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Pasadena, CA

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Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0

5.0 (44 reviews)
Open • 3:30 pm - 8:30 PM

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Testing Day photo
Chandra C.

Jeff Speakman Kenpo 5.0 studio is very professional and they teach the kids discipline and respect. My son is 9 now and has been going here since he was 4 and he loves it. Everything is clean and well sabitized. The studio is super family friendly and I'm so glad we found them. They also have an after school program and Summer and Spring Camp program that is great.

Can't say enough about this school, kids enjoy every moment. We got to compete in several tournaments, very exciting time for all. Definitely taking away life -long lessons in discipline , work ethics in addition to art of Kenpo.

Megan C.

Karate with Jeff Speakmans Kenpo couldn't have came at a better time. When the pandemic started in March of 2020 I seen a Facebook AD for virtual karate class. After enrolling my son and his first 2 classes he found a new love. Karate and his Sensi's. After four months of virtual karate my son has advanced to the next colored belt. Aside from teaching karate they also emphasized school work, following directions and respect. Thank you Jeff Speakman's Kenpo! If I could give more stars I would!

Sage taking 2nd place in Fighting at the World championship tournament in Vegas!  #toughchicks
Tina F.

My daughter has been at the Pasadena Kenpo school since she was 6 years old starting as a white belt. Now she is 13, and a black belt and is working toward achieving her adult black belt. She has sensory integration disorder and my husband and I believe that karate saved her. It provided the brain work to help her focus, inspired her to achieve higher goals in life and build her confidence where school could not. It also taught her to be more disciplined and respectful to others. It has been her second family where she feels accepted and is respected on all levels as well. Now my 9 year old son is also a part of the karate family. He started when he was 6 as well and has grown and benefited in the same way my daughter has. No doubt that he will also reach his black belt as his sister did. My children have grown up with all the sensei's and they have grown with them. They are all so great with kids and their teaching style is warm and fun as much as it is strict where needed. If you're child is struggling to find an interest or a place to belong, I strongly advise you to try Pasadena Kenpo. It will change there life for the better.

Group photo after testing for their next belt.

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4 years ago

This is a great karate place my kids go here and thay learn A lot and thay are getting really good I Recommend that you should go here

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9 years ago

I love this place staff goes beyond to help kids! Very disciplined and kind so far so good ... must check it out

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Ask the Community - Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0

Review Highlights - Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0

“Our family has been participating with Sensei Anto's classes for over a year and the positive benefits are tremendous.”

Mentioned in 8 reviews

Read more highlights

SBG SoCal

SBG SoCal

5.0(69 reviews)
1.2 mi•West Central

The coaches here are all fantastic. I have two daughters in separate aged classes and they have…read morelearned so much, not only in jiu jitsu but in becoming better people. Coach Marco is a wizard at getting the kids to pay attention and grasp what is being taught. The kindness, safety, and combined knowledge is ever present here and I am so grateful we all train at this gym. My wife and I also train and continue to get better with every class. As someone that spends A LOT of time here, believe me when I say this is the gym you are looking for. It is more than just a place to learn, it can be a great community as well. Hearing some of the talks to the kids before class starts is inspiring. Coach Marco is like a violent Mr. Rogers in a Gi.

If you have children and haven't been to SBG SoCal, check it out!…read more We have toured all the major jiujitsu studios in Pasadena and none can match it in cleanliness, teacher:student ratios and quality of instructions. Coach Marco and his team really know how to teach and empower kids. Not only do the kids learn jiujitsu and other martial arts, they also learn life lessons. Marco has been a life coach for my son. Teaching him about humanity, friendships, bullying and respect. And it's super clean which I appreciate. If you are searching for a jiujitsu experience with both quality instructions and amazing instructors that care for your children, then check it out. I've learned how to properly execute gentle, yet firm, parenting, just by watching Marco in action. I also want to add that Marco and his team are heroes. During the Eaton Fire, they were helping displaced kids, housing them at the gym, and subsidizing dozens of kids' jiujitsu membership because of their loss. Kindness at its finest. A++++++

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SBG SoCal
SBG SoCal
SBG SoCal

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Krav Maga Unleashed

Krav Maga Unleashed

4.6(56 reviews)
1.7 mi•West Central

I have been coming to Krav Maga Unleashed for about two years…read more I have grown very stroked to come to class, in large part because all the teachers are so good. I'm a university professor so I am very familiar with the art of teaching and I really pay attention to how other people do it. And all the teachers are awesome. They explain everything very clearly, are totally present, pay attention to what the students are doing and give detailed feedback. And the the fact that they put in the effort makes all the students try harder.. Plus, it's a physical and mental work out that really adds to my quality of life so thank you. Hopefully I won't have to use any of this knowledge in the future, but I feel much better knowing that I know how to. Definitely 5 stars

I used to have a much more positive view of this Krav Maga gym, but unfortunately it has gone…read moresignificantly downhill and is now in a noticeable state of disarray. The biggest issues are poor management and a lack of clear organization. Communication is inconsistent, newsletters routinely come out late, and administrative follow-through is unreliable. Even basic things like belt test certificates have been delayed by more than a year after the actual test, which speaks to deeper operational problems. There also appears to be a steady decline in membership, which is not surprising given the current state of the gym. The environment feels less structured and less cohesive than it used to be. From a technical standpoint, Krav Maga here feels like a "jack of all trades, master of none." This is an inherent trait of Krav Maga, but if you're going to steal from other martial arts, you should know the pure form of the art as well (at least at the instructor level) to demonstrate the cleanest technique and explain why you're doing certain things. As a result, students get surface-level exposure rather than real proficiency in any one area. If you are looking for strong fundamentals or mastery of a specific discipline, this is not the place. I have also heard repeated concerns about instructors not being properly compensated. Allegedly, some people taught for long periods with little or no pay, which raises serious questions about how the gym treats its staff and values their time. To be clear, this gym was never the best even at its peak, but it was at least better run in the past. At this point, the lack of organization, declining quality, and management issues make it difficult to recommend. I hope they take a hard look at what is happening and make meaningful changes, because right now it feels like a gym that has lost its direction.

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Krav Maga Unleashed - Immaculate shower facilities.

Immaculate shower facilities.

Krav Maga Unleashed - Learning handgun defenses in Krav Maga Intermediate / Advanced class.

Learning handgun defenses in Krav Maga Intermediate / Advanced class.

Krav Maga Unleashed - Learning handgun defenses in Krav Maga Intermediate/Advanced class.

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Learning handgun defenses in Krav Maga Intermediate/Advanced class.

Modern Martial Arts and Fitness - * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

Modern Martial Arts and Fitness

5.0(80 reviews)
1.8 mi

For a long time, I've been looking for a martial arts gym that offers focused training in…read morewrestling, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu. I finally found exactly what I was looking for at Modern Martial Arts Fitness. The classes are dedicated to their disciplines, with hour-long sessions focused on wrestling, Muay Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu. The coaches are knowledgeable, the team is welcoming, and the atmosphere makes it easy to ask questions and keep improving. The training feels personal, and the quality is better than at many other gyms I've tried. Even with limited training experience, I've made more progress than I expected. Coach Justin and his team have helped me build confidence and feel like a professional UFC fighter. I drive 30 minutes to train here, and it's absolutely worth it. The prices are also excellent, especially compared with what other gyms charge.

Modern Martial Arts and Fitness is a awesome place to train and learn about different martial art…read morestyles. I was interested in learning about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but was intimidated. I looked at various gyms/academies but the coaches and members at Modern Martial Arts have been the most supportive and patient as someone who is just starting. The coaches go over the lessons multiple times and they do a great job making sure you don't injury yourself. This is a place you should try if you're looking for a new gym or wanting to learn different martial art styles. Awesome people which makes a awesome gym.

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Modern Martial Arts and Fitness - * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

Modern Martial Arts and Fitness - * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

Modern Martial Arts and Fitness - * Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

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* Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu * No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu * Muay Thai * Wrestling * MMA

Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena - Professor Rudy Aguilar

Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena

5.0(40 reviews)
1.7 mi•West Central

Enrolling my two kids in Master Machado's Jiu-jitsu class was one of the best decisions we've made…read more His experience, patience, and genuine kindness shine from the moment you walk in. My kids were initially nervous, but as soon as they met Master Machado, it felt like they'd known him their whole lives. He's engaging, warm, and incredibly approachable, which made all the difference for my beginner kids. Whether you're a complete newbie or looking to hone your advanced techniques, this is the place to be. For those who know about BJJ, the Machado family are foundational pioneers of the sport in the U.S.--they truly represent the cream of the BJJ world. Parking can be a bit tricky depending on the time of day (street parking), but it's worth a small effort for the class experience. Highly recommend for families and anyone seeking a supportive, top-tier BJJ environment.

Best of the best and nothing but class is how I would describe Professor Roger Machado and all of…read morehis brothers. With training, it's his attention to the tiny details and his explanations of difficult concepts broken into digestible pieces are what helped me and meeting lifelong friends on the Professor's mats was an added bonus. Thank you Professor for being part of my BJJ path and for all the lessons on and off the mats. You are one of my role models. And thank you to all my rolling partners who've shared generously just like Professor continues to lead by example.

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Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena - Professor Ernie Tom

Professor Ernie Tom

Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena - Professor Johnny Shepperd

Professor Johnny Shepperd

Roger Machado Jiu-Jitsu Pasadena - Master Roger Machado

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Master Roger Machado

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Getting my first stripe.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

4.9(39 reviews)
2.4 mi•Downtown

I wanted my daughter to train in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because I always heard such great things about…read moreit. I didn't realize there was a Pasadena location but I stumbled upon them recently through a Google search. My daughter had two sessions and loved it. She's 12, and decided to participate in their Women Empowered classes before adding their Compatives class later on. She has no prior Jiu-Jitsu training, but has settled right in. Fred is the owner of this location. He has been nothing short of amazing, but his staff and instructors and have been equally impressive, particularly Crystal, Michelle, and Lilly. They've made my daughter feel so welcome and supported, and now empowered. All the women in the class are just as amazing. They have different programs and membership packages. It's very affordable as well, making it accessible. The facility is fantastic, very clean and modern. Parking is easy, validated for 2 hours I think, but then only a couple dollars after that. Restrooms, locker rooms, and waiting areas are clean and comfortable. I highly recommend this Pasadena location if you're thinking about martial arts. It's a great place to start training and an amazing group of people to be associated with.

I am so shook and confused at what just happened today 09/17 when I took my daughter to the little…read morechamps free "bully-proof" class (second class) from 5-6pm. I had originally reserved this on Eventbrite for Saturday September 5th at 1pm and Saturday September 12 at 3pm. Unfortunately, the time was wrong on their EventBrite page for the 12th because it showed 3pm instead of 1pm. Anyway, we missed the second class and they offered me to go any other day of the week as a courtesy, which I agreed to. So today I showed up with my daughter and I was questioned if I had already been to the "free" class and I said yes, but this is her second (free) one. The girl didn't seem too friendly (my daughter was all excited talking to her and she seemed MEH!), but she brought out a temporary uniform for my daughter and we went into the class. I sat on the back this time and my daughter kept yelling "mom", so I would stand up walk up to the front to make sure she was ok. Every time I stood up to look at her, her uniform was worse in terms of fitting. Her pants were dragging, coat sideways off her shoulder, and belt coming off. I let it be and thought they would fix it (which is what her karate instructors usually do). Eventually, she yelled "mom" again and at least 3 kids were lined up and one of the 2 male instructors was fixing their uniform. I told my daughter "you need to fix your uniform". She then looked at the instructor and said "Can you fix my uniform?" He kept doing what he was doing. No eye contact. Nothing. He finished fixing the other kids' uniform and my daughter was still standing on her own with her sloppy, baggy uniform. Ignored. Although she didn't line up. She spoke up many times, she yelled "mom" at least 3 times and neither of those times was she questioned or cared for. I then said out loud "they're not gonna fix it?" Mind you, the kids were no longer in line, so I told her to come to me and she ran across to the beginning of the mat where I was standing. I began adjusting her pants, which were below her butt, and then my phone fell, I lost balance, landed on my knees, and hurt myself with the wooden tile. Not one of the two instructors said a thing. Did they really not notice ALL that?! I then said "What's going on?! I'm confused?" We are not ghosts! Lol, Can they not see/hear us and offer help? I Looked back and a lady looked at me also confused. I then said, you know what, we're being ignored, let's just go. Took off that uniform and left it on the mat. I'm sure they noticed that. I told the lady in the front what happened she said she would see what happened. See what?! Idk, but everyone else saw. The least the instructors could have said was "Do you need anything?" after all those "mom" callings my daughter did. Was it because she didn't line up that she was ignored, even after speaking up? If this is a learning class, you could at least correct/redirect her, so she can understand why you're not helping her. AGAIN, 2 teachers ignored her. Don't offer free anti-bully classes if you're going to ignore a new kid who isn't a member and hasn't paid for your classes yet (but could have). This whole scenario and my daughter telling me she doesn't want to go back to this class because the instructors ignored her so many times is all I needed to write this review. One star for the older male instructor on September 5th. He was fun, caring, and paid attention to all kids. Otherwise, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu felt very unwelcoming this second time, and this is probably why I don't go based off first impressions anymore.

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Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Us on the cover of Pasadena Weekly!

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Us on the cover of Pasadena Weekly!

Jeff Speakman's Kenpo 5.0 - martialarts - Updated October 2026

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