommend him high enough.

[Anonymous]

BTW, my boy child is 6 as well.

[kjralston]

Thank you thats very helpful

[Anonymous]

Both of them are great - Michael is a little bit quieter and more low-key, and Joe is more enthusiastic...maybe a sort of kiddie drill sergeant attitude? But very caring, just in a loud sort of way. It's hard to explain. Both my kids have had both as instructors, and they love both of them (FWIW, DS is also 6, and is currently in class with Michael).

Also, I cannot say enough good things about these classes in general - they have my completely unathletic son able to not just keep up with other kids on the playground and in PE, but to actually enjoy physical activity and be good at it. If you'd seen DS 2 years ago and saw him now, the difference is staggering. And he loves the class.

[kjralston]

Wow, thats so encouraging and great to know!! Thank you! Now I'm even more excited to sign him up. Another question for everyone-- I understand that you can sign up for once a week or twice a week. Any opinions on that? We don't have many other activities this winter so I'm open to twice a week to really get the benefit of the classes, but also don't want it to be too much for him. Just seems though that once a week may not be enough to have the effect that I'm hoping it will.

[kjralston]

To add to my last post-- if we do it twice a week, would it be beneficial to have Mike one day and joe the other, or would it be better to have consistency by sticking with one instructor?

[Anonymous]

I have a 4.5 year old who is in neither of their classes. But I will chime in to say that all of the instructors I've observed have been excellent. They're constantly interacting with the kids, making them feel safe, and providing individual attention. It's a place that makes me nervous with all the obstacles, but they guide them through class with ease and maturity and experience. We go once a week; have been sick a few times, and their make-up policy is very liberal. I'd start with once. Signing up for twice is very easy to do if you want to. You could also do open gym once weekly, which is cheaper.

[kjralston]

Good idea. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Both instructors are excellent - they have very different styles as PPs noted, but they are careful and attentive with the kids and this is what matters.

Having tried all the gyms in the area, Dynamite is the best (cleanest, most energetic, overall good instructors, etc) but... I can't stand the noise when I'm there. Some of the mid-afternoon drop-offs and pick-ups are hell and quite frightening for young children, although if your son is 6 already he might not mind.

[Anonymous]

It's so funny you comment on the noise - I actually think the noise is better there than at other places, because you can sit in the breakroom and close the doors if you want.

As for 1-2 x a week. We did 1x a week for a while and then upped it when it appeared that kiddo could handle it - very easy to do since it's a monthly payment, and not a yearly commitment.

[Anonymous]

My DS goes twice a week and loves it! He has Russ one day and Michael the other. I am amazed at his progress (used to be rather uncoordinated) and it has helped him with other sports too. Thrilled to see him gain some confidence in his athletics!