Fantastic teachers and lots of patience with younger students. I've never seen my kids (ages 6, 9)…read moremore focused, and I love that they can be in the same class!

2 years in. My son stuck with it and made great progress. It not only teaches him self defense, but…read moreconfidence, discipline and coordination. This place is becoming a place he loves coming to. Shout out to all the ShiFus!

I wanted to take a Qi Gong class and made several efforts to inquire about instruction. No one ever…read moregot back to me. Very disappointed.

I highly recommend this Shaolin Kung Fu studio. My son started there when he was 5 and now he is…read more17 - a black belt and part-time instructor with Master Yan. I recently told Master Yan's wife, Joanna, that Master Yan helped me become a better father simply by watching his classes. Master Yan is a true master from the Shaolin Temple in China - something that I found out later on my own as Master Yan is very modest. I am so grateful for all Master Yan has done for my son and me. It's amazing that a true master from China teaches here in Alameda. And it's more affordable than any other martial arts place that I have found. Thank you.

Gracie Joy Jitsu in Alameda has been a game-changer! The kids' Bully Proof program is absolutely…read morephenomenal. Coach Chelsea, Coach Mark, and Coach Travis create such a safe, positive, and fun environment where kids not only learn self-defense but also build confidence, discipline, and respect. They teach practical skills in a way that's engaging and empowering for kids, helping them know how to handle tough situations without ever promoting aggression. You can tell each coach genuinely cares about the kids--they're patient, encouraging, and great at connecting with every student. If you're looking for a program in Alameda that helps kids stand tall, stay safe, and believe in themselves, Gracie Joy Jitsu's Bully Proof class is the perfect choice!

While in from out of town for work, I was warmly welcomed to join a Combatives class. Chelsea Burgo…read morelead the class with deep technical and teaching skills. Fellow students were good training partners and all about improving each other as a community. Highly recommended!

Come to protecting is always good when u walk alone out there Strangers everywhere isn't a safe…read moreplace anymore we all live. Self defense can safe your life n other good people

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.

I've been training at Alameda Akikai with Mitsu Sensei for three years alongside my oldest child…read more(12) who has been there for 2+ years and his sibling (10) who has been there for about 1+ years. Bottom line: I love it. For me, Aikido is both an escape and an exercise. The art is challenging, physically and mentally and requires one be alert, agile, strong and flexible. I try and practice several times a week which is very easy to do here. The other people on the mat are engaged and kind and look out for one another. There are also a variety of classes to choose from (for adults there are 530 am, 9am and 6pm classes, and one on Saturday, and for kids there are many options to choose from after school and also on Saturdays). Speaking of kids! Training with my own kids is a real joy. It's a fun activity we can do together and Aikido exemplifies, and teaches, important values about capability, respect, effort and diligence. 10/10 can recommend!

I've been training at Alameda Aikikai for just about two years, and it's been incredible! Mitsu…read moreSensei is extremely clean with his instructions, makes sure the students are being personally challenged without being pushed too far, and utilizes his background in physical therapy to make sure everyone is practicing safely. The community is incredible with a strong familial, but welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely love being a part of this dojo and look forward to all of y'all being a part of it as well!

My son participates in their Kids BJJ program. He is 4 years old. It is awesome! It has taught him…read morea great awareness of his body and movements, which is what we wanted. It also further enhances his understanding of discipline and its benefits. The coaches are sweet and encouraging. Coaches Gabby and Alberto is the best! Diogo, who runs this program, is great at communicating and gets back to you within 24 hours. Our family is really enjoying this program.

This is my home gym…read more I love the atmosphere that Diogo has created at our academy; we train to defend ourselves, but we also take care of each other as teammates both on and off the mats. Good people. Solid teammates. Relaxed atmosphere. No "bullshido." Come train at Rio Combat!

I started this program years ago as it was free as part of the MSAC membership. Great workouts,…read morepractical self-defense and a great time training mind, body and spirit.

As a martial art enthusiast, I was looking around for a good dojo to start up my training for black…read morebelt. I looked around at a few dojos in Berkeley and Oakland, but didn't find a place that I felt would give me the training I wanted. After the first class with Sensei Grant Butterfield, I knew this was the place for me. I've been training with him for 2 years now and feel my balance and focus has improved tenfold. It's a great class for students of all levels of interest in the martial arts. Each class is unique and the black belts are very good at instructing all the different levels of colored belts. Come to a class and learn basic self-defense techniques and work your way up to Kata & Kumite Sparring. It's an excellent cardio workout and I always leave class feeling stronger.

Sifu Victor is incredibly attentive and ensures you fully understand each form during the…read moreintroductory Wing Chun classes. Coming in with little to no martial arts background, I found his clear explanations and guidance especially valuable as a beginner. What stood out most was his patience -- he takes the time to explain concepts thoroughly and offer repeated corrections to help you improve. If you're new to martial arts and looking for something enjoyable yet not overly strenuous, I highly recommend giving his Wing Chun classes a try.

Knowledgeable, patient, experienced teacher. Sifu Victor…read morewill show you the way... (#Tai Chi, #Wing Chun)