New Class at USA Kung Fu Studio:…read more They have recently added an adults class (7-star Traditional Northern Praying Mantis) for ages 13 and up which I have joined. This class is geared for both male and females teens and adults. The instructors come from the lineage of Grandmaster Brendan Lai and they focus not only on the traditional basics but also incorporate modern kickboxing style. The thing I like about this class is that they have a very well rounded curriculum which is very practical. I studied Tai Kwon Do for several years before Mantis and was unhappy with the overall program as it was too focused on point sparring rather than more practical aspects. This class incorporates a lot of applications and conditioning (3-star exercises, etc) in conjunction with forms. The Sifus demonstrate practical aspects of the forms to tie everything together. I just can't get enough of this class! Classes for this style are held 3 days a week Sunday from 8-9:30 am, Monday and Wednesday from 8:15-9:45 pm. In addition to the above: I have 2 kids who go here for the kids kung fu and they love it. My girls are 9 and 5 and they started with the USA Kung Fu Studio at ages 5 and 3.5 respectively. This place is by far the most kid friendly place I've seen. They make it fun to learn and keep it interesting for the kids. We recently enrolled the older one in their Wushu competition class in order to take her skills to the next level. Love this class and this studio!!!

Fantastic teachers and lots of patience with younger students. I've never seen my kids (ages 6, 9)…read moremore focused, and I love that they can be in the same class!

Gracie Joy Jitsu in Alameda has been a game-changer! The kids' Bully Proof program is absolutely…read morephenomenal. Coach Chelsea, Coach Mark, and Coach Travis create such a safe, positive, and fun environment where kids not only learn self-defense but also build confidence, discipline, and respect. They teach practical skills in a way that's engaging and empowering for kids, helping them know how to handle tough situations without ever promoting aggression. You can tell each coach genuinely cares about the kids--they're patient, encouraging, and great at connecting with every student. If you're looking for a program in Alameda that helps kids stand tall, stay safe, and believe in themselves, Gracie Joy Jitsu's Bully Proof class is the perfect choice!

While in from out of town for work, I was warmly welcomed to join a Combatives class. Chelsea Burgo…read morelead the class with deep technical and teaching skills. Fellow students were good training partners and all about improving each other as a community. Highly recommended!

The studio is so fun for kids aged 4-12 and then for adults for jiu-jitsu! The offered days (M,W,F,…read moreSat) options for attending are great for flexible scheduling and the coaches are amazing. There are several coaches per class so even big classes get attention. Highly recommend if your kids (or adults) are looking to try out Jiu-Jitsu in Alameda!

Awesome business, fantastic instruction…read more Safe environment for kids. I've been searching for a place for my two younger kids (7, 3) to go to in the area, this was convenient, good parking, great instructors who cared about the wellbeing of the kids! Also, I'm an old fart and signed up too and it is worth its weight in GOLD! Thank you Island Jiu Jitsu!

I use to be a student here until i quit in march last year, master Lim is awesome and i think i…read moremight come back to achieve an advanced yellow belt like i did last time

Master Lim is a fantastic teacher and so great with the kids. He teaches discipline and respect…read morewhile keeping the time fun and nurturing. Authentic Korean Taekwondo.

I wanted to take a Qi Gong class and made several efforts to inquire about instruction. No one ever…read moregot back to me. Very disappointed.

I highly recommend this Shaolin Kung Fu studio. My son started there when he was 5 and now he is…read more17 - a black belt and part-time instructor with Master Yan. I recently told Master Yan's wife, Joanna, that Master Yan helped me become a better father simply by watching his classes. Master Yan is a true master from the Shaolin Temple in China - something that I found out later on my own as Master Yan is very modest. I am so grateful for all Master Yan has done for my son and me. It's amazing that a true master from China teaches here in Alameda. And it's more affordable than any other martial arts place that I have found. Thank you.

With todays world of infectious contagious viruses instructors and students should be required to…read moretake tests once a month at least. Business should also be covered with liability insurance or bond at least.

I entered West Wind as a wild and angry teenager in massive need of self-discipline and an outlet…read morefor my volatile energy. My parents and I were constantly at odds, and I had started to make a lot of bad choices about who my friends were and how I did in school. I didn't care about anything; I stopped putting effort into school or any of my relationships with family or friends. Instead, I ended up putting a lot of holes in my bedroom walls. Though I had been in counseling for two years, I was basically in the same chaotic state as I had been when I first began. Had I stepped into West Wind initially, I would never have needed anything else. In a moment that I would never have estimated to be as pivotal as it really was, my sensei, who had been working with me for about six months, pulled me into the back office during one of our private lessons. I was going through an extremely difficult period to say the least, and even though I hadn't told her any of what was going on, she still sat me down and said intently, "You're a very bright young lady, and I see a lot of potential in you. But right now, from one person to another, I'm worried about you. Now you don't have to tell me anything, because I'm not trying to get into your business, but I want you to know that I'm always here for you if you need me, and West Wind is always here for you, too. And no matter who you are, what you do, how you choose to dress, who you hang out with, I will always be your teacher, and you will always be my student." Having said that, it is impossible for me to talk about West Wind without making three things clear: They are my family, they are my refuge, and their belief in me, which has never wavered, is the force behind who I am as a determined, hard-working, and confident woman. West Wind's commitment to self-defense has generated an awareness of my surroundings that has kept me out of dangerous situations, and a fearlessness to take someone down should the circumstances call for it. As a woman, both of these attributes are paramount to living in today's society. I can't stress enough how important it is to arm oneself with both the physical capabilities and the fierce mindset that it takes to survive. West Wind has been absolutely invaluable to me in these aspects. After nearly 11 years, I've reclaimed control of my life and become more successful than I ever thought I could. Though there have been countless moments like the one I just wrote, it was in that short conversation that the nature of my dojo, West Wind, became clear: Their dedication to their students - not just as martial artists, but also as people - is unconditional. If you let them, they will change you for the better.

Practice Martial Arts is the absolute BEST martial arts studio in the Bay Area. My 14 year old son…read morestarted with Sensei Armenak in Marin County from the age of 4, and refuses to go anywhere else and followed him up to Petaluma. My husband has also recently joined. Sensei Armenak is the best instructor. He has amazing martial arts teaching capabilities. He is the kindest and most knowledgeable person that we know in Martial Arts. The qualities that make a good instructor or Sensei are knowledge, passion, communication, morality, care and respect. Sensei Armenak is all of that and more. The greatest teachers are the ones that have knowledge and passion AND can communicate them to his students. I give Sensei Armenak and his martial arts studio 5 stars out of 5!

I have been working with Armenak for about a year now learning various boxing styles and martial…read morearts techniques. He gets top marks from me for being knowledgeable and friendly, and progressing skills and techniques safely and efficiently. His level of expertise is obvious in the way he patiently develops your progress with various drills and means to enforce proper movements and skill. I've also observed him working with young kids and he has a very good way with connecting with them. Practice Martials studio is also a great place to train if you're not into a loud, high pressure, competitive atmosphere with someone screaming in your face. If you want to learn self-defense and confidence, come here and train!

Jeremy is a great teacher and coach--positive, enthusiastic, disciplined and welcoming. Both of…read moreour kids love the classes!

Jeremy and his staff are incredible with the kids! We sent our 3 kids to take classes at Intensity…read moreand they are more disciplined, have more energy, and are enjoying making new friends in class. I would highly recommend the Summer program also which doesn't just involve going to class, but they also help out in the community (cleaning up the parks, visiting senior centers, educational fieldtrips, etc) to create more well rounded people. If you or your family want a fun and healthy way to enjoy family time, give them a call today, you won't regret it!

I enjoy they place so much, the vibes are so good and the people are so welcoming. I recommend…read morethis place to everyone and especially to children. Their kids program is one of the best in California.

I highly recommend this gym I have my 3 kids and they learning self defense so quickly 10/10read more

"I strongly advise against joining this club. My experience over the last ten days has been nothing…read morebut frustrating. The environment is extremely toxic, filled with arrogant and rude individuals who lack basic manners. The staff here is just as unprofessional and unhelpful. It is not a place for decent people; the atmosphere is mentally draining, and the quality of people frequenting this club is highly questionable. Save your time, money, and mental peace--this place is not worth it."

I'd especially like to give a shout out to the wonderful massage program at the HBC spa…read more Nonmembers, when booked for a massage, can also have access to use the locker room, women's private indoor hot tub, steam sauna, dry sauna, as well as the private women's sun deck after the massage. What an awesome spa treatment! I've been a member for two years and love the pool and the yoga classes. The staff are very helpful and friendly. Two years ago I booked an introductory tour and swim reservation, and I was immediately impressed and hooked! Parking is plentiful and the setting is very spacious and peaceful overlooking the water.