I have been at West Wind Schools since I was 6, and am now 20 years old. Growing up with West Wind…read moretaught me self defense skills, as well as self discipline. Martial arts has become a huge passion of mine because of the great teaching at West Wind. The 1 on 1 teaching style allows for quick improvement of skill as well as a strong bond between teacher and student. The group classes also allow you to socialize with other students. This past week I was able to earn my 5th degree black belt all thanks to the help of Mr. Shah and Mr. Dahal, both of whom are amazing teachers. Back when I was 15, Mr. Shah helped my earn my 1st degree black belt. The dojo is high quality and is very spacious. Whether you are looking to learn self defense, a new martial art, or just a fun workout, come check out West Wind Schools! It is great for kids, as well as adults.

We've been part of the West Wind family for about 7 1/2 years now. My oldest son started when he…read morewas in Kindergarten on a whim because he didn't like "ball sports" and we wanted him to do something for some additional exercise. That whim has turned into a second degree brown belt and a green belt for my younger son. We've been at the original Piedmont dojo, the Berkeley dojo, and then back to Piedmont with the new location. We've had multiple instructors over the years and loved all of them. This has been such a fantastic experience for us and we're not done yet.

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!

Jeremy is a great teacher and coach--positive, enthusiastic, disciplined and welcoming. Both of…read moreour kids love the classes!

If you want one of the best martial arts workout in the Bay Area, this is the place! I have been…read moregoing on and off for the last five years or so. No matter what your skill level for beginner to advance, your skill level will be matched. The staff is friendly and scholarly knowledgeable about mixed martial arts and Kajukenbo. Whatever your passion (Style) is, you will find it here! When you train here you feel like your part of a team and the world's best, the environment is cool and the other students are as motivated to train hard which keeps the BITW spirit alive. Every workout, I'm sweating and afterwards sore. Even when sparring, the atmosphere is relaxed and goes at whatever your skill level. But you will be challenged to push yourself to the next level. All of the trainers are world champions who continue to compete. BIG UP 2 BITW!

I agree totally with S. H. Sigung Gilbert teaches all phase of MMA,…read moreKarate, Judo/Jujitsu, Kenpo and Chinese boxing. the MMA Seminar back in Nov 09 with Grand Master Ted Sotelo was a real treat and displayed some of the variety of practices at BITW. I like most the feel of family and the member are so willing to help. The Cardio Classes are so challenging and fun at the time. It's truly a pleasure to have so many World Titles. I am truly looking forward to seeing "NEXT" BITW own De Andre Walker. I can't wait to be there when Chuck (enforcer) get his Black Belt. Professor Tommy Gilbert would be so proud.

After being deeply disappointed with another well-known kung fu school, I whipped out Yelp to see…read morewhat my other local options were. US Shaolin Kung Fu came up, and after emailing them and confirming that they offered a free trial class, I decided to come to a class. With this 1 hour free trial adult class, I'm already WAAAAYYYYYYYYY more impressed than I have been with $70 and 3 hours with the other class. Instantly, I was impressed by Master Danny's teaching style. Very personalized, with great guidance. He takes into account everyone's skills and level, and despite this being my first time, he was impressed with the strength of my legs, the fact that I picked up on kicks and forms quickly. He even noticed the huge bruise on my leg and was sensitive to my needs and wanted me to let him know if I was in pain or if a stance was too painful to maintain. And no, he's not an instructor that coddles students. I'm in awe when I watch him whip these staff-and-sword-wielding men into shape, and he also treats me as an adult and testing me on my forms and gives constructive critique to improve. I felt great at the end of this class. This is the feeling I get every time I get a proper workout, see my trainer, and when I finished that first aerial class: uplifted, motivated, and euphoric. Like I want to do more! I should not be spending my hard-earned money for anything that makes me leave feeling like I need to punch something and run around with a stream of expletives. When Covid is over, and it's safe to do so, I want to come back and train here!

This place is fantastic! My 5 year old kiddo has been coming here for six months now. The Masters…read moreare incredibly patient with the kids. You'd never know that they've probably taught the same moves a thousand times before. They balance pushing kids, discipline and fun, perfectly. There's also a focus on confidence building which I appreciate. My kiddo loves coming mainly because it's fun and he just happens to be learning Kung Fu in the process.

My daughter started Kung Fu at East West KungFu Academy 3 years ago, and she is still loving it!…read more This has quickly become one of our favorite activities. The coach here are truly among the best -- knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring. My daughter has learned self-defense skills, discipline, and confidence, and she's now proudly earning her fifth belt. I couldn't be more proud of her progress. The staff is friendly, the academy is clean and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming. Kung Fu itself is not just a sport here -- it's about building focus, respect, confidence, and physical fitness. I would highly recommend East West KungFu Academy to everyone, whether your child is just starting out or looking to advance their skills.

I was so worried when I first sign up because I had to pay for 3 months in advance, uniform fee,…read moreand registration fee. I was worried having to pay around $400 and my little one asking to bail after 1-2 class. Writing this now, I can say that I worried for nothing. My little full of energy girl loves going to her kungfu class. She looks forward and asked every morning if she has kungfu class or not. Within a month, I can see that she is able to follow along the other kids whom had been there longer than mine has. All staff are very friendly and I can see while waiting outside how the kids are enjoying their time learning from the Xifu and his assistants. I just wish they are located next to FoodNet or SanChong so I can do some grocery shopping while waiting for the kid to finish kungfu class.

excellent sensei! Easy to learn very fun very structured very focused sensei. Thank you so much. I…read morereally enjoyed your classes..

Loved the time our kids spent in this place. It was very educational and motivational, specially…read morewith our little one. Mr. Untalan and the other instructors were awesome! They definitely have a lot of patience. :)

West Wind Schools Alameda is a family-oriented, respectful and supportive space that gives you the…read moreskills you need to defend yourself in a life or death situation. I first walked into the West Wind Schools Alameda Dojo because it was conveniently located smack dab in the middle of the Park Street Shopping District (5 bus lines get here, there's a parking garage right down the street, it's a comfortable riding distance from anywhere in Alameda, I walk here...). After about a year, I have come to think of West Wind as the center of town where local people of all ages and walks of life can come to learn martial arts, stay in great shape, and be a part of something bigger than themselves. My experience here so far has been great.... The instructors are profoundly well-educated, enthusiastic, and dedicated to their students' development. Seriously, the people who run this place are just so awesome (hard to put into words, but I'm getting a little choked up here actually - I know that's sappy but it's totally true!). Being a student at West Wind Schools is like having a family of super-heroes! Gushy stuff aside - I really can't believe I lived in the Bay Area for so long without any self-defense training. Child or adult, man or woman - if you live in the Bay Area, you need to know basic self-defense. I don't know about the other locations, but the Alameda dojo has a super flexible schedule that enables anyone to get discounted introductory classes, so call and talk to them right now! DO it! I have a deep sense of gratitude for West Wind Schools Alameda. I hope they stay right there forever and keep doing exactly what they're doing. Go A-TEAM!

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.

Very welcoming and fairly priced school with programs for both kids and adults. They teach a…read morecombination of martial arts styles, weapons, and self defense. Dedicated teachers who all volunteer their time and care about the school and students. Great option for anyone interested in exploring martial arts.

The owners attitude toward the kids and parents very abrupt and abrasive. I have experienced him…read moreduring this type of behavior and because of this person my grandson did not want to continue his classes. His son is great with the kids though. But due to the belt advancement my grandson didn't have the option to stay with his son.