If you are in the Castro Valley area then this is definitely the jiujitsu gym to train at. They…read morehave a very strong kids program and adults program, to fit all your jiujitsu needs, whether you are a hobbyist or a competitor. ZMATA is also a Guardian affiliated gym which means they have specific goals to help the youth community, where jiujitsu empowers then to improve themselves and build confidence. As for the mat space, it is clean and well maintained, with foot cleansing stations infused with tea tree oil, to keep the mats safe for everyone (a nice touch). They train champions here and everyone is about improving each other. I was blessed to train an open mat here and regularly see their instructors and practitioners at our NorCal open mat club. Thanks ZMATA!

Z mata is a fantastic place if your kids are serious about their BJJ, Judo or wrestling training…read more Their coaches are led by co-owner Mr. Aaron Zaballos (hence the Z in the name). They employ great coaches and it's a fantastic place to train. (My girls did for several years prior to the pandemic). Zero hesitation to recommend this business.

Our son has continuously trained for +3 years here at Alere Jiu Jitsu Academy( new name, same…read moreteam). He looks forward to training and it has become his favorite extra curricular activity. He has fun. Coach Chris, Jorge, and team have a created a captivating learning environment and community where discipline, respect, and confidence are foundational virtues to compliment the knowledge of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu . Our son has made many friends and built relationship , but most importantly, has been learning everyday life skills that will carry on into his adult hood.

Jitsu Has Truly Transformed My Daughter's Confidence…read more Choosing Jitsu for my daughter was intentional. I wanted her to learn how to protect herself -- and if needed, to protect her little sister and her friends. I wanted her to grow up knowing she was strong, aware, and capable. What I didn't realize was how much more this journey would give her. When she first joined, she was shy and uncertain, but everything changed once she stepped onto the mat and into a community that believed in her. Having her best friend there made the experience even more special. They pushed each other, laughed through tough drills, and grew side by side in ways only true teammates can. Now it's been two years and counting, and she's still not sick of it -- not even close. If anything, she loves it more than when she started. That alone tells you they're doing something completely right. One of the biggest takeaways she's held onto is: "Never cry on the mat." And she takes it very literally -- but honestly, it's not a bad thing. For her, it means fight harder, stay focused, and don't give up. We get it... but let's be real, moms are absolutely allowed to cry on the sidelines. As a mom, it still scares me watching her train and compete -- that feeling never truly goes away. But her confidence has grown so strong that she's now the one asking me to sign her up for competitions. Seeing her walk onto the mat with purpose and pride is something I never imagined two years ago. I have to give so much credit to Jorge, Coach Chris, and Coach Brandon. They prepare her for every competition with patience, discipline, and unwavering belief in her. They've helped shape her into a girl who isn't afraid to push herself, challenge herself, and trust her own strength. Because of them, my heart is at ease a little more each time she competes. Jitsu didn't just teach her self-defense -- it opened a whole new world inside her. One filled with courage, growth, friendship, and confidence. Watching her transform has been one of the greatest gifts, and for that, I am endlessly grateful.

In July 2007 my family came across USA Kung Fu Studio in Castro Valley during our search for a…read moreMartial Arts school for our son, who was four years old at the time. We decided to go in, although we had fully intended on signing him up for Tae Kwon Do classes at a nearby school. From the moment we entered the studio, we felt the warmness and camaraderie between the instructors and students. My son took a free lesson in the Tiny Tigers Program and from the beginning we knew that this was a place to harness all his excess energy. Sifu Jamie did not pressure us to join, rather he wanted our son to experience the school and see if it worked for our family. Needless to say, we were and still are extremely pleased with the quality of training my son receives. Both Sifu Jamie and Sihing Chris lead the classes strictly and firmly, but with tongue-in-cheek humor. This studio does not promote their belts freely, which I appreciate. If a student receives a promotional belt, you can bet that they worked hard and EARNED it. The students all work hard and it shows. Older, more experienced students help out in the Youth classes and you can see their level of maturity and commitment to their studio and their Sifu. Our son (currently a white belt) has attention and focus issues, which I addressed with Sifu Jamie and he came up with a successful plan to bring him back into focus during classes. This has helped not only in Kung Fu lessons, but at home and with his schoolwork as well. Other classes include Tai Chi, Adult Classes, San Shou, and they have an amazingly talented Wu Shu Team. Just recently several students attended a Kung Fu tournament and came back with several competition awards. I highly recommend this school and encourage anyone interested to come by and checkout their classes.

We live in San Ramon and we were looking for a Kung Fu Studio for our 2 boys ages 9 and 5…read more Needless to say, we shopped 3 studio's and USA Kung Fu Studio in Castro Valley won hands down. Even though, the other 2 studio's were much closer, we found that USA kung Fu Studio was the best fit for our boys. The facility was clean, the schedule was very accommodating to our ever-changing work schedule, and you can tell that Sifu and Sihing genuinely cares about their students. My 2 boys have been training with Sifu Jaime and Sihing Chris for a month now, and I must say, my boys are learning not just kung fu, but discipline, respect and the importance of staying fit. It has changed our lives forever! I definitely would recommend USA Kung Fu Studio to anyone who is interested in taking martial arts. Thank you Sifu Jaime and Sihing Chris!

Excellent Judo and Jujitsu school. The new owner is a world renowned Judoka player and GrandMaster…read moreof Small Circle Jujitsu. Having spent his life training under Professor Wally Jay. I was fortunate to find this school while traveling and visited one evening for class. I can highly recommend this school for anyone in the area who is interested in Judo or Jujitsu.

Since my last update, I've been on and off judo due to personal reasons/ work however I've decided…read moreto make time for one of my younger siblings and signed her up to the kids judo classes. So far she enjoys going to judo more than any of her other clubs and is ready ahead of time with her GI for me to take her to class. At first she was a bit nervous but I can tell that her confidence has been growing inside and out of the dojo. If you have kids this is a great place to start them off on their judo journey, I plan on keeping my sister here for years to come. Thank you Sensei Jonah and Cody as well!

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.

The owners attitude toward the kids and parents very abrupt and abrasive. I have experienced him…read moreduring this type of behavior and because of this person my grandson did not want to continue his classes. His son is great with the kids though. But due to the belt advancement my grandson didn't have the option to stay with his son.

I have had nothing but good experiences at T Kane's. My 9 year old daughter complains about having…read moreto go to karate, but is always happy that she went once class is over. She is progressing nicely and getting a new belt about once every 5 or 6 weeks. Mr Kane is a disciplinarian. This is karate, not daycare. People who have unruly children will be checked, as they should be, so that everyone else in the class can learn. If parents have a problem with that it's not the yelp rating that needs to change it's the parents.

Wednesday was my daughter's LAST class w Sifu Jessie since she graduated to orange belt today! We…read moreare all gonna miss Sifu Jessie terribly as our instructor--esp because he always kept the adults equally entertained w constant jokes and our-time pop culture references. AND because he was consistently instilling manners and respect every day, every class, with every student. HIGHLY recommend joining the Pallen's Community!

Overall very amazing program ! My son has been coming for a month so far and loves it. His overall…read morebehavior and confidence has improved. In addition to being a better student. Thank you to Sifu Jordan and grand master Jordan ! We appreciate all that they do for my son and this program.

My daughter started Kung Fu at East West KungFu Academy 3 years ago, and she is still loving it!…read more This has quickly become one of our favorite activities. The coach here are truly among the best -- knowledgeable, patient, and inspiring. My daughter has learned self-defense skills, discipline, and confidence, and she's now proudly earning her fifth belt. I couldn't be more proud of her progress. The staff is friendly, the academy is clean and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming. Kung Fu itself is not just a sport here -- it's about building focus, respect, confidence, and physical fitness. I would highly recommend East West KungFu Academy to everyone, whether your child is just starting out or looking to advance their skills.

I was so worried when I first sign up because I had to pay for 3 months in advance, uniform fee,…read moreand registration fee. I was worried having to pay around $400 and my little one asking to bail after 1-2 class. Writing this now, I can say that I worried for nothing. My little full of energy girl loves going to her kungfu class. She looks forward and asked every morning if she has kungfu class or not. Within a month, I can see that she is able to follow along the other kids whom had been there longer than mine has. All staff are very friendly and I can see while waiting outside how the kids are enjoying their time learning from the Xifu and his assistants. I just wish they are located next to FoodNet or SanChong so I can do some grocery shopping while waiting for the kid to finish kungfu class.

I had my first day of training with Ali and it was the best experience I've had. I have been…read moretrying so many different trainers and you can tell they were there for just the money. Ali and I worked on a game plan to get to where I want to be in 6 months. I just signed up with him for few days a week. Very professional, detailed and you can really tell he's there to help you reach your goal. I will definitely be recommending him to all my friends and family.

From the owner: Being fit is more than fitting a certain size or reaching a specific goal. It is a state of being…read moreaware of what our body needs: physically, mentally, emotionally, & spiritually - in the present and loving ourselves enough to make healthy, fitting decisions; one day at a time.

I personally trained at this academy for many many years until I moved from Los Angeles. It's the…read moregold standard of BJJ training by one of the original practitioners of the sport who went on to train world renowned names in the martial arts like Joe Rogan and Eddie Bravo! It's funny to see 2 or 3 people state here on Yelp that the fees are high or that it's not a good place for women. This is so untrue it's obvious their reviews are complete "hit pieces" - having personally spent 2 decades there I think I'm qualified to say "all women" are treated as equals, and as family. Don't believe me, go ask the women who train there now. Or, just go watch a class and judge for yourself. As for the cost of classes, you are paying for a school and instructor that safely trains or trained everyone from children to law enforcement to "major world celebrities" like Hollywood action icon Keanu Reeves (from the "John Wick" Films), and famous comedians like Kevin James (from the TV series "The King of Queens" and "Mall Cop" movies)... and many other famous people who I don't wanna name drop here. But you get my point. Signing up at Jean Jacques Machado's Academy is like becoming a member of an elite community. So you never know who you might recognize that drops in to train. "That's" how in demand this academy is!!! There are a lot of BJJ schools in LA today who are jealous of the success this academy has rightfully gained and maintained (due to its history and perfectionism) and has been a staple in the Los Angeles community way longer before any of these other schools even knew what BJJ was. So any 1 or 2 negative reviews that were posted on yelp are directly from people with an "agenda." The honest truth is if you want safety, top of the line instructions in BJJ in a clean environment, checking this place out would be the smartest thing you could do. You'll see once you study at this academy any other school in Los Angeles will be inferior. Don't believe me? Go see for yourself. I promise you if you're a girl, an old man, or young child it won't make a difference as it won't be long before your membership turns into a family affair filled with many friendships, good times and insane knowledge of the world's greatest self defense system. ... and FYI - I don't benefit from this review... this is from someone who left CA and in hindsight realizes there's no other academy that can compare to it. Anyway that's my 2 cents. Good luck with your journey.

Absolutely the best hands down BJJ academy in southern calif. Being taught by one of the legends of…read moreBJJ and is an unreal honor and an amazing team of professionals who are respectful friendly and super knowledgeable teach daily. Professors Mark and Jay add to the overall experience with their professionalism friendly demeanor and are super knowledgeable about all of the strategies positions and details that they learn personally from Master JJ. Blessed to have been training here.