Such a great experience as a new white belt going to class! It can be scary being so new - I've…read moretried many gyms in the city and this was the first as a beginner I felt like I learned the most and retained the most. This was because of a combo of: 1. Clear visuals about what the different positions are 2. Moves that are outlined - you try the move, and then repeat it over and over again in speed/resistance 3. Then you have the opportunity to try it in sparring, which lets you really remember it! Definitely recommend and will be back - folks were super nice and welcoming!

Bay Jiu Jitsu is, by far, the best jiu jitsu gym I've ever trained at. I learned more in the nine…read moremonths I spent with them than I had in the previous five years, training elsewhere. They've ruined other gyms for me. Since leaving SF, I've traveled around CA, but haven't been able to find any gyms of a similar quality. Bay Jiu Jitsu is a special community with a level of elite instruction that's genuinely hard to find elsewhere, especially one that's welcoming literally to anyone, beginner or otherwise. Very few BJJ gyms offer any instruction in takedowns-be it wrestling or judo. A huge amount of gyms train nearly entirely on their butts or from their knees. Every instructor at Bay knows high-level takedowns and defense. We all grapple standing and are training takedowns constantly. The instructors here are incredible. All of them compete and their records in tournaments, to my knowledge, is excellent. Bay Jiu Jitsu is also the only gym I've ever trained at that constantly surveys the class for questions. Unlike the general, "Any questions?" at the end of a complex technique, they literally go around the room asking "what questions do you have?" It's such a simple thing, but very indicative that the gym is just operating at a much different level. The instructors actually help you to improve your game and learn the sport. You're not just mindlessly doing moves out of context that you may never use. Here, we work techniques and positions, and map out how to see them, what successful principles for passing open guard are, for example. So, you're constantly learning in a deeper and more meaningful way. Rather than an individual technique, you're learning how to think for yourself, how to figure out large-scale, applicable, perspectives/rules to operate under when faced with fundamental positions of the sport. All the instructors are talented and can actually teach. When they break down ankle locks, it's not just showing you one version of the submission three times and having everybody go and drill it incorrectly. The instructors will break things down, incrementally, and in-detail. Then we regularly attempt it with coaches going around the room, making adjustments, and then doing additional demonstrations and instructions. I don't think they ever just go through the motions with moves here. Everything we do has a point or reason to it. Bay Jiu Jitsu is the only gym I've been to (and this is dope) but it's the only gym where instructors ask individuals from the class, what do you want to work on? What's something you're struggling with or curious about? And we'll actually do it. Instructors here give a damn about you as a person. They track your success, watch you during sparring, and hold you accountable to reach your potential with feedback, advice, and encouragement. They have no uniform requirement. You're not forced to buy a gym rash guard or spend hundreds of dollars on their gis. They don't charge you for promotions. They teach you how to actually train smart. So many gyms don't do this and it's ridiculous, but here, they teach you how to avoid preventable knee injuries during takedowns/positions, how to fall correctly, etc. When there's sparring, there's pretty much always a person walking around, keeping individuals from falling into a teammate-blowing out their ACL or kicking them in the head needlessly. I could ramble on for ages about the gym. You'll train with loads of rad, high-level people here. Nobody has an ego. We're all willing to help out. You don't deal with people cranking your jaw to get a submission. Everybody's cool and will train hard, at times, but in a safe way. The gym does movie nights, goes out to bars, goes dancing, and has bonfires throughout the year too. If you're looking for it, you can make friends. I love the gym and the people here. If you have the chance to train at Bay Jiu Jitsu, you absolutely must.

My 6 yo daughter had been wanting to start karate for a while now so I went with the top rated…read moreplace near me. It's no wonder why they have the rating they do. We both LOVE One Martial Arts. The entire welcome experience could not be more perfect. You book a free trial class easily online and show up to find your kids name on a big sign with a free t-shirt waiting. They are super supportive in the class and let the first-timers do a board breaking at the end so they get absolutely hooked from the jump. The joy in their faces after that board breaks and they feel so powerful is priceless! Arrive for your first real class their uniform is at the ready on the front desk. Seriously, so organized! We love the instructors. They break the kids into smaller groups so she's gotten to work with Shīfu Bender and Shīfu Fidler and Shīfu Lucas Dela Cruz who are all wonderful. They have an app that makes everything super easy. Including instructional videos kids can use to practice. When you arrive you just check your kiddo in on the ipad (they are located right next to the after class lollipops). The class itself is the perfect blend of skill-training and fun. They learn respect, discipline and hard work, then they get to play a fun game at the end like freeze tag to get all their energy out. They also earn sticker stripes leading up to the different color belts. My kiddo is highly motivated by this and always looks forward to the "earn" days. The support staff is super responsive and helpful with inquiries and questions. There are plenty of benches to sit and watch but it's in a great neighborhood so always fun to run out and grab a snack or bubbletea.

I went there for summer camp and still have the trophy thingie for the"best camper for the week"…read more The stuff they do are really fun and convenient for me. Even though that was 5 years ago my memories of there never fade.

This is the best martial arts school I've ever trained at, and Choy Li Fut kung fu is a superb…read moresystem. The instructors at school are all really good, knowledgeable and helpful. Tai-Sifu Wong is a fantastic teacher to all adults and kids alike. This is also the first martial arts school that my kids are attending, and they absolutely love it. They love the classes, they made a bunch of friends, they go to tournaments and their self confidence is growing constantly over time. No wonder it's been around for over 50 years!

I have been studying Kung Fu in San Diego for many years and have had the opportunity to…read moreparticipate in several seminars and tournaments offered by the Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center. These are simply the best around. The real life practical application of the training combined with the historical ties and proven methods give the training a value unmatched by anyone. I can guarantee you that if I lived closer this would be home base for my training. I encourage anyone to check it out for themselves. You won't be disappointed.

I would like to start off by saying that this school has been here since 1983 and has a lot of…read morehistory. The owner Master Mar is very friendly and welcoming. They both make the class very entertaining for the kids. Master Mar has a different way of teaching compared to a lot of martial art schools out there, which makes his method of training by far the best I've ever trained in. If you are in search of a tae kwon do school, I highly recommend giving this place a shot, I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you for letting me be part of the KMAC family.

I just started learning hapkido and tae kwon do here at KMAC and I'm so thrilled to be able to…read moretrain with all these grandmasters. They are all very knowledgeable and patient to ensure you meet your full potential. I'm coming from a amateur boxing background with some limitations due to a previous back injury. However the grandmasters and fellow classmates have been very considerate and caring of this. I'm very excited to see how far I can go here and for each class to see what I learn next. I researched so many gyms in SF, Berkeley, and Oakland. But i can safely say this is the best one i have found and I'm so glad to learn and train here around such amazing and talented people.

Very inclusive, no ego gym. Instructors are very patient and welcoming with clear instructions. All…read morethe students are very friendly, no ego and help each other out. Easy to jump into a class and get on board.

This is the best martial arts and self-defense school in San Francisco, full stop. Whether you are…read morenew to self defense training or an experienced fighter, Forge has the best and most dedicated team of instructors all in one place and with a multitude of classes for any schedule and skill/fitness level. I started there as a student just a few years ago, when a single P1 class was enough to wear me out for days, and now I'm a mid-level practitioner in better shape in my forties than I was in my twenties. Come find out why Forge is a cut above the rest in a City that has lots of fantastic martial arts schools and an excellent community of fighters and mentors. Check out Forge today!

Best Kung fu school around hands down.Ive been a student under Sifu Master Schauer for 9 years. We…read morefocus on all aspects of Kung fu .Great place to build a man or women to the highest degree . Vic Rael

I have been a student of Master Schauer's for nearly a decade now, and have continued to study with…read morehim even after moving to the east bay. Master Schauer's classes are based on traditional kung fu systems but also include grappling and kickboxing. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to get in shape and enjoy the health benefits of traditional kung fu training as well as practical self defense. I usually take the weekend classes which are held outside in golden gate park and can last for hours! Highly recommended.

I dropped off my daughter for a one day spring camp. Leo was EXTREMELY accommodating, he was going…read moreto cancel class because there was only one 1 other student who enrolled but he decided to open the day up for my daughter and her friend. There was a total of 3 students all the same age 4.5-5years old and they had a blast! He even sent us pictures throughout the day to assure me my kid was doing well and had another teacher come in to help out (or take pictures!). I can't be more thankful for what he did for us. Leo is very patient and good with young kids. Thumbs up, will go back for summer camp.

Terrible experience! Too dangerous will not send kid there anymore. Highly suggest not to put kids…read morethere. The director doesn't treat complain seriously, one teacher looking after 10+ kids between two rooms is that even legal? The director didn't even know there was a substitute teacher. The substitute teacher has zero knowledge on how to care for kids and she was there looking after 6-7 kids. Do you feel comfortable letting your kids there?

I went in for a trial as I want to find a place to train but wasn't sure which dojo to join. The…read moremat fee is $15 for a one off session which is comparable to other locations. I've had practically zero martial arts experience aside from some wushu when I was a kid. Everyone was very nice and patient. The sensei and even other students that I practiced with were great teachers. What I really appreciated was how they would explain why you take a certain action and how that has an impact. It helps me remember better and makes it a more wholistic learning experience.

Prior to joining this dojo, I had never taken any martial arts classes other than self-defense…read moreseminars (2 hr course by campus safety patrolmen and women). I wanted to be active in a sport where I'm engaged physically and mentally, and so I started looking up different dojo in SF. I started classes in February 2009 at Pacific Aikido Center, with a Tue. & Thur. evening commitment. I practice regularly with other novices as well as with higher ranked brown & black belts. The people I train with are great, and so are the instructors. The dojo is run by Shiohira Sensei, who teaches classes on M, W, F. Other black belt sensei-instructors teach on Tu, Th, Sa. During class, we warm up and stretch, then we pair up with various classmates for 45 minutes. Both the sensei and partner-in-training go through techniques with me, with repetition and often with specific guidance on ways to improve. The instructors and classmates are incredibly patient and kind. Everyone is here to improve themselves and help others, and we all improve at our own pace. While it's amazing to see what the higher-level practitioners of Aikido can do, every once in a whie I look back and am amazed at what I've learned in my year at the dojo. If you have always wanted to take martial arts, Aikido is a great art to begin your practice. I recommend this school to any beginner.