I can't say enough about Women Empowerment at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Vallejo! What started as a personal…read moregoal to earn my pink belt quickly turned into joining a community of inspiring women who truly have each other's backs. From day one, I felt welcome and supported. Nikki is a phenomenal instructor--she teaches with clarity, structure, and real-world practicality that makes every class feel valuable and impactful. Whether you're looking to learn self-defense, build confidence, or find a strong community, this is the place for you!

We first tried a Jiu Jitsu gym in Fairfield, and after just one class, we left very unsatisfied. My…read moredaughter, who was only 5 at the time, was placed in a class with much older, more experienced kids without any explanation, guidance, or pairing with a mentor. During one exercise (which had never been explained to her), a more experienced student took it upon himself to "correct" her by tripping her, causing her to fall face-first. The instructor neither checked on her well-being nor addressed the behavior. The incident left her shaken and unwilling to try Jiu Jitsu again for quite some time. After months of encouragement, she finally agreed to give it another try, this time at Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which had been highly recommended by fellow school parents. From day one, the difference was night and day. The coaches are not only professional and skilled, but also incredibly patient, welcoming, and attentive to each child's needs. They make sure every student understands the exercises and feels safe while learning. One moment that really stood out to me was when my daughter accidentally overextended her wrist. Both coaches checked on her at separate times, Coach Miro even offered to wrap her hand, and later Coach Nikki reassured her that these things happen and everything would be okay. As a mom, that level of care spoke volumes and showed me they truly prioritize their students' well-being. What I also love is how they blend skill-building with play. They incorporate games like Simon Says and end the class with dodgeball. This isn't just fun, it's smart. Play is a crucial part of how children learn, and it's clear the coaches understand how to keep kids engaged, motivated, and happy while still teaching discipline and technique. Beyond physical skills, Gracie Jiu Jitsu focuses on life lessons. Each month, they highlight a value, last month's was respect. The coaches talk about what it means, how to show it, and how it applies outside the gym. They also teach the importance of community, standing up for others, and resolving conflicts peacefully, using Jiu Jitsu techniques only when truly necessary for self-defense. My daughter is now not only learning how to protect herself, but also how to be respectful, compassionate, and confident. Gracie Jiu Jitsu is giving her tools that will serve her for life. Highly recommended.

My oldest attended classes here a few years ago, when we moved back to Vallejo, I contacted Shifu…read moreMitchell and enrolled my son who was 6. He enjoyed it so much, when he fractured his elbow at school, he still wanted to attend classes here. Off he went with his cast, moves had to be modified for him but the teachers took the time to make sure he didn't miss much. He's been attending a few months and still enjoys it as much as when he first started. My son has learned so much already! Unlike many other schools you are able to attend classes 5 days a week, with a recommended minimum of two, I find this important because with my work schedule, it gives me some flexibility on when I can take him.

This is the place for real martial arts. Shifu Eric Mitchell is very professional and extremely…read morepatient with his students. He makes learning Kung Fu fun and exciting. My daughter really enjoys her classes. She has been earning her belts at her pace and not just getting belts. There's a difference.

One of the best decisions we made for our kid. Structure, discipline, confidence, community and at…read morethe same time learning an important skill to defend oneself if ever a situation calls for it. I love this place, they have a two way approach of teaching where they offer both group and one on one classes (to refine techniques and work through any technical issues). The teachers are young, relatable and very attentive. Their teaching style is very kid friendly and if they see something that's not quite clicking they find other ways to explain it so that its more relatable and or make more sense to as why something is done a certain way (not just seeing the trees but the forest as well.) Also after every one on one class the teacher goes over your child's progress and what they see as their strengths as well as the things that can be worked on and improved. The staff is consistent (not a lot of change over) so it's make things much easier as far as getting into a routine for the kids as well as the parents. My kid has been there for a little of a year (started when they were 8 but now they're 9) and has had the same three instructors - Mr. Bilberry, Mr. Begonia and Ms. Ferdin (which is a plus in my book.) They are taught practical applications for real world situations. They are also big on conditioning and friendly competition to help with pushing them further. There's alway a nice group of kids attending the group classes which is one of the reasons why my kid loves going (we use this as part of their social time since they are being home schooled.) The dojo is always well kept and organized (it doesn't have that funky smell that you'd think a gym would have which means a lot when you're waiting during your child's practices.) There's also a great cafe (the Benicia Coffee Company) a few doors down if you prefer to wait off site in the area. The Coachs are really good and are very knowledgeable. Even though I had and idea of their skill levels I really found out after witnessing one of their open houses where the instructors did a demonstration of their fighting style Kenpo Karate! With this particular style they use a color belt system to mark accomplishment and skill level. What's really cool is if you're feeling left out and are in need of a workout they have a boxing gym as well that offers lessons that you can match to your kid's schedule! If you're looking for a martial arts spot I'd highly recommend this place and they even offer a few free lessons to give you a chance to see if it's the right fit for you and your child! It's a win win situation in my book! J

Hello everyone…read more This was my experience in Benicia Boxing. Coach Andy is amazing and made me feel comfortable and confident when hitting the pads and also corrected my stand and taught me the fundamental basics. Coach Travis is the other person that was training me. He taught me how to correctly throw a punch and learn how to move with my feet, which was needed because I'm a beginner. My overall experience was great and will definitely come back in the near future

I have nothing but love, respect and admiration for Seronio's Island Bred Martial Arts in Vallejo…read more Professor Bobby Seronio Jr. and the entire crew of instructors are amazing. They lead the children, youth, adults and families of our community not only to be outstanding in kajukenbo; but build character, instill respect and quality values that carry on in each person's lives forever. I am grateful to know them and call them family. Many friends have their children enrolled with the school and are always speaking highly of them. I have also worked out in the adult classes and love it. I see how involved they are in the community promoting safety awareness and self defense that it was a reminder...my review is long overdue! Contact them now!

Very awesome family!! They do so much for the community. Come out and give them a try. You won't be…read moredisappointed.

Avoid, avoid, avoid…read more Bad customer service and horrible communication. If you're looking for a martial arts school where students are treated equally, this is not the school for you or your child.

This combat fitness club is beyond a place to train and learn amazing skills, is also a family and…read moreamazing people that are very nice!! I would recommend it to anyone who want to learn, workout or take their children to learn the real discipline of martial art! The instructor are very knowledgeable and the Rapacon's family are great people to do business with them.

The oldest continously running Kajukenbo school in the world. A rich legacy of Martial Arts…read moreChampions that continues through today. Effective and street proven Self defense.

Great place to learn and get wisdom! Family friendly and great instructors!…read moreSenior Grandmaster Bautista is like a father always wants the best for his students but will also give you that though love !

A recently learned of the concept of "A Third Place." Coined by Ray Oldenberg, it's a social…read moreenvironment that is not home (first place) and not work (second place). He identified key characteristics of all third places. "They are on neutral ground and promote social equity by leveling the status of guests. Conversation is the main activity and the mood is playful. Strangers are welcome, and there are regulars who feel a piece of themselves is rooted in the space. They enjoy the same feelings of warmth, possession, and belonging as they would in their own homes." I know this is seriously corny, but William Kim's Tae Kwon Do Center is the best Third Place for families. You truly feel a sense of community when you are there. All the instructors are so good with the kids. I have personally seen how beneficial Tae Kwon Do is through my own 9-year old (who started in 2023 at 7). He has blossomed due in large part to Tae Kwon Do. Because I attend almost all of my son's classes, I've also witnessed so many other students excel. These kids learn discipline, respect, perseverance and many more valuable social and emotional skills. And even though the students are training hard during class, the classes are actually really fun! Even for parents just sitting and watching. In addition to being a great place for your kids, as a parent, you might find yourself connecting with other local parents who may even become close friends and trusted associates. Families have been sending their kids to William Kim's TKD for decades and for good reason. The center has deep roots in the Vallejo community. Third places like William Kim's are successful because of the people who volunteer and work there--especially the Kim family--who are committed to improving each students well being through the discipline of the art of Tae Kwon Do. Families continue to flock here because they can see and feel this commitment. Also there are not many places you can go to like this, where you see different generations, from gen alpha to millennial, gen x and beyond, socializing well and getting along with one another. Sidenote: My husband had been wanting our son to start Tae Kwon Do for years, since he participated in several martial arts when he was younger. He did extensive research before deciding where to start. He picked William Kim's because of Grandmaster Kim's excellent reputation (Grandmaster is a 9th Don!) And, even though we live further away in Cordelia, we believe the quality of William Kim's is definitely worth the drive to Vallejo.

My oldest asked to check out the TKD studio by the taco truck on Springs. I honestly didn't realize…read moreit was even there. We went to check it out and right away both my boys loved it. They had a 30 day trial to check it out and see if it was a good fit for us, even my husband decided to give it a try and joined the adult class. We are now a little over 2 years in and absolutely love it here. My husband and boys are now senior blue belts, half way to black belts. Going to this studio was the best decision we made for our family. Everyone at WMK is amazing and makes you feel so welcome. We are always bragging about our extended family! If you're considering it, you should just go in and give it a try. You won't be disappointed!

My son is in the Tiger class and has been going here for about a year. Master Will is a kind…read morefriendly man and his staff is excellent with children. They let my son tryout before he was 4 y/o (2 day free trial). Besides Martial Arts, they teach manners and respect. We really enjoy Mr Adams teaching our son! 5 days a week, 30 minutes, $200. You most definitely get your money's worth! Check out a belt ceremony if you want to see BMAA skills for yourself! Cons: 1 toilet & Parents/Gaurdian standing outside view only (for regular classes)

Master Will is a kind and demanding master. He and his staff have quite literally transformed my…read morechild into a true martial arts student. Don't let the strip mall setting fool you this is the real deal! The families that are part of this community are truly family and everyone is always kind and helpful to others as well. It's very refreshing to be part of such a positive life study with such outgoing positive people!

I feel super blessed to get to train in the Giron system--directly with GM Mike Giron, son of Leo…read moreGiron. GM Giron, Guru Brian, and instructing members gave me a great deal of individual guidance and attention. They really made sure I got the curriculum right. I really enjoy all the historical detail I picked up on the history of escrima in Stockton. OGE aren't just a club, they're a family keeping the Original Giron Escrima system alive. Bahalana.

From the owner: Escrima is the traditional martial arts of the Phillipines. It is highly effective and uses both…read moreweapons and unarmed techniques. OGE, Original Giron Escrima is a battle proven style based in the combat experiences of Sgt. Leo M. Giron. It's a system of 20 individual styles from the traditional arts of Pangasinan, shaped by Sgt. Giron's extensive combat experience in the United States Army in WWII. Volunteering to fight for the liberation of his homeland, he operated for extended periods behind enemy lines and ultimately earned a Bronze Star for his service. Michael Giron, his son, is the founder of OGE and continues to teach his father's authentic martial art.

Been to many Planet's in my time and this is the best one by far. Clean, comfortable and well…read moremaintained!

Today I was planning to go to my Planet Fitness on Sonoma Blvd and when I went to check the hours I…read morenoticed that there was a Planet Fitness at the Springs Town shopping center. Curious as I was I decided to check it out and sure enough the Planet Fitness is at the old 99 cent store location. Everything at this gym is brand new new. All the equipment are new, flooring and restrooms all brand new new. I spoke to the lady up front and she said they just opened up two weeks ago. On a Sunday it's not bad over here was not too crowded. They have pretty much everything they do at the Sonoma location but I feel like this location is just a bit smaller. The one thing I noticed that they have got the Springs Town location that they don't have on Sonoma is the the CryoLounge. This is a machine that can both freeze off one part of your body, while heat up another part which is great for targeting certain muscle pains. Trust me, this machine can get really cold! Overall it was a nice experience checking out this new location. Hopefully it will thin out the crowd at the Sonoma location a bit because that location be packed sometimes M-F especially after everyone gets off work.