Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Ocotillo is truly something special…read more From the moment we walked in, we could tell this wasn't just another martial arts gym it was a family. The coaches genuinely care about every student who walks through the door, and you can feel that every single class. Coach Lucas, in particular, goes above and beyond. He doesn't just teach Jiu-Jitsu; he builds confidence, discipline, and respect in his students. He takes the time to connect with the kids on a personal level, and it's clear he's passionate about helping them grow both on and off the mat. Our daughter absolutely loves going, she looks forward to every class and is always excited to show us what she's learned. The positive, encouraging environment has helped her blossom. We're already planning for our youngest to join soon too! If you're looking for a place that combines world-class Jiu-Jitsu instruction with a truly caring, family-friendly atmosphere, Gracie Barra Ocotillo is the place. Couldn't recommend it more highly!

I decided in the new year to sign up for a trial class and check out BJJ. I've always wanted to…read morelearn but thought I was too old, and haven't literally never played any sports, ever, I assumed I wouldn't have any skills to compete and learn. But what the heck, let's give it a try. What I found was a really cool group of welcoming individuals that were helpful, gave tips, included me, and helped me along. Day one I was able to spar with blue belts & much more experienced men at BJJ, but it wasn't as intimidating as I imagined. No one was trying it hurt anyone, no obvious egos at play, just guys trying to get better and help others get better at the art. My take on BJJ: it's a self defense martial art, yes, but in practice it felt much much much more like a dance than a fight. It felt much more like a chess match vs at battle. You do not have to be the strongest person to compete and win at BJJ, but you have to be the smartest. You do have to have superior knowledge. Once you start to learn the way the body works, tricks to maximize your position and take away someone else's power or advantage, it's really a cool thing. Literally, a 125lb female can easily beat a 225lb male in this sport, if she has the knowledge. It's not all power or size, while that helps, it can be stripped from an opponent when you have superior training and knowledge of the sport. That was the coolest part for me to see. A huge confidence builder knowing you have the ability to defend yourself or others, if necessary, against odds you may have once thought not possible. Anyway, I enjoyed my training there and would recommend it to virtually anyone that has been considering learning BJJ. It's a good place with good people teaching a great skill. Just do it.

Get ready, this will be a long one…read more.. My 8 year old son has been taking TKD classes here with the owner/main instructor Grandmaster Kim for a lil over a year and he loves it. He also has 3-4 instructors with him to assist in the class. From what I have seen, they are encouraging, supportive and patient. Yes the instructors all still wear their masks but I don't see anything wrong with that. Unless you are an anti masker, then you are prob cringing. Lols There are two rows of chairs inside for parents/guardians to stay and watch the kids. I like how they mop the floor mat after every class. Kids are taught the correct TKD techniques while getting physical activity in like jumping jacks, push-ups, running, stretching, etc. Yes it can be a lil fast paced so if your child is one who needs slow step by step instruction, then this might not be the class for them. As well as if your kid doesn't like being active they probably won't like TKD either. The kids are also taught to be respectful for example, addressing the instructors with yes sir and yes mam which I think is great. The kids are given a workbook for reference with all the steps in it. If your child needs extra help, I've seen the instructors guide them to the side for a lil one on one as needed. I've never seen them be hard on the kids. They also make it fun with board breaking days and relays. *Things to think about* I agree, the contract to sign up is long- about a yearish from start until the green belt. Once you finish that, then you may choose to stop or sign up for another contract for the black belt path. If your child decides say half way through they don't want to do it anymore then unfortunately you are SOL. You don't get a refund! TKD is an investment and I guess in a way teaching your child not to give up. The "two week free trial" is technically only three classes. So I can see it being tough for some kids to decide if they like it or not. But my kids' swim, dance and gymnastics classes only offered one free trial class so... Lessons are not the cheapest and there are extra fees like each time you graduate to another belt and any equipment like gloves and sparring accessories. Grandmaster Kim does offer payment plans. He will give you all the paperwork and fees to look over before you decide to sign up. I know some people wrote they was pressured into signing up their child but I never felt pressured at all by Grandmaster Kim. I was able to bring the info back to discuss with my husband. He did ask me to write a review on Google once but not for a discount or anything in return. I've had businesses ask me to write a review also so it's not weird to me.

The 2 year contract to start is too long. GM Kim says he offers a 2 week trial but it's really 2…read moreprivate lessons which were actually good but his actual classes are a lot different. I will admit that it was my own fault for allowing him to pressure me into signing a contract after the 2nd private lesson. I should have told him no, not until she takes your classes for 2 weeks. If you are thinking of joining his school watch his classes, and make sure that your child gets the 2 week trial during his class. I really wish that we would have. Also try and negotiate at 1 year contract and if he doesn't go for it, there are plenty of schools that do offer 1 year. We always felt that his classes were unorganized. Kids walking in 10-20 minutes late. Kids talking during class. We also didn't like that all his instructors were still masked which made it difficult to understand them. The instructors say "yes sir" after everything they say which made absolutely no sense when talking to a female. My daughter loved Tae Kwon Do until going to this school. She was at a school for 2 years in Chicago, and always looked forward to going. She never warmed up to anyone at this school. There was never enough focus on the Tae Kwon Do form during class. He would go over all 20+ steps in 1 class. Then he would tell the kids to learn the form on their own out of a handbook from pictures. You need to request videos to be sent and the videos are recorded terribly. We stuck with this school for 1 year and then decided to not continue. We are now at a different school which is much better. My daughter is in love with Tae Kwon Do again. A couple of things I did like about GM Kim's school was their sparring days and board breaking days.

Our son has practiced BJJ with professor Quan for about 2 years now, and what a fantastic…read moreexperience. From day 1, Coach has not only taught the technical aspects of Jujutsu but also life long principles of respect, mercy, perseverance, and focus. Highly recommended for all youth.

We signed up for a month-to-month membership for my 5-year-old daughter. Unfortunately, all…read morechildren are placed in the same class regardless of age or size, which made the classes developmentally inappropriate. After about three weeks, my daughter quickly became bored and lost interest. Class times are also very limited--only 5:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on Saturdays. Most importantly, be aware of the hidden costs: there are upfront fees, and even if you cancel, you'll still be charged for 60 days. Be sure to read the fine print before signing.

I have been training with Guro Grosch for about 6 months. The depth of his knowledge and his unique…read moreability to train anyone at any level makes training at Sayoc Kali Gilbert a game changer. He is able to take very high level concepts and systems, and break them down in a way that you can understand. His patient and exceptional teaching style helps you to understand the how and why behind this Martial Art. Very rarely do you find a teacher that embodies their practice so deeply in everything they do, and -- can also explain, demonstrate, instruct and inspire each individual person.

Training Sayoc Kali under Stephen has been an absolute game changer. I've spent years in combat…read moresports like Boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but nothing compares to this system. Sayoc strips everything down to what actually works in real-life situations--direct, efficient, and brutally effective. It's precision, intent, and strategy on a whole new level

My daughter has been going here for a while now, it's a really great place. The sensei's really…read morecare about helping the kids grow in more than just karate (but also karate). Gaining confidence, discipline, friendships, body awareness, mental and physical strength... it's been amazing to watch the journey. A major benefit of this dojo is that there are several different sensei's all with their own unique styles so in the end you're left with a wonderful balance. I've also taken the Women's self defense course here and highly recommend. It helped me learn some really great quick and easy techniques on how to fight back if the worst happens.

Casey is great! He's kind and patient, and I highly recommend Gilbert Defense Arts for your child…read morethat wants to learn Karate.

This is a great place to learn karate! My 6yo son is enrolled and loves every lesson. This is our…read more3rd facility (the first went out of business, and we weren't happy with the second) and we knew right away that we wanted this family to teach our son. Not only are they knowledgable in their sport, but all of the instructors are family. And when you lesson with them you feel as if you are part of their family too. Dianne Price is a superb teacher to the young ones, and made my shy son feel at ease immediately - which is rare for him. We have been going to Price's for over a year now and love it so much that we have signed our son up for the black belt commitment. We would recommend this facility for any age and any level.

our 7yr old son has been going here for about 7 months & he loves it! i'm satisfied with the level…read moreof instruction, the schedule is pretty accommodating to working parents, and the price point is pretty good considering he can go up to four days per week. there are students of all belt ranks/ages so it's a very diverse school! they also have in-house tournaments that are a lot of fun!

Went with a friend of the family. The kids seemed so energetic. It looks like good exercise while…read morelearning martial arts. They have kids classes but also adult classes. The parking lot is wide and spacious. I like that it is easy to find a spot. Too bad they don't have trees in the parking lot. It gets hot during the summers.

Our son, Jace, is really enjoying the experience at Tiger-Rock Martial Arts. Cody is really great…read morewith the kids and really helpful in the process of getting started. Hoping to our youngest son joins this winter also.

At 63 years old (just hit 64- at the time of this review) and powering through the ups and downs of…read moreCerebral Ataxia- shrinkage of the brain stem, causing balance issues- I have learned to persevere through virtually any challenge that comes my way. (Carlson Gracie) Jiu Jitsu has been my strength and inspiration for many years now. It's what keeps me happy, reasonably healthy, humble and grounded.

Here you'll find competition training and a family atmosphere combined. Who could ask for a better…read moreoutcome? My kids and husband have been training here for six years. We love it. The coaches are invested in each individual person's well-being. This is competition type training, though. Not a daycare. Not a place to get New belt every month and go home with a trophy. It's for serious kids and adults only. When you join this team, you also join the family.