Folks were kind and welcoming however i arrived 90mins late to their 11 am class. Spoke to Glen who introduced me to one of the other c folks. Let me know if I want to try a class to register online & save $10 read more

Great school. Seifu Cass shares knowledge without holding back. The atmosphere is of comradery and respect. Thank you for the two great days of seminar! read more

I don't have anything against a martial art of JKD or any of the other disciplines they teach you. But they make it very hard to even get information on what their prices are. It seems like they try so hard to hide the fact that they charge what they charge, when it's not really that big of a deal. For all of those who are interested in this program, and you can't find what the rates are. Just know that they charge $200 a month. Oh, And this is where I was confused. But it sounds like you have to pay for the whole year in advance? Or do you have to put down a deposit of some sort. I don't know read more

Great school. Sifu Cass is an encyclopedia about martial arts. I totally recommend it

If you are reading this review chances are you are looking for a place to learn real world practical self-defense skills. The Magda Institute is that and more. I began my journey at MI over 8 months ago, as of the time of writing this review. In that time I have had an amazing experience. I walked into this school with very limited martial arts experience and was able to dive in headfirst and become completely immersed. The teachers and students at MI are all very skilled, yet humble and easy to approach. Sifu Magda is a Silat and JKD master, with very close lineage in training to Bruce Lee. He has been teaching seminars around the world for well over twenty years. Every couple of months there are seminars held at the institute, which allow students to get many hours of specialized instruction in over a weekend. All of the seminars I have attended have been a fantastic way for me to up my skills. Because there are multiple styles of martial arts, which are intertwined into the instruction, each class is unique and different. This makes training fun and exciting because it never gets boring. I always look forward to each class because of the comradery amongst my fellow martial artists and being able to walk away from each class with some new tools. The women's self-defense class is lead by Guro Eleanor Academia, who also offers a Reps class that involves high-intensity cardio. It's great for more individualized training and burning a lot of calories in an hour. I have been able to absorb many useful skills over this past year and am truly grateful for the experience. JKD is much more than self-defense, but a philosophy that carries into your life. If you are looking to create the best version of yourself that is more than capable of handling whatever life may throw at you, then the Magda Institute is the place to be. read more

Top notch Martial Arts School! Cass Magda and Elle are the real deal. Certified Jeet Kun Do (Bruce Lee). They build fighters, not point competitors. read more

I can only speak for the Women's Self Defense Seminar. I've driven 280 miles round trip to go just there twice a year. You learn techniques that are amazingly effective and that you can use right away. Some of the moves are similar to those that you may have seen taught in other self defense classes, except that at other places you watch someone demonstrate it, practice it a couple times on a partner, then go home and forget it. At the Magda Institute they put you in real-life situations, and you will truly surprise yourself when you are able to escape. Then there are many moves that are exclusive to the Magda Institute, developed specifically for a woman's relative size and strength, for use in potentially dangerous situations that a woman could find herself in. The end product of the seminar is self reliance (through a confidence in your ability to protect yourself), camaraderie (with other class participants), psychological insight (into preventing worst-case-scenarios), and respect (for the whole team of instructors in sharing their skills and knowledge, especially for Guru El who is constantly tweaking and refining the moves to perfection). If you want a regimented, by-the-book classroom where you spar with a uniformed classmate on a mat and constantly work for material rewards, then enroll in any one of hundreds of other generic martial arts studios. If, however, you want no-nonsense, useful and realistic skills, sign up here. Age is no boundary. You won't be disappointed. read more

Really great Women's Self Defense Program with very friendly and helpful instructors. Warm, friendly, safe space to train. The female students in the program are also very nice and welcoming. The age range varies wildly so everyone is welcome no matter your age or skill level. This is a legitimate World Class school with knowledgeable instructors teaching Bruce Lee's JKD techniques and philosophy. In the Women's Self Defense Program, these techniques are specifically tailored for women. When I first came to the school, I was hesitant about starting up...but I decided to dive in and take on the challenge...it's been about 2.5 years and I keep showing up several times a week!! :) Guro El, the instructor of the Women's Self Defense Program is an amazingly talented, enthusiastic being that cares about EACH individual in her program and has the purpose to help each one become a great martial artist. If you're looking to learn legitimate self-defense skills, boost self-confidence, increase awareness, be physically active (while learning valuable and life-saving techniques), be part of an amazing group...and you're up for an exciting challenge - this is the place. read more

I am in my second year. I am 44 years old and this is my first time attempting anything close to martial arts. Excellent school, and energy. Everyone is kind and the instruction is generous, serious and informed. The passion is infectious and I am hooked. Glad I found this place. read more

Out of all the schools this has to be my little one's favorite school of discipline. He loves attending the classes and he seems more confident now. read more

With the leadership of Sifu Cass Magda, Guro Eleanor Academia and all of the other instructors at the institute, you will receive unparalleled schooling in the martial arts. From Jeet Kune Do, to Penjak Silat and Filipino Kali, you will weave through many martial arts, using each one to strengthen your body and your mind. THIS IS NOT A GYM! (Someone remove that from the Yelp* page please) It is a school that will teach you how to use your body. It is a school that will teach you how to use your mind. You will become addicted to learning techniques you never heard nor thought of. You will quickly become family with those you train with, and with those who train you. And most importantly, you will receive unrivaled instruction in how to defend yourself and your loved ones in a SAFE and FUN environment. My enrollment here in 2010 changed my life and I think it will change yours too. read more

During the last three years, this school has taught me a powerful, brutally efficient self-defense system. I don't have a "black belt", I can't do any beautiful forms, and I don't have any video of me breaking boards. All I have is the quiet confidence, gained through hundreds of hours of intense drills, that any attacker is going to rue the day they chose me as a target. :) read more

I was very excited when i walked into magda institute and ready to learn something new. I took the womens class and fell in love and felt so passionate about martials arts again (like i use to when i was students at age 12) However I received a phone call informing me that I will not be able to enroll in this program because i am an instructor. Yes i am a karate instructor for kids in self defense. They failed to understand that we follow a specfic book that tells us what to do each week, none of which is anything like what they teach at magda. We are not allowed to go outside of our book. I went to magda institute for myself. So that I can train for myself and find something that I can be passionate about and dedicated to. I would never disrespect an instructor or class and try to steal moves or teach something i am not trained in. I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED. read more

Went here for a many years- still go every so often as life permits. Plain and Simple...if you want to learn self-defense..GO HERE. A fighter here (after a year, year and a half) will NOT lose on the streets. I've been in numerous ( too many to count) street fights/ security situations and have NEVER lost. World class martial artist Cass Magda is the teacher and the staff is tops too. NO gi's here, its sweatpants,t-shirts and tennis shoes...What?? Did you think you would be wearing a gi in your next street fight? Here you learn three martial arts for one price -Jeet Kune Do....serious street fighting- bruce lees system -in any event...this is the system that WORKS....half muay thai, half american kickboxing, and a few things added in between....wing chung....trap fighting... --Kali....plain and simple stickfighting that transfers over into knife fighting ---Pencak SIlat-- indonesian close combat fighting....how to describe it....think of judo that sends you opponent falling at angles that break bones... This is a COMPLETE system.- the only missing piece is YOU. ( sounds gong) lol Come on now....of course the review aint perfect, but i needed to keep it short and simple.. Kinda like a JKD fighter does..... bows Price is about average of what you would pay for top notch training. Is there a price you can put on your personal safety? this is LA right? read more

I trained here for several years. It's a great, no-nonsense self-defense school that teaches JKD, Muay Thai, Silat, and Filipino stick fighting. They have a great mix of instructors. Each of them has a unique way of teaching, keeping things fresh and interesting. Both the staff and the students here create a very positive learning environment -- you won't find too much ego in this place. The training will strengthen you both physically and mentally. If you are willing to put in the effort, this is an excellent school to train at! read more

World class training and instructors! I have trained in other arts but the quality of instruction and the dedication of the staff is unparalleled to anything I have experienced. This is not your run of the mill dojo or karate studio. The Magda Institute is a world class training facility that teaches JKD, Silat, Kali, Muay Thai, Boxing and Grappling. I highly recommend checking this place out if you're looking for a place to train. read more

Friendly atmosphere and the staff is nice. If you want to learn very effective self defense this is the place to be!

Hands down the most legitimate martial arts spot in Los Angeles. Great people. Excellent and knowledgable instructors teaching philosophy and tactical practice of the martial arts in JKD, Silat, Escrima, muy Thai and grappling skill development. Humble teaching approach. Practical and undeniably one of the best places to learn self defense. Great place for further self development and awareness. I look forward to training here frequently. read more

Great school to LEARN Martial Arts! Staff and students are very humble and down to earth. No egos just awesome people and the best system I've experienced. The curriculum is very practical for real life self-defense. The price is comparable to many other popular schools but you will learn so much and from so many styles! Not sure if they still offer a free class for first timers so call before hand and definitely check it out. read more

If your looking for a place where u will learn to defend your self from anyone and any weapon this is the place for you. They offer woman, child, and adult classes. I've been coming to this school since I was 16 years old, this year ill be 30. I just have one things I would like to say about this school. This school and the people will become your second family. Your second family that know how to fight and will help you learn as they did before you :) read more

I have been coming here for years. The martial arts instruction here is superb. The teachers go out of their way to help each student with their individual challenges and to show each student how to make the most of their natural strengths. The atmosphere here is familial where students encourage each other to improve and give pointers to each other when the opportunity arises. The arts taught are very effective against even the most brutal of situations. Use of weapons is taught immediately along with empty hand techniques from several different martial arts. In addition to the phase program, the school also offers a women's self defense system that is second to none. Children's' classes are also offered. If you've been on the fence, just come in and check this place out. You'll be happy you did. read more

I have been training in Magda Institute for a year. I have been doing martial arts for about 10 years. This school helped me to get best results as fast as possible. The curriculum is constructed the way one can achieve highest results in the shortest period of time. The students are most helpful and cooperative. It is also a strong community, which I am happy to be a part of. The instructors are the most friendly and professional. I enjoy training in Magda Institute very much. This is one of the most amazing experiences of my life. read more

Love, love, LOVE this place! This is the best women's program anywhere! The classes are always fun and flowing. There is never a lull, and the insturctor is great at explaining everything in language that's easy to understand while showing you how to perform the moves step by step. You always come away with a little more knowledge of something that you can use in a real world scenario as well as a sense of accomplishment. I always leave feeling pumped! There is also a great sense of community. It's a very safe and loving environment. The other women make you feel like part of a family, and are very sensitive to your skill level and whether or not you are apprehensive. These ladies have been a tremendous support and a great influence in my life over the last few months. I wouldn't go anywhere else to train! read more

World Class training for men, women and children. Unrivaled Women's self defense program in the world! With Guro Eleanor Academia! Featuring JKD Bruce Lee's art and philosophy. I have trained there for almost 8 years! Come check us out!! read more

i started at the magda institute in the 2000 and studied martial arts there for about two years. i left and now 13 years later i have returned. they are still there! they are still concerned with the ways of bruce lee. the filipino and indonesian martial arts are amazing! the teachers are easy to follow and the curriculum is linear and practical. sifu cass is teaching and a pleasure to learn from. there's classes almost every day which makes the $150/month price soooo worth it! this is a school for those committed to self realization and/or those who seek true self defense techniques. every class is satisfying. every class is not like the last one. youre either workin on something new or trying to master the basics. pound for pound the magda institute is the best martial arts school in america... read more

Great school. JKD, Kali,Silat, and Muay Thai. Sifu Cass is the real deal. He was taught by legends and passes his knowledge and wisdom down to us. I've been there three years now and it just gets better and better. read more

I've been training at Magda for several years now in the Women's Self-Defense Program. Just like what Mariapaula M. says in her review, enter Magda and you will "[fall] in love and [feel] passionate about martial arts". Students there LIVE TO TRAIN!!! Why? Because they know that what they learn at Magda is the REAL DEAL. No trophies. No sport teams. No belts. JUST WHAT WORKS. And the friendly and knowledgeable staff provide the environment and resources for you to discover that for yourself. In my Women's Self-Defense Class, the material you learn and how it is taught, you won't find anywhere else...so I can understand why Mariapaula M. was unable to enroll. The stuff you learn at Magda is just too good, too valuable. If you were a self-defense teacher from another school and learned amazing material that works, wouldn't you want to teach that to your students? Would you really just keep it to yourself? I believe if you're gonna teach kids, you should be passionate about what you are teaching. And if you're not finding enough passion and belief in what you're teaching or doing now, then change it! That's what Magda has done for me and many of the students that go there. It has provided an atmosphere where, through training, you come to a self-awareness and self-realization that you CAN make your life what it is meant to be! So students there don't just live to train, they really train to LIVE! read more