Master Pitts is an amazing teacher. In addition to his skill at working with all age levels (toddler through adult), he has so much patience in working with the kids. My children started with him when they were 3, and they were so wiggly and had never been in a structured learning setting prior to starting with Master Pitts. His instruction was wonderful, and my kids loved going to classes. In addition, the community of students and families connected to the Academy was so warm and welcoming. I started taking my own classes not too long after, and I had a great experience, too. Unfortunately we moved far away, but I still miss Master Pitts and the community of martial artists he nurtured. read more

This place is a gem! And Master Pitts is a one-of-a-kind martial arts instructor! It's obvious he genuinely cares about each and every student. I've walked by this dojo many times on my way to yoga. I remember seeing small groups of kids classes here and Master Pitts always seemed really nice. When my son turned 3yrs old and started to be able to follow instructions a little better, this was the first place I wanted to check out for classes. My husband and I stopped by one evening to ask about the Little Ninja class and paid to do a one time drop in class to see if our son would connect to it. Boy are we happy we did because my son LOVES THIS CLASS. My favorite thing about this place is Master Pitts' commitment to instilling confidence and integrity in the kids. The first thing they are instructed to do upon entry of every class is to shout "I will do my best!" Before they leave, they shout "I did my best!" This alone is priceless. If your little one is shy or not very confident, this is a safe and caring space to help them build their self esteem. Classes vary a little each time so the kids stay interested and engaged. They learn to stretch, kick, and punch. Most importantly, they practice listening and following instructions. Every class ends with each student shaking hands with one another and saying "courtesy and respect." If your kid is on the younger side like mine (under 4 or 5yrs old), expect to get up from the sidelines to help them. Master Pitts is also great about going around to help the kids individually and there is always a second instructor who helps as well. I highly recommend this place for kids. If you can't take my word for it, bring your kid in to do a drop-in class and you'll see for yourself just how AMAZING Master Pitts is with children. read more

Pitts' Martial Arts Academy - Master Pitts in action! He is truly AMAZING with children! - Martial Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

We were looking for local martial art schools with programs for toddlers and were pretty excited that they had Lil Ninja classes throughout the week. They have 5 classes each week and we signed up for the twice a week program. Our daughter was very shy and didn't want to participate despite Master Pitts being very welcoming and engaging. The reason why we continued for a month despite our daughter's initial challenges is because of Master Pitts' teaching style. He is really good at engaging with kids but does not baby them. He encourages them to follow insurrections, speaks firmly, but also softens up depending on the student and situation. We're happy to report that our daughter is engaging in the classes now and enjoys them a lot. I cannot speak for the classes for older kids or adults, but the Lil Ninja classes are solid and fun. read more

Pitts' Martial Arts Academy - Lil Ninja class uniforms! - Martial Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Pitts Martial Arts has been a God send to my family for 23 years! When my tall, lanky (pre-teen) son was young and unsure of himself, joining Pitts Martial Arts gave him grace, confidence, and self control within 6 months of joining. His self esteem and grades improved, too. I remember him rushing off to tae kwon do class proudly holding his report card for Master Pitts to see, which he had never done so willingly for us. He earned his black belt in 6 years, during which time he practiced tae kwon do, judo, capoeira and jujitsu. When my son left for college I (his mom) joined, and sure enough, it also improved my self confidence, health, strength and mental attitude. I became a better professional and leader at work - stepping onto the dojo floor was exhilarating and healthy, and removed all worry and stress from my mind. I earned my 2nd degree black belt in tae kwon do one year ago, I am now in the "60-plus club", but there's no need to stop now. When I am in the dojo I am not a parent (now grandparent), I am just a student, and sometimes an instructor. I am hooked on becoming fearless, stronger, healthier, learning new techniques, and looking 15 - 20 years younger than my age. Kiyah!! read more

The fact that people can write reviews on here without having direct experience with the business is interesting... I love how some people have resorted to high school like behavior by writing a negative review on a business they have no personal experience dealing with. They "know" someone who had that experience? How old are you? 12? Your no better than the person who decided to spread the news (one sided as it is) around re this business in the first place. Put your big kid britches on and grow up... Now that I got that out of the way...I completed a free introductory lesson hear last year as did my don. The facility is clean which is a huge plus for me and the staff was wonderful. My instructor was very patient...I have some martial arts history so it was nice he didnt treat me like a blank book but went off of my skill level. Our reason for not continuing were financial reasons. We would love to in the future but with out budget at that time it was going to be a little tough. So far from my PERSONAL experience here I would highly recommend it for kids AND adults. I think the numerous 5 star reviews speak for themselves and remember there are two sides to any story...People tend to judge far too soon...Ignorance at its best :) read more

We love Pitts Martial Arts!! Master Pitts is gifted in working with children. He is patient and kind but focused. On Fridays, he offers a class for kids with special needs. My son is on the spectrum and has challenges being in a group setting. This class is smaller and they work on drumming, meditation as well as focused stretching and movement. We feel lucky to have found this special place. read more

Master Pitts is great with both kids and adults! He is committed to enriching each of his students' lives through the discipline of martial arts. My son and I have been students in his Capoeira class since late 2009 and we both have learned and are still learning the fundamentals of this unique and exciting form of martial arts, including the moves and techniques, the songs, and musical instruments. I strongly recommend anyone, young and old, male or female, families of walks of life, who have a mustard seed of interest in martial arts or want to develop self-confidence, discipline, strength, to take some classes! And be ready to have fun learning from Master Pitts! read more

A true Master of Martial Arts. We are so fortunate to have a Bay Area native whose a Master Arts Hall of Famer and highly respected amongst his peers. Master Pitts is a very humble individual and classes are fun and insightful for everyone who joins. Defiantly a Bay Area cornerstone!!! read more

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If you are looking for a place where your daughter or son can grow into a well-rounded, well-mannered, confident young person - then this is the place! My son is six now and he has been going there for the past three years. He started with the Lil Ninjas karate class, and now we both do Capoeria there on Saturday mornings together. Mr. Pitts is a fantastic teacher and is really wonderful with the little kids. He is able to pull them in and challenge them while having a ball at the same time. He manages a disciplined class with a group of little kids without squashing their excitement. If you go there to view a class, be sure to stay and watch the bigger kids - they are proof of the good training. At twelve years old, many of them are leading class in warm ups and training the other smaller children. Mr. Kenneth Pitts fosters community and young leaders. Great place! read more

Mr. Pitts and his martial arts academy are wonderful institutions in our community! Ken Pitts has come to teach capoiera pro bono in my East Oakland classroom on numerous occasions. He is always positive and teaches the kids self-esteem and self-respect! Mr. Pitts' son, David, goes to school with my 15 year old daughter. He is like a brother to her! He has always been respectful both to me and to my daughter! I beleive that Ken Pitts has won the right to be an Olympic torch bearer! I have great admiration and love for this man and his family! read more

My son has been attending the academy for many months now. He absolutely loves it! Not only is he learning lots of new "moves" , but he is learning self- discipline and increasing his attention span. Master Pitts is a wonderful, patient, and creative teacher. He has a natural gift when working with children. My family and I are thankful to have found Master Pitts. Recently, Master Pitts donated his time, expertise and space to provide a martial arts party as a FUNDRAISER for our local elementary school. The kids had a blast. The parents were thrilled. I have received more than a few emails from these parents stating just how much fun their children had and how much they keep talking about it. Thanks again to this great community business whom supports the community! read more

This place is great and capoeira is the perfect combination of martial arts, dance, percussion and gymnastics. My stepdaughter is trying it out for past gew months and my friend has 4 kids in the class. I like that the class is all ages and parents can participate. read more

Paraná ê, Paraná ê Paraná! Master Pitts is one of the most experienced capoeira's instructor in the Bay Area. If you are looking for an academy that will bring you knowledge and skills to develop a good capoeira you must attend his classes. The facilities are clean and everybody is friendly. They also have kids classes and seems like the little ones enjoy a lot! read more

Great place to learn a variety of martial arts and to get a good work out. From Tae Kwon Do to Capoeira, you can learn it all here in a comfortable, family friendly environment. read more

I have been going to Pitt's Martial Arts Academy on and off for almost 10 years. All of the instructors are amazing. Very patient. Very dedicated to sharing the knowledge of martial arts. I have taken both the kick boxing class and capoeira class. The students are very diverse and come from all walks of life and all ages. The classes are a perfect mix of martial arts and cardio. The instructors help push you to your limit while being supportive and compassionate. I have learned so much from Pitt's Martial Arts Academy and I hope you get to share the experience. I highly recommend you to come by and try out a class. Capoeira Yeah! read more

My son has been going to Master Pitts' Academy for 9 months now. Quite simply our son loves it. Master Pitts is very patient (with just the appropriate amount of discipline) with our very active 5 year old. He has welcomed us with open arms. read more

I have long been aware of the benefits of martial arts. When my son was 5 years old, I asked his pediatrician if he had a recommendation of a martial arts studio. He recommended Pitts Martial arts without hesitation. He told me his son had been a student there for years. My son's experience (he's now almost 12) has been fantastic. Master Pitts is an amazing master whose knowledge of the discipline continues to amaze me. I have watched him work with children for years and am still amazed at his ability to reach the kids, show them respect, understanding and help them grow. My son has learned a lot more than proper martial arts form. He's learned a lot about himself while becoming a more disciplined student. These are the important things that will serve him well for the rest of his life. read more

Master Pitts is an outstanding teacher and great with kids. Our 5 year old son has been in the Li'l Ninjas program for the past year. The classes are challenging and teach the little ones confidence, respect for their peers, and emphasize first time listening. Master Pitts makes it fun, and always communicates in a positive and caring way with the kids. Our son loves going, and takes great pride as he learns new skills and earns each new level in his training. Our experience at Pitts' Martial Arts Academy has been nothing but positive and we highly recommend it. read more

My daughter was the very first student in Master Pitts' lil ninja program when it started in 2002. She earned her black belt in 2008 and continued to study with Master Pitts for another 2 years after that. The training focused not just on martial arts skills (which were formidable) but also on respect, personal development, and community service. Mr. Pitts teaches special classes for children with autism, and has special expertise to help students with adhd learn focus. He was always willing to help, from giving free seminars on personal safety to groups of young women (ranging from a brownie troup to a class for 8th grade girls) to donating free classes for school auction events. He is a role model for the community and a great teacher. I recommend this academy for anyone who is looking for a great and fun enviroment for their chiildren! read more

Mr. Ken and his son David studied Portuguese with me. Through them I learned about The Pitts' family's work and dedication to the community. Mr. Pitts is well-loved throughout the Bay area. He is a wonderful role model for our youth! His kids are intelligent and respectful. Taking a class with Mr. Pitts is a great gift to yourself! read more

I've had an art studio on same floor as Ken Pitts Martial Arts Academy for 13 years. He is a gifted teacher, having created a positive learning environment for students who are a cross-section of Oakland--white, black, Asian, Latino, from all classes of society. Laughter rings out; kids have a good time in context of learning vital self-confidence skills, true martial arts training. If I'd known Master Pitts when my son was young, he'd have trained with Ken. Jane N read more

This is my 4th year working with Master Pitts and I can say that he is one of the most skilled artists of any kind that I have met. His knowledge of the various martial arts forms is vast, yet he has no trouble bringing it to the level I and my two boys are at (gold belt). His rapport with children and young adults is fantastic, and he's a great role model and a wonderful person, to boot. I am ever grateful that I wandered into his old studio back in 2010 and discovered the rewards of learning Tae Kwon Do read more

I have been going to Pitts Martial Arts Academy with my daughter since 2005. My daughter started in the 'Lil Ninjas when she was in preschool! Soon afterwards I couldn't resist and began attending evening adult TaeKwonDo classes. Master Pitts has been a wonderful influence on my daughter over the years, helping her find herself and her self esteem has blossomed. My daughter and I have been attending classes together which has been fantastic bonding experience. She is now a preteen and her life has ups and downs. . . but a class at Pitts Martial Arts Academy brings her back to life! Master Pitts is an excellent instructor and role model for youth as well as adults. He has a sixth sense when working with kids, and finding out what they need to work on internally (while making it fun!) I feel lucky to have stumbled upon the dojo seven years ago and found a new way to look at life through Martial Arts and the strength and stability of Master Pitts! I give my highest recommendation to anyone looking for children's or family activities. read more