If you are in the Castro Valley area then this is definitely the jiujitsu gym to train at. They…read morehave a very strong kids program and adults program, to fit all your jiujitsu needs, whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor. ZMATA is also a Guardian affiliated gym which means they have specific goals to help the youth community, where jiujitsu empowers then to improve themselves and build confidence. As for the mat space, it is clean and well maintained, with foot cleansing stations infused with tea tree oil, to keep the mats safe for everyone (a nice touch). They train champions here and everyone is about improving each other. I was blessed to train an open mat here and regularly see their instructors and practitioners at our NorCal open mat club. Thanks ZMATA!

Z mata is a fantastic place if your kids are serious about their BJJ, Judo or wrestling training…read more Their coaches are led by co-owner Mr. Aaron Zaballos (hence the Z in the name). They employ great coaches and it's a fantastic place to train. (My girls did for several years prior to the pandemic). Zero hesitation to recommend this business.

Are you a middle aged professional like me, with a desk job, craving for some intense, rewarding…read morephysical activity you haven't had in years? Well let me introduce you to jiu jitsu. The people at Alere, coaches and fellow trainees alike, are all very kind and supportive and willing to offer feedback to help you improve your movements (which, as a new white belt, is extremely necessary). I've been training at Alere for about two and a half months and have lost like 15 lbs and gotten much stronger. Come here and join an awesome community.

Jitsu Has Truly Transformed My Daughter's Confidence…read more Choosing Jitsu for my daughter was intentional. I wanted her to learn how to protect herself -- and if needed, to protect her little sister and her friends. I wanted her to grow up knowing she was strong, aware, and capable. What I didn't realize was how much more this journey would give her. When she first joined, she was shy and uncertain, but everything changed once she stepped onto the mat and into a community that believed in her. Having her best friend there made the experience even more special. They pushed each other, laughed through tough drills, and grew side by side in ways only true teammates can. Now it's been two years and counting, and she's still not sick of it -- not even close. If anything, she loves it more than when she started. That alone tells you they're doing something completely right. One of the biggest takeaways she's held onto is: "Never cry on the mat." And she takes it very literally -- but honestly, it's not a bad thing. For her, it means fight harder, stay focused, and don't give up. We get it... but let's be real, moms are absolutely allowed to cry on the sidelines. As a mom, it still scares me watching her train and compete -- that feeling never truly goes away. But her confidence has grown so strong that she's now the one asking me to sign her up for competitions. Seeing her walk onto the mat with purpose and pride is something I never imagined two years ago. I have to give so much credit to Jorge, Coach Chris, and Coach Brandon. They prepare her for every competition with patience, discipline, and unwavering belief in her. They've helped shape her into a girl who isn't afraid to push herself, challenge herself, and trust her own strength. Because of them, my heart is at ease a little more each time she competes. Jitsu didn't just teach her self-defense -- it opened a whole new world inside her. One filled with courage, growth, friendship, and confidence. Watching her transform has been one of the greatest gifts, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

SAN Lorenzo BJJ is perfect for our child! Was Recommended by a friend. Manny is so patient with…read morethe kids and very friendly! Highly recommended facility to anyone just starting or looking to switch it up!

My sister and her best friend saw this opportunity on Instagram, and I always wanted to learn self…read moredefense, but the classes were always expensive! Reaching out to the master (Manny) was really easy on Instagram. He was very informative and patient with newcomers! Parking is free, since this location is in like a little shopping plaza. On Monday's and Saturday's from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, he hosts free classes for females. I definitely encourage all the ladies to come try this out, just because you know, living in this area it's nice to know some self dense to protect ourselves! He teaches new techniques every session, so you wouldn't feel left out or you don't need to "be here" for every session to know what's going on! All the ladies here are either new or usuals, which is really nice! The experience was definitely memorable and also, make sure you're comfy with physical touch, because they're just going to throw you in with new people and it's up to you to open up yourself and be vulnerable to get the full experience! https://instagram.com/sanlorenzojiujitsu Definitely reach out and get started with your free classes Monday to Saturday! I highly recommend it to everyone

I originally joined as part of a challenge, but what made me stay after those first weeks was the…read moreincredible community, coaches, and training environment. Everyone here is so knowledgeable and patient with new learners. That made starting something as intimidating as a close combat sport feel much more approachable. I also appreciate that there are plenty of women in each class (both the noon and evening sessions), which has made me feel more comfortable and confident showing up and training. If you've ever thought about picking up a new hobby or becoming a competitor, I highly recommend giving both the jiu jitsu and kickboxing classes a try at Mindset MA. Shoutout to Coach David for onboarding me within a 5-minute time span!

Love coming to this place great coaches and great people great vibes. Come check them out. Highly…read morerecommend this place. Coach David and coach Jowel are awesome

I've been training here for many years, and I can honestly say this is one of the best gyms in the…read moreBay Area. It's not just for fighters--it's an incredible place for hobbyists, beginners, and anyone looking to get in shape. At the same time, some of the Bay Area's top fighters train here. I was one of California's highest-ranked amateur MMA fighters, and today I'm one of the state's top professional fighters--even though I only compete once a year! Come check out Bay Area Fight Academy. Everyone is welcome!

I went in to check out the gym after the head coach told me I could come by anytime, and I was…read morealready pretty nervous since I'm new to MMA. Unfortunately, one of the staff members -- a heavier-set guy with glasses -- came across as rude and dismissive toward me, which made the experience uncomfortable. As a beginner, first impressions matter a lot, and instead of feeling welcomed I felt talked down to. The head coach himself seemed respectful, which is why I'm leaving this review honestly instead of just writing the whole gym off. I just think new people should be treated with more patience and respect, especially when they're stepping out of their comfort zone to try something new.

We love Do Martial arts! Our daughter has been attending for several years now and has gained so…read moremuch strength and confidence through her experience. The instructors are also kind and teach with both rigor and gentleness. She loves taekwondo and has grown so much! We recommend them for a positive environment to learn taekwondo.

When our daughter joined Do Martial Arts, she was very scared and nervous. What we found out is…read morethat Master Jay and Master CJ treat all the kids like family. They are very kind and loving towards my daughter, but at the same time expect her to show respect, focus, and discipline. She is now more confident with tests in front of an audience. She pays attention and follows instruction better. I am grateful that she is continuing to learn how to be a better person with the help of Do Martial Arts. Thank you

Excited to be back with Billy, Ray & Ali! The coaching staff at Silverback MMA & Fitness are…read moreexperienced instructors who work with you to meet your fitness goals. They offer many classes such as cardio kickboxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, boxing and more! Youth classes are offered as well! Bring the whole family and get ready to sweat!

Coach Billy and Rk4 teach useful techniques in actual fight. Quality training with coaches paying…read moreattention to everyone. I like that they keep the size of classes small so they can pay enough attention to every fighter. Everyone is very respectful and friendly at the gym. It's obvious that coaches are passionate at what they do!

My son loved going here for his training the other kids welcomed him and showed him a some stances…read moreand the trainer was very helpful and would do a one on one with the kids. If we still lived in the bay we would definitely still have him go.

I've been training at the kennel for a little over a year now, and I can say it's one of the best…read moredecisions I've made. Coach Arvin is great at what he does. He doesn't just show up to run a class. He truly wants to see you improve, pushes you to your limits, and isn't afraid to call you out when you're not giving your best. I also attended the strength and conditioning classes with Coach Paul, and I highly recommend it. His sessions are well-structured, challenging, and designed to build real, functional strength that complements boxing training perfectly. On top of all that, the front staff is great -- always friendly, welcoming, and super helpful with any questions or scheduling needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your training, this gym offers everything you need with the right people to back it up.