I was a student for three years at Zen Budokai until my health and financial situation no longer…read morepermitted me to take classes. During that time I achieved my blue belt. Classes are small, with lots of personalized attention. Both Professor Tim and Sensei Ned run classes well, come up with great drills, and always have insightful feedback about ways to do techniques better. The other regular students were also fantastic. As (usually) the only woman in the class, and a small one to boot, I was initially worried about not being taken seriously. However, the feeling in the class is very fraternal. As soon as students have their first belt, they take turns teaching students at lower levels. In this way, students are familiar with and feel responsible for each other's progress. It also keeps techniques you learned a while back fresh in your mind, and you keep improving them as you teach them. I never felt uncomfortable and made friends with several classmates. No macho BS. This is not Brazilian Gracie jujitsu, and not focused on competition, but a smaller school focused on effective self-defense, perfecting techniques, avoiding injury and mutual respect. If you are not familiar with jujitsu, it's good to note that unlike karate or kung fu, which are striking arts, jujitsu focused on close-in fighting, mat wrestling, throws, holds, escapes and joint locks. I chose it because as a small woman, I'll never have the striking reach of a larger opponent. Any tussle I get into will wind up with someone trying to pin or hold me down. Thanks to my classes at Zen Budokai, I know how to deal with these situations. I hope that if someone attacked me, god forbid, I wouldn't panic and freeze, but would know that I could escape and incapacitate my attacker. Once I got good at some throwing techniques and learned how to use weight and leverage to my advantage, I could throw a 250-lb classmate over my head. I'm 5'2", 120ish lbs. That's just kinda cool. I would recommend classes at Zen Budokai to anyone interested in learning self-defense techniques in a respectful, encouraging and fun environment. I hope I can one day return to the school myself.

I was a direct student of the founder, Raymond "Duke" Moore [RIP], at the original dojo on Market…read moreSt., 1962-1974. I respectfully & wholeheartedly commend Tim Delgman, Irving Lee. Doug Haight, Clint LeMay and Scott Moresi for continuing and promoting the rich philosophy and traditions of the martial arts presented to us by Moore Hanshi. Apply yourself to make the most of this experience, keep an open mind and ask questions. This is where I started. "Minimum effort, maximum efficiency".

I have trained with members of the San Francisco Shotokan Karate for a decade now, being lucky…read moreenough to have been instructed at various practices and special trainings by former dojo leader, Jane, and being a member of the US team with current dojo leader, Mike. This dojo always shows up, from white belts to black belts, with enthusiasm and a great camaraderie. They truly seem like a family. If you're looking for a welcoming dojo where you can learn authentic Japanese karate from highly qualified instructors, stop by and check out a class here.

Amazing dojo led by inspiring people who have practiced Shotokan karate, some of them, most of…read moretheir lives. Stop by and see for yourself. The community is just as meaningful as the practice itself. It will change your life, it did mine.

This is the best martial arts school I've ever trained at, and Choy Li Fut kung fu is a superb…read moresystem. The instructors at school are all really good, knowledgeable and helpful. Tai-Sifu Wong is a fantastic teacher to all adults and kids alike. This is also the first martial arts school that my kids are attending, and they absolutely love it. They love the classes, they made a bunch of friends, they go to tournaments and their self confidence is growing constantly over time. No wonder it's been around for over 50 years!

I have been studying Kung Fu in San Diego for many years and have had the opportunity to…read moreparticipate in several seminars and tournaments offered by the Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center. These are simply the best around. The real life practical application of the training combined with the historical ties and proven methods give the training a value unmatched by anyone. I can guarantee you that if I lived closer this would be home base for my training. I encourage anyone to check it out for themselves. You won't be disappointed.

I was invited to an Aikido seminar at this dojo by one of the students. I walk by it at least once…read morea week and had been wanting to check it out. The place is spacious, clean, and the mats are great for falling. There were instructors and/or senior students from other dojos in attendance as well as a couple newer students. They welcomed me and allowed me to work with the entire group despite having never been there before. Those who attended were all very nice and the teaching style was soft. I felt like this went along with the spirit of the art. This was my first experience with Aikido. Unfortunately, my schedule doesn't work well with their current class times. There is obviously great depth to what they are doing here. If you are thinking about studying Aikido, I highly recommend that you visit this dojo.

I think the Yelp description says it all, five stars, " As good as it get's"!…read more From a beginners point of view I appreciate the opportunity to participate in a class where I can practice an advanced method of learning the basics like falling and rolling. I have found that over just a few mounts I've become stronger, more flexible and balanced in training as well as daily life. If you are interested in martial arts you owe it to yourself to attend a class with Shelley Sensei at Fudoshin Dojo!

Awesome gym! I came in on a Thursday night for 6 PM no gi class. Coach Travis greeted me and…read morewelcomed me into his class. He taught a great class and showed great technique. I also hopped in the Muay Thai class. Coach Rocky taught the class. He's a great coach too and was very friendly. I will be back when I'm in town! Magalit Jiu Jitsu 10/10.

Great gym to train at. Travis is a skilled instructor (and accomplished competitor) and it's a…read morenice, welcoming community with people from all walks of life, students of all levels including very high, and a culture of camaraderie and support. I started training here in Jan 2023 to learn some practical self defense. From my first weeks I felt like I was learning practical things, but also realizing how much there is to learn. As a result, game becomes addictive. It's also a great workout. Engaging, cardio, strength, functional movement.

Felt a need to update this page given the last review was posted 11 years ago (!!!) and a lot has…read morechanged post-pandemic. I am new so I cannot give any details on the quality or nature of the training. I attend classes for the sake of practicing energy and breathwork, for grounding, and for some self-defense. The teachers will adjust to your needs. Currently, I believe the schedule is MWTh classes at 7pm, Saturday weapons practice at 11am (usually outdoors at GGP), and Sunday classes at 1pm. Different instructors take turn teaching. Mondays are for belt test prep so it's good for beginners. Overall, everyone has been kind and gentle. They are very welcoming of new members and you can always observe a class first.

I am a woman who has been training in Aikido for 16 years and I've been at City Aikido for 13 of…read morethem. I got my start with another teacher who was one of Nadeau sensei's students in the North Bay, and when I moved to San Francisco, I joined City Aikido. As soon as I walked through the doors and into Nadeau sensei's class, I was hooked. One of the first things I noticed right away was the powerful and energetic atmosphere of the classes. This is largely due to Nadeau sensei's emphasis of O'Sensei's Process, and it's one of the aspects I love about training at this dojo. I've found that the Process has helped me to reach a center of power that I can draw from not only during my training sessions on the mat, but also out in the real world. Aikido is an immensely therapeutic and transformative physical art. It's also a whole lotta fun! The head-teachers at our school are all highly skilled (5th, 6th, 7th degree blackbelts) and each bring their own embodiment of the art into their classes. In each class you will practice a variety of techniques and you'll train harmoniously with different partners at a variety of levels. We have classes every weekday in the evenings from 6:15-7:15 pm (fundamentals/all levels) and 7:15-8:15 pm (intermediate/advanced). We also have noon classes. And for you early birds, we even have morning classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:15-8:15 am. I teach on Monday mornings and would love for you to come join me. Aikido is a great way to start the day! Stop by the dojo. Check it out. Hope to see you on mat.

Legit gym with proven results but unforgivable unprofessionalism and predatory billing turned my…read moreexperience into a nightmare. Proceed with caution. I'll start with the truth: Zhong Luo's Dragon House MMA is a legitimate operation. Luo has undeniable credentials in traditional Chinese kung fu, runs a full-scale MMA program, and promotes his own successful fight events (Zhong Luo Cage Fighting Series) that draw serious talent. The gym produces competitive fighters, hosts high-level amateur and pro bouts, and clearly knows how to develop athletes who go on to bigger stages. No question. On paper, this place has credibility and results. But legitimacy doesn't excuse treating a sincere student like absolute shit. And that's exactly what happened to me in 2019. As someone with a profound admiration for Chinese culture and its martial traditions, I train religiously, pushing my physique to exceptional levels of strength. Raw power, disciplined conditioning, unyielding drive. I sought out Dragon House specifically for its authentic Kung Fu roots blended with modern MMA. Under proper guidance, channeling that energy and refining my skills, I could have become a devastating force in that realm; the kind of dedicated fighter any coach would be proud to mold. Instead, I got blatant disrespect and neglect. Luo repeatedly no-showed for scheduled classes; not once, but multiple times. I'd arrive eager to train, only to wait in vain while unsupervised students sparred chaotically around me. Safety was a joke. On my first day alone, one person attempted to eye gouge me during sparring. There was no oversight and no correction, only serious health and safety risks because the so called "Sifu" failed to honor his commitments, and because of racism (the person I was paired with was a racist white man, a grown adult who tried to eye gouge me, a college student). Even if those no-shows were some colossal "misunderstanding" (which I highly doubt), Luo offered zero explanation and zero apology on both occasions. Not a word. Just silence and indifference toward a student who showed up with nothing but respect and hunger to learn. Then came the real kicker: this "legit" gym still billed me whereabouts $1,700 for a full fucking year of training that I never received. When I disputed and blocked the unauthorized charge through my bank (because paying for phantom services is insane) they sent it straight to collections. Harassing me over money for services that were never provided. Unbelievable predatory bullshit from a place that claims to uphold discipline and honor. I'm not denying the gym's successes or Luo's skills. Plenty of people thrive there. But my experience exposes the rotten underbelly: chronic flakiness at the top, zero accountability, and ruthless billing tactics that screw over anyone who falls through the cracks. This isn't bitterness; it's outrage at being dismissed and exploited despite my sincerity. Dragon House has potential and pedigree, which makes the unprofessionalism even more shameful. Strong warning: sign anything here at your own risk. Demand clear terms, track attendance meticulously, and be prepared for zero recourse if things go south. There are other legit gyms out there worth considering instead. As my dear friends in China would say, "可惜你".

What the fuck cant go well in this gym? Im a mid 50s MARINE. (We dont say former Marine because…read moreonce MARINE always Marine) . The family atmosphere is what had me hooked. In addition, the beast and savage fighters taking time to teach low level fighters the core basics is nice....they will take you to the side and actually TEACH you while they are prepping for fights. Ive never seen anything like this. Perfecting fighting and and teaching at its finest. Ive been to literal wars...Every single soul in this gym i would welcome as a combat buddy....SEMPER FI....AKA "always faithful"..DRAGON HOUSE...USMC..UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS...fyi..they had me gassed in the warm ups...shout out to everyone

I couldn't say more great things about Empire and their Basics class! I was a complete beginner to…read moremartial arts, nervous to start and I felt the perfect balance of being pushed and welcomed on the very first day. John is an extremely attentive and detailed instructor and I was hooked right away. I attended the weekly basics class after the first class and have been feeling a lot of growth. The community is great, have made wonderful friends, and am excited to now have jiu jitsu as part of my life. Highly recommend for everyone - especially complete beginners!

I was in town for work and wanted to do a quick drop in to train somewhere before I had to actually…read moredo work. I left a message on their website about and got a response back that I'd be welcome. I managed to find parking around the corner and walked up. I got there in between classes so I was able to get the waiver signed and pay the drop in fee. The class seemed to be a lot of regulars. The students all seemed to know each other real well and there definitely seemed to be a sense of community there. The rolls were tough but friendly and I'm glad I dropped in, probably the most productive part of my work trip in SF.