Spent many years going to this dojo and have nothing but good things to say about it! The entire…read morecommunity at Aikido of Santa Cruz is lovely and very welcoming. If you're looking for something different to try, I highly recommend!

One of the best places to do Aikido in northern California. Authentic Aikido taught by very…read moreexperienced instructors. Disclaimer: I haven't actually trained with them since about 1991. But I am sure they are still a great group. And why should my opinion count? I have been teaching martial arts (primarily traditional Japanese Karate) since 1984 and am considered by many to be among the best there is at teaching it. When I get back to Aikido, this is definitely where I will be doing it. I highly recommend this group.

Had the pleasure of training here during Memorial Day weekend and as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black…read morebelt, krav Maga black belt and Muay Thai kickboxing coach who owns his own gym in Los Angeles I can't say enough good things about this facility. First of all it looks amazing. Second the coaches were extremely knowledgeable. Third the students were diverse and extremely friendly as well as safe. I can't recommend this place enough.

This is a great place to get physical and learn good life skills such as being respectful and…read moredisciplined.

A friend encouraged me to check out this dojo two years ago. My life goals, purpose and perception…read morehas changed so much since then for the better. I have a new extended family of friends that are there to teach me so much more than self defense. The instructors and fellow students are there to challenge you not just in the dojo, but in life to be a better you through rigorous mental and physical training. The atmosphere is always positive and good humored. Their is constant one on one instruction and every class is always a new adventure. Now all I want to do is train!! I know you will too!!

I created a Yelp account just to review this studio. Love it! Mark is as good a teacher in Bujinkan…read moreand life as any I have experienced. From day one he helped me to feel confidant in my abilities not just as a martial artist but as a person. I left every class with a charge that still hasn't worn off even after moving out of the area. In just 6 short months I went from feeling fear in unknown or potentially dangerous situations to a resolute calm that comes from knowing that I can take care of myself, because I have tested my limits. Mark teaches in a way that encourages peaceful resolution, with a penetrating mindset and graceful skills to handle what may come up in a modern society. And its just plain fun. For those 6 months I worked simply to support my Bujinkan habit and can't wait to train there again. Can't recommend SC Budo enough.

Incredible community and top tear coaching. I go there for both the kickboxing and jiujitsu…read moreclasses. they even offer a free week trial which is super accommodating to someone looking for a new place to train

Great gym to train! Friendly environment, great coaching staffs and Garth is the best. His…read morewrestling and jiujitsu skills are world class level and he also has deep knowledge of crossfit. I improved my overall fitness level through this gym and my jiujitsu skills improved phenomenonally. I am really glad that I met Garth and other coaching staffs in these gym. Train with hearts!!!

I first became a student at Sanford's Martial Arts in 1999. I was 10 years old and my father had…read moreunexpectedly passed away. In the same year we had moved to Soquel with my twin and I starting at a new school. In a year with many unknowns, Sanford's Martial Arts quickly became the community we so desperately needed. I credit this dojo for helping me gain the confidence to navigate difficult life changes and the self discipline to persevere, even in the face of adversity. I continued with my training for many years and even became an instructor. Now my 5 year old has been training for 2 years and I cannot give enough praise for Sanford's Martial Arts youth program. Your child will learn about respect, courage, self discipline, morality and YES, they will learn self defense! As a family owned and operated business established in the 80s, the dojo culture is one built on a foundation of respect, community, and inclusivity. This place feels like home to my family and me.

My son has been practicing karate here for 1.5 years. Truly, I cannot say enough good things about…read morethis program. First, the instructors are amazing. They know where every kid is at skill-wise and are so reassuring and supportive when the students are learning new techniques. Second, mat chats! In every class an instructor takes 5-10 minutes to talk about different subjects like bullying, strangers, trusting your gut, respect, or self discipline. The students get adult role models, aside from their parents, to teach important life skills. Lastly, the dojo feels like an incredibly supportive and safe place to be. Amazing staff, movie nights, karate with mom or dad days, so many fun activities! I'm very thankful for Sanford's and watching my son build confidence here.

My daughters have been studying with Master Jin since they were 5. Today, I saw my oldest (now 11…read moreand a black belt) sparring with a beginner man in his forties, not backing off a single time and leaving him exhausted. Taekwondo under Master Jin has done wonders for their confidence, stamina, focus, and respect, and it gives me the peace of mind to know that they will be able to defend themselves and others. Master Jin has trained wonderful teachers, some of whom now have their own schools in the area, and created a strong community. Despite his achievements, he is laid back and approachable. His teaching style is perfect for our kids, and we are very proud to be part of his school.

I did Martial Arts here for 5 years and I loved it! I am now a black belt and I know that Martial…read moreArts has helped me in many ways including self defense, flexibility, confidence and focus. Master Jin is a great instructor. I would definitely recommend this academy to anyone who would like to learn martial arts or how to defend themselves.

I was 53 when I first went to Claudio's. I needed a safe enviroment to learn this gentle art and…read morefound it with Claudio, his world class instructors, and the warm big hearted members.

Was camping at New Brighton and stopped in for an open mat. Everyone was very welcoming and…read morefriendly. They all had great technique and I was able to get a lot of rolls in. Will definitely stop by when I am in the area again.