We love Bay Area Capoeira Jiu Jitsu. The studio has a great family vibe. Bubba is the main…read moreinstructor for the younger students, and he usually brings his kids (college & high school age) to teach the classes too. Other parents who train in jiujitsu help coach and assist the main instructors. It's a beautiful community. They offer a subscription model that allows kids to attend up to 4 classes per week for an affordable, fixed cost. The classes are for mixed ages, so my sons (ages 8 & 5) are able to train together on the same convenient schedule. My boys have been training at this studio for about a year now, and they still love it! Highly recommend!

Great gym and super clean!…read more Strongly recommend the Saturday morning classes taught by Coach Daniel if you're looking for very practical self-defense

I can't say enough great things about 148 Jiu Jitsu. Everything about this place has been solid…read moresince my very first class. I've been training in another martial art for the past 16 years, and I'm pretty particular about where I choose to train. I've been in a lot of gyms over the years, and every time I walk into 148, I genuinely look forward to getting on the mats. The instruction is practical, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it's a welcoming environment whether you're brand new or highly experienced. I was honestly skeptical about open mat at first. I've seen how ego driven those sessions can get at other gyms, and that's not something I wasn't interested in. I couldn't have been more wrong here. Open mat at 148 is supportive and motivating. Training partners will stop mid roll to offer helpful feedback like "hey, fix this" or "try it this way for a better result." The focus is on learning, control, and making each other better, not proving anything. There's a lot of pride in this school, and it shows. The mats are clean, the gym is well maintained, and there's a clear standard for how people train and treat each other. The people here are solid. From students to other instructors, everyone is respectful, helpful, and easy to be around. It feels like a team, and it never feels unsafe or intimidating. I've also done private lessons with Ed, and that's been a great experience. He makes sure you actually retain the material, not just run through techniques. The lessons are tailored to whatever your outcome is, whether that's improving specific positions, sharpening fundamentals, or applying jiu jitsu in a more practical, real world way, which was exactly what I was looking for. He takes the time to explain the "why" behind everything and makes sure it sticks. Ed is great overall. He runs organized classes, explains techniques clearly, and makes sure everyone feels welcome from day one. He does an excellent job building both skill and culture, and it really shows. If you're looking for a jiu jitsu gym with strong instruction, clean mats, good people, and a professional, ego free environment, I'd highly recommend 148 Jiu Jitsu.

Hard to express what Ed means to my family and our son in particular. Our kid is neurodivergent and…read morefrom the minute Ed met him, he has connected with him unlike anyone else. Our son respects him, looks up to him, and learns so much from him - soft skills and of course jiu jitsu. Ed truly cares - inviting my son to watch competitions, recommending books and helping build his confidence. We feel the luckiest to have found this special place and this special man.

We attended this studio for a year. We would have left sooner but they make you sign a one year…read morecontract and buy their expensive branded uniform. They give you a one week free trial and they put on a good show in front of the parents. Once they have you locked in for a year everything changes. The class sizes are huge. There are not enough coaches for one on one instruction. Your child becomes just a number and they are not personable with the parents unless your child is one of their favorites. They use sexist language like, "don't cry! What are you a girl?" They mock, yell at and tease the students. They take away stripes as punishment if your child speaks during class. If any of that is your style maybe you will like it. The instruction is sub par. My child is excelling at their new studio. People go to Gracie because of the name and you will see a lot of rich, affluent parents chatting with each other out front. On another note. Parking is terrible and there is nothing to do on that street, not even a coffee shop. Classes are at the height of traffic. I do not recommend this studio. *edit. We were told that we were REQUIRED to sign a one year contract. The response to me below means either they have changed that policy or the response is untruthful. I stand by every word of my review. I was made to sign a contract.

Both of my sons started training here when they were 6 years old, and they are now 11 and 13. The…read morecoaching has been EXCELLENT throughout their training. The coaches are firm and technical, but also fun, caring, thoughtful, and understanding; my kids love it here! My older, quieter son has developed strength and confidence, and my younger, energetic son has learned to manage his strong emotions; skills they didn't even realize they were developing through their training and amazing coaches! As a single mom, I really appreciate the support and teaching from each of the coaches, not only in jiujitsu, but also in strong positive values, compassion, mindfulness, and community. The coaches take the time to individualize their training to each student's personality and needs, and I have been awed at times by their patience. Students learn the importance of respect/kindness for others, regardless of differences; they learn to feel comfortable and confident with themselves and with peers. This inspired me to also start training 2 years ago, as I saw that the classes, coaches, and students are all so welcoming! And I have noticed positive changes both physically and mentally (much needed with 2 kids and work!). The school has always been understanding and flexible to our schedule and genuinely tries to work with families' various needs to the best of their ability. Coach Cris and Larissa are both wonderful to work with, and their kindness has fostered this community that many have commented "feels like family" (it really does!). My kids have developed long-lasting friendships where classmates stay to have dinner after class with us (next door at PJ's Pizza!), and I am finding the same sense of family in the adult classes. My sons and I are so fortunate to have found Charles Gracie San Mateo!!

I can't express myself how good it feels to be back! Work has me busy but regardless of missing out…read moreon MMA training I had an amazing time back at Sensation MMA. I would like to specially thank the coaches Andre and Hosoi. They are always happy to see you and ready to train you. The place itself always in great shape and condition very safe to workout and do MMA. The cleanliness always on point. I really recommend trying it and you will end up staying! My go to MMA gym is at Sensation! Thank you for always being authentic and treating every single person like family. I love it!

Coach Andre and coach chase are awesome. My 4 year old has learned so much and has a blast. Coach…read moreAndre teaches them fundamental skills all while keeping the class fun and engaging.

The best place to learn martial arts in bay area. The focus is on learning the martial arts…read moretechniques well. We are so glad we found this place. Mr.Agoff and his family are such nice people. We absolutely love this place :) Both me and my 7 year daughter are his students. Highly recommend!! Definitely check this place. You will not be disappointed.

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience at Bay Area Martial Arts. The instructor (Mike Agoff)…read morefocuses on martial training that is practical for everyone to learn regardless of age. The physical aspects of the training is also challenging and rewarding. The sense of community has also been fantastic for myself and my 6 year old. I highly recommend anyone in the area come check it out if you are looking to develop practical fighting techniques, improve physical fitness or simply learn something new that engages both mind and body.

Coach Curry & Kim, they have been incredibly supportive of our youth at Siena Youth Center and…read morehave always been flexible in working with our schedule. Our youth have enjoyed being part of Coach Curry's team due to his patience and structure, along with being an amazing mentor. Siena Youth Center is grateful for all the patience and mentoring you have dedicated to our students while they were navigating through their senior year and freshman year.

My child has been taking martial arts classes with Precision for over a year now. It has been a…read moregreat experience. I recommend trying these classes!

Twin Dragon has been a blessing for our family. Our kids received top notch martial arts training…read morewhich included kung fu and weapons (not something most dojos allow for younger students). The senseis make the classes fun and engaging, and the entire team genuinely cares about each students progress. They even offer an amazing summer camp and other random nights of care like during Valentine's Day so kids can attend school and have fun while the parents get a break. Our kids loved the summer camp here more than any other, and we have tried nearly everything on the peninsula. Give the a try. You won't regret it!

My 3 yo has been coming here for about a year (in addition to soccer & dance) and this is by far…read moreher favorite activity. She has a blast during class and is literally smiling the entire 30 minutes. Her senseis are amazing too. They are firm & really help guide the students and keep them focused during class (which isn't easy but they do a fantastic job). Also my daughter has gotten stronger practicing at home. My husband & I agree that it's hands down the best activity she's in. I highly recommend.

Updating my review since our family recently moved away from Menlo Park. My daughter started taking…read morekarate at USSD alongside my son and they both loved it. Since I came to the night classes here as well as the women's kickboxing class, I've had plenty of opportunity to get to know the instructors (Teacher Caldwell, Teacher Willie, Jodi, Brian, etc.). They are not only all excellent teachers, but friends that our family will miss. Since this location hosts many classes, I'll break down the review into each class/instructor Karate: My kids (ages 5 & 7) just tested for their yellow belts here and are both eager to continue karate. They tell their friends about how much they love their class. I was so pleased with their instruction that a close friend started her kids training here as well. Teacher Caldwell is kind and patient with the kids, and Teacher Willie's energy makes him one of the kids' favorite teachers. Kickboxing: The women in this class have become good friends. I loved this class so much that I would tow my younger two children (5 & 2) to class when I couldn't get babysitting. Jodi is energetic and knowledgable and let my kids play (or held my toddler) while I trained, which is a rarity. Expect a hard cardio workout with a lot of focus on careful technique. Tuesday/Thursday night grappling/striking: I made this class less frequently than the others but was always glad I came when I could. Willie brings the same energy to this class that he does to the kids' karate class, and I appreciated learning not only from him but from the other class participants whose experience surpasses my own. Grappling is (in my experience) focused on BJJ and takedown techniques while striking is strikes/kicks. Both classes often involve sparring, which I've found to be one of the most helpful ways for me to put what I've learned into practice. Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class. I left a detailed review on the Urban Combat Yelp page. Martial arts has become one of my favorite things to do, something I'm hoping to teach in the future, and a source of discipline and confidence in my life. I owe it all to the investment and mentorship I have received through this studio, and I will miss it dearly. If you're looking for a solid martial arts experience for your children or for yourself, USSD is as good as it gets.

The instructors are all well versed in their arts, and have a terrific appreciation for those who…read morecome to learn. From beginners to those more advanced everyone comes together in a supportive, and motivating, way that fosters challenging one another to improve themselves. I have had the pleasure of participating in both the Urban Combat, as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to learn self-defense, as well as those seeking a wonderful alternative to an hour and a half at the gym.