Aikido Shusekai is by far and away one of the best places that I have ever found myself in my life…read more The environment of the dojo and the structure of the training are mindfully engineered to foster learning and growth. Not having decades of experience or claiming any vast well of wisdom to draw upon myself, I cannot qualify, thusly, claims that I have heard stated by others who DO possess more experience. Sitting on the bench outside before class one day, I remember a senior student - a black belt herself, who has been studying Aikido for many years - telling me how lucky SHE felt to be able to train there. She said that we were all receiving "gems of Aikido" through our training. At the time, I thought I knew what she meant: the training was great, and I had learned a lot already myself! But as each week passes, and more lessons are taught and learned, I realize again and again how valuable the lessons I am learning here truly are. I recommend this practice, and particularly THIS DOJO for any and all people! The program is structured such that all new students get lots of face-time with the more advanced students during practice. This really helps accelerate learning, and helps to ensure good practice. I myself have experienced the teens and adults program, and can personally attest to the benefits of training here. The people are amazing, one and all, and I truly feel privileged, honored, and humbled each time I step on the mat to train with them. Head Sensei Nick Walker is an amazing teacher, and guides us all with great patience, wisdom, and intelligence. The training is always challenging, and always worth it. I also highly recommend this dojo for kids! Dojo Manager and skilled practitioner herself, Sensei Azzia Walker, runs the children's program at our dojo. Having had the privilege of learning from her during the teen/adults classes, I can attest to the fact that she is also an incredibly gifted teacher. Having had the privilege of training with a couple of her advanced but younger age students during the teen/adult classes, I can attest to the fact that they know there stuff! I coach girls volleyball and girls basketball (middle school level). If you are a parent reading this because your child is interested in martial arts, I implore you to come check us out. We are having several promotions for young students looking to start training with us, and our exciting new All Girls Program is kicking off! Our hopes that we may be able to provide opportunities for all who may be interested. I love Aikido Shusekai, and I hope that many more will be able to come and share in the bounty of the experiences to be had along the journey that is training.

After researching and visiting some aikido schools in the area and I decided to attend this school…read more The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido. Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find. Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway you want in different aspects of life. Students train with other students from different age groups and gender which is deeply interconnected with the balance between suppleness and alertness. It's cause while training with different people during the classes, one naturally finds a balance between the two. Since aikido is considered as the most spiritual martial art and this is reflected while training here like learning without words, conscious breaths, introducing gap between thinking while bowing etc. Although they seem to be way too traditional sometimes with some of the things they sub-communicate to the students, still it's a good school. Along with that it's Pretty spacious. Also you can find many hot girls in nearby dance studios.

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.

I went to this dojo for about six years before having kids, and studied martial arts (mainly Cuong…read moreNhu) for almost fourteen years. Moon Dragon's instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. While the dojo encourages self-control and discipline, it is one of the more relaxed environments I have found to study and share martial arts practice. There is a high level of teacher-student interaction -- you aren't just left on your own to struggle along, there's always a lot of encouraging feedback. I'd recommend this dojo to anyone -- maybe particularly to people who are new to martial arts, or coming back after a break, or seeking a feeling of community to go with the training. The high number of female instructors makes it a particularly welcoming environment for women seeking to learn self-defense techniques. I am now absolutely THRILLED to learn that they have classes for kids, and am hoping to re-enroll soon with my eldest!

Amazing place to train! The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and make every class fun and…read morewelcoming. The environment is friendly, supportive, and great for students of all ages and skill levels. I've learned so much and always look forward to coming back. I highly recommend Kuk Sool Won of Dublin to anyone looking to build confidence, learn self-defense, and be part of a great community!

Kuk Sool Won of Dublin is absolutely outstanding! The teachings here are incredible, and the…read moreinstructor Master Saidi is truly amazing--knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student grow. I've learned so much since joining, not only in martial arts skills but also in discipline, focus, and confidence. The environment is warm, kind, respectful, and inspiring, making it a place I genuinely look forward to coming to. If you're looking for a place to train, learn, and be part of a supportive community, I one hundred percent recommend Kuk Sool Won of Dublin!!

For those interested in an incredible exposure and training from someone who has been training and…read morecoaching in such stylesas Boxing, Jeet Kune Do with an emphasis on what works practically, you'll find no better instruction through this man. Don't let the fact it's run out of his garage fool or disillusioned you in the least. You'll find no better instruction or experience than through Felix Macias Jr. If it's an easy "belt"progression is not what you're looking for, but incredibly (almost unbelievably) experienced, practical instruction is, start here. Be like water.

I have only been a training for 6 months, and have to say. I've been a avid martial arts parctioner…read morefor 47 years and raised. In the bay area, this is the place to learn how to protect your self with all the support and self confidence from the Head Instructor ( Felix Macias Jr.) Great outlook, fun and patient , and the second instrutor Sifu Tom. It's the real thing for street life situations in self defense that you dont get from any of the other schools. It works, and there just producing nothing but pure fighters ....men. and women,,,,come one come all,,,,,you wont be sorry......J.J. Mondays, Wednesday, days or evenings

I've been training with Ed since about 2005 so you could say I'm hooked! Systema is very…read morefree-form and unconstrained in comparison to many traditional martial art systems. No belts, no rank, no beginners vs experienced students. Everyone who shows up learns practical applications for self defense and health. Learn more at www.norcalsystema.com or just come out and check out a class or three!

I have been going to this class for about a year and I think its an awesome class! The instructors…read moreare all super cool and patient with the students. I've been doing martial arts for over 7 years now and I've had my share of so called kung fu schools that don't really teach and are all about making money. This is not one of those schools. The monks are incredibly talented and inspire me as a student. Since going to these classes, I've really improved my own martial arts as well as my overall health and fitness. If you've never taken martial arts before or just wanna try, I highly recommend this class... it's a totally friendly atmosphere and everyone is very supportive. oh yeah, love the convenient night and weekend classes since I don't do kung fu to make a living! note: some of the forms we are learning in addition to basic training (kicks, jumps, stances, etc) are: xiaohong quan, dahong quan, tongbei quan, shaolin staff, freestyle wushu.

Life Changing! I met Sheldon about 5 years ago when I was…read moregoing through a very rough patch in my life. I had difficulties coping with traumatic events and I felt completely lost. By pure luck, I stumbled upon his Qigong and Kung Fu classes. With his openness, calmness, warmth, patience, and frankness, he managed to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel. He introduced me to kung fu as a way of living. Sheldon is multi-talented: he's a martial artist, a musician, and a technology-savvy entrepreneur who speaks multiple languages and has travelled the world. His life experience allowed him to build a solid martial arts program capable of expanding people's minds. His class is very approachable, relatable and enjoyable. With his high emotional intelligence, Sheldon taught me how to understand life at a deeper level, he helped me see the world with a better eye, and he helped me find the focus i needed to start really living. It completely changed the way i think, the way i work and the way i live. I will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from him and encourage anyone who is ready for true transformation to take one of his classes!

I take the cardio-kickboxing class and can truly say it is a kickass workout at a fabulous deal…read more Sifu Doug Jones runs you through arm and booty-sculpting drills, fantastic ab-work (he sneaks Pilates in there!), then tops off with circuit training - bag work mixed with strengthening exercises. Believe me, there is no cure for a tough day at work like beating the crap out of a bag. (Or, at least, trying to.) Truly. Another thing I like is that Doug just doesn't teach the same routines again and again, he changes it up week to week and goes around checking each student for technique - and effort. :) Classes are mostly female, but men work out with us, too. Not a problem either way - sooner or later all the genders are sweating equally. You can buy a book of ten classes for $75; $7.50 a class! (That's the great deal I was talking about.) And then, after I became a regular, there was the plus of Doug and classmates always being glad I showed up. For me, that's an added inspiration to work out. **Addendum**: I started taking the wun hop kuen do classes here in November 2007, and I have to say it's totally transformed me. Not only am I in better shape, but I come away from each class learning something new about myself. Enlightened, even. No, seriously - even if in a small way. Sifu Doug Jones has a stellar background, and is amazing and incredibly motivating. Sihing Damond brilliantly balances technique and practical application. Our other instructors--Sihing Sinclair, Sisuk Teresa, Sisuk Tray, and more--are all extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I know there are many good martial arts schools in the bay area, but I feel very fortunate to have found such a great school and community.

I've been coming here for four+ years now. This place is like home for so many people, including…read moreme. I've come to group classes and also trained with Doug privately. He's an awesome, inspiring, encouraging and attentive trainer. The great thing is that he always meets people at whatever level they are at, and brings them to the next level. So when I've been out of shape, injured or just not feeling great, he's helped bring me up gently, and when I feel strong and healthy he really pushes me to incredible places. It's all great. I have to respond to "The O" who gave a 1-star review based on the "sketchy" neighborhood, but who has never attended an actual class at this place. Umm? I've been coming to the gym for years, at all hours of day and night, and have NEVER felt unsafe. How irresponsible to post a review like that. PLEASE IGNORE.