I can't say enough about Women Empowerment at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vallejo! What started as a personal…read moregoal to earn my pink belt quickly turned into joining a community of inspiring women who truly have each other's backs. From day one, I felt welcome and supported. Nikki is a phenomenal instructor--she teaches with clarity, structure, and real-world practicality that makes every class feel valuable and impactful. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, build confidence, or find a strong community, this is the place for you!

We first tried a Jiu Jitsu gym in Fairfield, and after just one class, we left very unsatisfied. My…read moredaughter, who was only 5 at the time, was placed in a class with much older, more experienced kids without any explanation, guidance, or pairing with a mentor. During one exercise (which had never been explained to her), a more experienced student took it upon himself to "correct" her by tripping her, causing her to fall face-first. The instructor neither checked on her well-being nor addressed the behavior. The incident left her shaken and unwilling to try Jiu Jitsu again for quite some time. After months of encouragement, she finally agreed to give it another try, this time at Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which had been highly recommended by fellow school parents. From day one, the difference was night and day. The coaches are not only professional and skilled, but also incredibly patient, welcoming, and attentive to each child's needs. They make sure every student understands the exercises and feels safe while learning. One moment that really stood out to me was when my daughter accidentally overextended her wrist. Both coaches checked on her at separate times, Coach Miro even offered to wrap her hand, and later Coach Nikki reassured her that these things happen and everything would be okay. As a mom, that level of care spoke volumes and showed me they truly prioritize their students' well-being. What I also love is how they blend skill-building with play. They incorporate games like Simon Says and end the class with dodgeball. This isn't just fun, it's smart. Play is a crucial part of how children learn, and it's clear the coaches understand how to keep kids engaged, motivated, and happy while still teaching discipline and technique. Beyond physical skills, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on life lessons. Each month, they highlight a value, last month's was respect. The coaches talk about what it means, how to show it, and how it applies outside the gym. They also teach the importance of community, standing up for others, and resolving conflicts peacefully, using Jiu Jitsu techniques only when truly necessary for self-defense. My daughter is now not only learning how to protect herself, but also how to be respectful, compassionate, and confident. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is giving her tools that will serve her for life. Highly recommended.

My daughter has been training at this studio for 5 years, and it's been one of the best decisions…read morewe've made for her. The sense of community here is incredible -- it feels like a second family, not just a place to learn martial arts. A huge part of that is Shifu Eric Mitchell. He's an exceptional teacher -- patient, kind, and genuinely gifted at connecting with kids. He knows how to push them to grow while making sure they feel supported and encouraged every step of the way. Watching my daughter build confidence and discipline under his guidance over the years has been wonderful. If you're looking for a kung fu studio with real heart and a teacher who truly cares about your child's development, I can't recommend this place enough.

My son has been a student of Shifu Mitchell for nearly two years now, and I can't recommend him…read moreenough. He teaches students with patience, ensuring learn Kung Fu for real-world applications, while teaching philosophy to ensure they understand when to apply what he teaches. There are many options for martial arts in Vallejo, but I encourage everyone to give this school a try.

One of the best decisions we made for our kid. Structure, discipline, confidence, community and at…read morethe same time learning an important skill to defend oneself if ever a situation calls for it. I love this place, they have a two way approach of teaching where they offer both group and one on one classes (to refine techniques and work through any technical issues). The teachers are young, relatable and very attentive. Their teaching style is very kid friendly and if they see something that's not quite clicking they find other ways to explain it so that its more relatable and or make more sense to as why something is done a certain way (not just seeing the trees but the forest as well.) Also after every one on one class the teacher goes over your child's progress and what they see as their strengths as well as the things that can be worked on and improved. The staff is consistent (not a lot of change over) so it's make things much easier as far as getting into a routine for the kids as well as the parents. My kid has been there for a little of a year (started when they were 8 but now they're 9) and has had the same three instructors - Mr. Bilberry, Mr. Begonia and Ms. Ferdin (which is a plus in my book.) They are taught practical applications for real world situations. They are also big on conditioning and friendly competition to help with pushing them further. There's alway a nice group of kids attending the group classes which is one of the reasons why my kid loves going (we use this as part of their social time since they are being home schooled.) The dojo is always well kept and organized (it doesn't have that funky smell that you'd think a gym would have which means a lot when you're waiting during your child's practices.) There's also a great cafe (the Benicia Coffee Company) a few doors down if you prefer to wait off site in the area. The Coachs are really good and are very knowledgeable. Even though I had and idea of their skill levels I really found out after witnessing one of their open houses where the instructors did a demonstration of their fighting style Kenpo Karate! With this particular style they use a color belt system to mark accomplishment and skill level. What's really cool is if you're feeling left out and are in need of a workout they have a boxing gym as well that offers lessons that you can match to your kid's schedule! If you're looking for a martial arts spot I'd highly recommend this place and they even offer a few free lessons to give you a chance to see if it's the right fit for you and your child! It's a win win situation in my book! J

Hello everyone…read more This was my experience in Benicia Boxing. Coach Andy is amazing and made me feel comfortable and confident when hitting the pads and also corrected my stand and taught me the fundamental basics. Coach Travis is the other person that was training me. He taught me how to correctly throw a punch and learn how to move with my feet, which was needed because I'm a beginner. My overall experience was great and will definitely come back in the near future

I have nothing but love, respect and admiration for Seronio's Island Bred Martial Arts in Vallejo…read more Professor Bobby Seronio Jr. and the entire crew of instructors are amazing. They lead the children, youth, adults and families of our community not only to be outstanding in kajukenbo; but build character, instill respect and quality values that carry on in each person's lives forever. I am grateful to know them and call them family. Many friends have their children enrolled with the school and are always speaking highly of them. I have also worked out in the adult classes and love it. I see how involved they are in the community promoting safety awareness and self defense that it was a reminder...my review is long overdue! Contact them now!

Very awesome family!! They do so much for the community. Come out and give them a try. You won't be…read moredisappointed.

The oldest continously running Kajukenbo school in the world. A rich legacy of Martial Arts…read moreChampions that continues through today. Effective and street proven Self defense.

Great place to learn and get wisdom! Family friendly and great instructors!…read moreSenior Grandmaster Bautista is like a father always wants the best for his students but will also give you that though love !

I earned my black belt from Master Kim in 1993 while serving in the Navy at Mare Island. Went on to…read moreearn 2nd Dan from another school after I was transferred. Master Kim was a wonderful man who genuinely cared about each and every student. I love the guy.

A recently learned of the concept of "A Third Place." Coined by Ray Oldenberg, it's a social…read moreenvironment that is not home (first place) and not work (second place). He identified key characteristics of all third places. "They are on neutral ground and promote social equity by leveling the status of guests. Conversation is the main activity and the mood is playful. Strangers are welcome, and there are regulars who feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space. They enjoy the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes." I know this is seriously corny, but William Kim's Tae Kwon Do Center is the best Third Place for families. You truly feel a sense of community when you are there. All the instructors are so good with the kids. I have personally seen how beneficial Tae Kwon Do is through my own 9-year old (who started in 2023 at 7). He has blossomed due in large part to Tae Kwon Do. Because I attend almost all of my son's classes, I've also witnessed so many other students excel. These kids learn discipline, respect, perseverance and many more valuable social and emotional skills. And even though the students are training hard during class, the classes are actually really fun! Even for parents just sitting and watching. In addition to being a great place for your kids, as a parent, you might find yourself connecting with other local parents who may even become close friends and trusted associates. Families have been sending their kids to William Kim's TKD for decades and for good reason. The center has deep roots in the Vallejo community. Third places like William Kim's are successful because of the people who volunteer and work there--especially the Kim family--who are committed to improving each students well being through the discipline of the art of Tae Kwon Do. Families continue to flock here because they can see and feel this commitment. Also there are not many places you can go to like this, where you see different generations, from gen alpha to millennial, gen x and beyond, socializing well and getting along with one another. Sidenote: My husband had been wanting our son to start Tae Kwon Do for years, since he participated in several martial arts when he was younger. He did extensive research before deciding where to start. He picked William Kim's because of Grandmaster Kim's excellent reputation (Grandmaster is a 9th Don!) And, even though we live further away in Cordelia, we believe the quality of William Kim's is definitely worth the drive to Vallejo.

The trainers are awesome. Friendly staff…read more If you want a great workout, this is the place. Everytime I walk in here, I walk out feeling 10 times lighter and stress free. I highly recommend the Muay Thai class for adults and for kids! It's a great workout (Warning: You will sweat a river =P) plus if you're into the fight game, this is the perfect class to get you started. Coach Dino is awesome and he'll keep you on balls of your feet! Literally! =) Also check out the Taebo and Boxing classes as well. I believe they offer Zumba too. You'll love it!

Seriously cannot believe the one-star reviews-- yea, yea, you're entitled to yours, but so am I…read more When I used to live in the area, I would be here every day after work and for tae-bo on saturday mornings. I loved that Denise, AJ, and Cheryl really kick your butt to house/Vegas/EDM style music. I also love the boxing class. The place itself does not look fancy but it is what it is = a kick ass place to get your cardio in along with fighting classes for all ages. I think its great they also hold occasional challenges (most fat loss/most weight loss) and have prizes such as free membership for a period of time, etc. I find it very hard to believe that this gym or any other would charge you for 4 months after the fact-- I canceled mine when I moved and did not experience such an issue. I did however buy the 10-pass class for when I do visit my family on the weekends and can get a cardio workout in. I say try it for yourself. There are all kinds/sorts of people here: thick, thin, young, older, beginners, novice, expert. You'll fit in no matter what shape you are in.

This is a great place, both, my kids and myself had a wonderful experience learning and growing…read moretogether. I would recommend this place to anyone and everyone. They really go above and beyond it feels like you are a part of the family. They helped me build up strength and be able to move around better than I did before my accident. This is a great place to build yourself up when recovering from life. It is a wonderful place for working on self discipline and learning to be in the present moment. Thank you all down there, for all your time and Support you guys have given me and my family

My son is in the Tiger class and has been going here for about a year. Master Will is a kind…read morefriendly man and his staff is excellent with children. They let my son tryout before he was 4 y/o (2 day free trial). Besides Martial Arts, they teach manners and respect. We really enjoy Mr Adams teaching our son! 5 days a week, 30 minutes, $200. You most definitely get your money's worth! Check out a belt ceremony if you want to see BMAA skills for yourself! Cons: 1 toilet & Parents/Gaurdian standing outside view only (for regular classes)

I feel super blessed to get to train in the Giron system--directly with GM Mike Giron, son of Leo…read moreGiron. GM Giron, Guru Brian, and instructing members gave me a great deal of individual guidance and attention. They really made sure I got the curriculum right. I really enjoy all the historical detail I picked up on the history of escrima in Stockton. OGE aren't just a club, they're a family keeping the Original Giron Escrima system alive. Bahalana.

From the owner: Escrima is the traditional martial arts of the Phillipines. It is highly effective and uses both…read moreweapons and unarmed techniques. OGE, Original Giron Escrima is a battle proven style based in the combat experiences of Sgt. Leo M. Giron. It's a system of 20 individual styles from the traditional arts of Pangasinan, shaped by Sgt. Giron's extensive combat experience in the United States Army in WWII. Volunteering to fight for the liberation of his homeland, he operated for extended periods behind enemy lines and ultimately earned a Bronze Star for his service. Michael Giron, his son, is the founder of OGE and continues to teach his father's authentic martial art.

Overall, it's about the best PF I've ever been to. It's new of course and unlike the older,…read moreoriginal PF across town, is located in a more favorable part of town (East Vallejo). It's open 24 hrs. a day, which is another big plus. Like most PF's, this is a franchise-owned location. So, unless this is designated as your "home club" through membership, you're technically limited per month how many times you can visit, even with the Black Card status. It's still likely not the gym of choice for hardcore bodybuilders. But that "bigger is better" mentality is thankfully a thing of the past. Nonetheless, I'm guessing 99% of us can get a great workout here with state-of-the art equipment for members of all fitness levels & goals. No pool or sauna as most PF's aren't equipped with those amenities (as least any that I've ever seen). The do have a wonderful Black Card member section with several pieces of high end relaxation and recovery devices. Massage chairs, Hydro massage and even tanning beds. The bathrooms & shower areas are kept clean. Monica, one of the ovvernight employees is a real sweetheart and is very knowledgable. Great gym and welcome addition to Vallejo.

It's a very nice gym with helpful reception staff. Clean and well-equipped. Unfortunately, I'm…read moreunable to give a full 5-star review at this time. I had scheduled appts for "new member orientation" and "design your own program" online for my first workout day. I received emails confirming my enrollment for these sessions, and even got reminder emails the day before my appts. When I arrived, I was helped by Jeremiah at the front desk. He very nicely informed me that the trainer that was supposed to lead my appts was no longer working there. There was nothing to be done to change that, but it would have been helpful if I had been informed ahead of time that the appts weren't going to happen, as I'd had to change plans around in my day to accommodate these scheduled appts at the gym. I hope the class schedule will be corrected to reflect when there is and isn't staff available.