People of color: please be careful. Absolutely horrible experience with some of the staff. Staff…read moremember lied about a conversation we had to get me removed. I asked him for his help with billing at the front desk, he was extremely rude to me, when I called him out on it...he made up a lie that -" I slammed my hand on the table and caused a scene"...and then I just walked away after the scene and just went and did a class.....in a room with 40 people ... no one else saw this. The people they have running this place .... Genuinely sad...they will lie on people of color blatantly.

I've been going to Woodenman for about 4 months now and it's been a great experience. I started…read morewith zero Muay Thai experience/taking the intro classes and have worked my way up to being comfortable in the group classes. All the coaches are welcoming, patient and knowledgeable, and it's always such a killer workout as well. Another plus is that the gym is always clean and tidy whereas some other martial arts gyms I've been to have been noticeably more grungy. Everyone I've met at the gym have also been very friendly so the community aspect is really great too.

This is one of the best MMA gyms in the city. I tried out a few places before settling at this gym…read more I ended up going multiple times a week all summer. The staff is very friendly and the instructors are top notch. I personally do mostly the boxing classes and Paris is a wonderful instructor. Once you get past the begging stages and are able to do some light sparring that is when he really shines as a coach. He is able to give genuine and very constructive feedback. Not that he doesn't put on great beginner classes or anything. I still attend those as well. Jacob is also a fantastic teacher, a lot more footwork in his classes. Combine the two and you're going to be very well rounded. (They also have several Muay Thai and BJJ classes) Overall the gym has all the staples, a few different types of heavy bags (about a dozen total), a double edge bag, and speed bag. Basic free weights and bench press. They even have the old school tire and sledgehammer. They have a ring of course for sparring as well. That coupled with some ex professional instructors and I'm not sure what else you're looking for. As for the community I've never had nor seen any negative altercations and from my experiences basically everyone is friendly and welcoming. I have no intentions of attending any other gyms and see myself here for quite sometime.

I tried this place for a few months, and I would not recommend this gym…read more During class, it's hard to understand the instructors, especially through the noise. It's common for people to look around confused, unsure of how to perform the long combo shown. In maybe half the classes, though, additional instructors might occasionally come around to give tips. Compared to other gyms, the culture is notably less welcoming. I think the worst part though, is that some of the staff is oddly rude and sometimes aggressive. The only time I received a lasting injury in around 2 years of combat sports sparring was when a staff member here suddenly threw dangerous unpadded knees to my rib cage during a light spar. There are some parts of the gym that are nice. The head instructors, for example, are very kind and knowledgeable, and the place is usually pretty clean.

Ving Tsun by any other name (Wing Chun) is still Ving Tsun…read more I finally dived in and started my training at the school after a little help from purchasing a living social deal that was good for one month. it's been so great I just recently paid for my 5th month. (Next paragraph for Wing Chun Geeks) ---------------------------------------------------------- The schools lineage runs strong. Sifu Victor, the instructor had 2 instructors himself. His first instructor in Philadelphia (Pete Pajil a battle tested Sifu) as well as Grand Master Moy Yat an Artist. (Look them up.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (Back to my experience so far) The school is all you can eat kung fu since it's open 7 days a week. I would come everyday if I could. The Sifu lives close to the school so he comes in pretty often. The school is a welcoming coed community where the older students work with newer students. There are no sashes or formal uniforms. You do have to earn your school shirt though. I really like the structure of teaching/absorbing kung fu. The structure for my training was that they would send an older student for 15 min to work with me or refine what I've learned. After 15 min I would get to work with another older student. I would go through about 4 or 5 older students depending on who was available. So it was almost 1:1 teaching from my point of view for the first 3 months. There is also conditioning but I want/need to do it so I can improve my endurance while training the fundamentals. The school is the right choice for me because I wanted to learn Ving Tsun and it's finer details. I also wanted to learn an effective martial art that I could grow into as I get older since it's not about brute force or strength. Also who doesn't want to learn what's behind the 1 inch punch ;) (Answer: My sifu's horse) As an additional benefit to joining the school they share some of their space with yoga instructors and students are allowed to take a couple classes a month as part of my membership. I plan on sticking with Ving Tsun Sito as long as I am able to.

What's more exciting than learning Ving Tsun (aka Wing Chun) Kung Fu; the same type of Kung Fu…read moreBruce Lee learned from Legendary Ip Man (aka Yip Man)? ANSWER: Learning Ving Tsun Kung Fu from Master Victor Chung (aka Moy Yook) who studied directly under Grandmaster Pete Pajil (Moy Bah Hugh) and the venerable Grandmaster Moy Yat (1938-2001) who studied directly under IP MAN! Sifu Victor Chung emphasizes the maintenance of "Traditional" Ving Tsun Kung Fu and is very generous with his time in lectures and in hands-on training. From learning Ving Tsun Kung Fu, I've gained a considerable amount of Knowledge in Self-Defense, the meaning of Kung Fu, Family, and Culture. I've also gained a newfound respect for Ving Tsun Kung Fu! Thank You Sifu & VTS Family!

Was referred to this academy by my professor. Dropping in was easy and they were very…read moreaccommodating. Guys there were very welcoming and patient. Black belts are willing to roll with this white belt and really work with you. Professor Tay explained the drills very clearly to figure out what to do. Neighborhood is a bit sketchy but getting an Uber or taking BART isn't bad.

They are really a diamond in the rough. The staff is really flexible with my ever changing schedule…read moreand the coaches are very skilled and patient- I look forward to my progress.

This studio offers a contemporary take on a traditional and deadly martial art: "Wing Tsun"…read more If you want to get in shape while learning practical self-defense in the worldwide recognized kung fu style popularized by the recent "Ip Man" movies and originally practiced by Bruce Lee before he created his "Jeet Kune Do" then this is the place for you! Sifu Joseph Mah is a certified practitioner of the International WingTsun Association (IWTA), a comprehensive teaching system developed by Ip Man disciples Leung Ting and Elmond Leung. To truly learn the close-combat art of Wing Tsun requires hands-on application of the system's arsenal of techniques, and that's exactly what you will receive during the many classes offered throughout the week.

One of the best clubs I've ever joined in my life! You don't…read moreneed a background in martial art; Sifu Josep and the rest of the students will patiently guide you during each lesson. It is truly and enjoyable group and community. Each class is going to challenge and engage you, definetely recommend it. Something that I really appreciate is that you get the chance to learn a bit about the history of Wing Tsun, which gives more subject to what you do in each class. Definetely recommend! Lessons last 2 hours and happen around 3 times a week.

At the risk of sound hyperbolic, I believe Tim saved my life. When I first starting working with…read moreTim I was in my last 30's, overweight, and out-of-shape. Tim's wholistic approach to fitness, self-defense, and wellness were exactly what I needed. His lessons, teachings, and wisdom stay with me to this day. Thank you, Tim! :)

I started training with Tim last year when I was looking for a class for learning the fundamentals…read moreof Jeet Kune Do. I was itching for a martial arts style that was more aligned with my meditation practice and yoga philosophy. Tim has been an excellent teacher, teaching me about the value of beating speed and strength with patience and movement. And how defense is the best offense. Tim's expertise shines through, and I've appreciated the focus on fundamentals and repetition that has helped me feel my body and build reflexes that are applicable for any situation. Also, I'm not gonna lie that it feels badass knowing specific pain triggers on the body and how locking peoples' fingers can cause them to squeal in pain and bend their bodies in compromising positions :) I highly recommend Tim for his expertise, humor, and kind hearted nature. He's a pleasure to train with

After I got assaulted on a bus earlier in the year, a few good friends highly recommended I take a…read moreself-defense class from this place. I've never taken a self-defense or martial arts class in my life. I figured it was about time, given the current circumstance of the world we live in. I took a self-defense class on riding public transit from Moses. Moses was great providing instruction and examples of the why and how on self-defense and it felt really practical. It definitely eased my anxiety a little bit considering I've often feel intimidated by the idea of just doing anything related to conflict. It also was intense and I got winded pretty quickly (and I thought I was in excellent shape from being a trained dancer and roller skater!). Just one class alone did provide a lot of value and practicality of what I need to work on when riding public transit as well as general awareness of safety now. In reality, with every skill you learn, it's going to require practice and consistency of training to stick. I'll definitely come back once I get my schedule back together.

Very inclusive, no ego gym. Instructors are very patient and welcoming with clear instructions. All…read morethe students are very friendly, no ego and help each other out. Easy to jump into a class and get on board.

i've been training here almost 3x a week for about 2 months. This is my 3rd jiu jitsu school due to…read morehaving to move around, but fortunately, I'm finally settled and Carley Gracie's academy has also turned out to be my favorite in a rather short time. The academy is located on the 2nd floor of a Tae Kwon Do gym so it may be hard to find at first. There's a dozen friendly students and a lively instructor in Carley. Carley Gracie is a master red belt and his teachings are as technical as they are fun. He's got a very unique approach to teaching Jiu Jitsu through his extensive decades of experience and i'm totally diggin the fact that he wears white Hanes socks on the mats, lol. Class is only MWF, 630-8pm. Membership is either by the month or a 3-month deal, no initiation fees or contracts or any other gimmicks. You simply pay through a Square credit card reader (which I love, as most gyms make you go through a lot of bs to sign up or cancel) and you can just stop paying when you need to pause or resume payments at any time. This is a great place to learn or improve your jiu jitsu game, no matter what belt level you're at

Carley Gracie is a king among men. The guy is such a sweetheart that it makes you forget all about…read morethe fact that you're learning how to kick people's asses. I've been to a few jiu-jitsu academies and this one was by far the best. My experience with the other academies were mainly getting my ass kicked. The students there seemed to be more interested in building up their own egos by destroying the new students rather than fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and collective improvement. It all comes back to the instructor. The instructor sets the tone for the academy and, in Carley's case, the tone is one of respect and altruism -- you help the new guys out and don't push anyone past their limit. The Carley Gracie academy is great for beginners but also offers plenty of challenge for advanced students. I've seen some of the most talented jiu-jitsu guys here and they always do well at tournaments. Another thing worth noting is that Carley Gracie is one of the highest ranked BJJ practitioners on the planet -- an 9th degree black belt AKA red belt. According to his bio, he has a lifetime undefeated record even counting private family matches against other Gracies. I believe it too. It just goes to show you that some of the baddest dudes on the planet can also be some of the nicest.

If I could give 10 stars to CMA, I would…read more I initially joined this gym in the early times of the COVID pandemic (remember when we thought this would be over in two weeks?) because it was the only place I could find that was hosting outdoor classes and making a conscientious effort to safely support their members during that stressful time. Dave and Joe are exceptional coaches and are truly passionate about Muay Thai. Prior to finding CMA, I trained at large and well known gyms (e.g., AKA, El Niño) and these places do not come close to the high level of instruction I've received at CMA. The classes at CMA are a perfect balance of technical instruction and fitness - with an emphasis on improving your individual skill set and providing tailored feedback to help you achieve your goals. Dave and Joe have worked hard to provide a welcoming environment to all - no bro-culture here! Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn something new while also getting a work-out or a competitive martial artist, this is the place to be. 10/5, would recommend.

I trained at CMA for almost three years. I had no prior Muay Thai experience and felt welcome from…read moremy first day. There's a variety of instructors and classes that are all great. Private lessons offerings are available as well if you really want to ramp up, I learned a ton and the sport is something I'd recommend to anybody if you're on the fence about picking up a new hobby. Only leaving because of a move, but I'll still drop in if I'm ever back in the City. I highly recommended

Master Evans is a great role model. My daughter looks up to her so much. She's become an icon in…read moreour household. The skills and values that kids learn here will get them ahead in life.

Seems I'm right there with everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did not send my kids here…read morewhen they were kids. Just because I had no idea it existed. If you have a kid, don't hesitate for a nanosecond, just bring them. If you're older, like 61 and feeling able bodied, dont hesitate for a nanosecond! This space and place is welcoming and inviting and really sort of defies definition. So. Check it out. See for yourself.