World Martial Arts Association

(33 reviews)

0.3 mi

I trained at Serao for 1.5 years while getting my master's at Stanford. This academy has a special…read moreplace in my heart as it is where I started my BJJ journey - I've learned a ton here and signed up for my first two competitions while training here! I mainly attended the no-gi & wrestling classes, but both the gi and no-gi instruction was great. On the surface, Serao is a friendly, humorous and fun place to train for hobbyists. People are nice, it is kid-friendly, and bad behavior gets rooted out immediately. Leo goes out of his way to create a safe training environment (he'll match sparring partners himself) regardless of skill, size, or gender. The instructors are great and care about your development. Underneath the surface, you'll find a small, tight knit group of competitors that train intensely and compete at an extremely high level. There's something for everyone here, I'd highly recommend it and as a bonus, parking here is extremely easy and accessible. Will miss this place!

My kids love going here! They have been in it for almost two years and it has done wonderful things…read morefor their self esteem! Thank you Coach Leo and Coach Gustavo!

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KravZone

(76 reviews)

5.2 mi

Certified professionals

Locally owned & operated

My daughter and I really enjoy doing the Krav and cub classes. My only complaint is that our class…read morestarts late almost every time and the time does not get made up because another class starts right afterwards. I do agree that it's good to warm up before starting classes but I feel that there might be too much time running back-and-forth. Occasionally it feels like a way to keep us busy while they are speaking to other people. We've had a couple classes with Beth, she is very nice and patient with the little ones. Travis was our main coach for a few months and I can tell the older kids work better with him. They only have beginner and advanced classes. It would be nice to have an intermediate class as well. I think in general more classes would be helpful as you cannot graduate to certain belts unless you are taking two classes a week. We signed up for a year and will plan to continue for as long as possible. I do recommend this place. * updated to add that now that school has started, they just brought in another trainer (Shlomi) to teach the older kids since the class size has doubled. He is very good at teaching new techniques properly. I feel that he is the best match for my yellow belt 8 year old.

I cannot recommend KravZone highly enough, especially for parents looking to enroll their children…read morein Krav Maga classes. My experience with their kids' program has been nothing short of exceptional, hats off to the incredible instructor, Travis! From day one, it was evident that Travis was not only highly skilled in Krav Maga but also knew the knack of teaching and working with children. Whether a child was struggling with a technique or excelling at it, Travis was present very watchfully, providing guidance, support, and positive reinforcement. One of the things that stood out to me the most was Travis's ability to create a supportive and encouraging environment for the kids. Moreover, he has a unique talent for breaking down complex techniques into simple, easy-to-understand steps, making it accessible and observable for children of all skill levels. What stood out to me in particular was his own values, principles and attitude which in my opinion are of paramount importance especially while teaching life skills to others. Beyond his technical expertise, Travis also instilled important values such as team work, discipline, respect, and self-confidence in the children. Through his teaching, my child not only gained valuable self-defense skills but also developed a sense of empowerment and self-assurance that extends beyond the mat. Beth, who is also an instructor and helps with the front desk, is extremely patient and helpful with any questions and a great teacher herself from the classes I've observed! If you're considering enrolling your child in Krav Maga classes, look no further than Krav Zone!

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Mountain View Aiki Kai

(14 reviews)

1.0 mi

I stumbled upon the Mountain View Aiki school about 3 years ago, somewhat unexpectedly. I had been…read morefeeling like I was out of touch with my body, and after trying a class and meeting the rather unusual Lunia Sensei, I decided to embark on this martial arts journey with the goal of 'moving my body and becoming stronger'. Right away Lunia Sensei told me that, if I'm just looking to build physical strength / muscle, I might want to look at local gyms or some place else. But I was actually looking to build both inner and outer strength and to get to know myself better on all levels - body, mind, spirit. And as it turns out, that was exactly the kind of training and education that this school offered. 'Aiki' means 'harmony', and that is what we try to embody in everything we do - techniques, strikes, the way we walk and move. Sometimes the things that Sensei (or the students, with the right guidance) can pull off look like magic, as they can be so effortless. For example, I am a very slim woman with not a lot of arm strength, but with an accurate targeting of certain anatomical points and visualization of energy flow, and movement of my own body in support of that, I can unbalance a guy much bigger than me without using too much force. Each body type - big, small, slim, tall, muscular, etc. - has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it's about each person developing a deep understanding of their own body and finding harmony within themselves and with others. As in dojo, so in life. The learnings go much beyond martial applications and carry over to daily life, should one choose so. There is a big focus on personal development mentally, psychologically and spiritually, as we incorporate reading and discussions, as well as a unique blend of traditional Asian philosophies / practices into our training. As much as the student is willing to invest, the school provides guidance and opens appropriate doors. That being said, I think even if someone just wanted a weekly workout or a simple self-defense training, they would find value in this very unique school. Class sizes are pretty small (2 - 6 students), so there is plenty of opportunity to work directly with the instructor and ask questions. We do a lot of partner work and get to experience how the concepts and techniques work on different bodies. We explore grabs, strikes, locks, throws, weapons, multi-person combat, etc, and also do breathing exercises, rolls, core strengthening, leg workouts, etc. Overall, so much amazing knowledge is available at your disposal, and it's a matter of asking for it and choosing one's own path. I think there is something here for everyone who is truly seeking.

I have been training at Mountain View Aiki Kai for one year now and it is an understatement to say…read morethat I feel extremely fortunate to have found this school, it's students, and Sensei Lunia. This is not an ordinary school for ordinary people and there is something very special about that. The culture that Sensei Lunia has created is one of community and collaboration. Not only is Sensei Lunia a master at his craft and an excellent teacher that cares for his students, he also shares the opportunity to be exposed to various types of martial arts at a high level which is a very unique feature of this school. I 100% recommend Mountain View Aiki Kai to anyone who is interested in learning a martial art. Give it a try!

The senior students work out in the remote reaches of the John Muir train... 6 am workout at the 1000 Island Lake

Working on balance and strength

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Strength, Discipline, Commitment to train for an integral connection with all of Life

T2 Muay Thai

(25 reviews)

0.2 mi

Update: I'm still…read morehere - 6 years later. Ryan continues to provide a high quality, intense workout. There are now afternoon classes available which offers a bit more flexibility since the evening classes get full. It's amazing to see how much Ryan has grown his business. Even after all these years, you can see that he is still very passionate about teaching. Everyone is still super friendly, supportive, and helpful. This is a true testament to the brand that Ryan has built at T2 Muay Thai. Thank you, Ryan - I know you don't hear it quite enough.

Though I live pretty far (Santa Cruz Mountains), I still have been trying to drop in and take…read moreclasses every couple of weeks. Ryan is top tier! Got a few of my coworkers to start attending now as well and they also really like Ryan's coaching and the atmosphere of the class

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TaeKwon Kids

(50 reviews)

1.4 mi

We absolutely love Taekwonkids. Our family has been part of the Taekwonkids community for the past…read morefour years and we feel incredibly fortunate to have found such a special studio. The instructors are caring, encouraging, fun and genuinely invested in each student's growth, not only as Taekwondo students, but as confident and resilient young people. They take the time to get to know each child and create an environment where every student feels supported and valued. What truly sets Taekwonkids apart is the strong sense of community they foster among families. Events like the Winter Festival and Summer BBQ bring all of the families together and make everyone feel welcomed and connected. The positive and supportive atmosphere has helped our children build confidence, discipline and perseverance. We are so grateful to be part of this community and cannot imagine being anywhere else. We wholeheartedly recommend Taekwonkids to any family looking for an exceptional program.

This place rocks with community feeling that every kid needs while learning respect, gratitude and…read moreof course a martial art and self defense . Elizabeth , who is at the front and answers the phone is brilliant . It's because if her professionalism and warmth that got us to do a trial . My 9 yo is connecting with the staff and wants to come back . TK kids makes that connection and also helps the community when needed. I'm a fan and my daughter enjoys the studio. Win win for our family and a true investment into her as a respectful, kind, goal oriented adult . Sign up now like we did.

Large & Bright Training Area

A confident Taekwon Kid!

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JG Academy - Los Altos

(55 reviews)

1.4 mi

I was in town for work and dropped in for a class. Clean facilities with dedicated changing rooms…read moreand a large and open mat space. The 1hr class dove straight into a short sequence, breaking it down into digestible pieces. The last 20 minutes or so of class was live sparring. Friendly instructor and students- great vibes.

Group class for age 4-7 is unlimited classes for $170/mo. 30 minutes 4x a week. Mon-Thurs at 5pm…read more The trial we went to was around 10 kids and 3 instructors. They spend maybe 20 minutes on conditioning exercises moving across the floor doing crab walks or summersaults or butt kicks and then like 10 minutes on the floor in pairs practicing a technique.

Bjj, brazilian Jiu Jitsu, jiu jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

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Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Gold Medal

4.7

(18 reviews)

2.3 mi

Small class sizes ensure my son learns the correct form for every move. The instructors are kind…read moreand patient yet firm, and they teach the kids to have respect for themselves as well as others. My son gets a good workout each class, and he is learning important skills. Such a great place.

We absolutely love this program! We joined in 2023 and my two boys (ages 9 and 11) are thrilled to…read morego to classes four days a week. Master Carlos is magic with children and is not only an excellent Tae Kwon Do teacher, but also acts as a mentor to the kids. He works wonders with kids of all ages and abilities; I have seen more than one child come in with no natural ability and become self-confident, morivated and skilled. I cannot recommend it more.

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Most Dope Submission Grappling

(7 reviews)

2.6 mi

I highly recommend Most Dope Submission Grappling. Whether you are a beginner with no experience at…read moreall, or a seasoned competitor at the highest level, Coach Mikey and the team at Most Dope can help you improve in multiple areas. I have trained for near a decade and have been at Most Dope for two years. Coach Mikey has helped me in so many aspects of my Jiu Jitsu. He truly cares about his students and staying ahead on all aspects of technique. He is hands down one of the best No-Gi coaches you will find anywhere Across the US.

I dropped in on a Thursday evening for their "Ecological Approach Training" class and I'm still…read morethinking about how good it was. Instead of the usual "let's smash for 90 minutes" vibe, the session was 100% focused: warm up with purposeful movement drills, 30 minutes of high repetition positional work, live rounds with specific rules and immediate coach feedback, then a cool down with breathing and recovery. Zero ego, zero injuries, maximum progress. I left feeling like I actually leveled up instead of just surviving rounds.

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Tandez Academy of Martial Arts

4.6

(44 reviews)

0.3 mi

I tried a few martial arts clubs before finding Tandez, and I immediately knew this was the right…read moreplace for me. I've now been training here for over a year. Before Tandez, I was with another club for seven years but wanted to explore something different. Tandez offers a range of martial arts, including Kali/Silat, Kali/Combat, Jeet Kune Do/MMA, and Boxing/Muay Thai. What truly sets this place apart is Sifu Tandez and his team of instructors. Sifu is a highly skilled, knowledgeable leader who genuinely cares about his students and their progress. The instructors are also exceptional--they're skilled, dedicated, and really know their stuff. I love coming here to learn; the training is practical, the atmosphere is friendly, and the group is always fun to be around.

I was really impressed with Sifu Adrian's level of expertise when I took his Self Defense seminar…read more It was free (a $75 value), so who can really complain? Upon arriving, I expected the participants to be entirely of newbies, but it was only me and another lady...and 3 other female students. The rest were strapping men. A lot of them... There was something intimidating when I was in the sea of academy students dressed in black. Grappling with a student scared me, but she was really friendly. The instruction of the seminar was very organized and informative, including a brief history of martial arts for us beginners. Initially, I was wondering how he could fill 4 hours, but there was no lag at all -- covering escape, submission, and pinning maneuvers. I wish I was able to pick up the moves as easily as others, but some maneuvers had a lot of steps to it and seemed a bit complicated for a non-active chica like myself. It was a Saturday afternoon well-spent. It was a little too much information all at once. I hope I have retained enough information to allow me to defend myself if I need it.

Learn Double Sticks Weapons Training for self-defense in our Kali Escrima group classes @ Tandez Academy.

Learn Wing Chun for self-defense in our JKD group classes @ Tandez Academy.

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Learn Grappling for self-defense in our JKD group classes @ Tandez Academy.

Transform Fitness Studio - Mountain View

(407 reviews)

1.8 mi

They are all so kind instructors. My core has been getting stronger. The front desk is very helpful…read morewith any questions.

Been going here for three years and love it! Favorite instructors are lindsay and rachelread more

Lagree

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Fun instructors!

Redwood Grove Nature Preserve

4.2

(119 reviews)

3.2 mi

If I need a place to get away and pray and meditate or just quiet my mind, take a walk or be in…read moreamazement at nature, this is one of my escapes. Let nature speak to your soul.

This is a nice little 6-acre open space area in a residential neighborhood. I like it because you…read moredon't have to go far into the hills to see the redwoods, it's close to town. A short boardwalk trail goes around the trees. The preserve has a trail to Shoup Park, it's about a mile there and back with the preserve loop trail. I think this place would be much better in the wintertime when the streams are full of water. In the summer it was dry and hot even in the shade. This would be a good place for a birder; I heard many birds throughout and saw a few woodpeckers.

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Rancho San Antonio Preserve

4.5

(778 reviews)

5.7 mi

I've done over half a dozen hikes here, including the treacherous black mountain trail, and I think…read morethis is one of the best hiking areas near Cupertino! Rancho San Antonio offers hikes for just about every level, and all of the trails are well maintained. Some of the higher elevation trails like the PG&E trail offer great views of Silicon Valley. Wildlife like turkeys can be seen along the trails.

First things first, if you don't come here early, expect to circle the numerous parking lots many,…read moremany times. The first time I came here years ago, couldn't find a spot so we left, then came back another time and lucked out. Most recently we spent about 30 minutes circling and going back and forth between all the lots before we finally got a spot. We considered leaving, but every time we tried to sit and look at a map to find somewhere else to go, a car would come up behind us and we'd have to move. So if you aren't a patient person, come early, or don't come. After our parking search nightmare was over, we were finally able to enjoy the beautiful trails and lovely farm. It was truly amazing how empty the trails felt with how many people and cars were there. We did the deer hollow loop trail which included the coyote trail, and we only came across a handful of other groups until we got to the farm. They have maps at the trial head, and many trails to choose from, so grab a map if you haven't been. The maps are small so it's kind of hard to tell where you are, but luckily the trail posts are numbered, so you can reference them on the map as your winding your way on the trails. We were pleasantly surprised by how many animals there were on the farm! There were goats, pigs, sheep, cows, ducks, geese, and chickens. It was fun to explore and watch all the animals grazing and roaming their pens. The farm is a decent trek from the parking lot, even though it is flat and there are paved areas you can walk, it does take some time to get back out from it.

Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve

Rancho San Antonio County Park & Open Space Preserve

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Rancho San Antonio County Park and Open Space Preserve

Shoreline Parklands At Mountain View

4.2

(27 reviews)

1.2 mi

Shoreline Parklands is one of the best "easy outdoor" spots in Mountain View. It's a big regional…read morepark by the Bay with a ton of space and different things to do. What I like: Free entry, huge free parking lot, and bathrooms. You can keep it simple with a walk or bike ride on the trails, or make it more of an activity day with the lake. The lake is manmade and they have a boathouse where you can rent equipment. Sailing, paddle boating, that kind of vibe. I've also seen the boathouse area used for group events, so it's good for a casual outing or even something organized. A few practical notes: It's mostly flat, which is great, but there's very little shade, so if it's sunny bring water and plan accordingly. Weekends can get crowded, especially when the weather is good. Overall, it's a clean, convenient park with enough variety that you can keep coming back and not get bored.

Meh. Open space at former dump that favors motor vehicles and bikes over walkers. Most paths are…read morepaved and the park seems obsessed with keeping pedestrians on them, a hallmark of industrial recreation. Most open areas are off limits supposedly to protect wildlife but Mountain View sold off habitat to Google.

Shoreline Parklands At Mountain View

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Shoreline Parklands

Decathlon Summer Sports Camp

(16 reviews)

3.0 mi

Fantastic summer camp. Well organized, great team with engaged and enthusiastic councilors. Most…read morecouncilors were campers themselves and want to come back.

My son and daughter just finished their second summer at Decathlon and asked me to sign them up now…read morefor next year. They come hope buzzing every day with stories to tell and play dates they want arranged with their new friends. The counselors and JC's are fantastic and I love the way they spread around the weekly awards to recognize as many kids as possible. The only problem is the kids don't want to go on summer vacation anymore - they're happy to stay in Decathlon all summer long. Keep up the great work! Alan Campion

Small groups with Counselor and Junior counselors.

Arts and crafts.

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Sports instruction and team play.

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9 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Kyle Q.

7 years ago

This martial arts studio is no joke. If you want real training for real life situations, Palo Alto is the way to go. West Coast World Martial Arts is a massive organization, and as such, some aspects stick out beyond others. Each school is independently owned, so each Master Instructor has the final say in how their school is run. Master Instructor KJN Peter uses this to great effect. We relocated to this school after the Mountain View location closed. From the very first day, we were welcomed and integrated. KJN Peter took us under his wing, and then told us everything would be different. And it most definitely was. The instructors are strict but educational, in a way that even observers can appreciate. They give feedback often, and never hesitate to correct a mistake, even if it seems obvious. In this way, they ensure the foundations of the students are strong, and that they never forget their roots. They taught us more than enough to earn us our black belts this October. We gladly recommend this location to anyone who is truly interested in self-improvement of the mind and body alike! read more

Iron L.

3 years ago

Embarking on our first martial arts journey as a family (two kids, dad and mom, too!) has been nothing short of transformative. Witnessing our boys transition from hesitant to eagerly anticipating their first belt test has been such a wonderful experience. The studio's high-quality, family-friendly program has not only introduced us to martial arts but also become a hub for fostering life skills, resilience, and self-confidence in our boys ages 8 and 10. As first-timers in our mid-40s, we feel fortunate to have found more than just a martial arts program--thanks to the exceptional owner and main instructor, Peter, who imparts invaluable life lessons to our boys. Peter's genuine care for each student goes beyond the studio walls; he takes the time to understand our family's goals and tailors his approach accordingly. This personal touch has made our experience not just a journey to belts but a transformative exploration of our capabilities, guided by someone who genuinely believes in our family's potential. Thank you, Peter! read more

Samir H.

255

17 years ago

All I can say is this place is top notch. When you come in you can tell its a family atmosphere. What I really like is that this studio has a lot of teenagers training at night. Most of the Karate Schools I looked at had possibly 8 to 10 adults training. As if that was nt bad enough the workouts were very boring. Kicking the air, barley breaking a sweat, and learning blocks that I could never use in a realistic way. This studio shattered my thoughts on "Karate." They teach realistic methods and I feel great! I've only been training for 4 months and i am feeling stronger than I did when I was 20. As for the staff, I consider them as friends. For the kids program I was amazed. 4 year old children smiling wearing protective gear and throwing knees to the body of each other. They have family programs that are very economical. Call them up and see it for yourself. This is the BEST martial arts school in the Mt. View and Palo Alto area. read more

Anne F.

7 years ago

West Coast Martial Arts in Palo Alto is an excellent school for kids (and adults) to learn mixed martial arts but also discipline, respect, resilience, and hard work. Peter Malik leads a team of highly qualified and dedicated instructors who always have the kids' best interest at heart. The program is rigorous but emphasize on the process rather than the end goal. It focuses on learning and perfecting the techniques. Kids are indeed well prepared when testing for the next level belt. As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a very family-oriented place, welcoming, open, and supportive. Both my sons are attending the program and they are always eager to come to class. read more

miguel r.

17 years ago

My kids and I have been training here for the last 4 years. They have excellent Kid, Junior, and Adult programs with a wide range of available classes. Personally from their xfit class I have lost 20lbs in the past 4 months and I enjoy the way the classes are run. They combine boxing and kickboxing techniques with cardio as well as grappling. I also have an 8 year old and an 11 year old who have been training at west coast for over 6 years. The balance between curriculum and fitness are perfect for my taste. If you're looking for a well balanced school that has good kid and adult programs this is the school for you read more

Habte M.

6 years ago

The instructors are amazing and supportive. They care about teaching the students an extreme amount so we can reach our full potential. As you get into more advanced belt levels, their curriculum becomes more fun. Here we learn a combination of all styles of fighting, preparing us for scenarios in real life in case we are ever in threat of someone else. Training here became a hobby and I couldn't live without it. -Habte Martone, a 12-year-old student who takes classes here at West Coast World Martial Arts Association. He is a Red-Black belt. read more

Kayhons A.

17 years ago

I began training here since 2000 and a lot has changed since I first started. They moved locations from Old Middlefield Rd to Rengstorff ave a few years ago and now the school is under a new owner, but the classes are just as good if not better. Training is high energy and makes me want to keep coming back for more. I would definitely recommend this school to any man, woman, or child. Well balanced classes that are friendly to all. read more

Harrianne M.

4 years ago

This is, by far, the best place for your child to learn not just martial arts, but all that goes with it, including self-discipline, confidence and passion about athleticism. Peter is an instructor who really cares about what he does and he does an excellent job teaching lasting life lessons to his students as well. The progress our son has made at his World Martial Arts school and in his program with Peter has been amazing. read more

Suzanna L.

5 years ago

My 17 & 16 years old kids with WMA under Peter's roof for the +12 years and they are both 3rd degree black belt. Peter & his instructor teams are great and they are more looking into students quality instead of quantity. It is a great place for kids to not only have fun, but also continues of him/herself improvement, team work, caring, sharing, and respecting. read more

World Martial Arts Association - martialarts - Updated August 2026

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(58 reviews)

I highly recommend ABK. My kids have grown so much - mentally and physically - at America's Best…read moreKarate. They look forward to every class. My son has been there for 5 years and my daughter started about a year ago. What's wonderful about ABK is that the instructors lead with love and kindness and pride themselves on inclusivity and a welcoming environment. And even so, they have high expectations and instill discipline and focus. We love it. The classes have helped my kids with core strength, balance, resilience, working memory and other executive functioning skills, all in a fun setting with peers. I've taken some adult classes too and it's been phenomenal for my focus, mindful movement, and strength. We are huge fans of ABK and I'm happy to chat more about the program with anyone interested. Call them for a free trial any time.

My 8yr old son looks forward to his classes, the instructors are super attentive . They provide a…read morespace to learn while still having fun

Silicon Valley Shotokan Karate

(30 reviews)

My 5-year old son has been curious to practice Karate and this school has been amazing. John Sensei…read moreis an experienced teacher who has a knack working with kids. My son naturally felt the inclination to attend class 2x a week consistantly which I thought was interesting for a younger fellow. I see the kids learning and enjoying themselves for many years and beyond here.

If you're considering a physical activity for yourself or your kids, or if you are serious about…read morekarate and want to raise your level, this is a fantastic option. Sensei Jon is a 7th degree black belt who has studied karate in Japan. He has advanced Phys Ed qualifications and besides running this dojo, he also teaches at Stanford. He has decades of teaching experience, a lot of energy and infectious enthusiasm and is just an all around positive person. He's really good at encouraging class participation, throwing new challenges at us to keep our skills growing, making us think and coming up with fresh themes and activities in every class. The general class is mixed level, and he succeeds in keeping it interesting for the beginners like me as well as the many advanced black and brown belts who also attend these classes. The overall atmosphere is very friendly and welcoming and I always feel at home in this group of people. The dojo is spacious and well equipped. There's also a good quality video feed for remote classes, which are very useful for times when you can't make it in person. My two daughters have been with this dojo for over a decade: the younger started in first grade and is now a senior in high school. Both of them rose from beginner to brown belt in that amount of time. They told me the children's classes are similar to the adult ones but with more fun game type activities and less focus on self defense applications. This isn't only for learning karate itself, but also positive attitudes and study habits. A couple of years back, after seeing my daughters benefit from these classes, and getting on in years and needing to focus more on my health, I decided to start myself. I saw it as a physical activity that would cover a balanced combination of exercises without being too boring. I've never been athletically inclined and wasn't expecting to get good at this or enjoy it, but it's definitely surpassed all possible expectations and I've learned many basics and feel inspired to learn more. The health benefits have been major and obvious. It has helped me improve my overall fitness, played a big role in my lifestyle changes that allowed me to overcome issues like high blood pressure, and given me greater stamina and agility which are very noticeable whenever I do anything physical. The Monday adult classes, taught by black belts Mark-san and Chris-san, are a great time to get more individual attention and work on application ideas and fine points of technique. I never want to miss these classes and feel they have contributed a lot to my improvement.

AllStar Kung Fu

4.3

(15 reviews)

I enrolled my two children at Allstar last summer after visiting a couple other kung fu schools in…read morethe area. My daughter never really took to it, but my son absolutely loves his lessons. What I like best about this school is that it isn't as "militant" as some of the other studios. We had our kids take a trial class at another studio, and the instructors were hollering at them and slapping their hands when they didn't position themselves properly - all during the first 5 minutes of kung fu instruction of their lives . Now, I know that this could be considered normal kung fu teaching, and I will admit that my children were not bothered and the slaps didn't appear painful. But still, I wanted a more friendly atmosphere in which my children would learn. Allstar Kung Fu turned out to be just the place. The instructors were gentle but firm during the trial lesson. My son has now been taking lessons for about 9 months, and the instructors' demeanor and attitude continue to be positive. For younger students, such as my son, they take them time to walk them through new techniques. They give praise when appropriate, which helps encourage students to work harder. With the older students, who should be more focused and disciplined, they are definitely more strict and less tolerant of disruptive behavior, but they still make it a fun experience. Another thing that is nice about this school is that there is a lot of flexibility in the lesson times, at least for those in the early stages (yellow belt and below). Basically, you sign up for a certain number of lessons per week - for example, one lesson per week - and you can show up whenever there is an class that is appropriate to your child's (or your own) level. That is, you don't have to choose Saturday at 10:00 as your fixed lesson time - you can show up on Saturday morning on one week and Sunday afternoon the next. If you go out of town for a week, you can make up the missed class by simply going twice in a single week. At higher skill levels, there is less flexibility, probably because there are fewer students that persevere to these higher levels of achievement. The school is conveniently located in Sunnyvale, across the parking lot from a decent Asian grocery store (King's Seafood; see my review for that place) and across the street from Sprouts Farmers Market. So while your child is taking his or her lesson, you can get a bit of grocery shopping done.

My daughter joined the Kung Fu practice at the studio and really enjoys it. Since there are many…read moreboy and girl students & the masters are friendly, the studio provides a fun yet disciplined training environment. The Master runs the studios like a big family and everybody is very friendly and encouraging. Since the Sunnyvale location opened this year, she has been a regular there 2 times per week.

Kimoo Martial Arts

(11 reviews)

Best Martial arts in Santa Clara. Master Hwang has studied and practiced martial arts for over 40…read moreyears and he shares all his knowledge to each of his students. He also helped me with my back pain and wrist pain by doing acupuncture. If you are looking something to get fit then no look further!!

Our son has been going to Kimoo Martial Arts for several years now (he's now a purple belt) and we…read moreall highly recommend! He has tae kwon do classes three days per week and really enjoys it. Master Huang and Master Louie really care for the students and we appreciate the family/community feel.

Sunnyvale Martial Arts Academy

4.4

(65 reviews)

Sunnyvale MAA is so much more than a martial arts after-school activity for our family. It has…read morebecome a true community that we are incredibly grateful to be a part of. From the very first visit, something felt different here. Nearly three years ago, I had explored another martial arts studio in Sunnyvale, and the experience felt impersonal and it just didn't feel like a place where my kids would truly belong. I didn't experience any of that at Sunnyvale MAA -- not on day one, and not now. What sets this place apart is the people. The instructors and the entire team here genuinely care -- not just about teaching technique, but about every single child as an individual. I have two kids enrolled, and I'm consistently amazed that all of the instructors know little details about both of my children, even the ones who haven't directly taught them. That level of attentiveness and personal connection is rare, and it speaks volumes about the culture and team have built here. My oldest started hesitantly, he told me he only wanted to make it to his second belt. That was his ceiling. Fast forward almost two years, and he is now setting his sights on black belt. That transformation didn't happen by accident. It happened because the instructors strike such a thoughtful balance of discipline, encouragement, and genuine support. They push the kids to grow while making sure they feel safe, seen, and celebrated along the way. Watching his confidence soar has been one of the most rewarding things I've witnessed as a parent. And the impact is contagious. My youngest spent nearly a year watching her brother thrive on that mat, and she couldn't wait any longer, she recently joined the Little Dragons program and absolutely loves it. Seeing both my kids light up when they walk through those doors, excited to see their friends and their KJNs, says everything. The community here is welcoming, inclusive, and warm in a way that is hard to put into words but impossible to miss. If you are on the fence about enrolling your child, come watch a class. You'll feel it immediately, and so will they.

My daughter started at SVMAA when she was 5, in the Little Dragons class. We initially enrolled her…read moreto help build her body confidence, and now, four years later at age 9, she's gained so much more: confidence in herself, perseverance, and discipline. She's now part of the performance team, where her teachers continue to push her growth not just in martial arts skills, but in teamwork, mental resilience, and leadership. The care that the owner and instructors put into their school is clear in everything they do. The teaching is structured and challenging, with high expectations, yet always warm, kind, and adaptable to each child's needs. The curriculum and expectations are clearly communicated, and the class schedule is very flexible, with multiple sessions offered for each level throughout each day to ensure that each family can choose the schedule that works best for them. I'm so grateful for SVMAA. It's an incredible community that has brought out the best in my daughter.

US Taekwondo Academy

4.6

(23 reviews)

Excellent school for teaching your kids military obedience by having them yelled at in a seriously…read moreviolated English with Korean intonation. She was screaming 'don't look at the mirror' which is pretty much all one can do when 50% of the wall is one big mirror. I don't like anyone screaming at me, I imagine it's the same for the kids. Attend the classes if you plan on moving to a totalitarian dictatorship. Send your kid if you are of the opinion that martial art equals reciting memorized propaganda about power, endoctrinating students, student shaming. Note that the same rigor does not apply to language acquisition of the teacher!

Both of our kids were here for 10 months now. It's been an excellent experience! One of my kid has…read morea learning difference and the master has been taking extra care for him.

Diego Herzog Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

4.8

(17 reviews)

I was looking for a traditional jiu jitsu gym where I could get instruction from the person on the…read morename of the gym. Professor Diego was able to deliver on that. He teaches every class and also spars with us regularly. His studio has a welcoming vibe, and it seems to attract those who are genuinely trying to learn and improve. Professor Diego has students of every belt color, so there is no shortage of people to learn from and get rounds in with.

Joining Silicon Valley BJJ was like finding the secret level in a video game--unexpected and…read moretotally awesome. The team is like a family that wants to see you level up, whether you're competing or just working on your fitness. Diego's knowledge is so extensive, he's basically the Yoda of BJJ, and he teaches in a way that even a sleep-deprived zombie could understand.

Santa Clara Kenpo Academy

(17 reviews)

I love this place. Not overcrowded, supportive and inspiring environment. My son loves it too! He…read moreis always happy after a class.

One of the best parts of my day is my martial arts journey at Santa Clara Kenpo. I have been at…read morethe school over five years, and it's the best martial arts school I have ever attended. It has a warm family atmosphere with highly knowledgeable instructors. I had started martial arts at a very young age and had been in and out of it through my teens and early 20's. Twenty-five years later, when I decided that I needed to think more about my health, I knew that running on a treadmill wasn't for me. I decided to resume my martial arts journey and found a home at Santa Clara Kenpo.

TaeKwon Kids

(50 reviews)

Dasalla’s Martial Arts