At 60, my husband and I dove into the world of martial arts for the first time. We began exploring…read moreTai Chi and Kung Fu at the West LA School of Martial Arts, and we cannot recommend it enough. From the moment we arrived, Sifu Scott, the instructors, and the senior students greeted us with warmth and encouragement, instantly making us feel at home. Each class is a highlight of our week. No matter your age, background, or physical ability, treat yourself to a trial class. We think you will be hooked and want to join us on this journey.

this place is a mess!!! AVOID AT ALL COST!! My son was…read morecharged twice, given wrong uniform, signed to the wrong class!!! terrible

I love this dojo! Very supportive and nice community. Chikako sensei is the kindest and most…read morepatient person ever. She's the best and you'll learn a lot from her. I am very lucky to have found this dojo.

Absolutely humbled by the quality of both the martial arts and the people I found at this place…read more I have no previous experience in any martial arts, and I have found a place full of great teachers and great people. I can progress at my own pace while always gently pushed to do a bit more. Definitely recommended for novices and experts alike.

Great place to learn Judo from in Los Angeles. This judo dojo has been around for decades and the…read moreinstructors there try to instill a sense of respect and tradition. They are very welcoming of beginners and have several regulars who have been doing judo for a long time as well. The most senior instructor Kenji Osugi is a real stickler for the rules and will call you out for doing any techniques that might injure yourself or your randori partner. For $50/ month, you won't find a better deal for a martial arts school anywhere else. You do have to help roll up and put away the mats after practice and the instructors expect all the beginners to eventually know the proper way to do this. This is a very typical way to show the teachers humility and respect.

October 2021 This is one of the best schools. We love…read moreSawtelle Judo Dojo. Our child is practicing here since July, he is coming here 3 times a week to practice. It's like home, Senseis are so caring and attentive to each child, bringing the best out of them, showing discipline, hard work, great life lesson Update after 8 month: We love this place, I'm happy I found this school for my child. We love the sensei's/instructors. Each Sensei and all volunteer instructors are super dedicated, it's unbelievable how much time and energy they invest for no money. They spent same energy and dedication with one or 20 kids. This place is all about teaching your child to become a great citizen and a great Athlet with discipline and knowledge . They don't do this for the money, it's about $50-60 a month and you train 3x a week for 1 hour. It's about $5 an hour of judo training. They encourage you to come and train as often as possible and it doesn't matter if you are boy or girl, male female, beginner or advanced. Everyone treats each other with respect and everyone is there to learn. They handle Covid situation perfectly and follow guidelines. During juniors class, 2-3 black belt Senseis are present, with 2-3 volunteers. It's all based on volunteering and not making money, That says everything. This Dojo is one of the old traditional judo dojos. Judo teaches hard work, discipline, patience, builds self confidence and sets goals at school or life. Encourages to be better in academics and everything necessary in life. In this 8 month I see different kids coming with different levels and all of them improve and get better and independent. Thank you Senseis for your hard work and dedication for our kids.

First off, I need to address a recent review written by "Josie" about Tiger Crane Kung Fu and…read moreKurtis Fujita. She claims to never write such bad reviews, yet 95% of her Yelp reviews are all 1 star and pretty harsh. I was a student at Tiger Crane Kung Fu and continue to go to the studio when I can. It's been about 5 years now. There is nothing farther from the truth that this troll, "Josie" has written. Kurtis Fujita, continues to provide a positive, balanced, NON DISCRIMINATING environment at Tiger Crane Kung FU. He does not spread rumors at his business or in his personal life. I have become friends with Kurtis and his wife over the last 5 years. Kurtis (and his wife) are the most kind, genuine, hard working, professional, and loyal people you should ever have the pleasure of knowing. He is the most dedicated teacher to his students and his friends. He goes above and beyond to make sure everything is right in his business, with his teachings and that his students are safe and protected. I will put everything I have, to say the 1 star review by "Josie" is an attempt to try to hurt Tiger Crane Kung Fu and it's founder and teacher, Kurtis Fujita. It is clear this person who wrote this, is only on Yelp to write 1 star reviews. You can see them on their page. It's a weak and cowardly attempt to smear the name and reputation of this wonderful school, business and owner/teacher. Tiger Crane Kung Fu is an excellent place to learn the practice of Kung Fu for all ages. (I'm 50 now) Kurtis's knowledge and mastery of Kung Fu is excellent. You will not be disappointed and your life will change for the better.

When I was a kid, I did take karate for a while, but in hindsight, I wish I hadn't stopped. Going…read moreinto adulthood, however, I decided to get back into martial arts, but just wasn't sure what to take or where to go. Well with everything else, fate brought me here, and I have not looked back since. I have been training with Sifu here for almost a year now. It's such a great feeling looking back to where I first started, and where I am now. Unlike karate, when I signed up for this, I told myself I wasn't going to quit like last time, and I'm glad I kept pushing through. He is a wonderful teacher both with kids and adults alike, and is very personable and approachable. It's great that I found a school that feels like a real family where you learn and grow together, as opposed to feeling commercialized with belts and the like, found in most schools today. Above all...yes martial arts teaches self-defense which can be helpful, but the average person will often seldom have to use it. Through hard work and togetherness, we remember and embrace that martial arts also exists to teach patience, discipline, and humility, which can be applied in life every day to yourself, and those around you! Come join the family...all are welcome.

Great martial arts studios. Having been coming to this studio for several years on and off…read moredepending on my schedule. Still maintain it's traditional roots. Focuses on both physical and spiritual aspects of martial arts. The instructors have continued the tradition of their late Master Bong Soo Han. Classes are fairly small and there is a lot of attention to all students especially newer students. Instructors really love what they do and you can feel it in their teachings. Prices are extremely reasonable for the westside. Surprised not more people are taking advantage of the class size and prices. Great for beginners and students who have studied other martial arts. Highly recommend.

A fantastic martial arts school with an elite selection of instructors. I earned my blackbelt at…read morethis school and surmounted a difficult goal and challenge with the support from fellow students and instructors. The martial arts education here goes beyond self defense and physical agility; You develop a way of thinking, developing strategies, and overcoming obstacles that will apply to every aspect of your life: work, home, family, and even something as simple as your daily commute to work. If you're thinking about it, give it a try! What do you have to lose?

Bujinkan Santa Monica is a fantastic group of martial artists lead by Michael Glen. Michael brings…read moreover 30 years of martial arts experience (10th degree blackbelt [judan] in Budo Taijutsu) and has a direct connection to the Grand Master of the entire art - Hatsumi Masaaki. Its because of Michael's passion for all aspects of Taijutsu and his commitment to consistently bring back fresh understanding of the art directly from Japan, that the class is always motivating, fun, practical, and authentic. I've personally been training in the Bujinkan since 2004 and have trained in Japan on many occasions (while I lived there), at several locations spread across the United States (while on business trips typically), and in Australia (while I lived there for about 2 months). I attend class at Bujinkan Santa Monica as regularly as my work schedule allows.

Michael Glenn has 31 years experience in the Bujinkan (samurai ninjutsu) and travels to Japan 3-4…read moretimes a year to study under grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi. I am very lucky to of found a teacher of his experience outside of Japan and in Los Angels . I really enjoy his training group, and it's definitely changed my life for the better.

I had the privilege of training with Sifu Jonathan Wang as part of the UCLA Musical Theater Summer…read moreInstitute (MTSI), and it was truly one of the most memorable classes of the program. His presence, precision, and ability to connect movement with meaning left a lasting impression. Sifu Wang brought clarity and calm to the room while guiding us through traditional martial arts techniques with incredible attention to detail. Even in a short session, it was clear we were learning from a true master--someone deeply rooted in the history and philosophy of the art form. This workshop was a perfect blend of physical challenge and artistic depth. I walked away feeling inspired and more connected to my body and storytelling through movement. If you ever get the chance to study with Sifu Wang, take it--you'll be better for it!

I trained at BTKA since 2006. I love this school! Sifu Wang has a wealth of knowledge and a winner…read moreof 500+ Gold Medals in Martial Arts Competitions. Beijing Tai-Chi & Kung Fu Academy offers Traditional Chinese Kung Fu training you can not find anywhere else. Sifu Wang teaches Ba gua, Xing Yi, Sanda, Wushu, Traditional Kung Fu and Kung Fu weapons, Chi Gong, and Yang Tai Chi. The Traditional Kung Fu curriculum consists of learning forms and applications in Ba Ji, Pi Gua, Mantis, Eagle Claw and Chuo Jiao. In the weapons curriculum, you will learn spear, long staff, straight sword and broadsword, as well as some of the more exotic weapons like double deerhorn knives and three-sectional. Sifu Wang travels to China periodically, and trains with his old Chinese Masters and brings this much valued experience to his students. The classes are challenging, fun and you will learn discipline, agility, flexibility, coordination while being exposed to an education in the different types of kung fu. For those that prefer fighting to forms, there are Sanda (sparring classes) to hone your skills at full contact fighting. Unlike many schools in California that require yearly contracts, you can pay month to month. The Traditional kung fu class costs $85/month for two classes a week, a very reasonable price in Los Angeles. The classes run 1 hour and 10 minutes (sometimes longer). You can get a discount if you pay for more months upfront. Unlike schools with hidden costs, there are no belt tests that require money. Certificates are offered when a student finishes a curriculum and passes the test. The people that attend the school are fun and helpful. Once a year, Sifu and the students go for their dim sum around Chinese New Year. So if you are looking for a fulfilling, well-rounded Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Training in Kung Fu or Tai Chi, Beijing Tai-Chi & Kung Fu Academy is the place!

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is such a warm, welcoming place. The coaches are kind, helpful, and teach…read morepractical, real-world self-defense--especially for bullying situations. My child loves it. Being able to take down someone twice her size makes her feel so proud! Highly recommend to any parent looking to build confidence, discipline, and real life skills in their child.

I am in my 50s and an executive that wanted to try something new. I had obvious concerns due to my…read moreage and lack of conditioning over the years. I also cannot afford to get injured. I made the best decision of my life joining Gracie Beverly Hills. Owner and Head Instructor Mike is amazingly friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming. I have now been going for 1 1/2 years. Finding something you enjoy doing as you get older is not easy. I absolute love the learning and mental aspect of it. I have the ability to train anywhere, Mike and his team make everyone feel welcomed. There is NO weird intimidation or overly competitive vibe. It is a great community of people that love to learning Jiu Jtisu. If you are on the fence, just try a lesson. It could change your life :)!!!