As a beginner, I've had an incredible experience at Monterey Martial Arts so far. I found the…read morecohort that Michael has organized to be very welcoming, very compassionate, and very dedicated to practice. I received helpful guidance during my sessions. And although they were intense and challenging, I felt safe and energized. I'm looking forward to gaining empowerment, strength, and toughness. IMO this is an awesome place and well worth your time.

For almost 2 1/2 years, my kids (now 8 and 11) have been attending class twice weekly here with…read moretheir teacher Michael Yerzy. As a teacher myself for many years, I highly respect Shifu Yerzy's passionate and consistent approach to instruction. The students learn self defense to last a lifetime, exercise routines and stretching techniques to last a lifetime. And at the foundation Shifu Yerzy teaches an honorable and moral approach to physical training which will prepare my kids to stay safe and protect loved ones. Every class ends with a reminder "We are here to learn, not to fight." It's been a positive and rewarding experience for my family and many others!

A Truly Incredible Experience at Kugtar MMA!!!…read more We are beyond grateful for the amazing guidance, support, and mentorship our son has received. From the moment he started, we knew we found something special. The environment is positive, DISCIPLINED, and uplifting -- exactly what every parent hopes for when choosing a martial arts school. A huge and heartfelt thank you to the Vanderlipe family, whose dedication and passion for jiu-jitsu shine through in everything they do. Their patience, encouragement, and genuine care have helped our son grow not only as an athlete, but also in his confidence, focus, and character. We have so much appreciation for the time, energy, and heart they pour into their students. We couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made under their guidance. He recently competed in a few tournaments for the first time this year. First tournament received a participation medal, second tournament a bronze, and third was GOLD! We highly recommend Kugtar MMA to any family looking for top-tier jiu-jitsu training, amazing role models, and a community that truly feels like family. Thank you, Vanderlipe family -- we are so grateful for everything you've done for our son!

Came with my friend and his son to see if he would be a good fit . I like the overall quality of…read morethe place but when the main female instructor ( i believe she was the main sensei's wife) came to class late loud and disruptive I immediately didn't like it. After class she approached and spoke with us with a sense of entitlement telling us we have to refer to her as ma'am when speaking to her but showed no respect while speaking to us. She then tells me I can beat up your mom and she's choked out guys that thought she couldn't do it. The head sensei showed the traditional demeanor of martial artist's I've met in the past honor and humility which has always been something I've found appealing. There was also 2 younger instructors who acted with respect and were leading the class. It was ma'am that made me not like the place and it seems she'd be there all the time.

Having experienced other BJJ gyms that "teach" you 1-2 moves then throw you onto the mat the "roll"…read morewith little to no experience, I was hesitant to give it another try. My buddy attends this school, and finally convinced me to give BJJ another chance, as the Gracie Academy was different than all other trial-by-fire gyms I had attended. I enrolled in the 10-day, no hassle trial that included a BJJ gi and white belt. Over those 10 days, I was able to attend 4 classes and haven been going ever since. Tom (the black belt instructor) is very knowledgeable, and will take the time to listen to your question and address issues until you understand what is being taught. I highly recommend you come join us on the mat!

My daughter was nervous her first class but Brendon and the instructors were awesome and went out…read moreof their way to make her feel welcomed. She had an amazing time and learned a couple of moves her first class. She immediately got home and practiced said moves on her dad. She left the class feeling happy and proud of herself.

Monterey Bay Taekwondo has been one of the best decisions we've made for our children. The…read moreinstructors strike the perfect balance between discipline and encouragement. They challenge the kids while still making every class fun and engaging. We've noticed huge improvements in confidence, focus, listening skills, and overall attitude. The positive environment and strong sense of respect they teach really stands out. Master Lee and the instructors are incredibly patient, encouraging, and truly care about each student's growth -- not just in Taekwondo but in confidence and discipline as well. If you're looking for a program that builds both physical skill and character, this is it!

This place is an amazing place for children! They teach them great life skills, in addition to…read moreTaekwondo! I would highly recommend for anyone interested in signing their children up for an extra curricular program! :D

I cannot say enough about this karate dojo! My daughter has been going since she was 4 years old…read moreand is 11. She is advancing through her belts the way a real proper dojo should. They have to go through test, show an understanding of honor, respect and fortitude. The school does not promise to advance your child to blackbelt in a few short years if you sign up for their membership. It's impressive to see the longevity of students who have stayed with this amazing school. I cannot say enough about the sensai/teachers. They are the absolute best I have seen in training, support, kindness, respect and all without humiliating or screaming at your child. They hold the students accountable for their actions with wisdom and explanations. I actually have put off the thought of moving from the area just to keep my daughter in this facility. I have also taken the kickboxing classes myself to get in physical shape for my job and I dropped 30lbs in 2 months! I've grown to love the staff and the familiar faces that I've watched grow up here. They take the classes seriously, but have this incredible way of adding humor and fun and adjusting the levels of seriousness to the proper age groups. The little kids love the staff, and learn about respecting them and each other as well as their parents. I highly recommend coming and at least trying one class, whether it's for your child or even yourself in one of the adult classes. Best decision I've made for my young child to show her what it is to stick with a good program through her life and earn rewards, (advancing a belt), and to continue even when tired, (like after volleyball practice). I would give them a 100 stars if I could for what they've done so far.

AWESOME! The instructors, the space, the kids are all great. The program promotes self…read more improvement, integrity and fun. Kicking boxing for adults is also great!

*A love letter to my favorite place in the Monterey Bay area.*…read more If you are looking for a martial arts gym in the area that will introduce you to the art and take you to the next level, look no longer. Coach Mark is truly the best with whom I trained under and cares very deeply about helping students continue to realize their potential as human beings and as martial artists. I had my first class here Feb 2021 and was impressed with Mark's high level instruction, and the quality of my fellow teammates. The impression of a martial arts dojo for people who have never trained is that it is full of dangerous people ready to smash newbies. And while this is true for some gyms, Eliteteam Monterey is the type of place that will simultaneously push you to become better and empower you. It was through the coach and teammates' encouragement that I decided to compete, and if you are willing to learn the program and train consistently, you will be carried to another level with the support of a stellar coach and hard working team. Having trained at four different gyms since 2016, one learns to look at some details to understand the "health" of a gym: 1) The mats are always clean and are sanitized after every session. 2) Mark pays close attention to the organization, cleanliness, and vibe of the whole facility, so you feel right at home. 3) A shower is available for those on morning, noon, or evening training schedules and is stocked with "Defense" soap so that every person can keep the team safe with good hygiene (anti-ring worm, anti-staph). 4) This academy now has a Full Monday to Sunday schedule, with 6 AM classes, 12 PM classes, 4 PM classes, and 6PM classes. 5) It is a very inclusive academy and has classes for all levels, and women's classes 8-9 Saturday. 6) The coach constantly emphasizes fundamentals while helping you build skills, and then try them in live sparring under his close supervision so that everyone stays safe. 7) Striking classes are offered as well In addition to jiujitsu, I also benefited a lot from Coach Mark's advice about applying principles of the art in my professional and personal life, and how to improve my health. He provided me with strengthening exercises, cardio exercises, cool podcasts, and coaching at competitions, to help me build more confidence as a person and as a martial artist. Thank you coach Mark and the Elite Team Monterey crew. Catch you on the next roll.

I was visiting for a few days due to work and this was the highlight of my trip. Great vibe, I felt…read moresafe as a visitor, awesome technique. Thanks Coach Mark, and all the others of the team. Highly recommended

I had been searching for a place like AOE for a long time since living on the peninsula. I have a…read moredaughter who is autistic and a husband who was in need of friendship and camaraderie, especially during "his solo working out" at the gym. Chris and his beautiful family have created a place for Everyone. He is not only a very talented athlete but he is a beautiful human being that God has placed him where and when He is needed during a time when All people need active fun lifestyles, with love and respect. We are truly blessed to have AOE on the peninsula. They go above and beyond. It is worth every penny and then some. I hope and pray he and his family do well and are gifted beyond as they should be! Sign up! You have nothing to loose, and Everything to Gain

If you live in the area and want to learn Jiu Jitsu this is the place for you. Professor Chris is…read moreextremely welcoming and will treat you like family. The facility is clean and spacious with ample parking. Art of Entanglement should be at the top of your list if you're looking for an academy to call home. I came to visit for a seminar and am from out of town otherwise I would be training here full-time!

Shorinji Kempo is a wonderful organization and this branch too. Sensei Arita is an exceptional…read moreperson and a great teacher for all ages. I've been a student for years and what attracted to me to this group was the positive people involved, the defense-minded, non-aggressive martial art, and the fact that there is an equal emphasis placed on positive mental/personal development as is physical development. I actively recommend this group to everyone I know.