Double Dragon Tae Kwon Do

(20 reviews)

1.4 mi

Cannot say enough. We were looking for an activity that our 7 year old would become passionate…read moreabout, and we found it here. Our son independently practices sparring and forms at home and is genuinely excited before classes. The group is very welcoming and Master Lee makes a real investment in the progress of each student, while also promoting personal growth in them as well. We travel 20-30 minutes to the class and we would happily drive farther. Notable details include our son having the flexibility to attend multiple classes per week (though he insists on attending as much as possible). In addition, we have joined the sparring team, noting an incredibly welcoming family in both Master Lee and the parents and children involved in the team. All team members cheer for our son, with individual students coming up to him to him to encourage and support him every event. Finally, the team dynamic of the older students has provided incredible mentorship for both my son as well as his friends. He has developed a very mature and disciplined behavior at home, in part, from these interactions. I cannot recommend this opportunity more highly.

Master Lee is an amazing instructor! This particular space is awesome they just opened up a few…read moremonths ago but he has decades of experience. Our experience is for our 6 year old and our friend has an older son that has been with him for many years. I love that this is a non profit organization and they are helping under privileged kids as well. The classes are so affordable especially compared to other places and for up to 3x a week of practice! So many class options starting with age 3 and strength and conditioning classes for adults I will definitely try out the Fight Fit class myself! So happy we found Master Lee & PSP!!

US National in Las Vegas with Master Lee

I love it how the older kids take care of the younger ones.

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Master Lee Coaching Sparring in Action

Alonzo Martial Arts

4.9

(50 reviews)

1.9 mi

Master Alonzo is one of a kind. As the parent of a very strong-willed and energetic 4-year-old, I…read morecan honestly say he is doing God's work. What impresses me most isn't how he handles the easy days - it's how he shows up on the hard ones. Even when kids (such as mine) struggle to listen, get distracted, or have difficulty following directions, Master Alonzo remains patient, consistent, and incredibly dedicated. Recently, after a particularly challenging class, he stayed an additional 30 minutes afterward to talk with my son one-on-one and practice the moves he missed during the class. Many instructors would have simply moved on. Master Alonzo chose to invest even more of his time and energy into helping my son succeed. He holds kids accountable while still making them feel supported, and he genuinely cares about their growth both on and off the mat. The discipline, patience, mentorship, and heart he brings to teaching are rare. We are beyond grateful to have him as a role model in my son's life. The positive impact he is making extends far beyond martial arts, and our family couldn't appreciate him more.

I cannot say enough good things about Alonzo's Martial Arts. After a bad incident at a previous…read moreplace, my son Adam didn't lose confidence in himself--he lost trust in instructors. We were looking for a fresh start, and switching to Alonzo's was the best decision we could have made. He is super personable and remembers every single kid, and sometimes he will go over his class time to insure each kid learned fairly. Master Alonzo has studied child development, and it completely shows in his teaching style. He knows exactly how to capture the kids' attention and keep them motivated. Because of his expertise, he was able to earn Adam's trust and spark his interest in martial arts all over again. The progress has been mind-blowing: Adam learned much more in just two weeks here than he did in four months at his old school. He is doing so well now, and I couldn't be prouder of Adam for overcoming what he's been through. I am so deeply thankful and grateful that Master Alonzo is teaching my son!

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Lima Taekwondo & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

Certified professionals

Lima Taekwondo & Martial Arts Academy is an excellent place to learn the beautiful art of…read moreTaekwondo. The academy is run by Grandmaster Andre Lima (8th Dan, soon to be 9th Dan) and Grandmaster Christianny Lima (7th Dan), who goes by Master Chris. Master Chris is a pioneer in the field, the first woman to earn a Black Belt in both Taekwondo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. (A Grandmaster is a higher rank than a Master.) My two daughters, ages 13 and 8, have been training here. They have learned much more than Taekwondo. They have developed discipline, focus, respect, confidence, and strong character. The lessons they learn on the mat carry over into their everyday lives, helping them grow not only as martial artists but also as individuals. That is truly priceless. This academy offers classes for students of all ages, from young children to adults. One adult student, in fact, is 76 years old. Another great benefit is the flexible schedule. If my daughters cannot make their usual class time, such as the 3:30 p.m. session, they can simply attend the 5:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. class instead. There is also a sparring class offered twice a week. These classes give students the chance to safely apply the techniques they have learned against a real opponent in a controlled environment. It is a great way to build confidence and improve their skills. This academy has two locations: Culver City and Harbor City. The Harbor City location also offers a 3-hour class on Saturdays. Students who are unable to attend several classes during the week can attend this single session instead, which compensates for three regular classes. Classes are taught by several different Masters, giving students a well-rounded variety in their training and instruction styles. This academy also regularly competes in Taekwondo tournaments. My daughters have been competing in tournaments for the past five years. Tournament training has taught them much more than how to win. It has taught them discipline, perseverance, focus, and how to perform under pressure. It has also taught them to be humble in success and to learn from every competition. One thing that truly stood out to our family: As the saying goes, tough situations reveal true character. The COVID-19 pandemic turned the whole world upside down. Nobody knew what was going on or what to do. Some Taekwondo academies had to shut down completely. Some academies closed temporarily and reopened later. This academy, however, adapted quickly. They moved classes online and taught students in much the same way as they did during in-person sessions. They set up a large monitor, with one Master leading the class while the other observed the screen to ensure students were following along correctly. Since our children's schooling was also conducted online that year, staying at home for extended periods could have been challenging for our family. However, Taekwondo during COVID gave my daughters an opportunity to stay active and helped them remain grounded, confident, and motivated. It brought a sense of normalcy and stability to our lives during a very challenging time. It was a clear reflection of how much this academy genuinely cares about its students and their well-being.

Lima is a fantastic place to train taekwondo and jiu jitsu. There are no egos. Everyone is…read moresupportive, humble, and respectful. The instructors really care about your training. I have been taking the Women's Jiu Jitsu classes for the past 6 months with Master Chris, and I love it. Master Chris is a gifted teacher, and her classes are safe and focused. We do a lot of drills, and she has a lesson plan for every class. You are not allowed to roll until you get your first stripe as a white belt, and even after you start rolling, she watches everyone very closely and makes sure people are safe. She is one of the most thoughtful and considerate people that I've met in BJJ, but don't be fooled by her kind demeanor. She is a badass (7th Dan TKD Grandmaster, 1st(?) degree Black Belt in BJJ). I am lucky to be able to train with her. Lima is very family friendly, and the kids classes are popular. I wish I had started at a young age. I highly recommend training here. Parking is free and easy. There are plenty of classes offered throughout the week here and at their 2nd location in Harbor City.

Women's Only Self-Defense classes. "From woman to woman".

Grandmaster Andre Lima

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Soneca Martial Arts

(7 reviews)

great conditioning and tae kwon do class. The best martial arts school on the Westside. Great for…read morekids who want to learn real martial arts.

great place for TKD !!! great instructors…read more nice classes Master Nilson and his assistants are top notch

Diego wins gold medal!

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Group Classes

Tae Ryong Taekwondo

(40 reviews)

2.2 mi

I love Tae Ryong ! It's so fun and amazing. I'm testing for my first black belt!!! -Olivia 9 yo…read more I've never met better child educators. I truly can't recommend this studio highly enough. We found Tae Ryong Taekwondo during the pandemic, and it quickly became something special for our family. Master Hutchinson and Master Hoyle have been incredible throughout this journey. After the fire, Master Hutchinson went above and beyond to create a safe and supportive space for all of his Palisades students. That level of care and commitment meant so much to our community. The camaraderie across the TR studios is incredible. The masters genuinely look out for all of the students, not just their own, and provide thoughtful guidance every step of the way. It really feels like a community, not just a studio.

It's amazing to see these kids have so much fun learning discipline, structure and respect with…read moreloving supportive Tae Kwon masters. I highly recommend and even the adults have a blast watching the practice!

5 year old & 7 year old Tad Kwon Do rockstars!!

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Silva Taekwondo

4.6

(14 reviews)

Been meaning to share this for a while!! We truly appreciate this taekwondo studio. My son is…read moregrowing up as an only child, and outside of school, he hasn't had many chances to be around other kids in a structured, social environment. This has been such a wonderful space for him to grow--not just physically, but emotionally. The instructors are incredibly understanding. They recognize that every child is different, and they're amazing at supporting all types of personalities, from the quiet and sensitive to the bold and confident. My son can be very emotional at times, but they meet him where he's at with patience, while still guiding him with structure and encouragement. It's rare to find a place that nurtures both discipline and heart. We're so grateful to be part of this community and committed to a lifelong journey with them. We highly recommend this studio to any family looking for something truly special.

I can't say enough about this Dojang and instructor. Without a doubt, Master Silva is a great…read moreinstructor who has dedicated his life training in the art of Taekwondo. You will not find a better Master at TKD who works relentlessly hard towards the development of the kids. He and his wife's compassion for the kids is what drew me to their place of Taekwondo. The Dojang is part of the CUTA ( California Unified Taekwondo Association ) and aligned with WTF ( World Taekwondo Federation.) He works to prepare kids for sparring and the martial arts form of TKD. He and his wife do not over charge compared to other Taekwondo places. The passion is there for the kids as long as they stay dedicated to the martial art.

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Jun Chong Martial Arts

(41 reviews)

I have been a martial artist for more than 50 years I have train with some of the best in the…read moreworld and I can say that training at Grand Master Chong's studio is the highlight of my martial arts career. It's not every day that you have the opportunity of training with such an amazing martial arts Grand Master. He is humble, wise and loves what he does. His son, Master Young, Master Rhee (you may remember him from the film saga "The Best of the Best"), and the rest of the staff are simply incredibly high-skilled martial artists. This studio became my home and a family that I deeply love. If you want to change your life, or your children's, this is the place to be at.

THE BEST SCHOOL IN TOWN!!! I love this school! it's the…read moreTOP!! Master Chung is truly one of a kind and so are his other master teachers. I can't recommend this school highly enough.

Grandmaster Jun Chong with Masters Simon and Phillip Rhee in front of the old Wilshire location in 1975!

Masters Simon Rhee, Jun Chong, Chuck Norris, and Greg Williams

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Our kids jiu-jitsu program is growing! Give your child the priceless gift of confidence and grit while they learn to defend themselves.

Elite Taekwondo Center

4.8

(19 reviews)

6.1 mi

A long over due review of Elite TDK Center…read more Growing up Asian, we all at one point in life learned TDK and followed the teachings of the sport in some way one or the other. Now that we have become parents, sending our 5 year old son to TDK was one the best decisions ever! All the Masters here are fully trained and equipped to train and mold our little ones. They are patient, kind, and most of all love our kids as much as we do! We look forward to having our little ones grow up and build a strong relationship with the sport here and most importantly, learn to love the sport as much as we did as kids/young adults. Thank you Elite TDK! You guys are the best hand downs! Choong Hyo!

We love Elite Taekwondo Center! My daughter joined the competition team here 4 years ago and she…read moreloves it so much. The Masters are amazing and very knowledgeable. They care about the kids and have a passion teaching Taekwondo to the students. The competition team is also very active and competes often. The competition team families are very close and the kids bond by traveling together and supporting one another during tournaments. We are so grateful to have such an awesome Taekwondo family. The Masters are very attentive with all of the students and make sure that they are learning and progressing, not only in Taekwondo, but in their daily life outside of the studio.

AAU Arizona State Tournament

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Nationals 2022

Elite Taekwondo Center - Koreatown

(2 reviews)

6.1 mi

Great studio with the most amazing masters/instructors who lead by example, teach the discipline of…read morethe traditional ways of tkd. We have been to a few studios and #teamelite has been an amazing experience for my son. They keep it fun for the kids and always have exciting cross trainings with other studios to keep the kids on their toes by experiencing diff opponents other than their studio mates. The Grand Master is a professional with many years of experience- not just as a leader but also a student. His passion for martial arts and his students are reflected by his actions of going above and beyond to make sure they have all the tools and knowledge of what it takes to be the best of the best. My son and I appreciate all of the staff that help him grow in more ways than one. The tenets of Taekwondo are definitely practiced here.... courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. If you want to go or take your children to a studio that really focuses on the actual martial arts itself and not all about teaching with inexperienced masters/instructors that are not just out to take your $$.... I'd definitely check this studio out!

Elite Taekwondo has the Best masters and instructors I know!! Grandmaster Arnold and Master Kazuki…read moreare dedicated to their students and strive to bring the best taekwondo experience. They have also coached students on national levels but more importantly ,have championed many students to have self respect and confidence. Wouldn't be where I am today without them!!

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Euro Soccer USA

4.9

(164 reviews)

3.6 mi

Locally owned & operated

Certified professionals

Amazing!! We joined the 4-5 year old group. My kid had fun and the coach was nice and engaging!read more

Our son has been playing with Euro Soccer USA for over a year now, and it has been the best…read moreexperience so far. The program is well organized, engaging, and perfect for keeping kids active while learning real soccer skills. We especially love Coach Jarred! he is patient, encouraging, and truly great with kids. The after-school program has been an amazing outlet for our very active boy, and he always looks forward to practice. Highly recommend Euro Soccer USA to any parents looking for a fun, structured, and positive soccer program for their children!

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Santa Monica Swim Center

3.9

(92 reviews)

Awesome place to swim! Reasonable rates especially for Santa Monica residents. Have also taken…read moreadult classes and they are pretty descent. Above all, super clean and well organized

I have been coming to this pool since 2003. Ever since covid, the rude staff and stupid policies…read moreseem to dominate the center. First off, private interest can hire out lanes at any time and they deduct those lanes from paying customers. Second, if your a tax paying resident and a student you get the cheapest rate, but some of the staff (Dave) take it upon themselves to dictate rules and limit you on how many you can buy (like a Nazi). Lockers and locker rooms are near disgusting. Amazing how a city that has 1-bedroom apartments that rent for $6,000 can't make a nicer facility.

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So Fly Kids Camp

4.5

(23 reviews)

2.9 mi

Our son loves So Fly Kids Camp. The activities are fun and they go on great field trips. Friday…read moreCarnival Day is always a welcome way to end the week.

We've been sending our two small children to winter, spring, and now summer camp at So Fly and we…read morecouldn't be happier with them. The kids have so much fun, and they love going back each time. I get very nervous sending my children to facilities that are outside of my control (thank you anxiety), but I've always felt comfortable sending them to SFK. Highly recommend!

Fun Field Trips!

Exciting Field Trips!

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Gettin Slimey!

Venice High School Pool

4.6

(14 reviews)

2.7 mi

I taught my son and daughter how to swim at the Venice High School Pool decades ago, so this review…read moreis based on a multitude of swim sessions. The locker room is what you'd expect in a facility open to the public, but the pool itself, water quality, staff attitude and lifeguards are all first class. The pool water temperature and chlorine levels are nearly always right where they should be. At times when I've forgotten my goggles, I have completed my workout without great eye discomfort. Currently, October 2022, the pool is not open as many hours as it was prior to the pandemic. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the pool is divided in half with four lanes for laps swimmers ; the balance of the pool is reserved for recreational swimmers. There is a diving board for those that pass the swim test. Be sure to check the schedule before heading to the pool as swim lessons can intrude on lap swimming lanes. Children's and adult swim lessons are offered for a modest price, and the classes tend to be small. Most all of the staff wear face masks at all times. As of now, masks are not required for entry. The entry fee has varied over the years, but it has always been very affordable. Right now, 2022, seniors get in for one dollar.

I write this review with trepidation because I do not want this pool to become crowded, but I've…read morebeen searching for a good local pool and hope that this review can help others who are doing the same. This pool is located on the campus of Venice High School, and is open to the public during various hours (see website for details). Also, it is the only indoor pool in that area that I know of beside the one at the Santa Monica 24 hour fitness. The locker rooms, like any public pool, leave much to be desired, and are built like concrete bunkers. The walls and floor are all concrete, thus cold pools of water cover the entire floor and it is freezing in there, especially when you're wet. However one thing I liked was that rather than having actual lockers, there is an attendent behind a cage window that you hand your items to kind of like a coat check. They also have these mesh bags that you can use which hang on these metal poles they set up so that you don't have to put your stuff onto the wet bench or floor. Once you put everything in the bag you simply hand it to the attendant for you to get later. This way you don't have to cram everything into a little locker or worry about bringing your own lock. There are also lifeguards on duty and they have kickboards and poolbuoys available for use. The structure itself is also very well ventilated so though it gets colder than a smaller building, there is less of that strong chlorine smell. All of the attendants and lifeguards on duty are friendly and helpful. The crowd is mixed, though I would say it skews toward the older side. All in all, this is a great place if you're looking for a no frills swim. While you do have to suck it up while you're undressing/dressing before and after swimming if you're going during the colder months (and wet floors and benches are annoying), the pool is spacious and well kept. I also love that it's less than 2 miles from my apt.

Fall 2019 Pool Hours

Spring 2020 Pool Hours

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Culver City Park

4.3

(81 reviews)

1.1 mi

A really spacious park that goes up in elevation. Has a large fenced off baseball field which is…read moregreat for your doggos to roam and play in. Didn't get to hike but loved all the benches that showcase Culver City views. It's a good park cause you can drive up to certain viewpoints if you choose not to hike.

I hate not being able to give this Park five stars and the reason why I can't give this part five…read morestars is because they say that no dogs are allowed on the way up but yet there's dog poop all over the walking bridge I really like this park because when I have broken my foot in order to exercise This was a great place. They have like a switchback OK so which means you're going higher and higher, but without stairs, right... and six years ago I had a knee surgery where I needed to still exercise, but I just couldn't lift my knee like that just walking was all I could do so I've been in a few predicaments where you know I appreciate having this switchback, I just don't appreciate the dog poop. If you are going to violate the rules and bring your dog which I love animals I love dogs you gotta clean up after your animal. It's not OK to just to leave dog poop on the trail. And also, why aren't my Park Rangers enforcing this rule anyhow, if you wanna take a nice walk, that's gonna give you a little workout without doing too much strain than this is the park for you! At the end of the day, this is a very pretty park where you can actually barbecue you do need to reserve the space. I don't know how much it cost, but I know you need to reserve the space and then you can have a party there there's a skate park attached. I mean it's a nice park just please people be respectful and I guess it's not the Park's fault per se... But if there are Park Rangers, why aren't they enforcing this rule? Also, they lease out some space to this company that does these really cool teambuilding, exercises and wall climbs and stuff. It's pretty cool. I wanted to do it but it was like $100 a person and I was like ouch! All in all, there is a beautiful view when you do reach the top and I don't mean the top on the bottom I mean all the way up to the top has the picture show you can see all the way to the beach on a clear day. It's gorgeous.

Rise n' Shine Everyone...

Bunny

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The Electric Voyage - Marina Del Rey

What a perfect afternoon out on the Marina. This experience was literally turnkey. Our boat arrived…read moreon the dot at our scheduled departure time. We were given a quick overview of the boat mechanics and safety equipment and boating etiquette. The boat was fully stocked with soft drinks and a phenomenal charcuterie that we were able to arrange as an "add on" and decorated for our friends birthday. This was a seamless and top notch experience. Adriana and her team clearly know what they are doing and are completely dialed in to make your day putting around the Marina as effortless as possible. You will not be sorry and should not hesitate to book your trip with The Electric Voyage.

Went with my 10-year-old daughter and my 10-year-old goddaughter and had the best time. The…read moreelectric boat was smooth, quiet, and very kid-friendly perfect for a relaxing ride around the marina. We added the charcuterie and s'mores package when booking online, and it was totally worth it. The kids loved it! Staff were kind, patient, and made us feel comfortable before heading out. Such a great family-friendly experience and a really special memory.