My family has been going here for 2.5 years. The instructors are amazing. Very knowledgeable and motivating. I 100% recommend White Dragon. Parking is always easy. Instructors are approachable. Classes are offered at a variety of times throughout the week. read more

We enrolled our kids here about few months ago and have been very happy with the experience they have provided my two littles... 6 year old girl and 4 year old boy . All staff are very friendly and we love Mr. Bay as their personal instructor! He is AWESOME!!! Highly recommend if looking for extra curricular activity for the littles!!! read more

I joined almost 10 years ago and looking back I have zero regrets. My first time stepping into White Dragon I was greeted with nothing but smiles and people with positive attitudes. The facility was clean, the classes they offered kept me engaged and were a great way for me to stay in shape! I owe a lot to my training partners and the staff for helping me realize the person I am today. Adhering to their core values I began to develop discipline and a new outlook on what the core value of health meant to me. I would highly recommend people give this place a try! read more

If you are searching for a martial arts program with roots deep in Kung Fu and Tai Chi traditions, look no further. Sifu VanDergriff of San Marcos is a gifted instructor who genuinely enjoys teaching. He and his group of senior instructors meet their students where they are in their training with respect and guidance. Whether you have to trained for many years or you have entered the school for the first day you are welcomed. Every student has the opportunity to advance, grow and meet personal goals on their training journey, whatever pace whatever skill level. Walk in give it a try and experience what I have, a welcoming studio focused on diligent expert training deeply rooted in Chinese Martial Arts. read more

This school is legit !! Instructors are very talented and also enthusiastic to work with beginners like me. I tried the free week of classes and knew I wanted to get into Tai Chi training. Also they put on an amazing free performance for Chinese New Year! read more

We ran across White Dragon while the fam was on a grocery run. Both my wife and I have had positive Martial Arts experiences when we were younger so we decided to walk in and see what White Dragon was all about. We were immediately greeted by Sifu and provided a very informative and professional tour through the school and the history of Choy Li Fut. Our four year old daughter was hooked! Her first three classes were one on one's with Sifu, which she loved. We signed her up after her third lesson and have been going 4 times a week ever since! She now takes private lessons with Ms. Tredwell, who actually has a Master's degree in education. She has been absorbing the lessons quickly and lights up as soon as she sees her Sifu and the rest of the San Marcos school's teachers. I can't say enough good things about this place. read more

Being with White Dragon for a couple of years now has been a real journey for me. I was used to sports and dance, so doing martial arts, which is a great combination of finesse with strength, feels natural to me. I was used to learning in a group environment and having someone coach me, but trying to get into shape by myself prior to White Dragon didn't go so well. After my first introductory lesson, I knew this was the type of activity that would fit me well. The positive energy in the school and the friendly atmosphere really drew me in. Sifu V and all of the instructors are extremely passionate about kung fu and have an excellent teaching style. The group classes are a great way to learn techniques outside of your private lesson and to practice kicks, blocks, and stances. The tai chi classes are a great stress reliever and is a good balance with all of the kung fu classes. The combative classes are my favorite! Grappling, kickboxing, kickfit and weapon sparring really pump you up and help keeps you fit. I've initially shaved off 30 pounds from all the training I've done and my body and mind feel healthier. Working in a private setting with my instructor one on one really helped me to focus on learning self defense and I also learned to listen to my body. Practicing kung fu is like a journey of understanding strengths and weaknesses and gaining martial spirit. Overall, being with White Dragon really is an investment into my well being, both physically and mentally. I really don't know where I would be now without the training and sense of community that White Dragon gave me. When I did pick up a hobby or sport before, I usually didn't stick around for long, but I finally found a place where I truly feel like I belong. read more

I have been a White Dragon kung fu student for over five and half years, and a tai chi student almost as long. Until recently, the Clairemont school was my home, but when they opened this location, and my instructor moved to San Marcos, I had to go. It's a long drive, but it's worth it. Simply-put, this is a martial arts school that is dedicated to your personal betterment. Weekly individual private lessons are key to success, and you can't get that at most places. The instructors are all about their students, and there is something for everyone. Personally, I really enjoy the traditional kung fu forms and weapons. There's also sparring, grappling, and Tai Chi. (My wife and I still take Tai Chi at the Clairemont location.) I've recommended White Dragon to friends and family, and eventually my kids will be students, when they're old enough. read more

White Dragon Martial Arts - Traditional Kung Fu in a modern world. - Martial Arts Near Me - San Marcos, California

We come here 5 days a week and love coming here because of the instruction we receive and friendly and encouraging instructors. Since coming here we have met quite a few other families with similar interests!!! read more

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Great lion dance and martial arts show on lunar new year. We absolutely enjoyed it. The music was great too. Very entertaining. read more

White Dragon Martial Arts - Martial Arts Near Me - San Marcos, California

White Dragon is vibrant and positive. It is full of wonderful and caring staff. At the time of this writing I have been training for about a year. My favorite thing about training at White Dragon is the realistic level of application. When you learn anything here, you learn how to do it in real time. You practice a wide range of real-life attack scenarios, on a real-live instructor. You will learn how to get an advantage whether you are attacked standing, kneeling, on the ground, and far more. All the time, instructors discuss important concepts that can protect you in situations before fighting begins. These concepts are a very important part of self-defense! I came in dealing with social awkwardness due to recurring PTSD flashbacks--when you're new to a city, school, or any group of people it's easier for others to take advantage of you, and you don't always know who is trustworthy until they've done things to show who they are. Also your personality or upbringing can reactively create a niche that you truly want to un-victimize yourself from. Hope some of that makes sense. My training has given me analytical tools to handle high-stress situations. Training makes worst-case scenarios familiar to us so we at least aren't wondering what to do when they occur. Learning these things actively dispels unreasonable anxiety attacks that can arise during the course of a day, for someone like me. The school is supportive and helpful. Highly, highly, HIGHLY recommend! read more

This school and the instructors are wonderful! I was skeptical how much my young 4 year old would get out of lessons, but after a few weeks we could see a noticeable improvement in his skills and balance. I really like that they balance teaching martial arts with basic personal safety (strangers, getting lost, inappropriate touching, etc.) and make very clear distinctions about when they can use kung fu (kung fu class or if life is in danger) vs what they can do if someone is picking on them at school (use voice, blocks, etc). All of the instructors are friendly and engaging, and all make an effort to get to know all of the students. Everyone has been very professional. I also like the fact that you can participate in unlimited group classes at any of their locations in addition to the private lessons. This is especially great when school is out and you're looking to keep the kids busy. read more

My kids love to come to their classrooms. The teachers are great. I definitely recommend this place. My son was very shy and scared at the beginning but his self confidence has improved a lot. read more

White Dragon has done a fantastic job of helping me and my three children where we are at. One of my children is very gifted, and they've done a great job of pushing her. I have little natural ability, but they have done a wonderful job of encouraging me and helping me achieve more than I thought I could. My daughter and I do Tai Chi along with Kung Fu. Each of the arts helps with the other. I highly recommend both programs. There are other classes which my children have enjoyed including kick boxing, sparring, grappling, weapon sparring, and lion dancing. White Dragon offers a wide range of of classes which help people get in shape and become less likely to become a victim. read more

White Dragon Martial Arts - Testing to become blue sashes. - Martial Arts Near Me - San Marcos, California

What amazing teachers, friendly staff, and caring students. Patient and compassionate teachings of a truly wonderful art of Kung Fu and Tai Chi where your goal is strength and protection while learning and respecting. The history. I highly recommend this school for personal internal advancement, self esteem and mental and physical conditioning. read more

Truly the best choice for martial arts for all ages and abilities. With so many choices and classes offered and many of them free like lion dancing no one else can compete. Instruction is top notch every day every time. Results are amazing they have transformed my son like magicians. Can't wait to watch him compete in the Dragon Cup. Thank you White Dragon San Marcos. read more

White Dragon Martial Arts - Tournament prep class taught by Sifu Vandergriff himself! - Martial Arts Near Me - San Marcos, California

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I knew nothing about martial arts except that it looked cool. One day I walked by White Dragon with my son and watched young children practicing. My son said he wanted to try it so after reading all the reviews we did the free trial. I had no idea what to expect... In just a half hour my son (only 4 1/2 at the time) went into a training room with an instructor and learned some self defense techniques that he then repeated in front of me. He was so focused and excited! I was beyond impressed. That was two years ago and he still enjoys going to Kung Fu. He loves learning something new from his teacher and coming home and demonstrating it to the family. He is confident and proud of what he has learned. Our family is very happy with White Dragon. The instructors are kind, caring, respectful, and professional. They work as a team. They love teaching and it shows. The children are very respectful of the teachers and each other. We are grateful to have found such a wonderful environment for our son. read more

We love this place. Our daughter has been taking classes for almost a month and has already learned a lot and has so much fun. The instructors are really nice and are all great with kids which isn't always easy to find. The atmosphere at this white dragon is really positive. You can tell from my other reviews that I am tough on businesses and expect excellent customer service but will give credit when credit is due. This place delivers. Thanks white dragon. read more

This place is amazing! I walked in with my son just to check it out and he loves it. When it comes time to leave I have to pry him out the door. The entire staff is very friendly and professional, and they are great with kids! I am recovering from knee surgery, but plan on starting tai chi as part of my physical therapy once cleared from my doc. read more

The instructor's here are very enthusiastic and really know their stuff! This school is also well kept and clean. Its nice to have a clean training environment to exercise in. read more

Was curious to check out what it would be like to try out Kung Fu so I decided to give White Dragon a go. Upon coming to the school and checking it out I worked with Michael Lester who is one of the head instructors. Michael took his time explaining and walking through the history of the school, the martial art itself, and what the school has to offer. He and I did two private lessons together and he was very patient to work around and with physical limitations that I have due to previous surgeries, and also gave some advice on other techniques I could use. The other instructors I met there were also great and willing to help as well. And as a teacher myself I couldn't help but watch the kids classes and saw how they ran it. It was very structured and teachers checked for understanding of the kids while providing a fun learning environment. White Dragon Martial Arts is definitely a good place to start martial arts if you're looking for something fun and taught by knowledgeable teachers like Michael. read more

White Dragon is so awesome to get fit and have a good workout. In this location the teachers are chill and nice and the students are too. I know 2 people from my instructor training class (Gio Lachica and Shane Desfor) they're really nice and cool to talk to. Sifu Vandergriff is so awesome I've known him for more than 4 years before he was Sifu. He was also my intro lesson instructor. I'm from the Clairemont school but I've gone in the place for lion dancing but every time I go inside this place I feel like I'm home outside of home read more

I liked this place but after 2 of our 3 introduction classes, they seemed to lose interest in my son. They never even returned our phone calls for the 3rd session. Would have been 5 stars and they would have had a customer - if they called back. Bummer! read more

We had a White Dragon tai chi class for our employees; the instructor was awesome, he carefully explained the moves, poses, positions and was very good. A lot of us never took a tai chi class before, but White Dragon explained the history, moves, flow of energy and positions. read more

I wanted to provide an update to my original review of White Dragon San Marcos. At times when new activities are introduced excitement and enthusiasm take over, then after a period of time the enthusiasm fades and the interest dies down either because the activity becomes dull or the business fails to deliver the quality of service that was originally promised when sold on services. I have ran into this problem before with other companies and it is always disappointing when the level of service diminishes (almost instantly) once they have captured your money and have you locked in as a customer. This is not true however with White Dragon. After nearly 4 months of training, the service we recieve is still consistantly excellent. My daughter is just as happy, motivated and inspired as the first day she joined the White Dragon team and I'm amazed at how much she has learned and accomplished in such a short period of time. I'm so pleased with what my daughter has gained as a student here that I have decided to join the White Dragon San Marcos team as well. Not only is the level of service excellent and the training top notch but in addition we have been given opportunities to participate in other White Dragon events such as tournaments, banquets and Master Classes to provide additional training and team building. I find this truly unique and a fabulous way to not only build upon developing skill but to keep the students engaged and enthusiastic about the school and training. All I can say is well done WDSM, keep up the great work and thank you for leaving us with a smile on our face each and everytime we leave your school. WDSM ROCKS!! read more

The Sifu at this school and the instructors are by far hard working and really helpful! Sifu V I have known and trained with for a few years and he is a very helpful and fantastic man. He's always got a smile on his face and is great with people of all ages! I have always had a positive experience with him! The instructors here also always are willing to help if they are not busy and will push you beyond your limits! Miss.Strasser and all the instructors are wonderful people to work with! They train so hard and if they don't have answers to any questions they will ask Sifu and they will find it for any student! The performance of this school is beyond amazing and I am proud to have worked with most everyone at this school! It's truly amazing and an honor to have to opportunity to train with all these people! I have been part of white dragon for 10 years and Sifu V is just one amazing humble man! I would definitely recommend anyone who wants a challenge, a great workout and friendly vibes to check out this school! It's really unlike anything else. With the unique private lessons and one on one instructors! It's truly an amazing school to be at and they work with you at your pace of learning! It's beautiful and amazing! Thank you Sifu V and all the white dragon instructors for such a wonderful and friendly training environment! I appreciate working with you and everyone! read more

My wife and I noticed the White Dragon San Marcos location one day when shopping at a local grocery store. Both of us have background in various Martial Arts forms, and both being active duty we were interested but skeptical. We both wanted something challenging, both physically and intellectually. We did our research and decided to pay a visit to their location. My initial impression of the staff was they are amazingly energetic and passionate about what they do. I can say after a few months of studying here, my impression still holds and my wife and I found the challenge we were looking for. They have a program for the young and old, and from the most novice to the most experienced. They are quick to find a way to teach to YOU, and use your experience and knowledge to help you understand and capture what they are teaching. Very impressive staff and facilities, and schedule flexibility are hallmarks of this company. I can't recommend them enough. read more

Very professional.....They have been more than cooperative in working around my son's crazy schedule. The facility is kept very clean and they always greet you with a smile. Like other posters have said, the atmosphere is very positive. The price is not cheap but you get what you pay for... read more

Have been coming here for over a year and my son continues to like coming here. From Kung Fu, weapons training and now lion dancing he has many opportunities. read more

My son joined the San Marcos site 6 months ago. We had a pleasant first few months with his wonderful instructor. My son though lost interest not to long after starting and didn't wait to go anymore. We kept him in saying try a little longer and you may end up liking it. However, he didn't and started fighting us about going . He had just started school and wanted to join school sports with all his friends. I had called to schedule a meeting with there head guy to talk about stoping our session. When I walked in right away the guy had a attitude with me because he knew I wanted to cancel my son sessions. I sat there and he basically lectured me on how parents come in and tell him all the time there kids don't want to do this anymore, but if we let them quiet things they will become quieters in life with everything. I understand you shouldn't always quiet things, but if my sons really not happy and into it I'm not paying all this money for him to hate it. The head guys was so rude to me the whole time I was in talking with him. I don't think anyone should ever be treated that way! I was a customer and had told people how I liked the place , but it wasn't for my son. Now I would never refer anyone to this place because of how I was treated!! They guy had a bad attitude and horrible manners. read more