I trained with at Diaz Martial Arts for around 9 years. When I started I never imagined how it would change my life. I began training at the age of thirteen and I was terrible, I'd flop on the ground and complain about doing any exercise at all, but it's hard to keep quitting week after week, especially when you have instructors, who you admire, encouraging you every time you think you can't keep going. The first year was tough, I was the type of student most places would have given up on and asked to leave, but not here, all three Diaz brothers just kept encouraging me until I started believing it too. I felt more confident in my everyday life, in school, with homework, my focus and discipline improved, but most importantly I began to do things that I thought would be impossible (not anything like mystical whatnot) but when I started its hard to imagine how out of shape and not physically active I was, I believed for me push-ups were impossible, but I was doing them 30-50 non-stop. A few years later when I was about a month away from testing for my first degree blackbelt I ruptured my ACL while sparring with my friend. Most people wouldn't return after an injury like this, but I had seen a change in my life and I wasn't going to stop changing for the better. Almost every week I would drive down there and just watch the classes, because I didn't want to be behind when I got back to training, after 6 months of thinking I just hurt my knee, not knowing what actually happened, I ask my mom about getting an MRI and find my ACL was ruptured and I needed surgery, 6 months after the surgery the doctors and physical therapists clear me for training again, I couldn't wait, I get back to class with new vigor, a few months later I earned my blackbelt, but I wasn't content with just a blackbelt, I wanted to effect people in a positive way, similar to how I was effected. I asked about becoming an instructor, and I started helping in classes, holding pads, encouraging students, and helping to maintain focus on the lesson, eventually I started taking my own group in the classes, and then leading the whole class. Me in front of a group of people teaching was a big deal, I had a crippling fear of public speaking and I hated being the center of attention, but martial arts gave me the confidence to be in front of people speaking and being the center of attention, so much that in all my college courses, any group presentation, I request the speaking role. I taught there for about 6 years. It was the most amazing experience, being able to watch over the years as children that I taught learned, grew, and changed from shy, soft spoken, generally uncomfortable in front of people, to strong, confident, blackbelts. About a year ago I moved to get married, and I had to leave the school, I moved about 2 hours away, just far enough to be too far to drive, especially through traffic, on a regular basis. I didn't want to give up my training though, I've been looking at martial arts schools in my area and there hasn't been a single one that compares, most places keep to one discipline, generally Olympic Tae Kwon Do, BJJ, Krav Maga, Karate, etc., but I'm so used to DMA where they teach all of these. Most places where I currently live the instructor stands in front of the class and yells commands and if the students don't understand it, there will be some punishment of push-ups or additional exercises, or they won't test, but when I learned how to teach we were taught to encourage the students, even if everything else was wrong with how they were doing a technique, find the one thing they were doing right and praise them for that, we were taught how to positively criticize and correct, how to make the workouts engaging and enjoyable, even though you're sweating and breathing heavy, you're laughing and wanting to keep going. I have been looking for a school for over a year, and I can't find anything close to DMA, if it were possible I would make the 2+ hour drive daily just to take an hour long class at DMA, because they not only know how to help you reach your goals, they know how to get you to realize goals you didn't know you had. If you're wanting to train, or to get your children into martial arts, which I would recommend for anyone, I couldn't recommend a better place with better instructors, they are hard working, dedicated to the your success, motivated to help you reach your goals inside and out of the dojo, continuously training in various disciplines to bring more techniques and skills to their students, they believe in the training because they are products of the training, and they really care about your success, not just in martial arts, but in everything else. If you want to get an idea of how the students feel about the school, Yelp probably isn't the best place, I'd say go to the school around 4-7pm Monday through Friday, and ask the parents/students after classes, what they think, you won't be disappointed. read more

Though I've been here for a short 3 months, I can testify for this gym. The instructors are knowledgable and patient. Other gyms I feel like I was left to figure everything out, which made my progress slow. Since I started at Diaz Martial arts, I've recieved great instruction and have been able to build my jiujitsu game faster. The fellow students as well are very respectful and it's always a pleasure to roll with them. They take great care of us and I feel safe here. read more

I've trained at different martial arts schools over the years and I've never been to anything so versatile and realistic as Diaz Martial Arts. Mr Diaz has dedicated his life to learning many styles of martial arts and tactical training, his formula is amazing. read more

If you are looking for private sessions this is not the right place. In my experience, Mr. Diaz double-booked himself twice. Showing up to a private session 30 minutes late or having a blue belt substitute for him on several occasions. Mr. Diaz did not want to explain himself or compromise on rescheduling and instead insisted on giving me my money back. This lack of professionalism, problem-solving, and not being treated as a priority is why I discontinued my association with Diaz Martial Arts. read more

We have been training with Diaz Martial Arts for over 17 years. The amount of knowledge and training we have gained from Mr Diaz is immeasurable. The entire staff takes pride in teaching both adults and children with patience and motivation! I highly recommend Diaz Martial Arts to Any and everyone who wants to study martial arts! Top tier training all the way around read more

I purchased a package of private lessons that were supposed to be an hour long. Only one ended up being the full hour while the rest were 20-30 minutes and it felt rushed like they wanted to get home. To be honest, I don't think I even finished using my remaining lessons because I felt like I was wasting my time (and money). I really enjoyed the people I worked with and the group classes that I attended otherwise this would be a 1 star review. I recommend only doing group classes if you're looking for lessons. This was a while ago so I hope they stopped offering private lessons... read more

Started over a month ago. If we talking about professionalism they are the place you are looking for. I appreciate the instructors look out for me and taking the time to break down techniques. They are very welcoming gym they make me feel like family. I highly recommend this gym for people of all ages. read more

My Sanctuary since September 3, 2005. DMA is my second family! A mix of great people who train hard, are motivating and have fun. Instructors that are passionate about what they do and love to share their new endeavors in Martial arts and life. I learn so much on every level.. physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Thank you DMA!! You changed my life for the better!!! read more

Diaz Martial Arts - "The Incredibles" - Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Near Me - San Marcos, Texas

I stopped by as I was interested in learning MMA. This is a family run business, and the Diaz's were very friendly and accommodating despite never having met them before. They talked to me about what I wanted to get out of it, and what they could offer. I felt a personal connection to this gym, and that they cared a lot about getting me in there and learning. They also spent plenty of time reviewing equipment I should pickup before coming in, and helping give me a good understanding of what I was getting myself into. Going to a martial arts gym isn't just about getting exercise. It can be a fun experience with the right instructors, and on top of learning to fight better, it can really build your confidence. If you have an interest in learning MMA, I'd suggest giving these guys a try. read more

Friendly, respectful, and nothing but a bunch of hard working people, who look to improve their skills everyday! I love the atmosphere and knowing when I step on the Matts I am going to be working hard! read more

This place is absolutely fantastic. The staff are not only highly knowledgeable, but are super friendly and welcoming. My family signed on with no previous experience and never once felt "out of place." My kids jumped right into karate and with the superior instruction they're receiving, they are learning so much about defense, control, focus and respect. I began Muay Thai classes, and seeing the difference in my physical strength and endurance is awesome! I'm doing things I never thought I was physically capable of. My family is happier and healthier than we've ever been! I highly recommend Diaz Martial Arts. read more

I have been a student here and have come call them family. They show a level of care and dedication that you don't find in a lot of other places. I have now enrolled my son, 5 years old, here and he loves it. The instructor, Mr. Cruz, is great with kids and teaches then well. Mr. Diaz teaches the older kids and adults and shows his willingness to past on his knowledge and expertise. I love this place and will recommend anyone to bring their family or come and train yourself her. You won't regret it read more

Wonderful place for Mix Martial Art. Family friendly place, great place for kids to get self confident and respect. Awesome place

Awesome place with friendly and knowledgeable instructors! I initially came in for the muay thai and bjj but have recently started the I.P.T.T. (Israeli professional tactical Training) as well. I have to say, for someone with a license to carry, these classes are a must! It teaches you how to react should you ever have to draw your weapon....something the CHL course completely leaves out. It's always a super fun, friendly, and safe environment. Also, if you have kids, they have programs for all age and skill levels! read more

one of the best instructor out there, his style of teaching makes it fun , interesting and easy to learn, by far this is the best place to go if what you're looking for is real martial arts instruction. thank you Mr Eddie Diaz letting me be a part of this awesome group read more

Great school and even better instructors. Mr. Diaz is always there teaching every class, he is committed to his students 100%. There isn't a day I don't learn something new. I highly recommend DMA to anyone who's looking to learn self defense, martial arts, or get in shape. read more

Diaz martial arts is a technique focused gym that covers many styles of fighting with aspects of both sport and martial self defense systems. It has a welcoming environment with members from all types of backgrounds and caters to the needs of each member. read more

They are very friendly and respectable to their students. It's a great place to also release stress from work while meeting great new folks. Thank you Eddie for your instruction! read more

I have learned so much! Come in take a class and youll see why this is the place to train!! From the highest ranks to just starting --Great staff that are friendly and willing to work on your level. read more

As an older woman, I was a little worried about fitting in and feeling comfortable in an atmosphere that can seem so geared to either little kids or brutal men. But Diaz Martial Arts isn't like that at all. They offer something for everyone in a very professional, welcoming, positive manner. Excellent classes, incredible instructors, and a family of awesome fellow students. I highly recommend Diaz to anyone interested in learning practical martial arts. read more

Anyone suffering from Chronic Pulmonary Disease will tell you that as the disease progresses it erodes your quality of life. I use to love running and I was at the gym almost every day and did martial arts 6 nights a week. As my lung disease progressed I was lucky to make it to the end of my driveway without stopping for a break, to catch my breath. In 2018, the doctors told me to find an exercise that will help maintain what lung function I had left. That's when I got in touch with Diaz Martial Arts. I explained that I had a lung disease, and was limited in what I could do. Over the past year, Mr. Diaz and Ms. Royal have worked with me and my limitations. I recently did my yearly follow-ups, to track the progression of my disease. To my doctors surprise my lung disease is regressing. I have greater oxygen uptake and lung capacity in 2019 then I've had in the past 5 years. I'm not saying that the wonderful people at Diaz Martial Arts are miracle workers, but the doctors haven't changed my medicine, the only thing that has changed is me adding the wonderful people at Diaz Martial Arts into my life. read more

I have seen firsthand with 2 of my family members (nephew, grandson) the positive impact that comes from martial arts training. Diaz Martial Arts encourages fitness, respect, good grades, and other positive habits. read more

My review is long overdue: I called this place about two years ago to make an appointment so I could go and visit the place, I was looking for a martial arts studio for my son who was 4 at that time. I spoke with one of the brothers who scheduled me for a visit. I had to call back to reschedule for the next day due to a change in my schedule and I was told that there were no records of my appointment. The person on the other line suddenly, while talking with him, became very disrespectful towards me, told me that with or without me the place still makes a lot of money, and hang up in my face. I called back and spoke with someone else who was apparently the brother of the rude individual, he tried to encourage me to go to the appointment and diffuse the situation. The damage at that point was done. All I kept thinking about was not having my son be trained by a very unstable person. The situation was very disturbing to me since my family and I were just moving to San Marcos from a big city where I've never encountered this type of treatment. I ended up going to West Haven Academy of Karate and we have been with them ever since. West Haven is awesome, the owners are amazing and they care more about their costumers than about money. Anyways, do not let anyone treat you like you are less than them! read more

I put my 4 year old in the little dragons class last month and he absolutely loves it. His instructor Mr. Cruz is very professional and the kids love him. read more

My husband and I take personal lessons with Mr Eddie Diaz. He is passionate about what he teaches and always has an upbeat attitude. He is accommodating to our schedule and changes his teaching style and pace for the individual student. read more

Diaz Martial Arts is a top training facility in a number of martial arts techniques. The trainers are excellent and this is a great place for kids and old alike. There is literally something for everyone, from ancient forms to the modern up to date tactical methods. I have trained with Mr Diaz for 5 years, and two of my grand-kids have attended classes here. I highly recommend this school. The people here, students and teachers alike, are outstanding. read more

This the best Martial Arts school in central Texas! My children and I have trained with several other schools in the past. Hands down the Diaz's have the best instruction around. I love these guys and they treat my family well. From my lil' dragon to my teens in the adult classes, "I am glad I found them!" Thank you DIAZ MARTIAL ARTS! read more