As one of the school's mottos states, "the proof is in the results." Wow! Is that an understatement!! Well, I came to learn self- defense. I got that in spades, but also learned so many other things about how the mind works and improve every aspect of your life. If you want to transform your body, mind and spirit there's only one place and it's here!! Trust me, I began here at the school 23 years ago and I'm still here. That is a testament to how much there is to learn here and of course I'm still learning every day! Thank you, White Tiger for everything you've given me in my family! read more

My wife and I have been training at White Tiger Kung Fu since 2005 and loving it!!! Now, our 3 kids train with us as well, highly recommended!!! read more

I've been training here for almost 15 years. I came to improve my health through Ancient Chinese Herbal Folklore and stayed because I'm still learning new things every day. The self- confidence I've gained here has translated to success and abundance in all aspects of my life: home, career, personal connections... everything! My 73 year old mother is also a student! read more

White tiger Kung Fu is the best Kung Fu you can find in San Diego. Well rounded techniques, ancient knowledge, and consistent goals make this place different. After looking around all of San Diego this is the best place to train with a positive community. For those looking for a positive change in life, come on in and give it a try. read more

If you're looking for a Martial Arts school that leaves nothing by the wayside, this is the one for you. I am truly grateful for everything I have been taught by Sifu Joel and the White Tiger Team, as the tools I was provided with have continued to help me throughout life. Do yourself a favor and drop by, you'll be glad you did! read more

I have been training Kung Fu for about 15 years. I've been so grateful that I've been able to continue my training throughout my three pregnancies. Instructors are great and have made modifications accordingly so I could continue training and it helped to make my pregnancies go that much smoother as well! Plus, I was back to my pre-pregnancy body in no time! Overall, White Tiger Kung Fu has helped me to feel safer both alone and as a mother out with my kids that I could keep us all safe if ever needed. It has also helped me to always stay healthy and in shape. Plus, I am a working Mom so my stress level can be insane at times. Kung Fu is my balance and helps me to regain my sanity and create calmness in my life. If you want to be healthier, stronger, calmer, and feel more confident, White Tiger Kung Fu is the place for you! read more

Authentic White Tiger Kung Fu - Martial Arts Near Me - San Diego, California

This studio is discriminating students based on religion,what seemed to be a seemingly positive studio but when I couldn't find prices, I looked here , but only one critic in their reviews there, and so , I looked at that critics other reviews and they were naturally mixed, not a troll. So when the kung fu studio reached out to my inquiry about price, i learned something interesting, through their own audacious beliefs, admitted to such religious discrimination, specifically targeting satanists, which is a protected religious group according to the government. I have already contacted TST, and they said they are excited to get involved. Good riddance. read more

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I love training at White Tiger Kung Fu because it's a fun, inspiring, and safe place to be! I am comfortable here, which makes all the difference, because I can focus on that which makes me grow. As I achieve goals, I gain confidence and continue to push myself more and more! I am very grateful to be able to train at White Tiger Kung Fu and very excited I am becoming a better person by doing so! read more

A few weeks ago, I won several lessons here as a part of a raffle held at Mira Mesa Edwards Cinema 18 celebrating the weekend premiere of Kung Fu Panda 2. I had taken Shaolin Kempo at the United Studios of Self Defense a lifetime ago, and so I was looking forward to trying a new system. Located in the Denny's area of Miramar Road, this studio in a bit nondescript from the outside (and parking's at a premium as well). But, the interior will sure shock you, as it looks a bit like a wine bar! The White Tiger system uses herbology and tonics, and these products are shown prominently in the display cases near the entrance. The students and the instructors, to be honest, are some of the most positive people I have ever met. Perhaps it's because of the style they practice - southern Chinese kung fu - but despite being the newbie, they went out of their way to make me feel welcome and were quite patient with me - a major difference from the escrima classes I had taken several months prior set up by meetup.com. Never before had I seen a studio void of students with no egos; the higher ranking students helped out the lower ones without them feeling like the instruction was beneath them. The energy in the room was so positive - not even in my old system did I feel something like it. While I'm approaching the final free lesson that I have, I'm a bit apprehensive about continuing here due to finances. Martial arts lessons are quite expensive - although one of the senior intructors gave me a bit of information about the pricing of the White Dragon Kung Fu studio nearby that made my jaw drop. If I can afford it, I will be looking forward to my time spent here. read more

Since day one of the white tiger training they have shared their knowledge with no reserves toward higher ranks. Since day one they welcomed us like if we were here for years. I feel welcome and it's a lot of fun practicing with my son. White tiger shows us discipline, knowledge about the martial art, friendship, and application. They don't test you for the program that you have bought or how much money you make, they test you when they see how much progress you have made. All of us here are like family. The white tiger martial art includes a lot of fun and healthy exercises. Every day everyone learn something new. Erasmo Andrade read more

New location, same spiffy people! Going on 16 years now! Aside from my blood family, it's the longest standing relationship I've had with anyone. I'm going to date myself, but pretty I'll will have known some of my friends here, seriously more like a second family, more than half my life! Obviously it's a great place to be, always something new to learn, and just good people to be around. read more

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Our son just finished the introductory program offered virtually due to the lockdown situation. He hadn't taken any martial arts classes before, and I was a little skeptical about how an online class would work out, but I signed our son up anyway, as it was something to help keep him busy during this challenging time and they were offering this particular class for free. It turned out to be a great experience for him. The studio was very well organized and the online program seemed to work well. I was impressed, as I think this was their first time offering a class like this virtually. The instructor was very supportive of the kids and able to give the kids feedback as they had their web cameras on. My son really looked forward to his classes. Thank you, White Tiger Kung Fu! read more

I've been a student at White Tiger since 2010. I started my Martial Arts path as a "weakling," who was dependent on medication to keep my heart palpitations in check. I appreciated the patience and understanding of all the instructors to allow me to progress at my own pace. There was no judgement and no pressure. Just compassion and encouragement. Fast forward to 2018 when I reached a point that I was no longer dependent on medication, could literally run laps around the school and earned my Black Belt. Today, I'm a 4th degree black belt and help others grow and thrive, just as the instructors who came before me. Sifu Joel, the owner and Master of the White Tiger System, is my biggest supporter, sharing knowledge in the Scholar's Way of Martial Arts. He doesn't just teach us to kick and punch. We learn about meditations and Ancient Chinese Herbal knowledge. We also learn vital life skills such as clean eating, cooking, finances and so much more. read more

This place is totally shady, totally unprofessional, and I don't even think they deserve the one star. They took my payment for the month and quickly dismissed me due to a "violation of contract." They won't provide clear examples of how the contract was violated, they are keeping my contract from me, and threatening to have me arrested if I come in to see it. They're accusing me of associating with people who have stolen from them, but refusing to give me their names (presumably because these people don't exist) and they are accusing me of making a group of high-ranking martial artists feel threatened (by a white belt who can't do a push-up). To top it all off, a lot of the students (people I consider friends) have now blocked me online. Whether it's because they believe the lies, or because they're afraid of being dismissed for associating with me, I don't know, but I'm not happy about it. Initially, I thought this place was amazing. A bit expensive ($200 per month, plus $50/month to attend the promotion ceremony, $60 for the mandatory uniform, and some very expensive teas and herbal supplements that are recommended but not required). BUT, the classes were great, and the students were friendly. However, during my third month there, I was dismissed without any previous warnings at all. I was told that the reason was that I was "making students feel unsafe." When I tried to ask for an explanation, the receptionist threatened to call the cops on me, so I left. I sent the Sifu a message expressing my confusion, and never heard back from him, so finally I just called the dojo to ask for an explanation. The same receptionist told me that I was dismissed for "sitting too close to Sifu's chair." This caught me off-guard, as it has nothing to do with the safety of the students. Apparently, the contract says that sitting near the chair is grounds for dismissal. Violation of the contract is also the reason they are refusing to give me a prorated refund for the month (I paid $200 for October, and was dismissed on the 12th, so they owe me $122). I requested a copy of my contract through e-mail - I can't go get it in person, because they are still threatening to call the cops - but I still haven't recieved anything 6 days later. Afterwards, the same woman told me that I had been dismissed because I was associating with students who had previously been dismissed from the school for stealing things. I told her that I never hang out with students outside of class, and I had no idea who she was talking about. She said, "You know who they are. Don't play dumb." I then told her that I'd tried to contact Sifu, and apparently he'd missed my message. She told me, "He won't contact you online," but gave me the option to talk to him on the phone another day. Now, in my experience, when people will talk to you over the phone but refuse to communicate online, it's because they don't want anything in writing that could be legally used against them. After she hung up, I realized that I never got to ask the question I'd called to ask in the first place, so I called back. The reasons for dismissal she gave me over the phone were totally different from what she'd told me in person, and I wanted to know what I had done to make other students feel unsafe. She basically told me to MEDITATE ON IT until the answer came to me, and then hung up on me. Like I said before, this place is so shady. If you value your money and your dignity at all, you will find a different place to train. read more

White Tiger is Awesome! From the staff all the way to the other people who train here. It's one big gigantic family! When everyone says kung fu you think kicking and punching lol.. well here that's not the only thing you get. Yes you learn self defense. But your also being coached by the instructors. Think of them as your own personal trainer. You are also learning how to do proper goal setting and tons of life skills homesteading, healthy cooking, fermenting foods etc... I can't thank this school enough for everything I have learned and am continuing to learn. The price you pay versus how much you get is amazing. White Tiger is my family! read more

My entire experience with White Tiger Kung Fu has been amazing. I had a great time during my first few trial classes. The character of the practitioners was exactly what I was looking for, especially in the higher ranks. The students were genuinely positive and supportive. The environment had a good feel and I enjoyed the moves I was learning. I decided to join and have been a student for the last couple of years. This system has many aspects and is truly a martial art. On a physical level there are many exercises that increase speed, power, and endurance. There is conditioning equipment like heavy bags and mok jong (wooden dummy). Also, proper techniques to safely condition the body. On an Internal level, there are forms and chi gung (power meditations). We learn how to build, feel and manipulate chi. The External and Internal techniques combine to create an explosive and fast style. The school has access to high quality herbal formulas. These aid training in a variety of ways. The external dit dar jow is helpful in the removal of bruises and injuries. There are various teas and tonics that have unique affects. The internal ones taste great too. The teas are very clean and the tonics have a delicious honey flavor. Whatever level you wish to train at, the school will accommodate you: recreational to serious exercise, disciplined martial artist, or anything beyond. I'd highly recommend checking out the school and seeing if it's for you. read more

I've trained at several gyms throughout the years and I can honestly say that I have experienced the most personal growth from Rizzo's White Tiger Kung Fu School. What drew me in was the fact that it is a complete system where you learn everything from fighting aspects, to meditations, to Chinese herbology, and many more. There is so much knowledge to be gained here that I don't need to go anywhere else. I want to thank Sifu Joel for all the guidance in making me the man I am today and for all the help he's given my family. I look forward to many more years of growth through White Tiger Kung Fu. read more

Vi Sifu, Trinni & Jonathan we're so awesome with my daughter (4.5 years old) during the introductory zoom class they hosted! My daughter had never done any martial arts and she loved the class, learned a lot, and had a ton of fun. The class was for 4-6 year olds and they were great at keeping the kids engaged, even in the virtual format, which was amazing to me. They taught principles like respect, healthy living, and discipline, and also did a lot of exercise to wear the kids out, while teaching the kung fu basics. They also went above and beyond to call to check in with me, and to send progress emails. This was a free class they did for the community in response to COVID so I was really pleasantly surprised that they went the extra mile to do those things. They really seem to care and have passion for what they do. read more

My daughter, age 6, just finished her first virtual kung fu class. I was very impressed with the staff and their patience and commitment with the children. My daughter really enjoyed it and looked forward to every class. I was very impressed with Ms Vi. She kept in touch with us and made sure my daughter was comfortable and answered any questions she had. read more

The real deal! If you are looking to better your mind, body and soul I recommend White Tiger Kung Fu! SiFu and Dan are amazing! I have know them for years and I recommend them for anyone seeking a better mind, body and soul. read more

I have been training at White Tiger for 4 years. My initial interest was for my kids. But, years before I had taken some Tai Chi & when they told me that their curriculum included Tai Chi & they had affordable family plans, I signed everyone up. Because of other interests the kids classes do not work for me & they have allowed them to train with me in the adult class. The staff & other students have been very helpful and accommodating schedule conflicts for promotions & such as participation in various sports periodically conflicts with weekend promotions. I highly recommend White Tiger Kung Fu for anyone who is interested with improving themselves & their outlook on life through kung fu. Not to mention a good workout & acquiring some traditional Chinese martial skills! read more

Excellent martial art school. Great atmosphere with friendly and helpful staff. Have been training here for over four years. Come here if you want to get your sweat on and get healthier in the process read more

What a place! I studied Kung Fu at Authentic White Tiger with Sifu Jol and his team and it changed my life...LITERALLY, I got so much more than what I actually came for. Yes I started learning Kung Fu, yes I achieved awesome physical shape and never felt any more confident or strong, but there was/ is so much more.... My entire way thinking changed. Sifu Joel also introduced me to the amazing benefits of Eastern Medicine. I was very resistant until I experienced the astonishing results myself. When I started there, I was a Medicinal Chemist, working in pharmaceutical research, frequently "plagued" by migraines. I became so incredibly fascinated by Kung Fu and Eastern Medicine. Now I am running my own very busy acupuncture/ Chinese Medicine practice with offices in MA and NH. Yes- migraine free for decades (after all doctors/ specialists told me that would never happen) and Sifu Joel became my lifelong friend and mentor. Thank you for all Sifu Joel! I will keep on looking for ways to express my gratitude to you, your family and your team- my brothers and sisters. I do not want to imagine where I would be now, without ever having found White Tiger Kung Fu. read more

White Tiger Kung Fu (Bak Fu Pai) was chosen by Chinese Emperors to protect the Royal Family. This makes it the most dominate form of martial art in existence. Unlike any other martial arts school that I've encountered, they have an extensive variety of Dit Da,Tea, and other herbs used to supplement and enhance training. It is also an internally focused system with powerful Chi Kung meditations and amazing Tai Chi forms. Students here also have the potential to learn Iron Body and Iron Palm techniques. Sifu Joel Rizzo is extremely knowledgeable and his teachings have produced phenomenal results in countless individuals. The staff is highly adept and very friendly. I highly recommend this style to anyone. It doesn't matter if you are young, old, in shape, or out of shape. White Tiger Kung Fu will put you on a training regimen that will guide you on a positive, productive, and healthful path. And Kung Fu is fun to learn! read more

I was new to the area and wanted to start learning martial arts again as I did as a kid and as fate would have it, a karmic meeting with one of the students brought me to this school. Everyone here including Sifu (owner and head instructor) treats everyone like you're part of the family and their training styles and conditioning are awesome. The oils and tonics they distribute add to the experience and aid in healing and conditioning. Membership is pricey but if you attend regularly and fully engross yourself into the arts, it's definitely worth it! read more

don't listen to that Yuki woman, she doesn't know what she's talking about. this school is the best around. you know its good when 2 students have traveled over 1800 miles one way just to train here for a week at a time on numerous occasions. i would have to write countless reviews to tell all the benefits the knowledge and training Authentic White Tiger Kung Fu has to offer those who come here. you have to be one closed minded, evil individual to not see how awesome and powerful this training really is. believe me, the cost of the training is beyond worth it, it will dramatically change your life for the better. read more