I've been studying and training under the instruction of Guro Mark Mikita for over 7 years now and…read moreit has been one of the best decisions of my life. As a Filipino American, it has also been an honor to learn the martial art of my ancestors. When I first came to check out the school, during a class, I knew from listening and watching him teach the students that he was extremely knowledgeable. His grasp on Filipino Martial Arts is by far the most advanced you will find in the Greater LA area if not the world, which has even brought visitors to the school as far as Chile, Brazil, England and Sweden just to learn from him. He is not only an expert in Filipino Martial Arts, but has knowledge in all forms of martial arts after having dedicated his whole life to learning and teaching. If you really want to learn Filipino Martial Arts and how to effectively protect yourself then this is the school for you.

Former student here, really had to sitback and gather my thoughts…read more First thing I want to say is that the only reason i'm a former student is because i moved away and that's literally the only reason why. There are many systems and people out there that tout that their art, style, system will be what you need to build your mind, body and sometimes soul for self defense. Many say they're the only one you need - their way, their dogma - is the only one that's right. Other teachers believe to cross train and seek out differing styles and beliefs but melding them is very difficult without a foundation for right and wrong. If someone is telling you that one school is the greatest thing since sliced bread, question it. That's the one thing I've learned with guro Mark. Ask questions, refine asking questions, get better at it. Apply what you learn to a singular purpose and dont be afraid to question it and change it from what you learned. This school is special and that is not something you as a potential student should take lightly. You wont be spoon fed what you seek. You will not be treated special for who you are outside this school. If you think you have the skills (esp if youre a dude) be ready and open to be proven wrong and be even more ready to having your mind opened to being better. I still ruminate over the lessons ive leaned here. They are my rubric for who i want to be as a fighter and as a person. They arent die hard, iron clad, unchangeable tenets. They make me think, they make me question, they make me come back to them. I learned it from all the things ive experienced as a student of martial arts but i got *better* at questioning them at this school. I will come back, i dont know how but i'm working to do so. When I do, I will see how much i've missed and how much i need to learn. But when i do i will find the right tutelage and refinement again at this school and with this family. I hope you come in knowing that this place is special but not know exactly *how* special it is. You only earn that *first* real aha moment once here when you keep trying and put your ego aside to get there. Where you first think, "man, i can do this". We all did at this school and from there you want to find those moments more. Do it here.

I had no idea how much I would enjoy Capoeira when I first started bringing my young son to the…read moretiny tots class. Many have heard of Capoeira, or its history rooted in slavery. Many more have seen Capoeiristas performing incredible acrobatics and have been impressed. Seen from the outside, it just looks like another martial arts, albeit one that is incredibly aesthetically pleasing. I encourage you to take a few classes, because they will be transformative for you. And if you have children, they will grow up much stronger. You don't have to be physically fit to begin Capoeira. It will certainly help, but it's not important. Why? Because the community, led by 40 year veteran Mestre Boneco, doesn't care who you are. You, as you are today, are welcome. Do a search for Capoeira Brasil on Youtube, and you'll find videos of people of all shapes and sizes. Capoeira is a game, and its about having fun and connection. Growing up I did karate for years as well as wrestling. Both sports are excellent. But I found something in Capoeira that was quite different. When you play the game, you play with lively music and singing. It's just you and your partner in the center of the ring (roda), watching each other and reacting fluidly to each other's movements. The experience is very intimate, and the best way I can describe it is that it is a game of brotherly and sisterly love. Western sports tend to focus on competition and domination. They play some part to Capoeira, but that's not the point. In karate and wrestling I was always part of a team, but my goal always was to win. Here, you find a reprieve from the world of incessant competition. You are only competing against yourself to improve on your skill. And how well you can intuitively connect with your partner in the roda is a big part of the experience. In addition to martial arts I've been a professional trainer, a runner, and overall generally physically active. Capoeira provides a whole body workout. After practice, I hadn't felt so physically exhausted (and satisfied) since my days in intensive wrestling training. By far, Capoeira is the most enjoyable sport I've ever participated in.

Love this place - excellent classes for kids and adults alike. Great teachers who really care…read more Highly recommend

I began attending this dojo in November of 2023, and it's an excellent place for anyone interested…read morein martial arts. Mark Franco, with his 30+ years of experience in Chinese and Japanese martial arts, clearly shows his expertise. The students are very welcoming, and the dojo is incredibly open to newcomers. If you're nearby, definitely give it a try!

After studying karate for ten years, I was interested in trying something different. I found Mark…read moreFranco and the West Los Angeles Dojo and never looked back. Mark has accrued a lifetime of knowledge studying classical Japanese samurai battlefield arts and ninjutsu. He is humble, generous and has the heart of a true martial artist, seeking not to create his own style, but to be a true mirror and conduit of transmission for the teachings of the Bujinkan and its founder, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi. We practice everything from empty-hand techniques to bojutsu (long staff), kenjutsu (sword), iaijutsu (sword drawing), hanbojutsu (short staff), shiruken (ninja stars) and more. Mark is able to break complex techniques down to their fundamentals so that students can constantly build on the knowledge and abilities they develop. The taining is engaging, great exercise and a great way to get away from the stress of everyday life. There is a great sense of camaraderie among the students. Emphasis is not on competition, but helping one another get to the next level. Fundamentals, good form and makoto (sincerity) are always at the training's core. Whether you are simply curious what this samurai business is all about or a disciple seeking the true way of the warrior, I cannot recommend the West Los Angeles Dojo highly enough.

I found Alliance while shopping around for martial arts to complement my jiu jitsu training; that's…read morehow I discovered their Krav Maga program. Starting a new martial art always feels a little intimidating, but KM has felt surprisingly easy to get into. I have a background in kickboxing, so the Muay Thai conditioning and StrikeFit classes immediately appealed to me. For my next-level energetic workout people, Akim's Muay Thai conditioning and Will's StrikeFit classes are on another level. You're gonna sweat til you feel your soul leave your body, but it builds character! What keeps me coming back is the community! I've been super happy to see so many females going hard at this gym, whether they're lifting or sparring or instructing. It brings me a level of comfort and security I have never experienced in a gym or martial arts studio. As an aerialist, I also really appreciate the open gym time. It's great having space to work on gymnastics rings, ropes, or just get extra rounds in on the bags. And if none of that convinces you, I've got two words for you: gym doggos!

I regret ever coming here. I felt lied to, betrayed, and victimized by this place. I came here, an…read moreautistic rape survivor, asking to learn how to defend myself against those that would hurt me. Instead, owner John Whitman victimized me again. I repeatedly asked owner John Whitman if he could handle an autistic individual in his class. Time and time again, he assured me he could and would. Instead, I was given sub standard quality of lessons. Per the California Disabled Persons Act (California Civil Code § 54) and the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act (42 USC § 12101), I requested several accommodations. These accommodations included having the lessons (and breakout) clearly outlined in advance. Videos with subtitles of the moves I needed to practice. And to slow down his rate of speech. I also asked for a copy of the rules so I was familiar with Dojo etiquette. Lastly, I asked that communications be consistent, I can't have people giving me conflicting directions. John repeatedly refused these accommodations, no matter how many times I asked. No videos, no written instructions, no written rules, no slowing down the rate of speech, none of it. This was all very blatantly illegal. Accordingly, a formal complaint was sent to the California Civil Rights Department. The case # is 202507-30481828. This wasn't the only issue with the facility. There was a large, metal nail-like structure coming out of the floor. I hurt myself twice on this, repeatedly notifying staff, management, and John. The ceiling would leak when it's writing. These are basic safety issues caused by negligence. I will never forgive the StrikeFit Alliance nor owner John Whitman for violating my civil rights and for providing me with such abysmal instructions. Thanks for re-victimizing a rape survivor....

I had a great experience training with Elliot! He is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and…read moreempowering. He made sure everyone felt comfortable and capable, no matter their skill level. His teaching style is clear, hands-on, and practical, focusing on real-life situations to help us feel more confident and prepared. What I loved most is his supportive and encouraging approach--he truly wants every woman to feel strong and safe. I walked away not just with valuable self-defense skills, but also with a newfound sense of empowerment. Highly recommend his classes to anyone looking to build confidence and personal safety! I was the type of person to go into freeze mode and lock up during tough situations, after taking his class, I'm more confident that I will react more quickly with the skills I've acquired. Ladies, don't wait on this one. Take the 4-hour much needed class for every woman!

I took, my two daughters and I to Elliott for his conscious defense class because I wanted to be…read moresure to do so before my oldest went off to college. I'm very glad I did-this class started with something I'd never thought about before, a question about what you'd be willing to do if faced with a situation where you needed to defend yourself physically from an attacker. The question is important because it was followed by learning all the techniques for doing so, and they essentially consist of doing things to another human being that I hope I will never be faced with having to do, to say the least (but look out if you try to attack me!). I have seen changes in my daughters and myself already, for example my oldest told me about her new habit of what she now does when she enters a dark parking garage at night. Thank you, Elliott, for imparting such a wealth of safety information to us.

Daniel has been a solid help in getting my life back on track. I wasn't in the best shape starting…read moreout--low energy, feeling sluggish, carrying some extra weight, and just not feeling great about myself. He got me moving with really helpful workouts that made sense for me, keeping me motivated without being pushy. His nutrition tips were practical too, nothing complicated, just stuff I could stick with consistently. A few months in, I'm down 6 pounds, stronger with some muscle to show for it, and I've got a lot more energy to get through my day. I look better, feel better, and it's all thanks to his steady guidance. Definitely recommend him if you're serious about a change.

Daniel is a fantastic personal trainer. He helped me out of a rut, to get my fitness back on track…read more I appreciate his knowledge, his dedication, and his interest in helping me achieve my goal of losing fat while increasing my mass. He created a plan I could follow and give me the motivation to stick with it, and I got results. Many thanks, Daniel!!

Catherine is an amazing and knowledgeable instructor. I started working with Catherine in 2020. As…read morean avid gym-goer I was fairly distraught and depressed when all the gyms closed. With the gyms closed, I wanted to try something new. I had never done yoga before and didn't really think it could be that challenging until I started working with Catherine. Through working with her I have gained flexibility, clarity and strength. She has a meditative voice that helps me focus solely on our practice. She combines elements of tai-chi as well and I feel more balanced, grounded and connected to myself. After each session, I truly feel like I can make a difference in the world and I have the strong urge to take action. I highly recommend her!

Catherine is a great instructor. She really is thorough and patient. Her techniques are custom…read moretailored to every person's particular needs. I highly recommend her to anybody who wants to take up yoga or strenghten their already established levels.