Testimonials & Reviews
The Legacy Martial Arts Academy is the highest and most reviewed Martial Arts Academy in the region!
Click HERE to read what our clients and guests have to say about us on Google.
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Read what the professionals have to say about us below:
Nick Delpopolo
2x U.S Olympian
In 2012 I was the only athlete on the U.S. Olympic Judo team to have to fight in an Olympic Trials. This was one of the most stressful situations that I have ever been in and one of the most difficult decisions an athlete has to make is selecting a specialized team of people to put their trust into to help them meet their goals.
I can say without a doubt that having Aaron Handy in my corner was a "no-brainer". Aaron has the unique ability to teach to the level of the individual he is working with. His confidence shines through when he is teaching and he makes you believe you have the ability to do what he is showing you before he is even done explaining it. The confidence that Aaron instilled in me was one of the key factors to my qualifying for the 2012 Olympic team.
On a personal note, I have looked up to Aaron since we traveled the world together on Team USA. I deeply admire his ability to take on all challenges in life with the determination and focus of a great champion.
Shintaro Higashi
-6 Degree Judo Black Belt
-Brown Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
-2x All State Wrestling, HS and NCAA
-Beijing Olympic Trials qualifier
-2x National Judo Champion
-2x World Team member (2010, 2011)
-3x World Cup Medalist (Brazil, Samoa, Miami)
-Pan-American Grand Prix Silver Medalist
-Former 43rd world rank
-Sambo Pan American Champion
-Sambo World Team Member
Ive always admired Aaron handy’s perseverance and work ethic. We trained together on the National Team in Judo and we entered many competitions together. Throughout that time, Aaron demonstrated all the qualities of being a top athlete and just being a great person. The type of person you want to drop your kids off with and say, “just teach them how to be like you.”
Although I feel Sensei Handy is a great fit as a firefighter, I was ecstatic to learn about his Sensei position teaching judo. Now he can make the world better on and off the mat. His personality really shines through in his teaching and coaching pedagogy. I highly recommend the dojo to anyone looking for a quality Judo / Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school In Ohio.
Ben Creamer
NFL Hand Combat Coach
I’ve been a martial artist for most of my life. Starting with tae kwon do in my childhood, boxing after high school, wing chun Kung fu for a bit, then Judo for the past 5-6 years. I’m also the Performance Director at Ignition APG, and through that, a strength coach for the Bengals and on my 10th year as their hand combat coach. I’ve spent my entire career around great coaches and elite athletes.
However, one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around is Aaron Handy. I call him Sensei, but I also see him as a coach/teacher. Aaron exemplifies what a great “coach” is. His technical mastery, extensive knowledge, and practical experience are only some of the things that make Aaron Handy the best coach I’ve had the pleasure of learning from. His ability to break things down to the simplest form and teach the core principles of otherwise complex movements have truly catapulted my journey in Judo.
Aaron doesn’t just do a great job of explaining and demonstrating, but he also teaches by putting you in those situations - what a true martial art should do.
I didn’t want to pursue Judo so I could get a good workout and become fit- I’m a fitness professional and wanted to truly learn the “martial” aspect as well as the “art”. After one session with Aaron I knew that this was exactly what I was looking for. Yes, I get great workouts, but that is the side effect of learning in a true combat scenario (whether it be competition or real life).
I would recommend that anyone that is interested in pursuing martial arts to get a hold of Sensei Aaron Handy. He’s taken my level of skill and knowledge past limits I never thought were possible...
Bobby Lee
2008 Senior National Champion
I’ve been to Legacy a handful of times whether it be as a clinician or preparing for international competition and I leave every time with so much appreciation. The instructors are very knowledgeable and great at interacting with the students. They run very competitive but also technical practices. So If you’re looking to learn the best judo technique in the Midwest and also interested in having fun, then Legacy is your place.