Carter Sensei is a very patient instructor who is very knowledgeable, passionate, and active about…read morekendo. The class is held every Tuesday in SLO and every Friday, I believe, in Lompac. We practice from learning fundamentals and tradition to conditioning. Since the dojo has a good amount of attendees, we have a lot of time with our instructor and are given almost one to one lessons. Not only that, but Carter Sensei charges at a very affordable price and assists in provide newer attendees with some of his own equipment to see if kendo is for them. In terms of the practice, I feel the worth of practice in terms of strengthening and refining my form every time I come out for kendo. There's always something to look forward to because there is something to always learn and improve in kendo at this dojo!

I've been learning kendo from Carter Sensei for just over a year and it's been a great experience…read more The class is a good mixture of humor, discipline and fun. Students range from little kids to retired locals. Carter Sensei simultaneously teaches beginners and the experienced with the same dedication. The class typically has 3-4 students on Tuesdays (which is great because it's like getting private lessons). Occasionally there's training with Cal Poly students and students from the Lompoc location. I feel fortunate to have an instructor of his caliber in the central coast.

If you've been debating on starting, or what gym to join, start here. Team Moreira is not just a…read moreJiu Jitsu academy, it is also a safe learning environment with a huge family. The way the coaches bring a move to life, breaking down every movement, to an understandable and duplicatable process has brought great strides to those just staring out. This is not a throw you to the wolves gym, this is a learn together, drill, repeat space, allowing confidence to grow before performance. I have attended each coaches classes, and there are so many benefits to all of them! Join us, and bring your kids! The whole family will benefit from the discipline and techniques! This is not a quick fight, this is a years long battle, and I'm so excited to have joined the tribe!

I have been training at this academy for 3 and a half years. My 5 year old son has also started his…read moreJui Jitsu journey at TMLO as well. We both cherish the coaches and community of this amazing academy. If you are looking to start training, or are new to the area and are looking for a chill, fun, welcoming, and challenging place to train BJJ. Look no further!

Best massage in Slo! I left my massage feeling informed, encouraged and extremely relaxed. I slept…read moreso well later that night! It's great when the therapist not only addresses your physical needs but also provides a soothing and supportive atmosphere. Highly recommend Mike and his team at Elevate!

My experience at Empower Movement + Performance was phenomenal! I went in just looking to feel a…read morebit better and get tight muscles worked, but I left with full body relief. I highly recommend the 60 minute session with Mike. He will work from top to bottom. Mike explains all the massage techniques he is doing so well and makes you feel comfortable. I also went ahead and tried cupping for the first time. I think it worked great! If you are looking for a massage to awaken your body, work tight muscles, and improve performance, I highly recommend visiting Mike!

I've been training with Kiryu Aikido since 2006, first in Colorado and now in California…read more My choice to train here for more than a decade underscores the reasons why: the caliber of the teaching by Chief Instructor and founder Andrew Blevins is outstanding. He's not only a talented martial artist, but he's a great teacher. (Not all artists or athletes can teach what they are doing.) The safe and supportive environment allows students to progress and set high expectations, with safety as the foundation of every class. The philosophy of the dojo is to honor every student's path and encourage every student to do his or her best and keep improving. I was a beginner when I started with the dojo, and through hard work and dedication mixed with the priceless guidance of Blevins Sensei and senior students, I now also teach as well as train regularly. I think many dojos can be good places to start the practice of Aikido, but how far can a student progress? At Kiryu Aikido, the structured, cohesive teaching program will help you get as far as you want to go. Practicing with Kiryu has changed my life, and my only regret is not starting earlier in my life.

Kiryu Aikido is, in my experience, the best place to learn and train in Aikido, in Colorado. I…read moreformerly trained at two different dojos and visited another in the Denver area, and with all things considered, Kiryu Aikido was the best experience I found. These are the reasons why: The Sensei, Les Steveson Sensei, and the brothers and sisters in this Dojo are very nice people who are committed to the Art. Sensei Les is an excellent Teacher. He really cares about the learning process of his students. The classes are well designed and organized. There is an underlying rationale in the sequence of movements in each and every class. I never saw such well-planned classes in any other Dojo in Colorado. Sensei Les teaches every student equally; there is no special treatment being delivered to one or two, as sometimes happens in other dojos. Sensei Les is impartial and teaches all aspects of the Art. Sensei Les is also a very nice and respectful person and an active member of the Community. He has integrity in what he does. Sensei Les gives positive feedback and he also corrects the students, when needed. He is respectful and does not make inappropriate jokes about people. Sensei Les is also joyful while teaching the techniques. The movements are taught at a very good pace, with repetitions of the demonstrations. We are able to understand the application of the movements in a martial street context also, for instance, due to Sensei Les's skills. Sensei Les has a very good methodology to teach us step-by-step, so we know exactly what we need to do and practice. Therefore, we don't spend a lot of time practicing something wrong and later discover our errors. Sensei Les is open for questions and he is approachable. He is not only nice on the mat, but he is also nice off of the mat. The Training is martial and very fun at the same time! We are encouraged to give our best! We also have a lot of support! The Practice involves not only the techniques per se, but also includes a lot of the "Uke" portion of Aikido. For example, we spend a good amount of time learning many falls. This is also something that other dojos in Colorado do not emphasize. Falling is a big part of Aikido. Not only that, if we do not practice enough, we can end up hurting ourselves. In Kiryu Aikido, we learn how to fall safely in a supportive environment. We have dedicated a lot of time to studying the Weapons. I have learned more about them in two months of practice with Kiryo Aikido than two years of practice in other places. Weapons were not what attracted me to Aikido, but at Kiryo Aikido, I learned how to appreciate them and developed a "new taste" and respect for them. Sensei Les dedicates a very good amount of time in training to going through what we need to learn to advance and thereby helping us to embody the movements required for our tests. We know what is expected. Everything is clear and there are no confusions. Classes are very organized, and they help us to succeed! There is an environment of honesty, respect, transparency and commitment in Kiryo Aikido. I personally love training in Aikido at this Dojo. I have many years of experience in Aikido. I started training in Brazil around 1999. I trained there for three and a half years approximately. Then my career as a neuroscientist brought me to the USA, where I first landed in beautiful Hawaii, where I trained for approximately 6 more months. After that, I stopped training Aikido for almost 10 years, while working as a researcher in different places in the USA. I came back to Aikido in 2015 training in Colorado. Because I have trained in so many different places, I acquired experience with different styles and teachers. When I came to Kiryu Aikido, Sensei Les received me in a way that no other place did. My diverse background was received with an open mind, respect and appreciation of the Aikido that has evolved with my body of experience. Sensei Les accepted the style that I was presenting to him. He was able to teach me from where I was at, enforcing the fundamentals I had, correcting the aspects that needed correction and at the same time, allowing me to just be myself in this process. In other words, he teaches me the techniques I need to master, while I am also free to express them with my "own style and flavor". All of this happens in a harmonious, joyful, martial, sincere, supportive and peaceful environment. I hope you may be as lucky as I am to train at Kiryu Aikido Dojo!

These guys are great! I am so glad I started with their program and advice, I don't remember the…read morelast time I felt this good! Taylor Rogers is easy to work with and very encouraging and motivating. I couldn't be happier and highly recommend their pleasant, small gym environment and their training abilities. Thanks guys!

I've been working out with Trainer Kaleb at Athlon for the past three months, and the difference is…read moreamazing. I feel noticeably stronger, healthier, and more confident in what my body can do. He is incredibly conscientious -- always checking in about any aches, pains, or physical limitations and adjusting my workouts accordingly. My sessions are well-planned and tailored specifically to my goals. I really appreciate Kaleb's fun nature as well as his professionalism and the genuine care he shows for my progress and well-being. He actually makes my workouts fun and enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Toke a yoga nidra class with Hannah. It was amazing, restorative and relaxing. Will be back againread more

I started learning and practicing yoga here in early 2024, and it has absolutely changed my life…read more Khristine is extremely knowledgeable and passionate, having studied in the Ashtanga lineage of yoga in India straight from the late Sharath Jois, grandson of the founder of the Ashtanga method (who in turn studied under Krishnamacharya -- Google these names if you're curious of the significance). Of course, lofty credentials don't mean much if they're not put to good use, but Khristine continues this rich and sacred tradition by teaching students old and new with thoughtfulness, compassion, individualized care, and great humor. She's very skilled and observant in suggesting alterations and adjustments to facilitate injuries, health conditions, and other student-specific needs. And if you think yoga is only about movement and fitness, you're in for a treat (as long as you have an open mind). Her knowledge of pranayama (breathwork), yogic philosophy, and the other "limbs" of yoga are second to none. The other teachers here are also extremely skilled, knowledgeable and helpful. They bring their own diverse skills and yoga lineages to the community to create a fun, expansive and well-rounded place to learn and practice -- whether you're a brand new student, a casual participator, or a seasoned lifer.

If you have the opportunity to visit this dojo. Do it. If you have been studying martial arts all…read moreyour life then you owe it to yourself to see Kiyama Shihan's waza in person. If you are someone looking to begin on the road to training in martial arts, this is a great dojo to visit.

I've been traveling from Los Angeles to train with these guys since 1996. Really a great and rare…read moreopportunity to train under highly qualified senior instructors in this historical art. They've actually been around since 1974, but have only recently began to become visible publicly. If you're interested in classical Japanese jujutsu / aikijujutsu from an orthodox branch of Daito-ryu on the west coast, this is they way to go IMHO.

All I can say is that it was a joy sharing a mat with Jeremy and the rest of the coaches. These…read moreguys are professionals, very courteous and polite. If you guys looking for a good gym and some good flow rolls paragon BJJ is where is it at ! Can't wait till next time.

On a family road trip up the coast and part of the plan was to let our kids cross train while we…read morevacay. My kids are very competitive and all we hoped for was the kids to get in some good rolls and learn a technique or two. Decided to hit up local gyms near our hotel location and found Paragon Atascadero, a city we never even heard of. We set everything up through text message with a lady named Mallory and just like that the appointment was set. The gym is located inside a fitness gym which is pretty unique to us. Once we walked in, the lady in the front desk welcome us with open arms. Professor Chris was so welcoming, it was like we already knew each other. I can tell this man loves the art of Jiu Jitsu and the further development of it, in this area. We were the only Asian family in there but everybody that spoke to us was so welcoming and friendly. It was a small town but the people had giant hearts. This is all based off one visit and we got exactly what we were looking for. There is tons of potential for this place to grow. The mat space is huge, it's clean and the professor and coaches seemed very caring. My kids are grey belts, competed in many tournaments and won lots of medals. We been to many gyms to cross train all over Southern California and based off my own assessment, this gym is a must join if you live in the area. Highly recommended.