I've been studying at Full Potential Martial Arts for a month so far. Each class has brought me closer to my goals; physically, mentally, and spiritually. Brian, (Sensei) the instructor has a wealth of knowledge and shares his vast experience with everyone in the class. He is an excellent listener and communicates very well to the students; as well as his methodical approach to teaching, he is very detailed. He is an excellent instructor, in great shape, and is dedicated to teaching and continually learning. The studio has mirrors that allow the students to see their movements, their improvements, and overall; observe the instructor and others when necessary. In the studio, we are learning much more than Self Defense; we are learning Self Respect, Self Confidence, Self Esteem, and learning how to move our bodies in a powerful, nimble, and graceful way. What I especially like is the format of the class; it involves the following training: Cardio (increases stamina) Body Conditioning (it's good for getting in shape) Yoga (excellent for flexibility and toning) Martial Arts/Tai Chi (learning softness/hardness, physical, mental, building chi, etc...) Self Defense (learning to defend oneself) Application (how to use the movements/forms learned) Qigong/Meditation (excellent for the mind, body, and health) Knowledge about life and how Martial Arts are part of it (that says it all) It doesn't matter your age, gender, shape, etc...; that's another plus from my perspective. Everyone is treated with respect and we are all there to learn. There's even a free-trial class, no strings attached. After the 1st class, it was clear to me; that the instructor (Brian) is well-trained and knows how to teach. So far my experience has been very uplifting. I've been feeling a difference in my body, mind, and spirit; in only one month. I am picking up the basics and learning at a comfortable pace. There is no judgment and I am not competing against anyone but myself here. After each class, my body, mind, and spirit are changed; it's a fascinating experience/process. Time to practice... read more

I recently joined Sensei Sagi's dojo with my teen daughter and we have been enjoying the training and workouts. This dojo is unique as it caters specifically to adults and teens, which I find beneficial as an adult beginner - much easier to be trained next with students with similar size than alongside with much younger children. The dojo offers evening classes with a mix of beginners and advanced students. Sensei does a fantastic job of catering to both groups within the same class. He pays attention to each student's skill level, providing personalized guidance while being very approachable. The other students are friendly and helpful, creating a supportive environment. Each class starts with a warm-up, followed by activities (varies class to class) such as target hitting, self-defense drills, stick training, forms, and sparring techniques. Sensei has a gift for explaining each technique very clearly, showing us step-by-step how to do it correctly. I've learned a lot, including practical self-defense skills like how to escape from someone's grips, defend against a punch, or react to someone pointing a gun at you, etc. Of course, being able to use these skills in real-life suitable (hopefully never needed) requires long-time practice, that's why we drill them in every class. This dojo is informal in a good way, without all the frills and useless gimmicks. It focuses on practical training and genuine skill development, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to learn martial arts in a supportive environment. read more

For the past several months, I have trained in the martial arts with Brian Sagi. Brian recently opened up a new studio called Full Potential Martial Arts and I recommend it highly. The studio is spacious and comfortable to train in, with an assortment of exercise equipment available. The classes are great for blending conditioning, including stretching, core strengthening and yoga, with traditional martial arts training and practical self defense skills. Brian is fun to work with and shares a wealth of knowledge in many different styles, including traditional Japanese karate, aikido, jui jitsu, muay thai and krav maga. He is very patient and always respectful and encouraging. He has 2 rules for his students: have fun, and never worry about mistakes, since that's the way all of us progress and learn. He is a friendly and hands-on instructor. The time in training flies by, and the camaraderie in the class is especially appealing. Students can actually feel themselves learning and making progress with each class. Students of all ages and backgrounds are welcome; If you're looking for a good workout that's fun, will keep you in shape and teach you practical self-defense skills, you should check out this place! read more

If you want to train in martial arts in San Diego in a very collaborative environment, and with strong application to self defense, I highly recommend Full Potential Martial Arts! The instructor, Brian, is very knowledgeable and patient, and will methodically help you improve your fitness and technique. If you have tried other schools in San Diego, such as martial arts schools that teach the striking arts of Karate, Wing Chun, Kung Fu, or Muay Tai, or grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that many places in San Diego offer, you will immediately notice that this martial arts school is different. I really appreciated that I could start classes without having to sign any long term contracts; that Full Potential Martial Arts does not force you purchase any equipment exclusively through them; and that there are no frequent and pricey belt tests (belts tests are free). Also, I liked that only adults and older teenagers train in the class (no kids). I keep having fun and learning new stuff every class. Brian is clearly passionate about martial arts, and that's how the classes feel. I highly recommend! read more

I have been training here for three months now and have been very satisfied with the training I have received. Every lesson, Brian covers a wide scope, from self defense to core strengthening to flexibility. In the category of self defense itself, Brian teaches many methods, from blocks to locks and everything in between. The lessons are for people of all different levels, and he makes sure to make the lessons engaging for everyone. Every class, we build upon things we had previously learned, and I am always learning something new. He has a wide range of equipment, all of which we are taught to use. Brian is incredibly patient and encouraging, making the class both valuable and enjoyable. Also, for any middle or high school student who wants to do this for ISPE, I would highly recommend it. Brian is very understanding and his lessons fit the requirements for ISPE perfectly. Overall, if you're looking for a place to workout or learn self defense, regardless of your background or skill level, I would highly recommend coming here! read more

This is great if you plan to do ISPE in school because Brian is prepared with the paperwork and goals. I've also looked at other dojos before coming to this one, and none of them feel as welcoming, friendly, and helpful as Full Potential Martial Arts. Brian is knowledgeable and applies real world situations when teaching you techniques. You can always ask him a question if you don't understand something and he can demonstrate it again or review it with the entire class or before or after class. I was really nervous before joining and now I feel like everyone in the dojo is my friend. Everyone is super welcoming to new-comers and are so helpful. Brian makes learning self-defense, martial arts, and fighting super fun! I look forward to going to his class every Tuesday and Thursday, especially since it's a great way to relieve stress and learn something new every class. read more

This is a hidden gem!! I have tried a few martial arts places and finally settled with Full Potential Martial Arts. Most other places are trying to maximize their earnings but Sensei Brian is different. His love for martial arts education and his attention to technique is just so remarkable. It flows in everything he does in the Dojo. There is a mix of all ages amongst the students. I have witnessed tremendous growth in all students who stuck around while I took a break due to family commitments. Besides getting training different martial arts skills such as striking, locking, throwing and ground work, you are likely to gain physical strength, confidence, self-discipline and become more situationally aware in general. If you are looking for a place to learn self-defense in a nurturing and positive environment, then this is a great place. read more

My daughter is headed to college this fall and the statistics regarding the percentage of girls who are attacked or raped, at even the best schools, are horrible. I spoke to Brian about having a class for a few of her friends and afer just a couple of hours of training they were more aware, better trained and more confident. The mental side forced them to think about different situations and the outcomes...so that hopefully they are not an easy target and will never be attacked. The physical training impressed upon them what to do if they are attacked. I feel so much more comfortable sending my daughter off to college knowing that she attended Brians class. He was so flexible in accommodating our schedule and being a father himself I could really tell that he wanted these girls to get the training! read more

Wow! I had such an amazing time at Full Potential Martial Arts! Great workout, patient and knowledgeable instructor, and friendly students -- all adults and teenagers. I am trying to get in shape. The martial arts workout is exciting, unlike other workouts that I tried. It is fun, and there is a lot of variety. I also like that I am learning to defend myself. Other karate and martial arts places I tried had young kids mixed up with adults in the same class, which made training very difficult due to differences in body sizes and abilities. I really appreciated that at Full Potential Martial Arts, the classes are exclusively for adults and teenagers. Very reasonably priced too, with no contracts, and free belt tests. read more

Brian ran a workshop for our campus org. We had one instructor pull out of our event at the last minute, but Brian responded quickly and provided a fantastic workshop for students. Even though students were preoccupied with travelling to class, Brian was able to engage with them, provide them with information of self-defense and awareness, and teach them some easy and effective self defense moves. Students, myself included, thoroughly enjoyed his workshop and left with a greater awareness regarding campus safety. We received highly positive feedback for our event, and Brian was an integral part of its success. Highly recommend. read more

I'm 2 months new to martial arts and LOVE Full Potential! Brian's a fantastic teacher, enthusiastic, open-minded, and really connects with his students. He's able to adjust classes to people of all ages, sizes, genders, and experience levels! The students are all really fun people to work with and the location is very convenient, in a beautiful gym just off the freeway in Carmel Valley. I'm a 27-year old female and originally started martial arts to learn self defense, but now I'm learning so much more! Its a lot like yoga, great for both body and mind, and you always leave feeling accomplished, aware, and more knowledgeable. read more

Great, authentic martial arts training for adults! I have been training with Brian at USD and loved it. I got in shape, and was getting better at self defense. Brian is an excellent instructor, and he makes the classes fun and challenging at the same time. The student camaraderie is also commendable, and the advanced students readily help beginning students learn. Note that the dojo moved from USD to Carmel Valley in 2012. read more

I have been training martial arts for last four months and it has been life changing experience for me. My confidence has boosted and mind has calmed. Brian (instructor) provides elaborate martial arts training and it is fun to learn. He understands shortcomings of individual and helps them overcome it. It's been said that to learn an art you need a good teacher. I can finally say that I found the best teacher. read more

Full potential martial arts have a fun, friendly and informative class environment. The training hall is very clean and beautiful. The instructor is knowledgeable and teach in details of how each technique is use and why it's working. It's a good place to learn martial art and also gain benefit from a fun exercise! read more

I took my sorority here for a sisterhood and we learned so much about self protection! Now we all agree that we feel safer and more secure walking around campus and our cities, and have a clear idea about how powerful we are with just our hands, minds and voices! read more

Fantastic martial arts academy! Brian combines practical, no-nonsense training with traditional techniques, creating a welcoming and challenging environment. Highly recommend for anyone looking to grow in both skill and discipline read more