I love this class. My son is relatively small (2nd% for weight and height) for his age and he does great. He will observe his environment before jumping in and Sifu does not pressure him but makes him feel comfortable to join. He is incredibly patient with him and gives him the confidence he needs. I absolutely love this class and so does my son! He is just now showing us his moves at home and is getting more confident practicing (it's been about 8 lessons). I'm so happy we found this studio and look forward to staying here as well as enrolling my other son in a few years! read more

James Martial Arts Academy - Sifu Daryl working at the first lesson with 3.5 year old - Karate Near Me - El Cajon, California

My son will be turning 7, and thought it's time for him to explore a sport. After offering several options, he opted for martial arts. We signed up for several trial classes with different methods, but none he seemed too excited about. After his trial at JM Arts Academy, I instantly saw the spark in his eye and said to me, "this one mom! I like this one". Sifu's are fun, they connect with the children but still implementing respect and authority! read more

I have never practice there, but have heard nothing but good things about the school. The fact that I am a former Black belt canidate and kosho ryu student of Mr. James's Teacher The late SGM TONY BOWLES I can tell you you and your children are in Great hands James Martial Arts Academy. I myself looked up to GSM Tony Bowles and his son Timothy Bowles for the influences they had in my life when I trained with them (88-94). 2002-2003 I was teased alot in school being biracial and had a abusive stepdad with statistics u would assume I would be the same way or end up in prison for life. But because of the foundation I was taught by them I was able to pull myself out of a bad spiral , graduated highschool taught my kids kajukenbo ,Respect, confidence , discipline and that you can rise above any situation and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to..Mr James carries on an excellent legacy.......God Bless read more

Awesome!!! Mr.Sifu is amazing with kids and I admire his passion for Martial Arts. He is patient and caring, best place for your little one to learn. Not only my child enjoys the class but I do as well looking at him learn and have fun. Do not hesitate to enroll your kid, this is the place you want to be. read more

Our son loves coming to class every day, and we love bringing him! Sifu is excellent with the kids. They have fun while still learning respect and discipline. We're so happy we signed up for James Martial Arts Academy! We look forward to watching our son grow and learn here. read more

My 4 yo recently started the Kosho Cubs classes. We started with a trial class and I was instantly impressed. Sifu Darryl has amazing rapport with the young children he works with. His classes are full of variety and a perfect balance of disciplined practice with light hearted fun. My son loves going. Such a great teacher, truly a gem, I highly recommend checking it out. read more

This is my 5yr old and 8yr old's first experience with martial arts and they enjoy the classes very much. It is also so affordable compared to other places, especially when you have multiple kids. All the students are energetic, they learn while having fun and they have great teachers, like Sifu Darrly, that help them learn discipline. read more

My daughter has been here for almost 3months. Sifu Darryl is incredibly amazing! My little girl was very shy and scared to talk in the public. But now, she loves to go to her class, even on her birthday! I can hear her laugh from outside the class! She really enjoys the time she spends in here. 10stars for this place! read more

We love James Martial Arts Academy! Found this place when looking to get my 5 yr old son into karate after a year of the pandemic. From the moment I spoke to Darryl I could tell this would be a good fit for us. He puts the kids first and focuses on attitude and control over all else. He has been such a good role model for the young kids and we are lucky to have him in the community. He is great with the little kids, but will always make sure they feel challenged. I've also heard great things about the adult and older kids classes. It has been amazing to see the amount of control and body awareness my son has gained from this class. read more

We just started but we already love what's it's doing for our son. He looks forward to going and tries very hard for his sifu. (Darryl is the best) read more

We just stumbled into this place, but man are we so happy we did! Couldn't ask for a better place for karate. You can see sifu has an extreme passion for teaching these classes. He always has a smile on his face and always friendly. read more

This place is awesome! Our 4 year old daughter has been attending class here for just over a month now. Sifu is an excellent teacher with boundless patience yet stern when necessary. The kids all have a good time while learning skills like discipline and listening. We can't recommend it enough! read more

We came in this morning and Sifu Darryl James let both my boys "try out" the class. He was great with them. This was their first time taking a martial arts class and he did an excellent job of redirecting them and keeping it fun. They are 3 and 6 so that can be quite a task. The class itself was the perfect amount of time for their ages. The class was well structured and promoted discipline and respect. I would definitely recommend James Martial Arts Academy to anyone interested. read more

My wife and daughter attended the women's self-defense class recently. My wife has a brown belt in another discipline and still came away from the class with new information. The attention to detail and technique that you find at this dojo are unmatched. It's a very warm and inviting atmosphere but when it's time to work, it's time to work. We traveled from Los Angeles for the self-defense class and hope Darryl has the opportunity to open a dojo in our area soon. A fantastic experience! I'm looking forward to the next seminar. read more

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Great class for kids! Sifu is energetic and interactive and keeps control while having fun. All the kids love it and ours looks forward to each class. read more

With so many disciplines in Martial Arts schools, it can be confusing for many people to pick an instructor or school to train. In the current climate of Mixed martial arts, many people may gravitate towards Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Grappling training for understandable reasons. Choosing an Instructor or school is often about personal preference. As someone who has witnessed the aftermath of crime and violence for 20+ years, I fell it is important to consider three things: 1) A highly competent/qualified Instructor/Coach; 2) A Reputable and sound training curriculum that addresses all ranges of combat and self defense to include: striking, grappling, weapons and multiple attackers; and 3) Physical conditioning during the class that conditions and strengthen the mind and body. James Martial Arts Academy provides all three of qualities and then some! read more

My nine-year-old daughter has been learning Kosho-Ryu from "Sifu" Darryl James for several years now. Her self discipline, overall physical conditioning and self-defense knowledge are noticeably stronger as she continues with Darryl's classes. Classes are small and each participant gets Sifu's full attention as they practice the Kosho-Ryu forms and techniques. The classes are fun and disciplined at the same time. Darryl doesn't let anybody sneak by and move forward unless they're ready. Kosho-Ryu is not just an outstanding physical self-defense system, either... it incorporates philosophy regarding respect for others. I would recommend the James Kosho-Ryu Academy for adults and kids alike! read more

Hands down the best trainer I've ever had. Sifu Darryl is exceptional at what he does. He is motivating and pushes you to your limits and then some. I was fortunate enough that one of my friends had found him and invited me to a class. Even though there were 3 other people in there he is attentive to you and making sure you are doing the workouts correctly with good form. I was fully out of shape and within a couple of months, I noticed things improving such as my form and strength. I have always had a hard time motivating myself to get to the gym but with Sifu Darryl, I am excited about the class every time. read more

My son took classes here for about 8 months and improved his focus, skills, and discipline dramatically in that time. The best thing about Darryl James is that in addition to be highly skilled, he is patient, kind, and trust worthy as a karate teacher. We would have kept taking classes here if we hadn't moved. Thankfully, my son has continued martial arts, and fondly remembers his time at James Martial Arts. read more

I signed my son up in 2016 at age 4 and he was in classes for 2 years. Every class or teacher he has I always get told how behaved he is for a 6 year old he is truly the most disciplined 6 y/o I've ever met I attribute this back to Sifu. He truly cares about all of his students and is extremely patient and encouraging. He also pushes the students to try their hardest. I Recommend trying a class out to anyone. read more

Sifu Darrell was amazing. I took a women's self defense class and was pleasantly surprised how easy most of the moves were and how effective they can be. Sifu Darrell was very knowledgeable of the effect the moves can have on an assailant and left the class feeling I could defend myself in the moment someone tried to attack me. I highly recommend him to not only women but children as well. His classes are affordable and he is very professional. read more

There are simply not enough good things I can say about this school or Sifu Daryl James. He loves these kids as he loves his art, and he is equally devoted to both. His curriculum is sound, and my sons discipline has been enhanced exponentially. This is not a dojo. This is a family, and we are proud to be part of it. read more

Wonderful instruction. Darryl has made a safe and focused learning environment for all ages. My two children have been attending this Martial Arts Academy for a few years now and we are so happy with the growth we have seen in our kids with their focus, technique, confidence, and their understanding of martial arts--they love it. He teaches fundamentals, proper technique, patience, responsibility, meaning, and conditioning. We are very involved and watch every class and could not be happier with our choice. read more

Sifu Darryl James is an incredible instructor. He has a keen eye for how to improve one's technique, and a remarkably articulate way of conveying his advice. Above all, he is kind, patient, and understanding, with an excitement to assist students at any level. Whether you are an experienced fighter who is looking to perfect your skills, or simply a novice who is considering if martial arts is something you want to try, Sifu Darryl James is the person to see. read more

I love Sifu Darryl! He is a warm and caring teacher who is a pleasure to learn from! I look forward to Wednesday nights and our self defense class! I recommend his classes for anyone of any age. He does a great job at tailoring his teaching to any style and student. I wouldn't go anywhere else!! read more

I was part of a special self defense class and brought my 13 yr old daughter. She was very nervous about the topic in general and doesn't like the idea of a man touching her, at all even a nice one. He was such a caring and nurturing wonderful coach/teacher, he was able to be gentle with her physically and emotional. We learned so much! It was a wonderful experience despite dealing with such a sensitive subject. I highly recommend that everyone take his classes. If any of my kids were into Martial arts, they would definitely go here!!! Thanks again !!! read more

For the past couple of months now, I have been taking women's self-defense classes with Sifu Darryl. It is a great class for women, especially in the world that we live in today. Sifu Darryl is a very caring and knowledgeable instructor. With he techniques I am learning, I gain more confidence in being able to handle the situation, should it ever arise. Plus the workout you get is a bonus! Everyone that has taken the class are friendly and very welcoming. Check out the classes today! read more