Monterey Bay Taekwondo has been one of the best decisions we've made for our children. The…read moreinstructors strike the perfect balance between discipline and encouragement. They challenge the kids while still making every class fun and engaging. We've noticed huge improvements in confidence, focus, listening skills, and overall attitude. The positive environment and strong sense of respect they teach really stands out. Master Lee and the instructors are incredibly patient, encouraging, and truly care about each student's growth -- not just in Taekwondo but in confidence and discipline as well. If you're looking for a program that builds both physical skill and character, this is it!

What a fabulous place to learn Taekwondo! It's great for all ages and all the instructors are…read moreprofessionals and work with each student individually and in a group setting with each class being a bit different . A great way to teach kids to use respect, learn real life defense skills, coordination, and become part of a new family who cares about one and another . Highly recommend this dojo !!!

So glad we found this dojo. Sensei is the best and he builds great rapport with his students. My…read moredaughter is a little shy but the kids are welcoming and the parents are also just as kind. 10 out of 10. I just hope that Sensei doesn't retire anytime soon so she can train under him for years to come.

It's for children mostly and the instructors r not professional…read more Spent three months there and didn't learn anything because of drama between instructors and students

*A love letter to my favorite place in the Monterey Bay area.*…read more If you are looking for a martial arts gym in the area that will introduce you to the art and take you to the next level, look no longer. Coach Mark is truly the best with whom I trained under and cares very deeply about helping students continue to realize their potential as human beings and as martial artists. I had my first class here Feb 2021 and was impressed with Mark's high level instruction, and the quality of my fellow teammates. The impression of a martial arts dojo for people who have never trained is that it is full of dangerous people ready to smash newbies. And while this is true for some gyms, Eliteteam Monterey is the type of place that will simultaneously push you to become better and empower you. It was through the coach and teammates' encouragement that I decided to compete, and if you are willing to learn the program and train consistently, you will be carried to another level with the support of a stellar coach and hard working team. Having trained at four different gyms since 2016, one learns to look at some details to understand the "health" of a gym: 1) The mats are always clean and are sanitized after every session. 2) Mark pays close attention to the organization, cleanliness, and vibe of the whole facility, so you feel right at home. 3) A shower is available for those on morning, noon, or evening training schedules and is stocked with "Defense" soap so that every person can keep the team safe with good hygiene (anti-ring worm, anti-staph). 4) This academy now has a Full Monday to Sunday schedule, with 6 AM classes, 12 PM classes, 4 PM classes, and 6PM classes. 5) It is a very inclusive academy and has classes for all levels, and women's classes 8-9 Saturday. 6) The coach constantly emphasizes fundamentals while helping you build skills, and then try them in live sparring under his close supervision so that everyone stays safe. 7) Striking classes are offered as well In addition to jiujitsu, I also benefited a lot from Coach Mark's advice about applying principles of the art in my professional and personal life, and how to improve my health. He provided me with strengthening exercises, cardio exercises, cool podcasts, and coaching at competitions, to help me build more confidence as a person and as a martial artist. Thank you coach Mark and the Elite Team Monterey crew. Catch you on the next roll.

I was visiting for a few days due to work and this was the highlight of my trip. Great vibe, I felt…read moresafe as a visitor, awesome technique. Thanks Coach Mark, and all the others of the team. Highly recommended

A Truly Incredible Experience at Kugtar MMA!!!…read more We are beyond grateful for the amazing guidance, support, and mentorship our son has received. From the moment he started, we knew we found something special. The environment is positive, DISCIPLINED, and uplifting -- exactly what every parent hopes for when choosing a martial arts school. A huge and heartfelt thank you to the Vanderlipe family, whose dedication and passion for jiu-jitsu shine through in everything they do. Their patience, encouragement, and genuine care have helped our son grow not only as an athlete, but also in his confidence, focus, and character. We have so much appreciation for the time, energy, and heart they pour into their students. We couldn't be more proud of the progress he's made under their guidance. He recently competed in a few tournaments for the first time this year. First tournament received a participation medal, second tournament a bronze, and third was GOLD! We highly recommend Kugtar MMA to any family looking for top-tier jiu-jitsu training, amazing role models, and a community that truly feels like family. Thank you, Vanderlipe family -- we are so grateful for everything you've done for our son!

Came with my friend and his son to see if he would be a good fit . I like the overall quality of…read morethe place but when the main female instructor ( i believe she was the main sensei's wife) came to class late loud and disruptive I immediately didn't like it. After class she approached and spoke with us with a sense of entitlement telling us we have to refer to her as ma'am when speaking to her but showed no respect while speaking to us. She then tells me I can beat up your mom and she's choked out guys that thought she couldn't do it. The head sensei showed the traditional demeanor of martial artist's I've met in the past honor and humility which has always been something I've found appealing. There was also 2 younger instructors who acted with respect and were leading the class. It was ma'am that made me not like the place and it seems she'd be there all the time.

I cannot say enough about this karate dojo! My daughter has been going since she was 4 years old…read moreand is 11. She is advancing through her belts the way a real proper dojo should. They have to go through test, show an understanding of honor, respect and fortitude. The school does not promise to advance your child to blackbelt in a few short years if you sign up for their membership. It's impressive to see the longevity of students who have stayed with this amazing school. I cannot say enough about the sensai/teachers. They are the absolute best I have seen in training, support, kindness, respect and all without humiliating or screaming at your child. They hold the students accountable for their actions with wisdom and explanations. I actually have put off the thought of moving from the area just to keep my daughter in this facility. I have also taken the kickboxing classes myself to get in physical shape for my job and I dropped 30lbs in 2 months! I've grown to love the staff and the familiar faces that I've watched grow up here. They take the classes seriously, but have this incredible way of adding humor and fun and adjusting the levels of seriousness to the proper age groups. The little kids love the staff, and learn about respecting them and each other as well as their parents. I highly recommend coming and at least trying one class, whether it's for your child or even yourself in one of the adult classes. Best decision I've made for my young child to show her what it is to stick with a good program through her life and earn rewards, (advancing a belt), and to continue even when tired, (like after volleyball practice). I would give them a 100 stars if I could for what they've done so far.

AWESOME! The instructors, the space, the kids are all great. The program promotes self…read more improvement, integrity and fun. Kicking boxing for adults is also great!

My daughter was nervous her first class but Brendon and the instructors were awesome and went out…read moreof their way to make her feel welcomed. She had an amazing time and learned a couple of moves her first class. She immediately got home and practiced said moves on her dad. She left the class feeling happy and proud of herself.

I'm a 53 year old woman who has never joined any kind of self-defense class before. I was timid to…read morestart and only went to the introductory class because it was free. The class was taught by Sam And Josh and I was shocked at how much fun it was. Sam, (Samantha), is so thorough and effective, yet was cautious and made people who might be taking the class because they were former victims of an attack, feel comfortable and only perform moves within their comfort level. She kept checking in on us new students to make sure we were comfortable with hands on moves. We were taught so many effective moves in such a short amount of time. All the students are incredible as well. It feels safe yet challenging. It's extremely fun and educational. In that one class I was SOLD. I signed up for a monthly membership and love every single class. I feel empowered and strong and braver than I have ever felt in my short time going here. I highly recommend coming here for jujitsu training and self-defense classes. They also do "extra-curricular" activities outside of class8 that make us feel like a close group of friends. The communication is amazing and they never make you feel like your questions are too much or ridiculous. I can't wait to go to the next class, every week. All the instructors are patient, thorough and not an ounce of bad attitude. This is my new happy place.

Absolutely amazing instructors. Very professional. Clean. Respectful…read more I genuinely feel like my child is learning a craft and many skills that will be carried throughout life.

Professor Rich has built an amazing program at the adult and kids level. Spent a year at the gym…read moreand gained a lot of jiu jitsu skills but most importantly I gained friends that felt more like family. I would highly recommend this gym to anybody new to martial arts that might be nervous to start and join a gym. Everybody in the gym is down to earth, helpful and welcoming. Every class is filled with great knowledge and competitive sparring if you're looking to compete, but everybody will take it slow and "flow roll" if you're looking to work on technique. Would recommend this gym not only for the atmosphere but size. There is always enough space and Professor Rich is able to give everybody individual attention if needed. I would have stayed at this gym for a much longer time if I didn't move for work but will always go back and I consider Professor Rich and the team my home team and close friends.

Been to about 5 different jiujitsu places and this one is one of the best. The instructor is…read moreamazing and the students all get along. A lot of great people in this gym. Prices are the best you'll find anywhere.

We were looking for an extracurricular activity for our two boys (ages 9 and 6) but were having…read moretrouble finding something that they really took to. They don't do well with someone yelling in their face and they're not big on sports. After asking around, we were recommended Mr. Sells Martial Arts. It's so nice that he offers a free, no commitment, one week trial to really see if the kid(s) enjoy the classes. After a week, our boys were hooked and look forward to attending every afternoon. Mr. Sells is so patient and knows his stuff. All the kids respect him and you can tell they all WANT to be there, they're not forced to be there. Mr. Sells will teach your child all things karate, but also sprinkles in some valuable life lessons with each class. None of that toxic masculinity stuff! Pricing is reasonable especially for how flexible the time/classes are. There's always going to be a class that fits your schedule and he doesn't make you feel bad if you miss one. I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone, but even more so if you have a timid/introverted kiddo. Try to get there a little early if you have questions, or call and leave a message, because classes start timely and he is busy with the kids once 3pm hits.

So patient and kind wonderful place for my granddaughter to learn martial arts. Outstanding place.read more

I am a former student here and it is a very great place to learn and demonstrate self defense.read more

Great coach and training environment. Very affordable, and the coach is great with kids. Very…read moreencouraging, respectful, and invested in their success. For adults, the gym is very welcoming, especially for first-timers. All the training partners in the gym were very nice and helpful. Highly recommend this gym!