I recently had the opportunity and good fortune to participate in a joint training session with the…read moreMaryknoll Shotokan Karate in downtown Los Angeles along with many other SKA schools from across California and the US. It was a great evening of training with about 50 other practitioners. We were all very honored and excited to train with Shihan Dr. Teramoto who flew in from Indiana! The instruction went beyond technique and into the very spirit of karate as Gichin Funakoshi taught. The camaraderie of the group continued well into the evening after the training session ended with the awesome Maryknoll Shotokan Karate team providing lots of great food and beverages! I highly recommend if you're interested in experiencing a solid taste of traditional karate to check out this monthly training session or visit any of the over 100 dojos across the US and around the world. https://ska.org/dojo-directory/

If you're looking for a place that teaches authentic traditional karate, Maryknoll Karate Club is…read morethe place for you. I have been practicing here for over two years now and have no regrets. The place is rich in history, experience, and community. Not only will you learn effective martial arts, you will also find the best parts of yourself you never knew you had in you. The instructors are passionate about the art and the members are a reflection of their passion. This dojo will teach you how to face the toughest opponent, yourself.

Real Jeet Kune Do. Eric Carr trained with Jerry Poteet, (an original LA Chinatown student of Bruce…read moreLee and the man who trained Jason Scott Lee to portray Bruce in "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story), so he is a legit 2nd generation Bruce Lee practitioner. He offers 4 classes per week, Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun, and you are able to come whenever you can make it. He also offers private lessons. Everyone in the class is great, very helpful, and we are all learning together. No egos allowed in this class. JKD, especially EC JKD, will push you to your limits, and you can be as great as you want to be. You get out what you put in, and you learn at your own pace. Classes involve traditional Kung Fu trapping drills, footwork drills, punches, kicks, conditioning, you name it. I highly recommend taking this class if you are interested in JKD, especially if you are drawn to it because you are a fan of Bruce Lee, or even Ip Man, it's hard to find this type of lineage.

This man is the real deal; Words cannot describe how much he has changed my life, but here's a…read morerundown as to why you should train with him. 1. He has a direct lineage that can be traced back to Bruce Lee. A 2nd generation practitioner, he trained with Jerry Poteet, one of Bruce's original students in LA. 2. He has vast knowledge and experience in the art, yet is able to convey them to you in a clear and concise manner. 3. He actually trains together with the group, as he strives to improve himself as well. 4. He teaches out of passion for the art, with no conflict of interest. Like his teacher, he refuses to water down the art for commercialization. 5. He facilitates a positive environment for personal development - no ego involved. 6. He is humble yet confident, and encourages people to ask questions. 7. He helps people discover the way to self-actualization, what it really means to "be yourself." You will find in him a wise teacher, and a good friend. Don't wait, start today.

The VERY BEST Kudo instruction that you will ever receive in the United States!…read more Sensei Ito is not only one of the friendliest, most humble instructor's that you will ever find, but he also happens to be one of the most qualified Kudo fighters/instructors that there is. A 3rd Dan black belt with over 15 years of Kudo experience and a prestigious fight record (including a bronze medal at the 3rd World Kudo Tournament, a bronze medal at the All Japan Hokutoki Open Tournament in 2008, 1st Place at the All Eastern Open Tournament in 2009, and 1st Place at the All South American Tournament in 2012), Ito Sensei is by far one of the best that there is. It is nothing short of a privilege to be able to train and learn under such a World class fighter with top-notch instruction! (It should also be noted that Sensei Ito has an extensive knowledge of combat/sport Sambo, as well as Jiujitsu) If you reside in the United States and have ever thought about learning Kudo, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Aside from being one of the only official Kudo Dojos in America recognized by the KIF (Kudo International Federation), you will not find better instruction elsewhere (even comparable to instruction in Japan)! Whether you are an inexperienced newcomer interested in learning the most realistic kakutogi fighting art, or a seasoned martial artist interested in transitioning into MMA or becoming the next Kudo World Champion, Kudo LA is the place for you. If you are interested in joining or simply want to see what Kudo is like, come drop by and watch or take a trial class for free!

Sensei Ito is phenomenal ! Million light years of experience in Daido-juku, Sambo, Judo, and much…read moremore!!! First practice was free and I probably dropped like 2 lbs that day!!! Practice feels extremely dynamic and fluid, guys I practiced with very respectful and gentle to beginners while learning and teaching all aspects of KUDO - Furious Karate as they call it in Japan. Club does feel like small family! Many celebrities come here to train often, but keep it a secret ;)

I highly recommend this school for their child. I didn't know much about Aikido but took a chance…read moreand I'm glad I did. It is a beautiful art form with such respect. It's held in a large beautiful space inside a Buddhist church. Master Yuki is very kind gentle. I couldn't have asked found a better martial arts class. Thank you Yuki

This place is a gem! My son does a kids class he's learning so much and loves it! The teacher is so…read moregentle and caring! I highly recommend this martial arts school! If I could give 10 stars I would!

Bujinkan Santa Monica is a fantastic group of martial artists lead by Michael Glen. Michael brings…read moreover 30 years of martial arts experience (10th degree blackbelt [judan] in Budo Taijutsu) and has a direct connection to the Grand Master of the entire art - Hatsumi Masaaki. Its because of Michael's passion for all aspects of Taijutsu and his commitment to consistently bring back fresh understanding of the art directly from Japan, that the class is always motivating, fun, practical, and authentic. I've personally been training in the Bujinkan since 2004 and have trained in Japan on many occasions (while I lived there), at several locations spread across the United States (while on business trips typically), and in Australia (while I lived there for about 2 months). I attend class at Bujinkan Santa Monica as regularly as my work schedule allows.

Michael Glenn has 31 years experience in the Bujinkan (samurai ninjutsu) and travels to Japan 3-4…read moretimes a year to study under grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. I am very lucky to of found a teacher of his experience outside of Japan and in Los Angels . I really enjoy his training group, and it's definitely changed my life for the better.

A fine karate school. I attended for four years…read more It was what I needed for personal development, self-defense and exercise. Price was good. Strong community. WLA Dojo is the premier kyokushin dojo in LA.  Kyokushin Karate is one of the strongest karate's you can do.  Shihan Hasegawa is very deferential and loving towards his students. West L.A. Dojo has had at least 3 participants in the past 5 years in the Kyokushin world tournament.

Hasegawa Sensei is by far one of the best and most dedicated instructors you will ever find…read more His attention to detail and passion for teaching is only mirrored by his unconditional love for Karate. His hard work ethic and enormous spirit will be sure to invigorate you through the most exhausting practices, teaching you the true meaning of the Kyokushin spirit. His unique, lively character and compassionate nature makes him approachable and easy to talk to; you will find that Sensei is more than just an instructor, but a genuine friend. With that being said, everyone at West LA Dojo is family. The members will welcome you with open arms and introduce you to the wonderfully brutal world of Kyokushin Karate! (Do not be deceived by the Dojo's humble appearance! Although small in size, it provides some of the best Kyokushin instruction in the West Coast!)

I've been training with Guro Gerry for about 6 years and counting. He and the students have always…read morebeen so nice, and fun to train with. Classes switch up drills and techniques, which keeps things engaging week to week. It's always interesting to see how traditional techniques can be adapted for current-day situations, for different weapons, an empty hand, and so on. For anyone who's interested, I strongly recommend trying it out!

I have been wanting to learn FMA for a while and knew virtually nothing about it. A quick search…read moreonline for instructors nearby, and I stumbled across Guro Gerry's link. I wrote in and he responded almost right away, and conveniently, he had an opening in his intro class that evening! His instruction was clear and enthusiastic, and it has been a really fun and rewarding experience! The students (beginners and advanced) I have met have all been very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend checking it out!

What a great martial arts school. A really good vibe. Fun, clean, excellent instruction,…read moretraditional, and Hapkido. Highly recommend Song's Hapkido West Los Angeles.

Great martial art school for my self and my kids! We have been attending classes with this school…read moresince their old location. The student group is so diverse and everyone feels welcome.