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!

2 years in. My son stuck with it and made great progress. It not only teaches him self defense, but…read moreconfidence, discipline and coordination. This place is becoming a place he loves coming to. Shout out to all the ShiFus!

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!

My 7-year-old daughter has been training at Island City Jiu Jitsu for several months now, and I…read morecouldn't be happier with our experience. One of the biggest reasons we chose this gym is the quality of the coaching staff. Owner and head coach Zach brings a black belt level of expertise along with a professional fighting background, and it shows in the structure and quality of the program. Coaches Ash, Corrina, Margy, and Colette are all highly experienced competitors with extensive tournament backgrounds, which gives students access to real-world knowledge and proven techniques. What stands out most is that this is not your typical "daycare-style" martial arts program. The kids receive hands-on instruction, live sparring opportunities, and learn legitimate competition-tested techniques in a safe and controlled environment. The instructor-to-student ratio is excellent, allowing the coaches to be attentive and engaged. As a parent of a daughter, I especially appreciate having knowledgeable female coaches on staff. Helps build confidence, discipline, camaraderie, and self-defense skills in a way that makes me feel very comfortable. The gym itself is always clean, organized, and welcoming. I've never felt uneasy leaving my daughter in the coaches' care. There's a comfortable lounge area where I can watch practice on the TV screen, which is a great feature since I like to monitor my daughter's progress. At the same time, I feel completely comfortable stepping out to grab a coffee next door or take a walk down Park Street knowing she's in good hands. Another thing I appreciate is that the coaches never seem rushed. They take the time to teach, answer questions, and ensure students understand the techniques being taught. The month-to-month billing structure is also straightforward and offers excellent value for the quality of instruction provided. One aspect that often gets overlooked when choosing a gym is the community, and Island City Jiu Jitsu excels in this area as well. The parents are friendly, welcoming, and supportive, creating an environment where families quickly feel like they belong. Coaches communicate with parents and provide feedback on their child's development, strengths, areas for improvement, and overall growth. Overall, Island City Jiu Jitsu has exceeded my expectations. My daughter has gained valuable self-defense skills, confidence, discipline. If you're looking for a gym that prioritizes real skill development, quality coaching, safety, community, and character-building, I highly recommend checking them out.

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!

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.

Come to protecting is always good when u walk alone out there Strangers everywhere isn't a safe…read moreplace anymore we all live. Self defense can safe your life n other good people

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.

I've been training at Alameda Akikai with Mitsu Sensei for three years alongside my oldest child…read more(12) who has been there for 2+ years and his sibling (10) who has been there for about 1+ years. Bottom line: I love it. For me, Aikido is both an escape and an exercise. The art is challenging, physically and mentally and requires one be alert, agile, strong and flexible. I try and practice several times a week which is very easy to do here. The other people on the mat are engaged and kind and look out for one another. There are also a variety of classes to choose from (for adults there are 530 am, 9am and 6pm classes, and one on Saturday, and for kids there are many options to choose from after school and also on Saturdays). Speaking of kids! Training with my own kids is a real joy. It's a fun activity we can do together and Aikido exemplifies, and teaches, important values about capability, respect, effort and diligence. 10/10 can recommend!

I've been training at Alameda Aikikai for just about two years, and it's been incredible! Mitsu…read moreSensei is extremely clean with his instructions, makes sure the students are being personally challenged without being pushed too far, and utilizes his background in physical therapy to make sure everyone is practicing safely. The community is incredible with a strong familial, but welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely love being a part of this dojo and look forward to all of y'all being a part of it as well!

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!

My son has been loving this place he's went about 1 and a half years and he hasn't complained once…read more All the coaches there, are very nice and supportive. I would recommend others to go there and sign up. If you want to sign up your kids to martial arts, sign up to 10th planet jujitsu .

My son has been going for almost 2 years. He says great things about this place and it is all true…read more if you want to join a jujitsu or martial arts you should join 10th planet because it is worth it. The coaches are also really nice and supportive and would always help the students.