We were looking all around for a martial arts studio for my son. After searching online, we found…read moreMaster Frank's studio and took my son in for a 2 week trial. Master Frank actually teaches techniques that will save my son in dangerous situations. It's a great studio and Master Frank is patient and consistent with the kids!

This place is fantastic, master Frank is amazing and my son looks forward to his Kung fun classes…read more The classes are offered at a great time for working parents. Super engaging and i think soon he'll be great at self defense. We absolutely love the teacher and everything about this place

I started my 5 yo who's slow to warm up to things and 7 yo who has a hard time focusing just a few…read moremonths ago. They are both excited to train, and it's been the best experience! I expected my 5 yo to go on and off the mat through the class but she stays and participates the whole time! And my 7 yo is loving it and working so hard that he leaves the mat drenched. Teachers and professors are strict yet kind and keeps them in check. Been awesome for us and we hope to continue for years to come.

If you're looking for authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu this place has it. They have 2 Brazilin born…read morechampion Black Belts that originally came here as athletes and they're no joke when it comes to what they know and how they teach. They also have several other high ranking coaches that really know what they're doing. We've been at Checkmat V1sion in Ladera since day 1, but my daughter has been training with Coach Annie and Coach Joao for almost 2 years. They've taken her from wearing a "loaner" Gi to competing in 14 competitions and winning 13 medals last year. I can tell you from my almost daily interactions that all the coaches are extremely dedicated to each and every student and supporting their BJJ journey no matter where that takes them. In my case, I've seen my young daughter grow dramatically in her self-confidence under the guidance of Coach Annie and Joao and both of them took their own personal time to attend every competition she had last year. Not only supporting my daughter but the entire team. The facility is spotless and right in the center of town. They have a ton of classes 6 days a week so it's super easy to find a time that works for me and my daughter. Something that makes this Jiu Jitsu Academy different than some others is its competition program. The primary coaches not only teach/train regular BJJ classes they also train champion competitors. My daughter's entire group of about 30 kids in her specific age group competes regularly. But, the biggest thing I love about this gym and the BJJ community, in general, is that it's more like family than anything else. Everyone is really engaged and supportive, especially the parents of all the kids. I myself started training recently and if you're considering any type of martial arts program I'll tell you there's nothing quite like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and this gym checks all the boxes for me. Like most BJJ gyms you can come in anytime for some free trial classes and get on the mat to see what it's all about. That's how I started.

This is a very authentic dojo that truly focuses on each individual student. My two children have…read morebeen learning karate under the supervision of Nishimura Sensei since they were 5 and 8 years old. Over the years, they have become more responsible and independent--not only at the dojo, but also at home and at school. We are very happy to be sending our children to this dojo and highly recommend it to other families.

Sensei Nishimura is a kind and welcoming person who helps build confidence with kids of all ages…read morethrough the teaching of traditional Japanese Karate. As a non-profit, USA Wado Ryu helps to support the community and empowers both young and adult students. I appreciate the work this dojo does, the time Sensei Nishimura spends here, and hope others, both kids and adults, can come and grow here.

The gym reopened and this is their newest location. My husband and I come here every week. My…read morehusband has been with the gym for about 6-7 years (I think), and I only started going recently about 3-4 months ago. You really can't beat the price, especially with the amazing coaches who lead the classes here. One thing I've found that's incredibly rare is finding good coaches--it's so hard to find them in SoCal. Edith, Manny, Rudy, and Older Manny are wonderful teachers who push you to your limit. They care about a lot and really get to know you. As a woman, joining a combat sports class can feel a bit intimidating, but they make it easy to put in the work and see great results. Love the team and the people at this gym. So many good things to say!

I am so sad to hear about the closure of one of OCs best gyms. This place was more than a gym but a…read moreplace many caked home. The couple that ran things facility were loving and humble. They gave many a reason to change and be better. Thank you for all you did for the community. I pray that God continues to guide you and bring you propserity

Master Lockhart and his amazing daughter Brittany are wonderful teachers. They teach the kids not…read moreonly karate but respect for others, but discipline and manners. Our grandson started taking karate with them when he was 3 yrs. old. He got his orange belt right before he turned 5. He has made a lot of friends in class and loves karate.

It has only been 2 months since we joined Lockhart's but my son LOVES IT! A friend recommended it…read moreto us when I mentioned we previously tried Taekwondo at two nearby academies without success. The first one was awful, they had zero patience with little kids and my son was very young. The second was OK, not bad but not amazing, also incredibly rigid and my son just couldn't get into it. Lockhart's (Dan and his daughter) strike a great balance between teaching them proper technique, form and discipline but also making it very fun and engaging. Most days my kid is coming home and continuing to practice what he's learning. Also, my son isn't little anymore but the amount of patience they have with the small kids is absolutely mind-blowing, I wish I would've found this place sooner and skipped a lot of frustration. Definitely recommend!

I'm new to martial arts, but this place has been amazing for our two kids over the last several…read moreyears. All the masters are super great with kids, keeping them motivated and disciplined. The kids' participation instills confidence along with great focus which has helped them in all aspects of their lives. Looking forward to have our kids continue all the way to reaching black belt!

Overdue review! This martial arts studio is phenomenal. The coaches teach respect for adults, teach…read moreself confidence and regulation, and an array of self defense. I can't say enough wonderful things about sunrise. It has changed my sons outlook on himself it's invaluable.

I've been training at AOJ MV for almost 2 yrs, I'm there 3-4 times a week for adult classes and my…read morekids go twice a week in the afternoon. We came from Gracie Barra Headquarters, I was there for 4 years before I decided to switch to AOJ. It was the BEST decision I've made in regards to BJJ training. I love everything about AOJ, the classes, the professors, the facility the bathroom! They are often cleaning the mats, windows, bathrooms. The Professors are all highly skilled and the techniques they teach are so much more complex but they break it down so it's easier to understand. I love how the kids group is separated into smaller clusters giving kids more personalized training. AOJ encourages kids to train multiple classes a day/week if they are able to, our previous school limited kids to 2 classes a week. Not bashing GB but they are more of a intro to JJ school, AOJ is more focused on detailed/higher level instruction.

I asked a BJJ black belt friend of mine if he had any recommendations for schools. He said, "If you…read morelive near AOJ, go to AOJ." He is not a student here but it shows the reputation and respect he has for AOJ. I've now been training here for 6+ months and love it. AOJ was one of the few places with morning and evening classes, so it fit my schedule nicely. The Basics class will get you confident quickly because you're being taught by world class professors and coaches. They patiently work with you and make sure you understand the concepts. Not only do you have world class instructors, but the other students all want to help each other get better. There's no egos and it's a great community. Lastly, it's very clean and they have plenty of facilities to shower if you go before work.

If you are thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and have absolutely no experience, this is…read moreyour sign to just do it I honestly just made the jump and tried it. No overthinking. I just went for it. It definitely helped having my friend there for my first class, but I was hooked immediately. Joining Gracie Barra Aliso Viejo has honestly been one of the best decisions I have made. I have put my all into this and showed dedication and discipline working my butt off almost a whole month straight. Jiu jitsu challenges you in the best way physically and mentally. Learning the techniques, strategies, and how to react against your opponents has been such a rewarding experience. Every class I leave feeling stronger, more confident, and excited to keep learning. The atmosphere here is honestly infectious. Not only are the professors and coaches incredibly welcoming, but everyone participating makes you feel like you belong too. Whether you are brand new or experienced, people encourage you, help you, and want to see you improve. The fundamentals classes are just the beginning and there is so much to learn. I already cannot wait to compete and continue growing in this journey. I really want to honor the Gracie Barra family because they have built such an encouraging and welcoming environment. Huge thank you to my colleague Brooke Visagie for encouraging me to just try it out. You were absolutely right because I was hooked after the first class. Bonus too, you get to visit other Gracie Barra gyms with your visitor card which is such a cool experience. I love the little quirks each gym does and the different vibes they bring. Shout out to San Clemente and HQ for the opportunities to train and spar at your gyms. I seriously cannot recommend Gracie Barra Aliso Viejo enough. If you have been thinking about trying it, just do it. No experience needed. Everyone starts somewhere and you might just end up hooked like me

When I first joined Gracie Aliso Viejo, I was looking for something physical. I'm not really into…read moreyoga or Pilates. I love weightlifting and hiking, but I wanted something that would not only challenge me physically, but also benefit me in my everyday life. I signed up for a free trial and after my very first class, I immediately understood why I needed this. As a mom, I often do things alone with my daughter. It hit me that if anyone ever tried to hurt me or take her, I wouldn't have the skill set or the size to confidently protect us. That realization is what pushed me to sign up right away. I'm not the best at it (yet!), but the instructors are incredibly patient and kind. From Victor to Ji (apologies if I misspelled that), they are excellent teachers. They break things down clearly, encourage you, and create such a supportive environment. I still catch myself saying "sorry" or freezing in certain situations, but every class reminds me why I'm here and why this training matters. It's challenging in the best way like solving physical puzzles. If you enjoy testing yourself and learning something completely new, this is perfect. Even if you've never thrown a punch in your life (like me!), it's fun, safe, and welcoming. Everyone is kind and nonjudgmental. The studio is extremely clean, family-friendly, and professionally run. I'm already so excited for my daughter to try soon!