Our now 5-year old has been attending ECMA for after school program during his TK year. We…read moreoriginally were splitting time between martial arts and an on-site school after program, but after a week, he couldn't stop talking about martial arts and we just signed him up for the full week. Extra bonus - they pick up the kids from school every day. I've really grown to respect the approach that Cody and his staff take with the kids. They never force the kids to take the classes, but for those that do, they are incredibly patient, thoughtful, and kind to them. Beyond core martial arts, they teach discipline, accountability, and other strong lessons. Obviously, martial arts may not be right for any kid. But if your kid loves ninja turtles, likes a bit of exercise, and likes also playing with other kids of other ages, then definitely consider this place.

My 4 year old son loved the winter camp! He was excited to go everyday. Cody is very patient with…read morethe kids.

I Put a 5 Star because:…read more 1. They have really good stuff to learn and are very helpful to learn in life. 2. The instructors are very nice and kind. They help your kid very well and also they have low stress for kids and they believe in kids no matter what. If you feel worried or scared before a belt test or stripe test they always make you feel more better before you start the test. 3. The prices are very good in the Bay Area. You have 1 class each week with your instructor and how many group classes there is to take. ( The group classes are free if you part of the team.) Only in your own class you will need to pay. I am very grateful to be part of their team and very grateful to be there student! I started on April 2019 and got very good so far. My teacher believe in me and also asks me " How is your school going?" Or "I like your haircut!" or something nice about you.

I signed my daughter Luna up for karate lessons about 2 years ago and it helped her out soo much…read more The instructors were amazing and professional. Cost for the lessons are very reasonable also. Thank you to the whole crew at Cal-west Karate for teaching my daughter many lessons. Only reason why we stopped going was because we moved out of the area. Thank you to the whole crew.

I have been with this school for years and so has my daughter…read more They helped build my daughters self-confidence and I've never been in better physical shape. It's not easy, but most things worth having aren't. You get what you put into it. I know several people that have used what West Wind teaches to defend themselves including myself. The teachers are professional, positive and work with everything from small children to people with disabilities and though you're pushed hard. You're never pushed further than you can go. I would strongly recommend it to anyone, particularly if you have kids and feel like they need a positive influence that's caring but strong. They care about the students. They are a big part of who my little girl is today. Getting A's, on the Honor Roll and started looking at colleges at the age of 11. Before West Wind she was shy and behind in school and not as confident. People seem to complain about the price on here, what they have given me and my little girl I can't put a price on.

I cant say enough about the quality and dedication of the teachers at Berkeley West Wind…read more Adults, children and families learn together in the same beautiful room, each with their individual instructor. The positive atmosphere is palpable.!

Hanshi Sharifi is a gem in the Shotokan world. He trained under Hidetaka Nishiyama, a student of…read moreShotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi. His unique blend of Iranian heritage, karate, Qi Gong, and Sufism, means every training offers new insights to young, old, and in-between! I offer my humble perspective from a karate journey that began as a green belt in Wado Ryu under Hidetaka Abe sensei. I received my Shodan from sensei Frank Hashimoto of the JKA in 1984, and after a 20 + year break, I found Hanshi Sharifi in 2007. Starting over as a white belt was hard for me, but in retrospect, was a wise decision on Hanshi's part. I have my Yondan now, and continue to train with Hanshi Sharifi. I am not exaggerating when I say I learn something new every time I have the privilege of stepping into his dojo. Please visit us at The Church on the Corner in Albany to experience Shotokan karate in its traditional form!

I've been studying with Sensei Sharifi since 1989, and he still teaches every class himself. This…read moreis not squishy Berkeley martial arts-- we work hard!-- but I really appreciate Sensei's empahsis on karate as a means-to-an-end where the end is spiritual development. As if becoming a better karate practicioner is simply a good way to become a better human being. But thankfully he doesn't say things like this in class-- while he's hassling you about your sloppy technique, it's clear his underlying goal is self-improvement, not just knowing where to put your fist or foot. Sensei Sharifi clearly loves his students and loves what he does. He's especially good with kids... as close to Mr Miyagi as you're going to find. :-) Not a lot of sparring until you get to higher belts, but if you like working on mental and physical focus through practice (and more practice, and more practice) this is a good place.

Hanabi Judo has been a fantastic experience for our family. We moved from abroad and Hanabi…read morewelcomed us in with open arms, working with my son to feel comfortable and confident. Dan Sensie is accomodating, always available to give families and kids the individual support and attention they need, and runs a dojo that is warm and community-centric while still maintaining the highest level of discipline and professionalism. We have watched my son grow stronger and improve his skills and practice, while working hard and enjoying himself!

Great experience talking to the owner about conditioning my older body, safety and learning how to…read morefall. Obviously his focus on children is important for the future, but he has great wisdom for us older folks as well.and a special session Tuesday nights for the more mature.

Our two kids have been a part of AKK for seven years. They've grown with Sensei Dara. And a…read morenumber of kids have grown up with Dara, too. When our kids started, Dara ran classes three days a week and at times two classes per each of those days. There was an hour beginner class followed by an advanced class. Unfortunately, now she just has the two classes on Saturday. This is the reason for our 4 out of 5 rating. The beginner classes teach the kids the basics, and the advanced kids practice their skills during that time. The advanced classes hone skills and give the kids more complex routines. All classes are well structured with calisthenics leading to drills. Kids get warmed up with jumping jacks, push ups, and laps around the "dojo". That is followed by the lines of kids practicing a wide variety of kicks and punches and "katas". All in preparation for her tournaments and belt tests. Dara has a well structured routine, and since she was the lone instructor for a number of years, there was little time to coddle the kids. That rubbed some of the parents the wrong way, but most of the parents and their kids "got it". Dara is kind, but no-nonsense. Kids have to be on time, or they miss-out on the warm-ups. The warm-ups are important, so if kids are late, they are expected to do the jumping jacks on the side, at a minimum. And because Dara has the kids ordered by their belt level, if kids are late, she has to quickly rearrange the students to insert the late kids where they rank. And when the room is packed, that can be a challenge. Dara teaches the kids karate / tae kwon do, and she teaches them maturity. She has them chant, "You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to; practice makes it easier; a goal of success leads to success."Hopefully, that extends beyond her class. She teaches the kids how to deal with / self-defense against bullies and predators. She expects the kids to be friendly to each other and mentors as well. She also has them participate in an annual, "kicking marathon", charitable event with a different cause to learn about each year.

We had a very negative experience with Dara and her program. I think it's fair to start by noting…read morethat the three 5-star reviews from january 2013 were prompted by Dara offering a free patch for students whose families posted a review. A lot of businesses do this sort of thing, but I think it's fair that it be disclosed. To be fair, some people really like Dara and her class. My guess is they are parents of kids who are already pretty athletic and self-confident. If, however, you are looking for a place to take your kid so that they gain more coordination, confidence, and focus, this is not a good choice. For starters, Dara is very cold. My daughter went to her classes for over a year, and I swear I never saw her smile once. She's also hard to talk to, she has very little time before or after the class. She will email though. She's very rigid, sort of drill-instructor-like. She has one way of doing things, and if that doesn't work, then that's just too bad. One example of many: she has the kids do push-ups during the warm-up. My 7-year old daughter cannot yet do a push-up all the way to the ground. So what does Dara do? Does she suggest starting with knees on the ground and working them back as you develop strength and coordination? No, she barks at my child: "All the way down! All the way down!" When my child participated in the tournament, she ended up getting a 3rd place trophy because there were only 3 kids in her group. This was really exciting for my kid for whom it is a big challenge to stand up and perform in front of a group. It was great - until the next class - when Dara felt it necessary to tell my child "If there had been any other kids in the tournament, you wouldn't have gotten a trophy." That was the final straw. Beware.

This karate dojo is headed by Sensei George Nakahara who has been teaching for a long time. His…read morecommitment to helping his students is exceptional. The dojo is friendly and family oriented with parents often taking classes with their kids. Adult classes are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, meeting in a side room at Live Oak Recreation Center.Saturday's class, which is larger, meets in the gym. Classes are low-cost but the instruction is excellent. Senior black belts also assist in classes.

I have worked with Devon of Impulse PDR on two separate occasions and he is a phenomenal coach! He…read moreis professional, patient, and communicates information in a way any student would understand. He brings his A Game every time and it was an incredible experience taking his Spear Self Defense Class! I have learned a ton from Devon and look forward to taking another class in the future. Definitely check his classes out if you are interested in learning Self Defense!

Devon is a hands on instructor with a passion and knowledge that pours out through the entire…read moreclass. You will leave informed and realize you are more capable then you may think to better protect yourself.