I admit that I wasn't off to a good start because it wasn't until after I signed the contract that…read morethey mentioned I need to make donations. This is unheard of at any gym or legit martial arts studio. The other thing that rubbed me wrong is there is literally no communication for non-disciple students. I showed up one day and they were shooting a commercial so they moved me around and put me in the back which is not where I wanted to be. They should've given advance notice or asked for permission to film students and I wasn't asked. There's a reason for the turnover of staff and students.

From Ventura Blvd, step into this temple. Right away, get transported into the world of ancient and…read morehistoric Shaolin China mixed with little hints of romantic Italy. I started coming to the temple in June of 2021 when things were opening up after COVID. I wasn't looking per se to join a martial arts studio. I was interested in Qi Gong at first to heighten my energy levels, especially after being stuck at home doing weights for exercise during the pandemic. What I found was not only a lot of excitement to learn the inside-out benefits of medical Qi Gong but also an allure towards learning Shaolin principles, secrets and routines. I became a disciple within 3 months and have been learning more ever since. I'm learning my 2nd routine now that I've grown stronger with the Wu Fa (animal) poses. Growth is slow, but if you are patient and follow through, looking back only a year I've learn so much. Also, after 2 years delay due to COVID supply chain issues, we finally got our uniforms this January. Everyone looks great. It's nice to see everyone wearing them at the temple now.

There haven't been many recent reviews, especially about tai chi specifically, so I wanted to share…read moremy experience :) I've been taking tai chi classes here for about a month, and so far it's been amazing. Somehow at the end of every class, I feel happy, energized and relaxed all at once. I took tai chi about 10 years ago (Wu style short form) so I'm familiar with some of the basic concepts and stances, but it's been a long time... so it's been great to get back into it. Sigung Carrie and Sigung Jennings are the best. They're patient, professional, funny and warm. They have a lot of wisdom to share, and they really help you to learn all the details of the form as you go through it. Each class is one hour, and there are two classes per week. We spend the first ~25 minutes of each class doing warm-up exercises (which really help you to focus and connect with your body), and then the next ~35 minutes learning the next part of the form. I feel that everything progresses at a good pace, so I have enough time to practice each move / stance before moving on to the learning the next one. One thing to note is that White Lotus shares a big open space (in the JAM facility) with other tumbling / parkour / tricking classes that are going on at the same time. When I first came in to observe a tai chi class, I was a little concerned because the other class that was going on on the other side of the room was pretty loud so I thought it would be distracting. But honestly, once I joined the tai chi class and started doing the exercises and focusing on the form, I found that I barely noticed the other class happening next to us. Maybe others would be deterred by it because they'd prefer a quiet and meditative space, but I don't find it to be a major issue since I can just kind of "zone in" on whatever we're practicing. Anyway, if you're looking to learn tai chi I think this is a great place to do it! I had tried other "tai chi" classes at yoga studios in the SFV and found that they were really just yoga classes with a few random tai chi moves sprinkled in, which wasn't what I was looking for. At White Lotus, you will learn the "48 Forms of Taiji." It's a great way to build strength, balance and flexibility (and improve your mental health, too, in my experience). Come check it out if you're interested... everyone is super friendly :)

I was taken here one night during open gym by a friend who does stunt work. Fantastic gym with a…read morevariety of equipment you won't find just anywhere else. My first impression of this place is very positive, it's like a giant playground for ninjas! ;) It might be a little intimidating at the beginning, with everyone flipping and flying everywhere but there is so much room to move around it's crazy liberating. First I worked on my punches, nice how they have little doughnuts around the punching bags for uppercuts. Then watched some of the guys do some freerunning, the moves they do are so sick! The fact that they are 6-pack fit with no shirts on has absolutely NOTHING to do with my staring *ahem* observance. =p It seems like most of the people here are courteous and friendly a few Bboys even taught me some moves. I learned some basic top rock, up rock, 6 step and baby freeze. The wall of mirrors help with self-adjustment of poses and let me know how goofy I look with my arm wave. =) At the end I tried out the spring floor, jumped on the various mats they have and flopped about on the trampoline. The only gymnastic move I could do is an awkward cartwheel to my right. My uncoordinated jumps across the large blocks were landed with heavy face plants and belly-flops. The large trampoline was thrilling with how easy it was to catch so much air. I didn't even try out the scaffolding they set up because my most recent attempt at a pull-up just had me hanging with my feel dangling for a few seconds. o_O; Despite all my shortcomings as an athlete, working out at White Lotus was pure fun and had me laughing and grinning like a kid in a candy store. I have to say the $5 fee for open gym was well spent, you can't even buy a bag of popcorn at the movies for that price. Funniest use of White Lotus: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA4LcLvdNWk&feature=iv&annotation_id=annotation_759745

First rate authentic instruction. Sifu wright has a wealth of knowledge in various forms on…read moreinternal and external Kung Fu// kickboxing / karate/ and many others ,to many to mention. a proven competitor with years of experience and a profound expert in empty hand and weapons training. But more important and rare is his ability to teach all ages in a clear and concise manner. Good authentic schools are hard to find this school is a rare diamond in the ruff.

I actually signed up on Yelp just to write this review. I will come back and re-write another…read morereview pending my issue is resolved. When initially signing up for Kung Fu classes, they kinda hurry you into choosing a program and you sign three pieces of paper. Unfortunately, only one of the pieces of paper is actually sent to the billing company. I signed up for a one year term that was supposed to come along with a $250.00 cancellation fee at any time. The paper sent to the billing company does not mention the $250.00 cancellation fee Mr. Smith and I discussed. I sent the billing company the other paper I signed and the they will not accept it. Some of the reviews about Sifu Wright being angry are just plain wrong. He is a good teacher and patient. Although I was mislead about the adult classes being acceptable for beginners (it is not), the instruction is OK. I am cancelling my contract due to personal issues and soon I will be moving. Luckily, I am moving relatively soon and can cancel the contract using a move. It is just unfortunate that I feel lied, cheated and or tricked by people who are supposed to mentor me with self growth and discipline. I guess a lesson on my part is learned that even the most innocent looking people who are there to teach and train you can also be dishonest and not forthright. I have sent my three contracts to my lawyer, so another review is pending the court proceedings if necessary.

Love, love, love Wu Tao Kung Fu. Master Jason Carr is the best there is. If you are looking for a…read moregreat work out, a lot of fun, and some martial arts skills look no further. It doesn't get any better than Wu Tao Kung Fu.

From the owner: Traditional Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Chi Kung…read more Private and group fitness training. Children and Adult Classes.

The instructor, Kip, is patient and and attentive to his students and gives you the philosophical…read moreinformation about Jeet Kun Do as well as teaching its mechanics and fundamentals to help you execute for to the best of your ability. The classes have a good pacing to them which makes the information all that much easier digest and execute. If you're looking for the building blocks of a practical martial art, Kip Stars Jeet Kun Do is a great place to start you off on that path.

I've been training with Sifu Kip for about 9 months. While I had some previous training with a…read moredifferent JKD instructor a few years back, I was a beginner. It's been really exciting and challenging to learn from Kip and have the opportunity to understand the lineage and principals of JKD from his unique prospective. The sessions are physically intense and absolutely a great workout, but are also filled with insights and a greater understanding of JKD and why certain principles are relevant. Previous instructors have focused exclusively on hitting rather then offering a background as to why we do what we do and how best to apply these skills in a real setting rather then in a ring or competition. If you're looking for a great workout, self defense skills that you can apply in the "real world," and historical insight into JKD and its origins and adaptability to real life scenarios, then hit up Kip for a session.

In short: My 9 year old daughter has been attending classes here and it has been an absolutely…read morewonderful experience! I whole heartedly recommend their new martial arts and mediation program (the SAGE program for children) to all of my friends and family and finally I'm getting around to recommending it here. The long story: The Taoist Institute offers instruction in various martial arts and has a lineage of masters tracing back to a Taoist temple in Canton China. ( I know this because since discovering this place I've been diving into the history and it really is fascinating.) Up until recently The Taoist Institute didn't have classes for children. About a year ago I heard about the SAGE program started by Shifu LB at a Rotary Club meeting and loved the concept. He was teaching school age children about meditation, mind and body control through Kung Fu exercises with great results for the children in the program. It was exactly what I was looking for. I wasn't interested in my daughter sparring with other children, what I was looking for was something that can teach her to focus, breathe, be in the moment, move her body with intention and Shifu LB is a master at communicating these exercises to children. He often draws on popular pop refs from the Avatar and Kung Fu Panda to help guide the children. His own daughter participates in the class and she is phenomenal. For adults they have programs where you can learn how to properly use various swords and weapons. Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Kung Fu, and more all taught with authenticity by the institutes passionate instructors. I could go on...it really is a local treasure and if you're looking for authentic martial arts instruction for you or your children, look no further.

While I was in attendance during the early 2000's it became one of the best martial arts schools…read moreI've ever attended. I wanted to continue but, life unfortunately has a terrible habit of getting in the way. I was a student for two years and had a blast. I learned so much from Dr. Totten, I dearly wish I'd been able to remain. After COVID, I tried to find my way back to the taoist institute only to find no phone calls or emails were returned. My wife and I even drove over during regular business hours but it was closed. We just couldn't figure it out. Everything was still there when I looked through the window. Very odd! I can only give one star due to this.

Extremely well rounded curriculum. Expect hard training and real dedication. This art requires a…read morelot of attention and mental fortitude and Sifu Sean is the best of the best. He knows so much and he will be a lifelong mentor

I've studied wing chun under various teachers. In total been doing it 7 years. Prior to that…read morerecieved my black belts in hapkido and take kwon doe. Was glad to find Sifu Sean's school near me when I moved. The people are great. Everyone including the instructor seem very passionate about the art. Definitely saw an improvement in my cardio, sparring and reflexes which they do emphasize on. Overall great environment for learning the art of wing chun and using it efficiently.

VMAC is the best karate place you will find in the valley. My son has been learning karate 2-3…read moreyears. And I must say, it's been a wonderful and rewarding experience. The senseis are so devoted and take the discipline seriously. If you want your child to be challenged and grow, this is the place but if you're the kind of parent who wants a trophy for just showing up, this is not it. The senseis are disciplined, honest, respectful and fair. My son has learned alot of skills and values from VMAC. The prices are also reasonable compared to other places. We also love the families and have created good friendships and a community. My son even loves showing up by himself. I no longer have to remind him. Thank you sensei Eiko, Taichiro, Manny and Jon! You're doing amazing work!

Awesome place! The…read moreplace has sparked a love for martial arts in me. I started last summer and have since become a regular in Karate and Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. I've fallen in love with martial arts so much I now try places and styles all over the greater LA area. That being said, this place is one if not the best and where I keep going back to despite other options. Even though I also train in kickboxing at another studio I prioritize my training here first. Lots of classes for all age groups and styles. I don't train in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu but I can tell you the instructors and students are great there and everyone has a great time. I train primarily in Shotokan Karate which is the most popular form of Karate in the world, taught by instructors who have experience competing in national and world tournaments and winning. Make me no mistake, this is not a McDojo that is just glorified day-care like some other places. This place is the real deal where you or your children will learn real martial arts and how to fight proper. But, in a safe and controlled environment where injuries aren't that common. There are adults who train here in addition to having their own children train here. In both BJJ and Karate, the instructors have also trained previously under some of the most influential people in these martial arts. Budoshin is the other martial art I train in here which is a contemporary style of Japanese Ju-Jitsu, it is acknowledged officially by the Japanese Ju-Jitsu association. Unless you count Waza this martial art doesn't involve sparring and is the most self-defense focused martial art. This style focuses mainly on joint-locks and similar moves for non-lethal take downs, also moves that are prohibited in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. Many techniques are controlled drills on compliant attackers. All this considered if we did do full on sparring people would actually get hurt so there is more control and no sparring. Things like eye-gouging is taught here that would obviously not be allowed or utilized in a competitive sport setting. Unlike BJJ and Karate this is only for teenagers and older, no pre-teens allowed. There was a time where Kali was offered but was discontinued due to lack of interest. Kali is a Filipino martial art with a focus knife-flows, stick fighting, and in a nutshell, blade combatitives. If you are interested in it, the instructor Nick still teaches for free on Saturday's at a park and you can meet him here since he is a student of BJJ.