Wednesday was my daughter's LAST class w Sifu Jessie since she graduated to orange belt today! We…read moreare all gonna miss Sifu Jessie terribly as our instructor--esp because he always kept the adults equally entertained w constant jokes and our-time pop culture references. AND because he was consistently instilling manners and respect every day, every class, with every student. HIGHLY recommend joining the Pallen's Community!

Overall very amazing program ! My son has been coming for a month so far and loves it. His overall…read morebehavior and confidence has improved. In addition to being a better student. Thank you to Sifu Jordan and grand master Jordan ! We appreciate all that they do for my son and this program.

In July 2007 my family came across USA Kung Fu Studio in Castro Valley during our search for a…read moreMartial Arts school for our son, who was four years old at the time. We decided to go in, although we had fully intended on signing him up for Tae Kwon Do classes at a nearby school. From the moment we entered the studio, we felt the warmness and camaraderie between the instructors and students. My son took a free lesson in the Tiny Tigers Program and from the beginning we knew that this was a place to harness all his excess energy. Sifu Jamie did not pressure us to join, rather he wanted our son to experience the school and see if it worked for our family. Needless to say, we were and still are extremely pleased with the quality of training my son receives. Both Sifu Jamie and Sihing Chris lead the classes strictly and firmly, but with tongue-in-cheek humor. This studio does not promote their belts freely, which I appreciate. If a student receives a promotional belt, you can bet that they worked hard and EARNED it. The students all work hard and it shows. Older, more experienced students help out in the Youth classes and you can see their level of maturity and commitment to their studio and their Sifu. Our son (currently a white belt) has attention and focus issues, which I addressed with Sifu Jamie and he came up with a successful plan to bring him back into focus during classes. This has helped not only in Kung Fu lessons, but at home and with his schoolwork as well. Other classes include Tai Chi, Adult Classes, San Shou, and they have an amazingly talented Wu Shu Team. Just recently several students attended a Kung Fu tournament and came back with several competition awards. I highly recommend this school and encourage anyone interested to come by and checkout their classes.

We live in San Ramon and we were looking for a Kung Fu Studio for our 2 boys ages 9 and 5…read more Needless to say, we shopped 3 studio's and USA Kung Fu Studio in Castro Valley won hands down. Even though, the other 2 studio's were much closer, we found that USA kung Fu Studio was the best fit for our boys. The facility was clean, the schedule was very accommodating to our ever-changing work schedule, and you can tell that Sifu and Sihing genuinely cares about their students. My 2 boys have been training with Sifu Jaime and Sihing Chris for a month now, and I must say, my boys are learning not just kung fu, but discipline, respect and the importance of staying fit. It has changed our lives forever! I definitely would recommend USA Kung Fu Studio to anyone who is interested in taking martial arts. Thank you Sifu Jaime and Sihing Chris!

I want to say something about my teacher, whose name I know in English as Patty Li. I've been…read moretaking the Friday taiji class at the Berkeley YMCA for about a month and a half My name is Rick, and I have neuropathy in my hands and feet, but Patty who I met at the Y suggested that I come to the Friday Taiji class. I use a walker for balance, and sometimes need to lean against the wall so I don't just tumble over But Patty invited me and I came. Since I started the class I have noticed a marked improvement in my balance, my strength and my ability to focus my breath and my attention in my body Patty is an incredible teacher, a master of her arts, who has been doing martial arts, since she was a child in Beijing. I didn't know any of this when she invited me to class. Most people when they see me and my walker write me off as being unable to do things, but Patty didn't see any of that, she just saw another human being with a willingness to learn, I think she's incredibly perceptive person. So I started coming to the class and have only missed once in about two months I've been going to the Y every other day for swimming and some weight training, but Friday has become my favorite day I do the taiji class at 10 AM, and then I follow it up with a swim It was very clear to me from the beginning that Patty is an incredibly disciplined person, but what I really love about her, is her grace, and the humor with which she teaches... in other words she makes it really fun. Regardless of different peoples capability in class, she works with each of us so that we can become stronger, more balanced, and more able to practice this beautiful moving meditative art form She is a treasure, and I am blessed to have her as my teacher, and the YMCA is blessed to have her as part of this community 老师，谢谢 Thank you teacher

Are you a parent looking to encourage your kids (especially Chinese-American kids) to start martial…read morearts? Have cash to spare? Great! Are you an adult who learned some wushu as a child, fell out of practice through your teens, and want to pick it back up as an adult? Try a drop-in class for $35, and then see if you want to continue here. In my case, after two classes, I found another school to practice with. I hesitated leaving a poor review because why bother with all these 5 star reviews stacked against me? But I remember why I use Yelp: to consult legit reviews before I spend money on any establishment. Hence, I feel the need to pen this review, especially if there are fellow adults considering wushu here. That one review that says Wushu West takes adults seriously and caters to them too? Maybe that used to be the case, but from my experience, not anymore. Flashback time! My brother and I were wee elementary students enrolled in Wushu West. I remember enjoying the class. For unknown reasons, my parents stopped enrolling us. However, that experience (along with kung fu class in Chinese school) built the foundations of kung fu stances, kicks, and flexibility that I have carried on to this day. My biggest regret was that I never advanced far enough to work with weapons. Fast-forward to present day. I am a young professional who can do pullups & deadlifts. For several years, I kept eyeing Wushu West through the internet, promising myself I'd go back. Stars aligned, and I made my first visit back with a drop-in class. The class was filled with kids younger than me. Where were the adult students that were said to be attending this class too? For a good half hour, Shifu Patti (mind you, I'm only calling her Shifu out of respect) lead the class through warmups, which frankly feel like a huge waste of time, something that should be done before class starts. It's just jogging, jumping jacks, some kicks, and LOTS of stretching and counting in Chinese. I'm here to learn, not to do warmups that I can do by myself. Even when you're doing wushu exercises (various kicks, spins, stances, etc), Shifu doesn't lead them. It's her kid students leading the exercises. They go so fast, I can't keep up with forms and sequences I'm supposed to maintain and follow, so I flounder along while watching with a mix of admiration for the kids, and frustration that I can't keep up nor am I taught properly on how to keep up. Yes, the cool student leader will stop and walk through it with you a few times at most, but then it's on to the next cool move...that I can't keep up with. Meanwhile, Shifu sits on the sidelines. I came back one more time to see if it was an improvement from the first class. The oldest student I saw here was a man, but everyone else was a kid, with the eldest one maybe in high school. My gripes: 1) Shifu does NOT take into consideration my experience and skill level. I am either doing kiddie exercises or floundering with being unable to keep up with advanced moves. 2) My second visit here, I was assisting moving furniture, when my shin slammed into a wooden part of a furniture. It hurt like a MF-er, to the point that I felt the impact down to my shin bone. I had a deep cut on my shin. Although it clotted quickly, it swelled up to a huge bump. Shifu kept repeating, "It's just skin, you'll be fine," when I told her that I could feel the pain in my bone too. Way to be sensitive. 3. Shifu had me sign a release form after I was hurt. Whenever I sign anything, I take a photo of it on my phone so that I can have the form for my records. Shifu Patti gave me attitude and said, "We don't do that here, you don't need this record." I explained I do this whenever I sign a form. She said, "Why do you need a copy of this record? It's no one's business." Excuse me, this is MY BUSINESS. As a customer, it's my absolute right to take a photo of anything I sign for my records. She gave me major attitude. I really could not believe I had to argue for a copy of my records. 4. When I said bye to her (after she had a conversation with a kid's parents and nicely said bye to them), she wouldn't look at me and then barked that I can't pay drop-in prices anymore, I have to commit to a monthly plan if I wanted to continue here. I simply asked her to remind me of pricing, and she just waved me off, snapping, "You already took a photo, isn't that what you took that for?" Bless San T for his Yelp review from 2013, when he said, and I quote: "when it comes to business and money, she is downright horrible. and cheap...the way you run your business is part of the practice.  And you can't ignore a shady businessperson no matter how great of a teacher they are." I wonder how many other people have left with a bad experience, and just don't want to write Yelp reviews. Maybe my parents took me and my brother out of this class because of their experience with Shifu Patti. I'll never know.

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

For those interested in an incredible exposure and training from someone who has been training and…read morecoaching in such stylesas Boxing, Jeet Kune Do with an emphasis on what works practically, you'll find no better instruction through this man. Don't let the fact it's run out of his garage fool or disillusioned you in the least. You'll find no better instruction or experience than through Felix Macias Jr. If it's an easy "belt"progression is not what you're looking for, but incredibly (almost unbelievably) experienced, practical instruction is, start here. Be like water.

I have only been a training for 6 months, and have to say. I've been a avid martial arts parctioner…read morefor 47 years and raised. In the bay area, this is the place to learn how to protect your self with all the support and self confidence from the Head Instructor ( Felix Macias Jr.) Great outlook, fun and patient , and the second instrutor Sifu Tom. It's the real thing for street life situations in self defense that you dont get from any of the other schools. It works, and there just producing nothing but pure fighters ....men. and women,,,,come one come all,,,,,you wont be sorry......J.J. Mondays, Wednesday, days or evenings

I enrolled my daughter 4 years ago. It has been one of my best decisions. I have seen her flourish…read moreinto a confident young lady. She has learned to be disciplined and understand the importance of persisting when she is faced with challenges. She has participated in countless presentations and competed in several tournaments. This school is also for adults. I go to the adult classes and so does my wife. It is a great way to exercise regardless of age or experience level. Personally, it helps me destress from work and helps me keep a healthy life style. Shifu Li and the instructors are amazing! They are great with kids and adults. If you are looking for just a recreational activity or looking for an activity to compete in, this school is the answer.

Excellent instruction, clean studio, very knowledgeable instructors. Friendly environment.read more

I've been training here for about 8 months now, and it's been a truly transformative experience. I…read moreoriginally joined out of curiosity, thinking it would just be a good workout--but it's become so much more. Sifu is an exceptional teacher. He explains everything in a way that feels simple, practical, and easy to apply, even for beginners. The training is both engaging and empowering, and I've noticed I feel stronger, more energized, and more confident over time. I've also learned real, effective self-defense skills. One of the biggest benefits for me has been stress relief. After each class, I feel clearer, lighter, and more grounded--it's such a great way to reset both physically and mentally. I also really appreciate that they offer classes for kids. It's a supportive environment where children can build confidence, discipline, focus, and practical skills. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to improve their fitness, learn self-defense, and de-stress in a positive, welcoming community. I'm truly grateful to be part of it.

Tried the free trial beginners class with Sifu Matyas and learned so much. The class was 1 hour but…read morehe very kindly taught us for 1.5 hours. It was a very extensive experience and Sifu was very patient and helpful. It was a great way to exercise and learn self defense. After just one trial class, I already feel much better about self defense. Definitely will be returning for the adult classes on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays.

I wanted to take a Qi Gong class and made several efforts to inquire about instruction. No one ever…read moregot back to me. Very disappointed.

I highly recommend this Shaolin Kung Fu studio. My son started there when he was 5 and now he is…read more17 - a black belt and part-time instructor with Master Yan. I recently told Master Yan's wife, Joanna, that Master Yan helped me become a better father simply by watching his classes. Master Yan is a true master from the Shaolin Temple in China - something that I found out later on my own as Master Yan is very modest. I am so grateful for all Master Yan has done for my son and me. It's amazing that a true master from China teaches here in Alameda. And it's more affordable than any other martial arts place that I have found. Thank you.