World Oyama Karate

(15 reviews)

3.8 mi

Sensei is great and works well with both adults and kids in the class!!! My son loves it!!!read more

I started practicing karate at this dojo about 3 years ago, and the time has gone by so quickly I…read morecan hardly believe it. I have made some great friends here and I think it really speaks to the quality of Sensei Tomiyama-- not just as an instructor, but as a guy who lives the philosophy that he teaches-- that really talented and compassionate people come to practice here. I can also probably say that I'm in the best shape of my life since joining, and that no two classes are ever the same. I could go on and on, but let me just end by saying that if you are considering learning an authentic martial art taught by a dedicated practitioner, you could do yourself no harm dropping by the dojo to try out a class and see what its all about.

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Shockness Shotokan

(12 reviews)

4.1 mi

I strongly recommend this dojo as a great place to learn karate and get in good shape…read more I've been training with Sensei Shockness for more than two years, starting as a complete beginner to karate and progressing to blue belt (intermediate) so far. I really enjoy the practice because it is a challenging workout and I enjoy hanging out with the other people in the dojo. I also really like the sparring that happens by the end of almost every class. This is a small dojo and a community - most people know each other by name. It is Karate-"do" dojo which means that it teaches not only the physical parts of karate but also the ideas of karate. As such, it enforces certain rules of behavior and mutual respect, and certain level of discipline. It is a great workout and it has developed my core and leg strength, and made me quite a bit more flexible. Practice is usually 2 hours long and includes work on stances, blocks and strikes, practice of forms (kata), strenth drills, and free sparring (kumite) with protective gear. As a software engineer I find it really helpful way to unwind from stress of work by focusing on the excerices. It works better for me than lifting weights in the gym. Sensei Shockness is 6th degree black belt and has won numerous tournaments of Karate. He has 40+ years of experience and really knows karate deeply and thoroughly and has won a lot of tournaments. He is really good at teaching sparring and I've enjoyed learning sparring from him. There are other great things anout the dojo - tournaments, special classes, guest instructors, holiday parties.

There was a time when the instructor, Shihan Wayne Shockness, was a generous, understanding, and…read morealso physically skilled martial artist. I quit this April because he became very unprofessional, was fooling around a lot instead of actually teaching, was verbally abusing and cursing at me to give him money for his personal expenses such as food, medical bills, etc. after I already paid the $250 a month dojo fee, was abusing me because I did not meet all his expectations for personal favors such as helping him move and set up furniture at his apartment, and throwing insults me with baseless allegations and projections of what he is doing, because I didn't meet all his selfish requests for money and personal favors that have nothing to do with Karate. He verbally abuses people for selfish gain and returns favors with disrespect, cursing, false accusations, and verbal abuse. When I gave an example of a time when I was always available for him, by buying him medicine and masks when he was sick, he said: "No you did not. I called you to buy me medicine and set up my chair. After you brought me the food and medicine, and did the bedsheets, and I needed you to set up the chair you left and I am standing there. You went and did whatever. It took me three hours to put that chair together." Shihan continued, "I said I will never ask you for help again. That shows your bad attitude." On December 21, 2025, Shockness asked me, "Can I have $20?" I said I could not and needed to take care of myself. He persisted in asking and insulting me. "Can I have $20? You need to stop being cheap." As he persisted, I would just respond to him in the same way and he would disrespect in the same way. After a pause, Shockness continued. "I have big problems. God. You are disgusting. You know that? You bitch about spending $20. I have people who actually care about me. They spend hundreds of dollars on me for a new TV. Unlike you, I actually do have students that care about me." I said his type of humor does not get old on me. "You need to stop being so cheap and selfish. People are going to hate you and resent you. Seriously? You think this is a joke? You just want to take." By saying the following, he is trying to propagate an upside down reality that I am somehow the "selfish" one. He curses and uses insults that are projections of what he is doing onto me, which mental health experts describe as narcissistic, emotional manipulation, and deflecting of the offender's character defects to the victim. "Your heart is void, It is not about the money, you dumb piece of ****. I am showing you how to be a good person. You are rude. You are disrespectful. Change your attitude. You bitched to me once that you spent $30 on food. Neriah and Helen spent hundreds. They never once came up to me with the same disrespect." Shihan Shockness's inappropriate behaviors include abusive speech, cursing, raising voice aggressively, abusing people for for selfish gain (money and personal expenses), repeatedly making unwanted requests for money and personal expenses even after answering some requests, lying, falsely accusing, distorting events to project "selfishness" onto me when he is clearly the one who is self-centered, refusing to make things right with people who were victimized, and stealing (refusing to give back $250 for cancelled classes). Shihan Shockness's inappropriate and blatantly abusive behaviors are completely contradictory to the core values of Shotokan Karate, which include respect, discipline, and integrity. I encourage him to take this opportunity for reflection and growth. Care for Shihan, but do not invest in his self-indulgence. He takes no responsibility for his immoral and abusive actions, and refuses to reconcile despite me reaching out to his friend and him. Instead, he pressures his dojo members to disassociate with me through unfriending me online. I wrote this review as a last resort.

Wayne Shockness Sensei competing in a international karate championships in Las Vegas Nevada

Student competing in South San Francisco karate championships

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Training in Japan at Main Dojo

Manuel's Renshinkan Karate

(16 reviews)

3.0 mi

My niece has been taking karate classes here for over 5 years. This school, the instructors and the…read moreentire community that revolves them are amazing. The lessons they teach students goes beyond self-defense. Here, you child will learn service to others, self-discipline, commitment to excellence, pushing beyond your limits and more. SUPER CLEAN too.

I went down two jean sizes from in a 2-month time frame…read more That should be enough to convince you to train with ryan right? If not here are some more awesome things about ryan gonzalez's personal training and bootcamps and manuel's renshikan. Personal Training- Ryan's workouts are intense. It is very challenging and he will make you work. The hour goes by really fast because it is non-stop. I came to him to prepare for my wedding and When I started my joints were clicking and my knees were messed up. the best part is not only will he tell you how to work out, he will also teach you a lot of stuff on how to correct yourself to be better and stop having pains and aches. I train 2x a week and do cardio on my own. Ryan has secrets on the best cardio workouts you can do on your own as well. Bootcamp- saturdays are 1 hour circuits. 9-10am. Also intense. Barely any rest but thats why its called a workout and not sleeping in. Be warned: this is no joke. But if you are a beginner he will actually give you alternatives to ease you into them. And at $10 its a very good deal. Sundays- boxing/kickboxing. They're long 9-10:30ish. I recommend Bringing your own gloves. If you wanna jumpstart your weight-loss or just to change up your workout routines, i highly recommend boxing. And if you just wanna punch people and stuff this will also be fun for you. Karate- I personally did tae kwon do at Lawler's but as far as I can see from the classes this school is great for kids or anyone to learn karate. The teachers are very nice and you can tell that this is their passion just by watching them teach. I believe they compete a lot so that can be great for you or your child. The End

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Quantum Martial Arts

(57 reviews)

3.1 mi

Master Evans is a great role model. My daughter looks up to her so much. She's become an icon in…read moreour household. The skills and values that kids learn here will get them ahead in life.

Seems I'm right there with everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did not send my kids here…read morewhen they were kids. Just because I had no idea it existed. If you have a kid, don't hesitate for a nanosecond, just bring them. If you're older, like 61 and feeling able bodied, dont hesitate for a nanosecond! This space and place is welcoming and inviting and really sort of defies definition. So. Check it out. See for yourself.

Me with my black belt

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Lama's Kenpo Karate

4.8

(8 reviews)

3.1 mi

Amazing, sweet neighborhood staple for kids starting to learn karate. Lama Kenpo is so kind!read more

My two great grandsons love Lama's Kenpo Karate: They really enjoy going to practice and wish they…read morecould go everyday. It's so nice to see them asking to go to class: They say it's the best thing ever!

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One Martial Arts

My 6 yo daughter had been wanting to start karate for a while now so I went with the top rated…read moreplace near me. It's no wonder why they have the rating they do. We both LOVE One Martial Arts. The entire welcome experience could not be more perfect. You book a free trial class easily online and show up to find your kids name on a big sign with a free t-shirt waiting. They are super supportive in the class and let the first-timers do a board breaking at the end so they get absolutely hooked from the jump. The joy in their faces after that board breaks and they feel so powerful is priceless! Arrive for your first real class their uniform is at the ready on the front desk. Seriously, so organized! We love the instructors. They break the kids into smaller groups so she's gotten to work with Shīfu Bender and Shīfu Fidler and Shīfu Lucas Dela Cruz who are all wonderful. They have an app that makes everything super easy. Including instructional videos kids can use to practice. When you arrive you just check your kiddo in on the ipad (they are located right next to the after class lollipops). The class itself is the perfect blend of skill-training and fun. They learn respect, discipline and hard work, then they get to play a fun game at the end like freeze tag to get all their energy out. They also earn sticker stripes leading up to the different color belts. My kiddo is highly motivated by this and always looks forward to the "earn" days. The support staff is super responsive and helpful with inquiries and questions. There are plenty of benches to sit and watch but it's in a great neighborhood so always fun to run out and grab a snack or bubbletea.

I went there for summer camp and still have the trophy thingie for the"best camper for the week"…read more The stuff they do are really fun and convenient for me. Even though that was 5 years ago my memories of there never fade.

Self-confidence is the best self-defense for today's youth.

Arts & crafts are a stable of our KID'S FUN CAMPS.

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Toryukai Karate do

(1 review)

3.2 mi

I wasn't sure about trying Karate, but Jason made it totally approachable. We had a 2 hour session…read morewhere we spent part of the time learning, and part of the time doing. And it was quite a workout! If you're looking for an authentic experience from someone who has trained with some karate masters that few get to train from, definitely check Toryukai out.

From the owner: Toryukai Karate-do is a traditional Shotokan Karate style and a member of both the Shotokan…read moreKarate-Do International Federation - USA and the Shotokan Karate International Federation Japan. Beginners welcome. First lesson if free!

Class is filling up fast!

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The welcoming :)

United Studios of Self Defense

4.9

(33 reviews)

3.7 mi

My son has been with USSD for at least the past four years, which has included all of his middle…read moreschool years. We started off at our local USSD dojo location in San Anselmo, which closed shortly after the start of the pandemic, and it led us to the SF location. I've seen my son grow confident, dedicated, and disciplined, by being a part of USSD. USSD SF has adapted to the pandemic by offering a combination of zoom classes and in-person classes, which works for us, since my son attends class virtually during the week, and goes in-person on Saturdays. A testament to Sensei and the bond between the team is seeing students grow up, go off the college, and come back to visit on school breaks. USSD SF also offers additional activities, such as ninja nights, summer camps, and competitions in southern CA. The location on Fillmore offers plenty for parents to do while kids are in class - there are a variety of eateries and shops within walking distance, and Japantown is only a couple of blocks away. Parking is metered right in front of the dojo, though you can drive a block or two to try to find non-metered parking.

Our family has been studying with Master Collins for 3.5 years and we love it! I signed both my…read morekids up, and my wife started taking lessons as well. We love the physical and mental concentration karate requires, and all of us have advanced tremendously at this dojo. It's wonderful for the kids, and they've gained not only physical self defence skills, but confidence and concentration as well. Master Collins is a great teacher with a wide range and decades of experience. I couldn't recommend this dojo more, for kids and adults!

Classes for all ages and levels! Self Defense, Women's Self Defense, and Kenpo Martial Arts...

Olly could do to muster the strength vs the gentle giant. so he breathed deep and used his strongest voice...

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Next level graduation!

Korean Martial Arts Center

(34 reviews)

1.5 mi

I would like to start off by saying that this school has been here since 1983 and has a lot of…read morehistory. The owner Master Mar is very friendly and welcoming. They both make the class very entertaining for the kids. Master Mar has a different way of teaching compared to a lot of martial art schools out there, which makes his method of training by far the best I've ever trained in. If you are in search of a tae kwon do school, I highly recommend giving this place a shot, I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you for letting me be part of the KMAC family.

I just started learning hapkido and tae kwon do here at KMAC and I'm so thrilled to be able to…read moretrain with all these grandmasters. They are all very knowledgeable and patient to ensure you meet your full potential. I'm coming from a amateur boxing background with some limitations due to a previous back injury. However the grandmasters and fellow classmates have been very considerate and caring of this. I'm very excited to see how far I can go here and for each class to see what I learn next. I researched so many gyms in SF, Berkeley, and Oakland. But i can safely say this is the best one i have found and I'm so glad to learn and train here around such amazing and talented people.

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Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy

4.1

(44 reviews)

2.6 mi

We been there for 9 years. My son love this place and this is best activity ever for a boy!read more

Bonkers. We've been taking class for 11 months. In December they announced they were closing for…read moreall of Jan. Followed by several longish crazy emails. New management, remove all the teachers the kids know and replace them with a single teacher and fewer classes, several crazy emails, demand we buy 30 gloves for our 6 year old who never uses them. Come August, they are shutting down, the day before school starts. These people do not know how to serve kids and don't give a crap about their clients. Sadly there aren't many options in the Richmond, but I would avoid.

Chinese culture with traditional Lion Dancing

Traditional Chinese weapons

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Some of the youngest students show traditional salute, with focus and confidence before participating in the tournament.

Chinatown YMCA

4.2

(141 reviews)

5.0 mi

I have been to this YMCA before and the activiitie the I took was Swimming Lesson which was a long…read moretime ago during when I was in High School.... And this year I did another fun Activity which was volunteering at the ŸMĈÀ with my Fŕìèñð Ðàvìð 朋友 Péngyǒu Dà wèi & His Sister Ada & Her Friend 我的朋友大卫和他的妹妹艾达 Wǒ de péngyǒu dà wèi hé tā de mèimei ài dáat at the ŸMĆÃ 5K 10k Řãćê!!!!! And Coolest That We All Got Was Taking A ŸMĆÀ Ÿèàŕ Òf Ťĥè Ŕàìť 5Ƙ & 10Ƙ Ŕàćê Mèďàĺ We also got a Fŕèê ŸMĈÃ 5ƙ 10ķ Ť Śĥìŕť just for Volunteering At The ŸMĆÃ 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕàčè!!!!! If you Ÿéĺpēřs & Ÿëľpèťťèŝ like Volunteering for a 5ķ 10ƙ Ŕãćé Try going to the ŸMĆÃ it's a fun activity to do!!!!!

It is very strict here. They have 30 days cancellation policy. Even though my dad joined this past…read moreSaturday 4/25 and only went once and then asked to cancel 4/29, they charged 1 month through his insurance. His knee hurts after exercising so decided not to continue. He gave me his card but the registration person said cannot share card even though he canceled and not using it. His picture showed up when I tried to sign in with the card. The facility here is also not good compared to Fitness SF. Adult membership is $91 and Senior is $81 so not much of a discount even though his is paid for by Kaiser. They have free resistance band workout every other Wednesday at the Union Square plaza at 8am. It's a free class and the instructor is nice.

Chinatown YMCA. {10/13/2025}

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The Olympic Club

4.3

(80 reviews)

4.6 mi

I love this place! Great place for weddings. My husband is…read morepart of this club and god! We love this location, good customer service, food, great service! The hotel there is also amazing 100% recommend! And if you are having dinner there get the prime rib!

Would give 0 stars if I could. I had high hopes because I'm a member at Los Angeles athletic club…read more. I thought because this place had more history. It would be a nice venue, but couldn't be further from the truth. Firstly, every one of the staff members was rude and standoffish, I think this must be the only place to work out near downtown San Francisco because it was so overcrowded..Restaurant wait was long, and good luck waiting for your check. Complete attitude of indifference. Seems that all they care about is turning beds and jacking up their membership numbers. They literally turned off my room key before I even checked out, all my luggage was upstairs still. Didn't apologize or offer to get the lubgage. Do NOT recommend

Pool table

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Outside

24th Street Mini Park

4.9

(24 reviews)

3.5 mi

Beautiful little park- I was awed by the murals that covered the walls, the lovely flora, and the…read moreornate snake statue that kids could climb on. There's a splash pad area, a see-saw, and a saucer swing swing and that's really it, but it's impressive what they've done with a thin space between buildings- it's really a gorgeous little oasis from the street. There's a shaded area with picnic tables as well. No bathrooms

I remember this place being sketchy when I was growing up, pretty sure it was a community garden…read morethat was maintained by the neighborhood until it got the funding it needed to open as a park. My nephew and cousin saw this park from the window of Roosevelt's Tamale Parlor and asked if we could go there after we got ice-cream. Sure, why not? So we walk over and have a seat while these pre-teens I'm with are swinging and giggling like little kids. It's nice to see them enjoying the weather outside and physical activity instead of their phones.

Water feature !

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Strawberry Hill

4.8

(119 reviews)

1.8 mi

Strawberry Hill is an island in the middle of Blue Heron Lake, with bridge access from the…read moresurrounding trails. Its peak features a spacious lookout point with giant logs, greenery, a few picnic tables, and views of the city and landscape partially blocked by trees but still lovely. There were just a couple visitors up there with their dogs during my recent midweek hike up this hill. The incline from ground level is minimal with multiple paths and staircases available for convenience, and it's just a couple minutes walk from the top of Huntington Falls. Combined with the entirety of what this place has to offer (waterfalls, picturesque lake, adorable waterbirds, trails allowing for a peaceful stroll with loved ones, pedal boat rentals on the lake), it's a pretty great spot, one of many awesome landmarks at Golden Gate Park.

Why is Golden Gate Park so beautiful…read more I chanced onto Strawberry Hills while looking for GG Park waterfall(s). Strawberry Hills gives a nice overview of the lake beneath as you walk up the hill. At the top, you get a pretty overlook of SF city. Image attached below. Definitely check out Strawberry Hills when you're in GG Park. And, if also chasing for waterfalls, definitely check out "Rainbow Falls". It is very beautiful as well.

Pretty wildflowers on the walk up

Strawberry Hill, in Golden Gate Park is suffering terribly from storm damage .

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Aquatic Park Cove

4.4

(158 reviews)

5.2 mi

Came here during a nice San Francisco sunny afternoon to watch the Sunset. There was a good crowd…read moreof people doing the same. Lots of stadium seating to just hang out and enjoy the area. Always a great spot.

The Dolphin Club swims here - and so do swimmers from YPAC Presidio who want to practice open water…read moreswimming. On select Sundays they step into the 50 degree water in wetsuits and confidently start towards their goal, Alcatraz. I asked the kids if they ever got bumped by a shark and they giggled, agreeing, "No, but most times we go out, seals want to play and swim under and nose us, it's funny." Located adjacent to the Maritime Museum, just down the steps to the water's edge.

The Bridge erased in heavy fog

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68 degrees today in February

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Jill K.

0

5

0

3 years ago

I have been studying karate here since 2006 and LOVE it! Shihan Saito is an amazing teacher and not only do you learn karate and get an excellent workout, you get a community. There are lots of events and parties during the year for all students, adults and kids. The annual BBQ at Coyote Point has everyone joining in the water gun fights! Come learn, fight and have fun! OSU! read more

James K.

0

6

0

17 years ago

The Instructor is nuts. I just came for info and he kicked me out. he gave me a dirty look and their students did the same. What the hell is this place, he must think he's back in Japan and I came to challenge him. No thanks, I would never bring my kids here. read more

World Oyama Karate - karate - Updated August 2026

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Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center

4.9

(41 reviews)

This is the best martial arts school I've ever trained at, and Choy Li Fut kung fu is a superb…read moresystem. The instructors at school are all really good, knowledgeable and helpful. Tai-Sifu Wong is a fantastic teacher to all adults and kids alike. This is also the first martial arts school that my kids are attending, and they absolutely love it. They love the classes, they made a bunch of friends, they go to tournaments and their self confidence is growing constantly over time. No wonder it's been around for over 50 years!

I have been studying Kung Fu in San Diego for many years and have had the opportunity to…read moreparticipate in several seminars and tournaments offered by the Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center. These are simply the best around. The real life practical application of the training combined with the historical ties and proven methods give the training a value unmatched by anyone. I can guarantee you that if I lived closer this would be home base for my training. I encourage anyone to check it out for themselves. You won't be disappointed.

Korean Martial Arts Center

(34 reviews)

I would like to start off by saying that this school has been here since 1983 and has a lot of…read morehistory. The owner Master Mar is very friendly and welcoming. They both make the class very entertaining for the kids. Master Mar has a different way of teaching compared to a lot of martial art schools out there, which makes his method of training by far the best I've ever trained in. If you are in search of a tae kwon do school, I highly recommend giving this place a shot, I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you for letting me be part of the KMAC family.

I just started learning hapkido and tae kwon do here at KMAC and I'm so thrilled to be able to…read moretrain with all these grandmasters. They are all very knowledgeable and patient to ensure you meet your full potential. I'm coming from a amateur boxing background with some limitations due to a previous back injury. However the grandmasters and fellow classmates have been very considerate and caring of this. I'm very excited to see how far I can go here and for each class to see what I learn next. I researched so many gyms in SF, Berkeley, and Oakland. But i can safely say this is the best one i have found and I'm so glad to learn and train here around such amazing and talented people.

Ralph Gracie Sunset Jiu Jitsu

(70 reviews)

I've been training at RG Sunset for about a year and it's become a consistent part of my routine…read morefor good reason. The coaching is the standout. Instructors share the same qualities -- skilled, attentive, and genuinely invested in their students. Rather than jumping around topic to topic, they'll anchor several classes, sometimes weeks, around a single concept and its variations. Jiu Jitsu is very challenging on so many levels, the instruction at RG Sunset is top notch and really makes sense of tough concepts. Class structure is solid: warmups flow into drilling and instruction, situationals, then open rolls to close it out. There's enough live time to test what you've worked on without it being a survival-of-the-fittest environment. The morning crowd is motivated but the egos are low -- people are there to train and get better and to leave feeling good. Great culture, clean, spacious training area, friendly people- If you train in the morning and want a gym that takes the craft seriously while having fun in a welcoming community, Ralph Gracie Sunset is it.

Ralph Gracie Sunset Jiu Jitsu is a fantastic community. My son (now 9) started here nearly two…read moreyears ago as a beginner. Though he was initially timid, the coaches made the transition so exciting that he was hooked immediately. My daughter (now 6) joined a few months after my son, and Jiu-Jitsu has truly helped her come out of her shell and find her confidence among her peers. The coaches are wonderful with children, striking the perfect balance between being patient and supportive while maintaining a no-nonsense focus on safety and technique. Coach Silva, in particular, does a great job teaching them that success comes through hard work and perseverance. It's more than just martial arts--it's about building skills, confidence, and being part of a community. If your kids are looking to learn Jiu-Jitsu, this is definitely the place to be.

Zen Budokai Jujitsu

(6 reviews)

I was a student for three years at Zen Budokai until my health and financial situation no longer…read morepermitted me to take classes. During that time I achieved my blue belt. Classes are small, with lots of personalized attention. Both Professor Tim and Sensei Ned run classes well, come up with great drills, and always have insightful feedback about ways to do techniques better. The other regular students were also fantastic. As (usually) the only woman in the class, and a small one to boot, I was initially worried about not being taken seriously. However, the feeling in the class is very fraternal. As soon as students have their first belt, they take turns teaching students at lower levels. In this way, students are familiar with and feel responsible for each other's progress. It also keeps techniques you learned a while back fresh in your mind, and you keep improving them as you teach them. I never felt uncomfortable and made friends with several classmates. No macho BS. This is not Brazilian Gracie jujitsu, and not focused on competition, but a smaller school focused on effective self-defense, perfecting techniques, avoiding injury and mutual respect. If you are not familiar with jujitsu, it's good to note that unlike karate or kung fu, which are striking arts, jujitsu focused on close-in fighting, mat wrestling, throws, holds, escapes and joint locks. I chose it because as a small woman, I'll never have the striking reach of a larger opponent. Any tussle I get into will wind up with someone trying to pin or hold me down. Thanks to my classes at Zen Budokai, I know how to deal with these situations. I hope that if someone attacked me, god forbid, I wouldn't panic and freeze, but would know that I could escape and incapacitate my attacker. Once I got good at some throwing techniques and learned how to use weight and leverage to my advantage, I could throw a 250-lb classmate over my head. I'm 5'2", 120ish lbs. That's just kinda cool. I would recommend classes at Zen Budokai to anyone interested in learning self-defense techniques in a respectful, encouraging and fun environment. I hope I can one day return to the school myself.

I was a direct student of the founder, Raymond "Duke" Moore [RIP], at the original dojo on Market…read moreSt., 1962-1974. I respectfully & wholeheartedly commend Tim Delgman, Irving Lee. Doug Haight, Clint LeMay and Scott Moresi for continuing and promoting the rich philosophy and traditions of the martial arts presented to us by Moore Hanshi. Apply yourself to make the most of this experience, keep an open mind and ask questions. This is where I started. "Minimum effort, maximum efficiency".

San Francisco Shotokan Karate

(6 reviews)

I have trained with members of the San Francisco Shotokan Karate for a decade now, being lucky…read moreenough to have been instructed at various practices and special trainings by former dojo leader, Jane, and being a member of the US team with current dojo leader, Mike. This dojo always shows up, from white belts to black belts, with enthusiasm and a great camaraderie. They truly seem like a family. If you're looking for a welcoming dojo where you can learn authentic Japanese karate from highly qualified instructors, stop by and check out a class here.

Amazing dojo led by inspiring people who have practiced Shotokan karate, some of them, most of…read moretheir lives. Stop by and see for yourself. The community is just as meaningful as the practice itself. It will change your life, it did mine.

Shaolin Wudang Association

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Best Kung fu school around hands down.Ive been a student under Sifu Master Schauer for 9 years. We…read morefocus on all aspects of Kung fu .Great place to build a man or women to the highest degree . Vic Rael

I have been a student of Master Schauer's for nearly a decade now, and have continued to study with…read morehim even after moving to the east bay. Master Schauer's classes are based on traditional kung fu systems but also include grappling and kickboxing. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking to get in shape and enjoy the health benefits of traditional kung fu training as well as practical self defense. I usually take the weekend classes which are held outside in golden gate park and can last for hours! Highly recommended.

Legacy Filipino Martial Arts

(109 reviews)

Filipino Martial Arts is surprisingly lethal!…read more Dropped in at Legacy while on vacation and after one class I already feel more confident and better prepared to defend myself in a real world situation. Definitely worth checking out if you are looking for a good work out along with self defense and attack techniques using weapons. Thanks, Joseph!

I attended a seminar with Grand Master Bobby Taboada and I was very impressed with this group. The…read moreinstructors were present and helpful, and everyone was very friendly. I had never visited this school before and did not feel like a stranger at all. I this is any indication of what the school is like on a daily basis I would not hesitate to attend if I lived in town. Thank you!

City Aikido

4.4

(8 reviews)

Felt a need to update this page given the last review was posted 11 years ago (!!!) and a lot has…read morechanged post-pandemic. I am new so I cannot give any details on the quality or nature of the training. I attend classes for the sake of practicing energy and breathwork, for grounding, and for some self-defense. The teachers will adjust to your needs. Currently, I believe the schedule is MWTh classes at 7pm, Saturday weapons practice at 11am (usually outdoors at GGP), and Sunday classes at 1pm. Different instructors take turn teaching. Mondays are for belt test prep so it's good for beginners. Overall, everyone has been kind and gentle. They are very welcoming of new members and you can always observe a class first.

I am a woman who has been training in Aikido for 16 years and I've been at City Aikido for 13 of…read morethem. I got my start with another teacher who was one of Nadeau sensei's students in the North Bay, and when I moved to San Francisco, I joined City Aikido. As soon as I walked through the doors and into Nadeau sensei's class, I was hooked. One of the first things I noticed right away was the powerful and energetic atmosphere of the classes. This is largely due to Nadeau sensei's emphasis of O'Sensei's Process, and it's one of the aspects I love about training at this dojo. I've found that the Process has helped me to reach a center of power that I can draw from not only during my training sessions on the mat, but also out in the real world. Aikido is an immensely therapeutic and transformative physical art. It's also a whole lotta fun! The head-teachers at our school are all highly skilled (5th, 6th, 7th degree blackbelts) and each bring their own embodiment of the art into their classes. In each class you will practice a variety of techniques and you'll train harmoniously with different partners at a variety of levels. We have classes every weekday in the evenings from 6:15-7:15 pm (fundamentals/all levels) and 7:15-8:15 pm (intermediate/advanced). We also have noon classes. And for you early birds, we even have morning classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15-8:15 am. I teach on Monday mornings and would love for you to come join me. Aikido is a great way to start the day! Stop by the dojo. Check it out. Hope to see you on mat.

One Martial Arts