We thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Gladiator School! Our guide/instructor was so knowledgeable about the Roman Gladiator history and the Roman empire in general. Sometimes information needs to be presented in different settings for it to sink in, the museum and artifacts there helped me immensely!

This was truly one of the highlights of my trip. I loved our trainer he was so educational. We really enjoyed our training and I appreciated all the pictures he took for us. I would definately recommend this to everyone

lovely experience for my 8 year old boy ,they personalised the course to suit what they wanted to do more which was fighting in the arena! good thing to do for children a different feel from the usual sightseeing stuff.

awesome, awesome, awesome - Marcvs Valerivs was wonderful. he delivered a completely personalized hour-long lecture on the military history of rome, frequently asking questions and soliciting our feedback to ensure he covered topics that were of most interest to us. (there is a small museum on-site with props and armor to try on!) then, he gave this father-son team the most fun-filled hour they've had in a while! the training was equally enjoyable for our 7-year old as well as for his 40+ father; challenging yet realistic. bonus: "gladiator" soundtrack plays in the arena. can't recommend enough! (never fear, protective gear is provided so although the activity is very physical, grime is not an issue). FUN!

My 10 year old grandson was THRILLED. We were lucky enoough to have another boy in the class who was the same age. They had a great time. The gentleman who owns the school is very professional and made it a great day for us!

This was the best thing we did in Rome. My 11 year old son loved it. The instructor had a real passion for the history and played the part well.

This was excellent and will be the most memorable thing for us in Rome. The museum talk was very interesting and informative. Our instructor kept is lively allowing the kids to demonstrate and put on the garments. The fighting was a blast and my kids actually learned a lot. I saw all the negative reviews and thought oh maybe I should not bother but we are so glad we ignored them and did go! It was fun and the instructor was just really fun, warm and welcoming to us. I think they are doing a really good job and am very glad this exists - well done and thank you!

My children had the best time! Definitely worth it.

Awesome time. The location is kind of hard to find (a taxi is recommended), but it's a lot of fun!

This was a blast for my husband and boys age 14 and 11. The school is located on the Appian Way. Get directions before trying to navigate on your own! The first 30 minutes the instructor gave information about the history of gladiators and was delighted to answer all questions. The participants were able to try on different bits of the armor and helmets. Then came the fun... training and fighting using first wooden weapons then on to the real thing!! There were only 4 participants so it was a real "hands on " experience. We booked the last evening time slot.

I booked a morning session with my cousin. Although, it was mostly kids in the morning we still had a really great time. The instructor was both informative and fun. All the kids really loved it, I would highly recommend for kids and family.
As we left, we saw a large group of adults coming for a training session. So if you don't have kids with you maybe book a little bit later in the day but no matter the time you will have a lot of fun and it is well run.
Also, take a cab on the way there as it is a bit hard to find. Maybe on the way back you can ask about another form of transportation or take a cab from there to the Coliseum and ancient Rome.
Only negative is it would of been fun to have a final test and fight a "gladiator" in full costume instead of just other students.

Gladiator school was fantastic. Our instructor was great and my 14 yr old son had a tremendous experience. The instruction covers both the historical and physical aspect of what it meant to be a gladiator so you learn a lot thru the class. Don't be scarred off that the school is a little bit out of the city center - it is an easy cab ride.

GREAT FUN - We really enjoyed our time at the Roman gladiator school. Our teacher was very passionate and knew roman gladiator history very well. This would be suitable for kids and adults and is good fun. I recommend taking a taxi to get there as it is a little hard to find, then you can get the bus back to the city.

This was one of the most amazing things we did on our two week vacation in Italy!!! It was different and unique that the people at the Gladiator were amazing! Our entire family loved it! You start in their small museum but it's size does not reflect what you learn! The "gladiator" who is the teacher, had a great deal of knowledge and makes the ancient times of the gladiator come to life! I would highly recommend this activity for families! It gives kids something different to do that is active and educational.

LOVED IT! My husband was dubious, my cab driver confused and my kids (boy - 9 and girl -7) were psyched. This was hands down the most fun we had on our visit to Rome. There is a small museum tour which is really informative. Kids get to try on helmets and try to hold up the weapons. The whole thing really comes to life for them. The fighting skills part is really fun. Parents - don't sit on the sidelines. I highly, highly recommend this to anyone with kids aged 5 - 13.
It is not far out of the main part of Rome but your taxi driver will be a bit befuddled by your request. Insist. We were first dropped off at the doggy day care next door but found the right place within moments. This is really well worth it.