Jamie presented a self defense workshop to our women's group. She shared some really powerful…read morestories about why it's important to be able to protect yourself. It was very clear that when it comes to self defense it's better to know something than nothing at all. As she taught our group some basic self defense moves I was so impressed by her knowledge and skills. It was clear that every woman in the room felt more empowered by the end of the workshop.

Jamie Barton at Fem Defend is in a class of her own. Highly skilled in various martial arts, Jamie…read morewalks the walk and practices what she preaches. Although I may not have taken her class personally, one of my top trainers at Ballistic Body Fitness has, and I have seen how it has raised her confidence, given her great ideas for new exercises, and has made her a more informed trainer. Thank you Jamie for being such an amazing sensei and coach!

Fantastic classes and top notch instruction where you can learn real, applicable and effective self…read moredefense techniques in a controlled and ego-free environment. A rare find these days. I initially found combatives academy when searching for a Filipino martial arts school for knife/weapons defense and fighting. I figured I carry a knife so may as well learn how to use it. After just the first class I was shocked at how much I didn't know (in a good way). Sifu Raffi has a very calm, detailed and easy to follow way of teaching. He's also a very talented martial artist which was obvious to me after seeing just a few demonstrations of techniques. So many self defense situations involve a weapon even on one side. Knives, baseball bats etc. This art really covers a lot of things. I have previously trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I asked about the Jeet Kune Do classes and the instructor recommended I take this, along with my Escrima classes to have a complete system as the hand to hand translates well over to the weapons. After the JKD class I took a few weeks later, I was very impressed with how complete of a martial art it was. In one class we covered some effective strikes as well as a few grappling moves. Each technique was shown in detail and we were given ample time to really practice it and get it right with a training partner. An all encompassing art like JKD is really what you need for self defense. It's also a fantastic workout along with stretching, etc. The JKD along with Escrima covers all the bases for me, effective striking, grappling, distance control plus weapons use and defense. I would highly recommend trying the 2 free classes if you're on the fence! Hopefully I'll try a Silat class in the future and can update my review with that aspect.

Great way to experience three different martial arts with their own unique properties that still…read morecomplement each other very well. Classes are geared towards self-defense with an emphasis on quality over quantity of techniques. The instructors are very knowledgable, passionate, and patient when it comes to teaching martial arts effectively. I've trained at other places in the past that had a weird, cult-like attitude or cared more about sparring than drilling (which definitely didn't help me get better), but this school is different. The students here are driven, down to earth, and actually want to help one another learn and improve. So whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire, this is an excellent place to come train.

I joined the Sawtelle Judo Dojo in July 2009. I was a brand…read morenew white belt, with only a 3-4 months of training from SFV Judo dojo. Judo, from my very personal point of view, is different from many other martial arts, especially for those that have BJJ background. Many of Judo Dojos are run by volunteers. All dojos I have visited and learned from are non-profit. This means a several things. 1. No one makes money, especially the instructors. They are there for the love of Judo. They love teaching Judo, and want to continue the spirit of Judo by giving away their time and effort. 2. The tuition is almost naught. Where could you possible learn martial arts, let alone work out, and only expect to pay $25-$30 a month? Many BJJ schools easily charge $150 or more a month. I learned a great deal of many things, and am still learning, about Judo, and a life in general. Things I learned. 1. Get rid of ego. Sensei teaches us to leave the ego out of door, and come in to dojo in humble mind. Judo is not a sport of equality and democracy. It's a hierarchical martial art, in which you expect the Senseis and Senpais (instructors and seniors) to guide you, and students to follow their steps. You always respect your partners and everyone around you. They are there to help you grow as a judo person. Age does not matter. If they are senseis and senpais, you are expected to listen to their instructions. They do so to make sure people engage in sport in safe and proper manner. 2. Be consistent. Judo is not an easy sport or martial art. It takes many years of hard work, just to get a simple shoulder throw right. This also relates to the 'get rid of ego' statement. I learned a great deal from many different senseis and senpais, from Sawtelle Dojo, LA Tenri Dojo, SFV Dojo, and San Jose State University Dojo. They respect not the great competitors, but consistent and hard working people. Be consistent, and contribute to the success of your judo, and overall well-beings of your Dojo. You will reap the benefit greatly. 3. Be polite. No one is there to hurt you. Judo is one of the safest contact sports. However, there is always a chance for injury if things do not go properly. This means you really have to focus and do Judo as properly as your senseis and senpais teach. Being too aggressive and too competitive will only hurt you both mentally and physically. Of course, in the end, people are people, and there will be some big-headed people that want to show off. However, I can say from the bottom of my heart that 99% of judo people are humble that are polite and respectful. But, if you are not a polite and respectable student, the senseis and senpais will make sure you become one, or you will not be welcome at the dojo. 4. Again, be consistent. I have seen many injuries for the past 6 years of training Judo. I myself have broken a few fingers and toes. I had shoulder injury requiring surgery. And just two months ago, my ACL was torn, and I am currently recovering from the surgery. But, I do not intend to stop my training. No one is perfect, and injuries do happen. Your training partners, and even your senseis/senpais MIGHT cause injury to you, but no one does that on purpose. Please remember that. I have seen others getting broken knees and also lose some teeth too, due to a very aggressive sparring session. I actually saw TEETH flying around. But, at the end of the training, people are always respectful, and apologetic if injuries do occur. Even with injuries, people DO come back to Judo training year after year. There is a reason why Dojos like Sawtelle have been around for almost 100 years, and people are constantly coming in, and stay for many years. 5. Be a part of the family. Judo community is a family community. I mean it. This is so very true. Unlike other martial arts, you can take your judogi, and visit any Judo dojos, in the US and around the world, and they will welcome you with open arms, as long as you show your respect to the dojo and people there. We all learn the same techniques, and we all suffer from the same mistakes. Even if the languages might be different, all teachings are taught in the same terminologies (Japanese), and at the end of the workout, you truly feel that Judo is just one family after all. Since most of Judo dojos are run by non-profit volunteers, that means the students need to give back. Dojo cleaning, fund raising, and any other events that require man-power DO NEED students' participation. The more you participate in your dojo's activities, the closer and tighter family you become, to your dojo and to Judo in general. One of my Senpais from San Jose State University Judo once told me. "Judo does not owe you anything. You owe everything to Judo." That statement really hits me. I really owe lots to Judo, and it all started from my humble and small beginning as a white belt at Sawtelle Judo dojo. Interested in Judo? Sawtelle is a great place to start!!

Great place to learn Judo from in Los Angeles. This judo dojo has been around for decades and the…read moreinstructors there try to instill a sense of respect and tradition. They are very welcoming of beginners and have several regulars who have been doing judo for a long time as well. The most senior instructor Kenji Osugi is a real stickler for the rules and will call you out for doing any techniques that might injure yourself or your randori partner. For $50/ month, you won't find a better deal for a martial arts school anywhere else. You do have to help roll up and put away the mats after practice and the instructors expect all the beginners to eventually know the proper way to do this. This is a very typical way to show the teachers humility and respect.

If you're looking for someone that is knowledgeable and passionate about martial arts Shealy Street…read moredefense is the place to go to! I just had my first lesson with Brandon, I learned basic helpful information how to hold yourself/position if you ever get stuck in a dangerous situation also a great way to try a different type of workout. I didn't really have any expectations getting into martial arts, but I have come out of it highly impressed! Thank you Brandon! Definitely recommend Shealy Street Defense!!!

Brandon is an excellent trainer, he has the patience to work with people that have zero skills and…read morethe expertise to handle any seasoned martial arts veteran. Let him know what you are interested in learning and he will create a learning plan for you and make sure you know what you're doing before you move on. I'm learning Jeet Kune Do and I can't wait for my next lesson! Schedule your appointment ASAP!

THE BEST EXPERIENCE!! It truly is an honor to HIGHLY recommend SHIELD + Nelson! Nelson is a…read moreknowledgeable + incredible human, and his training style is the best I've ever taken. I will absolutely take another course with Nelson to help me remember the moves ... and it's such a fun class! If you've been looking for a self defense class that will truly teach you (versus just talk to you) THIS IS IT!! Thank you, Nelson!

Nelson is so fantastic!!! Just signed up for 5 more training classes with him after the initial…read moreself defense lesson. I felt more confident within the first 5 minutes learning from him but then he really goes into each position we might be put into and what our options of defense are to get out and attack our attacker! He even pads up and has us practice on him. I am blown away by how little I knew before this class. I would have been useless and I already feel so much stronger and safer after just one 1.5 hr session! Nelson is fabulous. He is the sweetest, most encouraging but straight forward teacher. I could go on and on about how highly I recommend him. You will NOT regret this class (definitely might feel sore after though!!!) My friend and I have been obsessing over our newfound passion in this training and can't wait to continue with Nelson!!

Life-changing in the best way possible. A very safe environment to learn such a nerve-wracking…read moreskill. Can't wait to do more!

I highly recommend this self defense class with RAW Power Real World Defense - an invaluable…read moreexperience to help with confidence, awareness and self esteem. Great staff who is very supportive and knowledgeable and there to help!

I've been studying and training under the instruction of Guro Mark Mikita for over 7 years now and…read moreit has been one of the best decisions of my life. As a Filipino American, it has also been an honor to learn the martial art of my ancestors. When I first came to check out the school, during a class, I knew from listening and watching him teach the students that he was extremely knowledgeable. His grasp on Filipino Martial Arts is by far the most advanced you will find in the Greater LA area if not the world, which has even brought visitors to the school as far as Chile, Brazil, England and Sweden just to learn from him. He is not only an expert in Filipino Martial Arts, but has knowledge in all forms of martial arts after having dedicated his whole life to learning and teaching. If you really want to learn Filipino Martial Arts and how to effectively protect yourself then this is the school for you.

Former student here, really had to sitback and gather my thoughts…read more First thing I want to say is that the only reason i'm a former student is because i moved away and that's literally the only reason why. There are many systems and people out there that tout that their art, style, system will be what you need to build your mind, body and sometimes soul for self defense. Many say they're the only one you need - their way, their dogma - is the only one that's right. Other teachers believe to cross train and seek out differing styles and beliefs but melding them is very difficult without a foundation for right and wrong. If someone is telling you that one school is the greatest thing since sliced bread, question it. That's the one thing I've learned with guro Mark. Ask questions, refine asking questions, get better at it. Apply what you learn to a singular purpose and dont be afraid to question it and change it from what you learned. This school is special and that is not something you as a potential student should take lightly. You wont be spoon fed what you seek. You will not be treated special for who you are outside this school. If you think you have the skills (esp if youre a dude) be ready and open to be proven wrong and be even more ready to having your mind opened to being better. I still ruminate over the lessons ive leaned here. They are my rubric for who i want to be as a fighter and as a person. They arent die hard, iron clad, unchangeable tenets. They make me think, they make me question, they make me come back to them. I learned it from all the things ive experienced as a student of martial arts but i got *better* at questioning them at this school. I will come back, i dont know how but i'm working to do so. When I do, I will see how much i've missed and how much i need to learn. But when i do i will find the right tutelage and refinement again at this school and with this family. I hope you come in knowing that this place is special but not know exactly *how* special it is. You only earn that *first* real aha moment once here when you keep trying and put your ego aside to get there. Where you first think, "man, i can do this". We all did at this school and from there you want to find those moments more. Do it here.

I can't say enough great things about Kenpo 5.0 Burbank and Sensei Arman! We live 20 miles away yet…read morecome to class twice a week with great joy! Sensei Arman teaches the kids with such an incredible attitude and humor that even when the class ends the kids don't want to leave. My son has developed so much confidence which shows inside and outside the studio! Kenpo 5.0 also teaches great qualities outside the classes, requiring kids to maintain good grades, complete chores and be polite, respectful and encourages them to help others. If you are looking for a fun physical activity for your kids, this is the place!!

My daughter's are having a wonderful experience at Jeff Speaksman Burbank Kenpo 5.0. Sensei Arman…read moreis patient, encouraging, and doing a great job building confidence, discipline, and respect while making classes fun for the students. The environment is welcoming and supportive, and Sensei Arman genuinely cares about each student's progress. We've seen a big improvement in the girls focus and self-confidence. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for a great place for their child to learn Kenpo.