We have been to one class but my son had the best time. The instructors are great at encouraging…read morethe kids and talking them through kickboxing. He already wants to try other martial arts classes. Thanks so much for a great first time experience and impression to the Paragon team

A great team! Tough training from coaches who care. Ample parking. Hot showers in a clean…read morefacility. Awesome competition team.

Authentic style of Capoeira - complete with elements of culture, community, music, art, expression…read moreand, of course, its playful, tricky and martial nature from the heart of Bahia. If this speaks to you, visit. You'll be glad you did. Axé.

For the past year, I have been trying to find ways to be healthier but nothing stuck with me from…read morerunning to lifting. As one last attempt, my fiancé recommended trying out the women's self defense/ jiu jitsu class free week. I was a bit hesitant due to not having any background in any martial arts and being out of shape. That didn't matter, the class is well rounded with different levels of skill but everyone will help you get better weather you're just starting or want a refresher. After the first class with coach Crystal and the rest of the girls, I knew I had found what I was looking for and more. It's a safe and fun environment where everyone wants the best for you and there's no worry of looking silly if you don't know what you're doing. As well you're surrounded by strong and confident women that motivate you even in times you want to give up. I've been attending these classes since November, the level of confidence that I had then compared to now has grown exponentially. If you're looking to become a better version of yourself, Solid Foundations is the way.

The year of covid was a difficult period for everyone in multiple ways. For me personally, having…read morethe gyms shut down really impacted my mental health as it was the only real time I had to just focus on myself. I am a youth/community organizer, scholar-activist, Ph.D. student, and professor, working with gang-involved and (formerly) incarcerated boys and men in the community, and so there is a lot of pain, suffering, and trauma that I get to witness. Therefore, being active is/was such an important part of my self-care as it would help me release all the trauma I was around. However, even prior to the pandemic, I had been itching to particularly get back into boxing, as I had discovered how therapeutic the sport was for me especially in helping me cope with what I would see in my work. So I started asking around the community if anyone knew of any solid (no pun intended!) boxing coaches and everyone kept directing me to Gil, which resulted in me reaching out. I had let him know I was a student and that I wanted to get a trainer that could help me step up my self-defense game and toughen me up mentally. To do the kind of work I do requires consistency, discipline, self-motivation, and persistence and I felt at the time I was lacking a bit in that as I was exhausted from the conditions of the pandemic. I did not know that Gil had had a past with being gang-involved himself so when I found out, I felt like I could open up more to him about why I needed to learn self-defense given my line of work exposes me to situations that require self-defense. I found it so impactful how Gil used our 1-1 private boxing situations to do more than just help me improve my boxing and self-defense skills- he took it upon himself to get inside my head-ask relevant and thoughtful questions- and help me come to some insightful epiphanies about what I was truly searching for through boxing. He reminded me of the importance of not burning myself out in my line of work and creating healthy boundaries so I wouldn't give more of myself than I was in the capacity to do so. Moreover, he helped me realize that I still had some work to do in terms of overcoming some of my sexual assault experiences at the hands of men and got me comfortable with having men be in my personal space-knowing that I was picking up skillsets that could help me in adversarial situations such as that. There were so many life lessons that I took from our time together that I carry with me today. Currently, I am working with him and his amazing life and business partner Crystal, learning jiu-jitsu which has been such a therapeutic and fun experience in and of itself. I have even brought some of my youth to work with Gil and have seen the amazing impact he has had with them. Gil is one of the most inspiring people I've met here in SB because of the humility and integrity in which he carries himself and the energy he puts into what he does is unmatched. Hands down would recommend him to work with you!

This place is so awesome to learn martial arts! My daughter (8) and I (45) train here twice a week…read moreand are amazed at the family friendly vibes. Thank you for teaching us hapkido in such a fun way, Master Austin!

I did the 6 week Kut challenge and I feel so much better than I did 6 weeks ago. They give you all…read morethe tools you need to succeed. I was able to go to so many classes and I feel much stronger for it. The nutrition guide was a bit difficult for me because I am a pescatarian and it is very meat heavy, but they had seafood options, it was just repetitive, and I'm not much of a cook (even though they give you a foolproof guide). Therefore, I had a little trouble and veered a few times, and I am sure if I didn't I would have had even better progress. You get what you put into the challenge. All the instructors are super nice and helpful. They will come up to you during class to correct technique and make it a point to have contact with you at every class you attend. They are also great about reaching out and asking if you need any help with nutrition or classes. I was suppose to receive weekly emails, but the program head had some personal matters arise and a few things fell through on that end, but the classes were always available and it was a lot of self accountability. If you can commit to 6 weeks of trying to better yourself, this is the place you want to go to!

Bottom Line: This is a great gym with people who actually care…read more This review is for the kids classes only as I have no knowledge of the other classes. We tried to get our son interesting or excited about a variety of group sports as well as individual sports. He just had zero interest in any of it. Something about this place has captured his attention and imagination and now he talks about it, looks forward to going and excels on a daily basis. Whereas in the past it was a struggle to get him ready to leave to go do something, he's ready to be out the door in a moment for Krav classes. As a parent it's SUCH a hard line to walk, the line between fun and discipline. This place does an amazing job allowing the kids to actually be kids but at the same time provides them with a level of discipline you would expect from a Martial Arts facility as well as instilling a work ethic. On top of that they also have fun kid events like a Halloween gathering and I've heard rumblings of a Nerf war. If you're looking for a place to go to learn some amazing self defense techniques or even a little community of people who look out for each other, this is a great place to start. I have learned a ton just from watching the kids go at it. Highly recommended.

Took a self defense class with a group of friends. The head of this organization is engaging,…read moreinquisitive, and a great teacher. The class was informative and I learned a lot. Highly recommend!!

I had an excellent experience. Very professional with various levels of focused warmup and…read moreexercises. I can't say enough good things about them. They have a fantastic rehabilitation program I discovered while attending Tai Chi class. I wish I had more time to spend with these guys.

Sifu Rafal Brzozowski is a generous spirit; his instruction is clear and he is patient. Tai chi…read moreimproves both my balance and my temperament, and our classes on the ocean are especially fabulous. Our student body ranges from children to "the mature" yet sifu's spirit ensures that there is no competitiveness among us; we practice together even as we each walk our own path. I have been a university professor for three decades and sifu ranks among the best instructors I've encountered. Abe Peck

First time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I…read morehave ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying thisFirst time, wow. First of all, it was the only work out I have ever actually enjoyed. I immediately felt like I was home and welcomed once I arrived. I was taught, one on one, an easy beginner technique that allowed me to begin sparring right away. The respect the students have for the master, both young and old was mesmerizing. He made you feel like you were important and focused on you while you practiced. I would receive advice and coaching while practicing with my opponent. There is a healthy amount of teasing that makes you feel like you have been life long friends with all inside. They made me feel safe, comfortable, and able! I would have never willing walked on a mat to get punched in the face, yet I did it over three times. The control the master has taught to his students makes it safe and fun for all ages and skill levels. Whether you're seeking a new workout,self defense, a fun date idea, or something to enroll the kids into, I recommend trying this once you walk in the door you'll agree.

Over the past 20 years, I have seen Master Parson advance from 1st Queue (Brown belt), to the…read moreMaster level (8th Dan) he is today. He is a highly respected martial artist on an international scale. Having more than 30 years as a martial artist myself, I will tell you he's one of the best natural fighters I've ever seen, and his ability to instruct foundational techniques as well as advanced fighting skills is 2nd to none. He's top tier in the American Kenpo Karate Federation, and so are those Black Belts he's instructed. If you are a parent seeking a martial arts program to instruct, guide, inspire, as well as teach your kids how to legitimately protect themselves, Master Parson's program should be highly considered. If you (YOURSELF ) want to learn a genuine, no-nonsense style of self defense, I encourage you to attend his classes. And yes, he's a personal friend whom I'm very proud of; not just because of his fighting abilities, but his passion to teach those skills to anyone whom enters his Dojo. From beginners to advanced level fighters, his door is always open.

Our kids enjoyed being part of this dojo. They have great instructors. We had both our kids…read more(different ages and gender) enrolled in classes. Since they started at the same level it was very convenient in terms of schedules.

I've been meaning, and wanting to get back into lessons for years ... Everything good, and none of…read morethe bad, is the best way to describe this martial arts school. None of the low-brow, bad technique, subpar tutelage offered by MMA schools. Learn what the martial arts are really about. Child and family friendly, a great workout and better way to burn off your stress. Don't waste your money on lessons elsewhere. This Tae Kwon Do influenced, Tang Soo Do school of martial arts is one of the best, anywhere, has to offer.

Just went for the first time and I'll be definitely coming back!…read moreGreat, inviting atmosphere, very knowledgeable and pleasantly informal. Master Yun and everyone else was very encouraging and helps you get started. Great studio!

I was a little worried when I put my son in the children's praying mantis class because he has…read morenever taken a kung fu lessen before. It turns out Master Yun teaches kids one-on-one based on their individual level. My son has since built a lot of confidence and he loves his praying mantis lessons!

Suzuki Sensei and her students are patient, understanding, and friendly!…read more I felt very welcome during my first class. Since I was new to aikido, Suzuki Sensei and her students coached me through moves with patience and encouragement. My good work was rewarded with praise and my mistakes with comforting words. I understand many prospective students might be intimidated with trying aikido. Students are probably mostly frightened by making mistakes. Don't be afraid. Suzuki Sensei and her students are very understanding. They welcome mistakes. They aim to nurture those who are eager to learn.

I have been a student at AKSB for about nine months. It has been an amazing platform for my health…read more- physical and mental. I studied a different form of martial arts many years ago, and have a tried a few others since. I knew almost nothing about aikido when I began, having just heard it referenced in a book on "mastery," but it had stuck in my head. My first phone message was promptly returned by Lia Suzuki Sensei, who answered all my questions an invited me to come in for an "intro special," including 2 classes and a uniform. It turns out that aikido was just what I needed. It is really hard work, and I found that after about 30 minutes on the mat, it was all I could do to stay focused on my body flailing about, which took me right out of my stressed-out head. ASKB has classes for students of all ages, sometimes separating kids, teens, and adults, and sometimes of mixed levels. Once you pay your dues, you are encouraged to train as much as possible. One thing I love is that most classes are small (less than 10 people), which makes for a great workout and lots of personalized attention. I prefer it that way. I was never into gymnastics nor do I like tumbling. But from the very beginning, the teachers and students at ASKB meet you at whatever level you are at, teaching you to fall safely and (sometimes) gracefully. We talk a lot about being in "conversation" with your training partner, and it's a metaphor that extends a long way. As someone new to Santa Barbara, this was a great find for me. Reasonably priced, consistent, artistic, soulful exercise. Yes!