Things to Do in Charlotte

Some people are born with a misplaced overabundance of self-confidence, as the popularity of karaoke bars can attest, but most develop the trait by accomplishing feats they never believed they were capable of. The black-belt-wearing, championship-winning instructors that helm ATA Karate’s 6 locations seek to foster that self-confidence by teaching students the art of self-defense in its many forms, including tae kwon do and Krav Maga. With a client base ranging from toddlers to adults, the ATA staff keeps people empowered and fit by demonstrating effective ways to properly punch, kick, and look cool in slow motion. In addition to teaching martial arts, instructors host leadership programs that show kids how to avoid the perils of peer pressure and adults how to maintain order in their lives. They also cover topics such as dealing with bullies and eliminating child abductions in a series of regular workshops.

Northcross Lanes at the Lake facilitates friendly competition for families, groups, and individuals with 40 bowling lanes, a laser-tag dome arena, and a full video arcade. Bright lights ricochet from skee-ball and air-hockey games, where players compete for tickets they can redeem for prizes at the game counter. Birthday party packages include food from the onsite kitchen, which serves cheeseburgers, hot sandwiches, and made-from-scratch pizzas. The 41st Lane Lounge hosts several pool tables along with regular karaoke and occasional sets from live bands.

Charlotte Krav Maga's team of 13 instructors know that most people are fighting something. That something might be a vicious bully, persistent weight gain, or a less tangible entity such as fatigue or non-Euclidian geometry. No matter what it is, they're confident they can help. Their diverse knowledge of fighting techniques stretches around the world, from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed for the Israeli armed forces. In addition to earning belts and certifications in numerous forms of martial arts, the teachers possess years of real-world experience that they use to help others cultivate strength, discipline, and confidence. These goals also inform the studio's Krav Maga classes, which reveal simple self-protection techniques that can be applied if a person is approached by a lone assailant or a nunchuck-wielding octopus.

In addition to imparting defense strategies to students aged 4 and older, the team teaches Fit to Fight, a training program that blends muay thai, boxing, and wrestling into a fun-and-functional workout. Classes and one-on-one training take place in a gym equipped with full-size heavy bags, Lifeline power jumpers, kettlebells, battling ropes, and monkey bars.

Instructors at Charlotte Martial Arts Academy pride themselves on building confidence and self-discipline in their adult and youth students learning judo, jiujitsu, and other martial arts. These qualities are foregrounded in the Academy creed, which emphasizes "discipline, honor, peace, and respect." Not only does every class cover the proper way to kick, punch, and karate-chop a block of wood into two perfectly whittled black belts, but each also includes lessons on health and fitness. Safety, however, is always the top priority. Though a number of distinct martial arts styles are taught, instructors also combine techniques to equip pupils with the skills for real-life self-defense scenarios.

Senseis Michael Price and Mary Roberts don't merely call upon their years of experience when they're on the mat; they also train continuously to keep their self-defense and teaching skills sharp. In addition to their class curricula, they also also host private birthday parties where a karate lesson, cake, and decorations create a memorable occasion.

Bigtime Moonbounce's inflatable jumpers resemble racecars, birthday cakes, and castles, and give youngsters ample hopping room to release pent-up energy. Or they can try out a combo bouncer–modeled after castles, balloons, and basketball courts–to jump and then race down a safe and colorful slide. Obstacle courses offer more opportunities for competition as kids navigate their way through an inflatable train or hustle through a giant car. In addition, Bigtime Moonbounce enhances parties with croquet equipment, rope for a tug of war, and empty sacks for potato-sack races that don't require a raw potato-eating contest beforehand. After a long day of jumping and gaming, guests can reenergize with a snack from one of Bigtime Moonbounce's cotton candy, popcorn, or snow-cone machines, which are available for rent.

Space Kidets’ indoor facility fuses a bounce-house playground with a video-game arcade for a combination that pleases every kid who walks through the door. Inside the main room, numerous inflated houses, slides, bouncing pads, and obstacle courses host jump sessions free of bumps, scrapes, and dive-bombing pigeons. A short walk leads customers to the video arcade, where racing machines and carnival-style games sate kids’ thirst for electronic entertainment. Select attractions are token-free, including five video games, skee-ball, and more. Additionally, the center’s six-hole mini-golf, air-hockey, and basketball areas welcome those who have a craving for physical fun without the bounce.