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

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

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

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

Ralph Gracie Berkeley changed my life. Eduardo Fraga has an incredible depth of knowledge and has…read morealways pushed me to continue training even through some dark times in my life. This place has become family and I'm so grateful that I walked through those doors.

I had an absolute pleasure studying judo here with Sensei Barry and Sensei Newton. They are very…read morenice and knowledgeable.

I went to this dojo for about six years before having kids, and studied martial arts (mainly Cuong…read moreNhu) for almost fourteen years. Moon Dragon's instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. While the dojo encourages self-control and discipline, it is one of the more relaxed environments I have found to study and share martial arts practice. There is a high level of teacher-student interaction -- you aren't just left on your own to struggle along, there's always a lot of encouraging feedback. I'd recommend this dojo to anyone -- maybe particularly to people who are new to martial arts, or coming back after a break, or seeking a feeling of community to go with the training. The high number of female instructors makes it a particularly welcoming environment for women seeking to learn self-defense techniques. I am now absolutely THRILLED to learn that they have classes for kids, and am hoping to re-enroll soon with my eldest!

From the owner: Our style is Cuong Nhu, which means "hard/soft" and is a blend of Shotokan Karate, Wing Chun,…read moreVovinam, Aikido, Judo, Taiji, and boxing. We practice forms, basic techniques and self-defense, grapple, spar, break boards, and train with various weapons. Cuong Nhu is a discipline of the body, mind, and spirit. We have a youth class for ages seven and older, and have an adults class meeting Monday, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

As someone who studied karate in Japan for several years, I appreciate traditional martial arts…read moreinstruction. Stiles Sensei is a traditional Shotokan master. His classes are a good workout, fun and his depth of understanding of techniques and ability to communicate is unsurpassed in my experience. He teaches adults only. Join us.

If you are looking for a Shotokan Karate dojo in the Bay Area, you will be well served to train at…read morethe JKA of San Francisco. T.J Stiles is a truly excellent instructor - a fifth degree black belt, with over 20 years of teaching experience, he comes directly from the Mori Sensei lineage of JKA and practices the traditional Japanese Karate Do. He is very technical and explains technique, body movement and application extremely well and really helps you identify and overcome your weaknesses and bad habits. I have tried other dojos in SF, but this has been the best by far in terms of serious practice, proper technique and true karate spirit! I highly recommend.

There's not many martial arts stores around anymore. This is a great local shop and I don't mind…read moresupporting small businesses

My family had a wonderful experience purchasing karate gi and some martial arts practice supplies…read morehere. The space holds a special energy and the owner is very helpful and kind. It definitely feels good to support a small business. Highly recommend getting your gear here!

UC Berkeley doesn't allow anything functional. It is "dangerous." It is "toxic masculinity."…read more What is really dangerous is presenting arts like Yangmudo as self-defense courses. If you use the techniques presented there you will get hurt. The only art they have here that is at all functional is Judo, but it is practiced with gi's only. They have Karate but is 90% kata and shadow boxing. The only reason to join any of these programs is if you want to compete in a specific sport such as TKD. Besides that it is worthless. They are scared to even let you do techniques with a partner most of the time. It's a ridiculous place. There is much more demand in the student population for arts such as Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, etc., but they won't allow it.

Excellent and eclectic program, wonderful instructors and interesting self-defense lessons mixed…read morewith martial arts nugget stories. Even though competition is not emphasized in my club, I learn a lot in terms of physical training and self-defense. Even if those are not your goals, the friendly community and the interesting people you get to know are worth it.