I was 53 when I first went to Claudio's. I needed a safe enviroment to learn this gentle art and…read morefound it with Claudio, his world class instructors, and the warm big hearted members.

Was camping at New Brighton and stopped in for an open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and…read morefriendly. They all had great technique and I was able to get a lot of rolls in. Will definitely stop by when I am in the area again.

Had the pleasure of training here during Memorial Day weekend and as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black…read morebelt, krav Maga black belt and Muay Thai kickboxing coach who owns his own gym in Los Angeles I can't say enough good things about this facility. First of all it looks amazing. Second the coaches were extremely knowledgeable. Third the students were diverse and extremely friendly as well as safe. I can't recommend this place enough.

This is a great place to get physical and learn good life skills such as being respectful and…read moredisciplined.

I trained a martial arts program called Limalama at Synergy Dance Fitness in Aptos starting early…read more2018 until the class shut down in November 2025. While I can say the program started out well the first couple years but after instructors and ownership eventually changed just about everything went downhill from there on. Here's the problems I faced that destroyed the quality of the program: Class went from training 3 times a week to 2 times a week but still charged $100 per month Scheduled class time would randomly change At one point they tried to charge students for belt tests even though we were previously told that would never happen Belts were rewarded as a way to keep students hush and cover the low quality of the program No organization for class structure or training material The program never had sufficient equipment Half of class material was training that could be done at home without help I was charged as a student for several classes that I taught when the instructor was absent. When I asked they basically said the class doesn't bring in enough money and tried to deny that I taught enough classes. Instructor was constantly absent Instructor would arrive late and leave class early Instructor would occasionally cancel class and claim there would be a makeup class but would never follow through Instructor had very little motivation and no concern for teaching material Instructor did not have enough training experience to lead a program Instructor would reject any idea to help make the program better Instructor would complain about formality of students while not respecting formality himself

I've been taking the contemporary dance class with Cambell at this studio for about half a year…read morenow. The atmosphere is so fun and creatively charged -- it's the kind of space where you immediately feel free to express yourself and explore movement without judgment. I didn't have any dancing experience prior to this class and Cambell has been such an amazingly supportive and inspiring instructor! She choreographes beautiful moves which are both elegant and intentional. Some of them challenging but that's also what I like about this class -- I get to learn and push my dancing boundaries. She's very supportive and takes time to explain and answer all our questions. We always start with a thoughtful warm-up and stretching session to prep our bodies and prevent injuries, which I really appreciate. It sets a grounded, focused tone for the rest of the class. The group vibe is super positive too -- everyone is supportive and uplifting, and there's a real sense of community.

I first became a student at Sanford's Martial Arts in 1999. I was 10 years old and my father had…read moreunexpectedly passed away. In the same year we had moved to Soquel with my twin and I starting at a new school. In a year with many unknowns, Sanford's Martial Arts quickly became the community we so desperately needed. I credit this dojo for helping me gain the confidence to navigate difficult life changes and the self discipline to persevere, even in the face of adversity. I continued with my training for many years and even became an instructor. Now my 5 year old has been training for 2 years and I cannot give enough praise for Sanford's Martial Arts youth program. Your child will learn about respect, courage, self discipline, morality and YES, they will learn self defense! As a family owned and operated business established in the 80s, the dojo culture is one built on a foundation of respect, community, and inclusivity. This place feels like home to my family and me.

My son has been practicing karate here for 1.5 years. Truly, I cannot say enough good things about…read morethis program. First, the instructors are amazing. They know where every kid is at skill-wise and are so reassuring and supportive when the students are learning new techniques. Second, mat chats! In every class an instructor takes 5-10 minutes to talk about different subjects like bullying, strangers, trusting your gut, respect, or self discipline. The students get adult role models, aside from their parents, to teach important life skills. Lastly, the dojo feels like an incredibly supportive and safe place to be. Amazing staff, movie nights, karate with mom or dad days, so many fun activities! I'm very thankful for Sanford's and watching my son build confidence here.

From my husband Brad: I have been training BJJ with Gustavo…read morefor 4 years. He is an excellent teacher. No "cookie cutter" classes with Gustavo, he works with your body type and personality to help you develop your own game. Classes are fun, upbeat, and filled with good people. I've trained other martial arts for many years and I am very grateful to have found Gustavo. All of the people involved with IMS Academy are top notch, experienced fighters and instructors, you wont find better training out there. Come join us!

IMS is the best martial arts gym I have been to. The instructors are very helpful and the…read moreenviornment is extremly friendly. They have tons of different classes to fit whatever experience level you are at and I have seen all ages and level experience while coming here. You cannot really go wrong with any class or instructor though but I would highly recommend the boxing classes with Derrick. He is great at giving instruction and teaches the fundamentals in a fin and entertaining way. As someone who has very little coordination, I found myself improving physically after every session here. Whether you are looking for a good workout or looking to improve your fighting skills, I would highly recommend IMS for your martial arts needs.

Spent many years going to this dojo and have nothing but good things to say about it! The entire…read morecommunity at Aikido of Santa Cruz is lovely and very welcoming. If you're looking for something different to try, I highly recommend!

One of the best places to do Aikido in northern California. Authentic Aikido taught by very…read moreexperienced instructors. Disclaimer: I haven't actually trained with them since about 1991. But I am sure they are still a great group. And why should my opinion count? I have been teaching martial arts (primarily traditional Japanese Karate) since 1984 and am considered by many to be among the best there is at teaching it. When I get back to Aikido, this is definitely where I will be doing it. I highly recommend this group.

Boxing is great for cardio and I definitely love it! I am NOT a professional by any means nor do I…read moreclaim to be, but I don't let that stop me from learning here. This place has INCREDIBLE instructors-- many of which are former competitors or professionals, but they don't gloat or talk about that. All they care is about teaching you the art of boxing, perfecting your technique and sharpening your skills and mind so you can be ready for a fight -- if that's what you actually want to do, or just spar. The staff here train your brain. They give you the tools and fundamentals that will help you in the ring, such as stress, push towards whatever hurdle you're forcing through at this gym, but also in life. Very convenient location near by my house. I can literally walk to their building and BOOM I am there, it's that close! If you're a novice, beginner or seasoned pro. All are welcome here, never judgment just great people who want to see your win. LETS GET TO WORK. Thank you and I look forward to more lessons.

I have been part of this boxing gym for about 7 years. The coaches are professionals at what they…read moredo. Carina Moreno is a 5-TIME world champion in 3 different weight classes. There is no doubt that they know what they are doing. Some of the most outstanding facts are their structure, passion, family-oriented approach, friendliness, supportiveness, cleanliness (impeccable), and disciplined foundation. FUN FACT about Carina; if she is not training, she is cleaning the gym. Lol Don't tell her I said that. There are youth classes and adult classes for early birds and for those who can make it in the afternoon. I usually attend the adult class and my teenage daughter also joins the class. I feel like this class has allowed us to spend a little more time together while each doing self-care and building healthy habits. The students are all very positive, patient, and supportive. There is a great friendship and family vibe in this gym. The coach Rick Noble, and Carina Moreno are willing to support their students and competitive fighters to accomplish their goals. If you have Rick and Carina in your corner, you better believe that you are in trusted hands. We are accepting and welcoming of diverse populations and a safe environment. I might annoy the coaches sometimes because that's how I show them, love, lol... but they accept me for who I am and accept even the things that they do not understand. An anecdote from the 5 am class. While in class, I was in the last 2 rounds of bag work, and I felt so tired, but then I saw from the corner of my eye some ladies who just started boxing and never had done boxing in their lives. It made me remember my beginnings in boxing. By them just trying, I was motivated and inspired by their strength to continue. We are a team, with emotional strength, healing, growing, and learning. We are a community within the community. If you are interested in boxing, this is the gym to be in. If you are not boxing with us, I don't know what you are waiting for.

I have trained here for over a year and only have good things to say. Batata and Julio (the two…read morehead instructors) are great guys and awesome instructors who enjoy what they do; the instruction is very personal, we train hard, and have a great time. If you're looking to do Brazilian Jiu-jitsu this is a great place to start!