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    UC Berkeley Karate Club

    5.0 (2 reviews)

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    20 years ago

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    Berkeley Martial Arts

    Berkeley Martial Arts

    5.0
    (15 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    I've been attending Berkeley Kuk Sool Won with my wife and daughter since January 2007. Before KSW,…read moremy wife and I studied Hapkido up in Davis (so here's a shout out to EC Hapkido and Master Schubert!). We really enjoy Berkeley KSW, and here's why: 1: Kuk Sool Won is a great style: KSW is a martial arts system that incorporates hard-style kicks and punches, soft-style defensive techniques (blocks, throws, takedowns, pressure points), and several traditional weapons (staff, jointed staff [nunchaku], sword, short staff, fan). A typical class usually includes some of each of those things, as well as general body conditioning. You will not be bored by Kuk Sool Won. 2: Head Master Tom Brewer is an excellent teacher: Master Brewer really, really knows his stuff. He has beautiful technique and is able to convey the concepts behind that technique to his students. He can show you how to perform a technique, but more importantly he can tell you when and why to perform a technique. He's also a really nice guy. So, you can learn a great martial arts system from a great teacher at Berkeley Kuk Sool Won. Need more convincing? OK, how about: lots of classes (6 days a week) for families and adults; a friendly and supportive group of folks to train with (hey Walter! hey Cynthia!); a convenient location (Sacramento at Dwight - right next to Breads of India and the Homemade Cafe!); a much more enjoyable way to get a great workout than going to the damn gym again? All that being said, this school probably isn't for everyone. It's a TRADITIONAL Korean martial art. That means you'll need to learn some Korean terminology. It also means forms (both empty hand and weapon). It also means some old-school etiquette (we address Master Brewer as "Sir," we bow to flags and higher ranked students, all that kind of thing). If these things give you the hives, you probably won't be happy here. Or maybe you will - why not give it a try? A brief addendum to Cynthia's review: there is no longer a black belt club. Instead, there's a much more straightforward fee system based on how many classes you take per week and whether or not you want to get a jump start on weapons training.

    Kuk Sool Won Berkeley is a fantastic school. When I started some many years ago, I was a bit…read moreapprehensive. I'd never studied any martial arts or fighting program prior to KSW Berkeley, so I didn't know what to expect. In fact, before KSW Berkeley, I had no idea what the difference was between Kung Fu, Karate, or Kuk Sool Won. Master Brewer helped make the transition to school traditions easy and fun. He is extremely patient and great with every student. Although there is a structured program, you can take your time and learn at your own pace. I found myself really enjoying the sparring and forms. In my opinion, Master Brewer is amazing in his forms and his energy and love for this art form really shows. I would really recommend KSW Berkeley to any student, young through old, who is looking to learn self-defense, improve your self-confidence, and get in shape!

    Photos
    The school got a whole new look in 2012, with new flooring, benches, shoe racks, dressing rooms, ceiling fan, lighting & decor
    The school got a whole new look in 2012, with new flooring, benches, shoe racks, dressing rooms, ceiling fan, lighting & decor
    Berkeley Martial Arts
    Berkeley Martial Arts

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    Pitts' Martial Arts Academy

    Pitts' Martial Arts Academy

    5.0
    (23 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Master Pitts is an amazing teacher. In addition to his skill at working with all age levels…read more(toddler through adult), he has so much patience in working with the kids. My children started with him when they were 3, and they were so wiggly and had never been in a structured learning setting prior to starting with Master Pitts. His instruction was wonderful, and my kids loved going to classes. In addition, the community of students and families connected to the Academy was so warm and welcoming. I started taking my own classes not too long after, and I had a great experience, too. Unfortunately we moved far away, but I still miss Master Pitts and the community of martial artists he nurtured.

    This place is a gem! And Master Pitts is a one-of-a-kind martial arts instructor! It's obvious he…read moregenuinely cares about each and every student. I've walked by this dojo many times on my way to yoga. I remember seeing small groups of kids classes here and Master Pitts always seemed really nice. When my son turned 3yrs old and started to be able to follow instructions a little better, this was the first place I wanted to check out for classes. My husband and I stopped by one evening to ask about the Little Ninja class and paid to do a one time drop in class to see if our son would connect to it. Boy are we happy we did because my son LOVES THIS CLASS. My favorite thing about this place is Master Pitts' commitment to instilling confidence and integrity in the kids. The first thing they are instructed to do upon entry of every class is to shout "I will do my best!" Before they leave, they shout "I did my best!" This alone is priceless. If your little one is shy or not very confident, this is a safe and caring space to help them build their self esteem. Classes vary a little each time so the kids stay interested and engaged. They learn to stretch, kick, and punch. Most importantly, they practice listening and following instructions. Every class ends with each student shaking hands with one another and saying "courtesy and respect." If your kid is on the younger side like mine (under 4 or 5yrs old), expect to get up from the sidelines to help them. Master Pitts is also great about going around to help the kids individually and there is always a second instructor who helps as well. I highly recommend this place for kids. If you can't take my word for it, bring your kid in to do a drop-in class and you'll see for yourself just how AMAZING Master Pitts is with children.

    Photos
    The best in the Bay.
    The best in the Bay.
    Lining up at end of class
    Lining up at end of class
    Capoeira love.

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    Capoeira love.
    Aiki Arts Center

    Aiki Arts Center

    4.8
    (31 reviews)
    1.7 mi

    Aikido Shusekai is by far and away one of the best places that I have ever found myself in my life…read more The environment of the dojo and the structure of the training are mindfully engineered to foster learning and growth. Not having decades of experience or claiming any vast well of wisdom to draw upon myself, I cannot qualify, thusly, claims that I have heard stated by others who DO possess more experience. Sitting on the bench outside before class one day, I remember a senior student - a black belt herself, who has been studying Aikido for many years - telling me how lucky SHE felt to be able to train there. She said that we were all receiving "gems of Aikido" through our training. At the time, I thought I knew what she meant: the training was great, and I had learned a lot already myself! But as each week passes, and more lessons are taught and learned, I realize again and again how valuable the lessons I am learning here truly are. I recommend this practice, and particularly THIS DOJO for any and all people! The program is structured such that all new students get lots of face-time with the more advanced students during practice. This really helps accelerate learning, and helps to ensure good practice. I myself have experienced the teens and adults program, and can personally attest to the benefits of training here. The people are amazing, one and all, and I truly feel privileged, honored, and humbled each time I step on the mat to train with them. Head Sensei Nick Walker is an amazing teacher, and guides us all with great patience, wisdom, and intelligence. The training is always challenging, and always worth it. I also highly recommend this dojo for kids! Dojo Manager and skilled practitioner herself, Sensei Azzia Walker, runs the children's program at our dojo. Having had the privilege of learning from her during the teen/adults classes, I can attest to the fact that she is also an incredibly gifted teacher. Having had the privilege of training with a couple of her advanced but younger age students during the teen/adult classes, I can attest to the fact that they know there stuff! I coach girls volleyball and girls basketball (middle school level). If you are a parent reading this because your child is interested in martial arts, I implore you to come check us out. We are having several promotions for young students looking to start training with us, and our exciting new All Girls Program is kicking off! Our hopes that we may be able to provide opportunities for all who may be interested. I love Aikido Shusekai, and I hope that many more will be able to come and share in the bounty of the experiences to be had along the journey that is training.

    After researching and visiting some aikido schools in the area and I decided to attend this school…read more The place has a great learning environment. It's subtle but I feel an inner zeal to learn from instructors who have dedicated their lives to the beautiful art of aikido. Most impressive thing is that Nick sensei sub-communicate a balance between softness(suppleness and yielding) and alertness while teaching aikido techniques, which is pretty rare to find. Instructors share all their wisdom and years of experience with aikido for you without holding anything back and you can use it anyway you want in different aspects of life. Students train with other students from different age groups and gender which is deeply interconnected with the balance between suppleness and alertness. It's cause while training with different people during the classes, one naturally finds a balance between the two. Since aikido is considered as the most spiritual martial art and this is reflected while training here like learning without words, conscious breaths, introducing gap between thinking while bowing etc. Although they seem to be way too traditional sometimes with some of the things they sub-communicate to the students, still it's a good school. Along with that it's Pretty spacious. Also you can find many hot girls in nearby dance studios.

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    Aiki Arts Center
    Aiki Arts Center
    Aiki Arts Center

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    UC Berkeley Karate Club - karate - Updated June 2026

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