This academy stands out because of its culture…read more The instruction is excellent, and also what really makes this place special is the people. The coaches teach the details behind each technique instead of just showing moves, so you learn not only what to do, but why it works. That approach has made a huge difference in my own understanding of jiu-jitsu. The atmosphere is welcoming and respectful. Whether you're brand new or have years of experience, everyone is treated like they're part of the team. The advanced belts are approachable, the training is challenging without feeling intimidating, and there is a genuine culture of helping each other improve. One thing I really appreciate is that standards are high. Progress and promotions feel earned, which creates an environment where people are motivated to keep learning and getting better. At the end of the day, a great academy isn't just measured by how good the instructors are--it's measured by the kind of community they build. This is a place where people enjoy training, support one another, and continue growing both on and off the mats. If you're looking for a jiu-jitsu academy with outstanding instruction, a winning competition team, a positive culture, and teammates who genuinely want to see you succeed, I highly recommend giving this place a try.

I really wanted to love this place because, to be fair, the quality of the Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moretraining here is excellent. The instructors clearly know what they're doing, and the kids' program is well-structured and engaging. However, as a parent, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired. The biggest issue? No WiFi for parents. If you're going to have parents sitting around for an hour or more during classes, it's pretty unreasonable not to provide even basic internet access. Not everyone can just disconnect from work or responsibilities during that time. The waiting area is minimal, and without WiFi, you're essentially stuck doing nothing or burning through your mobile data. In this day and age, that feels like a pretty basic amenity that should be standard--especially for a place that otherwise operates at a high level. So yes, great training--but not a very parent-friendly environment. Until they address this, it's hard to fully recommend.

If you are looking for a way to get a great workout and increase your confidence while having fun…read moreand finding a great community of people look no further, becoming a member of ABB is one of the best decisions of my life, the whole community and environment are really stimulating to improve each day physically and mentally.

We had a blast for our son's birthday party at Aikido By the Bay.  They were able to accommodate…read moreour large party and even was accommodating when we had to postpone in July due to covid.  We were bummed to postpone but so happy it finally happened.  From start to finish Sebastián was really amazing, friendly and planned out our party.  He had great ideas and really made the party planning process so easy.  He was just a text away for any questions.  He would check up to followup as the party got closer.  One day he even called to offer us a complimentary cake.  We were like wow!! Donna was amazing with the cake and we all enjoyed it.  She asked us our preference on flavor and design. We chose chocolate and Transformers theme.  Cake was delivered to the facility.  She even threw in balloons and decorations and set it up.  She happened to be back at the party and helped with cake cutting too.  Sebastián was there to explain the rules to the kids for our nerf battle.  Safety was great and goggles were provided.  He was so patient with the kids.  He constantly checked in with us to advise us on status and flow of party. This was really a great experience.  The facility is really nice, spacious and clean.  We really had the best experience and couldn't have asked for anything more. The kids had a blast. Thank you so much!!! I was surfing the web looking for party locations. Finding a space that can accommodate many children at a reasonable price isn't easy. We didn't want to limit the party and not allow families to bring siblings. So this all worked out perfectly at Aikido By the Bay.

During this summer break, the daily two-hour intensive training came to a conclusion with the…read morenational martial arts competition that the kids participated in over the weekend. Teams from various places, with an estimated four thousand people including parents, gathered. The kids' teams won both gold and bronze medals, but the most significant gains were the earnest process and the growth experiences gained through participation. "It takes a village to raise a kid." Grateful to have such a group and environment in a foreign land, allowing the children and parents to grow together. This was our first summer training camp, and honestly, shuttling the kids every day amidst a busy schedule and managing various tasks was sometimes quite overwhelming. However, each time I saw the masters and classmates so spirited and dedicated, witnessed the two kids flourishing and advancing in a short period, and understood the meaning of participating seriously in a competition, it became clear that effort leads to success. This was a rare learning experience for the children. Many thanks to the masters who, year after year, tirelessly committed to the daily training from morning to night. It requires immense passion, patience, and self-discipline to teach, organize, be strict yet compassionate, handle administrative tasks, and even cut watermelons and distribute popsicles . They also participated in competitions and served as main referees, making a sincere effort to set an example and promote the spirit of martial arts. Sometimes I feel sorry for the two masters, juggling multiple roles day and night is truly tough, but congratulations on returning with a well-deserved sense of accomplishment . Thanks to all the parents for supporting the children's learning. Although not participating in the competition, the equal decade-long commitment from the sidelines is appreciated. Looking forward to experiencing and growing together with the children in the upcoming journey of life.

This dojo is named Pure Shaolin Kungfu but in China, pure shaolin encompasses mixed martial arts…read morebased in kungfu foundation. To get a black belt, students are required to train in 8 hand forms and 8 weapons. The black belt exam requires the student to pass soft weapon, hand form, long weapon, single weapon and double weapon as well as strength and flexibility. This ensures that whatever environment the black belt is in, they are able to defend themselves with what's available. This is not a dojo that hands out belts to make money. The students earn their belts and get satisfaction from their achievements. Both my kids have been with Sifu David and Sifu Grace since they were 4 years old. My daughter is 20 at UC Davis. When my daughter was in high school, the high school students decided they wanted to start a Flying Dragon club for 3-5 year olds. Sifu Grace sponsored the program and the students were responsible for creating curriculum, accounting, marketing and promotion. This gave them so much practical life experience that I couldn't have asked for a better place for my very shy daughter to come into her own. My son is 16 and just had knee surgery due to some skeletal issues and upon returning to the dojo, both Sifu Grace and David have customized the training with taichi, chi gong and boxing to promote strength and stability during his recovery. Both my kids have their black belts and have moved on to their 2nd degree. It was fun to watch my daughter train with the wooden mannequin like Bruce Lee. Grandmaster David is one of the last generations to come out of the Shaolin Temple in China. He entered the temple at 5 years old and trained inside the temple until he went to WuHan Sports University. Grandmaster Grace was trained by her grandfather who trained communist military until she also went to WuHan Sports University. Upon graduation, they both taught at the University creating curriculum, preserving the traditional style as well as promoting the Wuxi performance style. I've seen students grow up with the Sifus and become family. They also have visiting scholars from specialists who train the Chinese police, Grandmasters from other kungfu disciplines (not shaolin) for cross training.

We attended this studio for a year. We would have left sooner but they make you sign a one year…read morecontract and buy their expensive branded uniform. They give you a one week free trial and they put on a good show in front of the parents. Once they have you locked in for a year everything changes. The class sizes are huge. There are not enough coaches for one on one instruction. Your child becomes just a number and they are not personable with the parents unless your child is one of their favorites. They use sexist language like, "don't cry! What are you a girl?" They mock, yell at and tease the students. They take away stripes as punishment if your child speaks during class. If any of that is your style maybe you will like it. The instruction is sub par. My child is excelling at their new studio. People go to Gracie because of the name and you will see a lot of rich, affluent parents chatting with each other out front. On another note. Parking is terrible and there is nothing to do on that street, not even a coffee shop. Classes are at the height of traffic. I do not recommend this studio. *edit. We were told that we were REQUIRED to sign a one year contract. The response to me below means either they have changed that policy or the response is untruthful. I stand by every word of my review. I was made to sign a contract.

Both of my sons started training here when they were 6 years old, and they are now 11 and 13. The…read morecoaching has been EXCELLENT throughout their training. The coaches are firm and technical, but also fun, caring, thoughtful, and understanding; my kids love it here! My older, quieter son has developed strength and confidence, and my younger, energetic son has learned to manage his strong emotions; skills they didn't even realize they were developing through their training and amazing coaches! As a single mom, I really appreciate the support and teaching from each of the coaches, not only in jiujitsu, but also in strong positive values, compassion, mindfulness, and community. The coaches take the time to individualize their training to each student's personality and needs, and I have been awed at times by their patience. Students learn the importance of respect/kindness for others, regardless of differences; they learn to feel comfortable and confident with themselves and with peers. This inspired me to also start training 2 years ago, as I saw that the classes, coaches, and students are all so welcoming! And I have noticed positive changes both physically and mentally (much needed with 2 kids and work!). The school has always been understanding and flexible to our schedule and genuinely tries to work with families' various needs to the best of their ability. Coach Cris and Larissa are both wonderful to work with, and their kindness has fostered this community that many have commented "feels like family" (it really does!). My kids have developed long-lasting friendships where classmates stay to have dinner after class with us (next door at PJ's Pizza!), and I am finding the same sense of family in the adult classes. My sons and I are so fortunate to have found Charles Gracie San Mateo!!

I had the opportunity to train with Coach Kenny in preparation for my first amateur MMA fight…read more Under his guidance I fine tuned my striking and developed the necessary fight conditioning through his use of focused drills, pad-work, and sparring rounds. As a result, I gained a significant improvement in the timing, speed, and accuracy of my striking. Coach Kenny conducts his classes in a safe and respectful manner. He keeps his classes challenging by introducing new drills and combinations, while at the same time maintaining a fun and engaging atmosphere. His knowledge and fight I.Q are evident having trained and fought competitively under professional fighters such as Cung Le for many years. I highly recommend his coaching to anyone looking to develop or improve their overall striking ability.

My son loves the teacher and his class!!!!!!!!!! He always asks to come there!!!!!!!!!!read more

2.5 years later, my kiddo still looks forward to his weekly lessons here. He's now a blue belt and…read moreway more confident/disciplined than when he first started. We also take him to summer camps, which they offer every year.

This places offers taekwondo training, but I would seriously warn any potential parents who are…read moreinterested to sign up about the lack of clarity of their billing practice. They take your credit card information and charge without proper authorization. I emailed them a couple of times and received no response. Their answer is that they do not have time to respond all the questions. This to me is unacceptable since you are running a business even though it is run by husband and wife and a few high school helpers most of time. In addition, the price is very expensive for what you are paid for. The black belt training is 45 mins of class with sometimes 20- 30 kids in a small room. If you sign up the monthly package, it is about $65 for 45 mins class with 20-30 other kids. There is no break time between the prior classes. They spent the first 5 mins warm up and last 3-5 mins as conclusion, so you are spending $65 for essential 30 mins group lesson with other 20 kids, not a good value for what I paid for in my opinion. I would strong suggest other parents to evaluate other options in the area and I bet you can find equally good classes with half of the price.

The best place to learn martial arts in bay area. The focus is on learning the martial arts…read moretechniques well. We are so glad we found this place. Mr.Agoff and his family are such nice people. We absolutely love this place :) Both me and my 7 year daughter are his students. Highly recommend!! Definitely check this place. You will not be disappointed.

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience at Bay Area Martial Arts. The instructor (Mike Agoff)…read morefocuses on martial training that is practical for everyone to learn regardless of age. The physical aspects of the training is also challenging and rewarding. The sense of community has also been fantastic for myself and my 6 year old. I highly recommend anyone in the area come check it out if you are looking to develop practical fighting techniques, improve physical fitness or simply learn something new that engages both mind and body.

World Oyama Karate is great! I've been training at this San Mateo dojo for almost a year now and it…read morehas been super empowering, mentally and physically. I came from several years training in a different karate school and was also impressed with how strong even the lower belts here are in sparring. Probably because the training is intense, but it makes you strong. Everyone is super nice too.

We tried several martial arts studios in San Mateo and World Oyama is the perfect fit for our son…read moreand family. Our son has thrived here and have gotten a lot more assistance to improve his skills than some of the larger studios where he seemed like just a number. The dojo also fosters a sense of family from celebrating the holidays, having a bbq, and all working together to put an annual tournament together. We look forward to continuing to grow with this great dojo!