I went to this school 10 years ago. I miss it. This is a traditional martial arts school with an…read moreingrained background in Chinese culture. While never like a military/gung-ho jock regiment, they do instill a sense of discipline in their lessons as a way to focus on every detail. Anyways going here really helped my fitness, agility, and confidence despite my health-related shortcomings. One time I broke my arm in an accident outside of class - I actually rehabilitated it right away going through the various forms I learned in school. And although I never got a chance to use my gungfu outside of class, I felt prepared. I wish they had a class up here in the North Bay although they do have a sister school in San Francisco.

I stay with this school for 5 years now and it's not a surprise I am giving it 5 stars. There are…read moreenough kungfu schools in Bay Area to choose from, many of them are very good, but I choose to stay at this one. I came from tai-chi practice in a very traditional way - follow your master under a tree in a park, try to copy, ask questions respectfully, practice often. So I liked the way this school is organized. The main idea here is very simple - everybody has it's own way and speed of learning. Your body and mind need to take time and to pay in sweat to process a new stuff. Once you absorebed enough of it, you can move to the next level of complexity. Then repeat the cycle. If you want to learn some flashy wushu forms then it's probably a wrong place for you. But if you are willing to invest time in understanding and learning traditional kungfu then you are welcome here.

Updating my review since our family recently moved away from Menlo Park. My daughter started taking…read morekarate at USSD alongside my son and they both loved it. Since I came to the night classes here as well as the women's kickboxing class, I've had plenty of opportunity to get to know the instructors (Teacher Caldwell, Teacher Willie, Jodi, Brian, etc.). They are not only all excellent teachers, but friends that our family will miss. Since this location hosts many classes, I'll break down the review into each class/instructor Karate: My kids (ages 5 & 7) just tested for their yellow belts here and are both eager to continue karate. They tell their friends about how much they love their class. I was so pleased with their instruction that a close friend started her kids training here as well. Teacher Caldwell is kind and patient with the kids, and Teacher Willie's energy makes him one of the kids' favorite teachers. Kickboxing: The women in this class have become good friends. I loved this class so much that I would tow my younger two children (5 & 2) to class when I couldn't get babysitting. Jodi is energetic and knowledgable and let my kids play (or held my toddler) while I trained, which is a rarity. Expect a hard cardio workout with a lot of focus on careful technique. Tuesday/Thursday night grappling/striking: I made this class less frequently than the others but was always glad I came when I could. Willie brings the same energy to this class that he does to the kids' karate class, and I appreciated learning not only from him but from the other class participants whose experience surpasses my own. Grappling is (in my experience) focused on BJJ and takedown techniques while striking is strikes/kicks. Both classes often involve sparring, which I've found to be one of the most helpful ways for me to put what I've learned into practice. Monday/Wednesday Urban Combat: An excellent self-defense/HIIT workout class. I left a detailed review on the Urban Combat Yelp page. Martial arts has become one of my favorite things to do, something I'm hoping to teach in the future, and a source of discipline and confidence in my life. I owe it all to the investment and mentorship I have received through this studio, and I will miss it dearly. If you're looking for a solid martial arts experience for your children or for yourself, USSD is as good as it gets.

The instructors are all well versed in their arts, and have a terrific appreciation for those who…read morecome to learn. From beginners to those more advanced everyone comes together in a supportive, and motivating, way that fosters challenging one another to improve themselves. I have had the pleasure of participating in both the Urban Combat, as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to learn self-defense, as well as those seeking a wonderful alternative to an hour and a half at the gym.

My daughter has been a student here since 2020 and will soon be testing for her black belt. She…read morehas thoroughly enjoyed her experience here and has gained confidence in her physical abilities over that period of time. Master Joseph creates an atmosphere where young martial artists can thrive and grow. We recommend exploring this studio if your child has any interest a martial art.

Student Review: At Sky Family Taekwondo the trial class is free. It's fun, teaches discipline, and…read morehas kind coaches. I have learned a lot plus I have performed, received medals, been to Stanford for events, and learned from international taekwondo masters. At SKY, I have made many friends, and I had the choice to do Poomsae instead of sparring.

This is a great school and I can't say enough good things about it. Both of our kids loved the…read moreprogram and looked forward to going every week. Classes are held Mon-Fri with sparring on Fridays. The instructors do a great job teaching, helping to build confidence, and building community amongst the students and parents. The regular BBQs were also a great touch. This school had a noticeable impact on our kids and I've recommended it to numerous friends who were looking for a nearby TKD school.

My daughter (who is 9) has taken classes here for almost a year now. I think this is a great place…read morefor lessons for kids. Master Moon has an excellent demeanor, balancing nicely between being friendly and firm. Definitely recommend if you are looking for martial art classes for kids.

I can't say enough about how happy we are to found this place. My son is six and he really enjoys…read morekungfu class. I've heard from friends that their kids went to other training facilities and it turns out to be just a place for kids socialize. However at this location the kids are very focused and there is discipline to learn kung fu. The instructor is legit. When my daughter gets older I will enroll her as well. Prior to becoming a student, the instructor will want to meet with the student to see if the student is able to listen and follow instructions. If the child is not ready, he will likely ask the student to return when they are physically and mentally ready to train. During Chinese new year, the school was asked to perform on stage and lunar new year festival, which my son was able to be a part of.

Excellent school for kids. Sifu Li is a great teacher - the right balance of guidance and firmness,…read morepraise and instruction, and also understanding that they are in fact just kids; inspiring them to go forward and be focused and learn respect and be disciplined while also having fun. Can't praise it highly enough.

coach rob at kids taekwondo is a great role model. my boys are so excited for their next class…read more I've noticed they sleep right when we get home

From the moment you step into Escolta Martial Arts, you can feel the energy, discipline, and sense…read moreof community that sets it apart from other martial arts schools. The facility is spotless, well-equipped, and thoughtfully designed so students of all ages feel both comfortable and inspired. Grandmaster Greg is the heart of the studio. He combines deep technical expertise with a genuine passion for teaching. Whether you're a beginner taking your very first class or an advanced student honing your skills, you're meet where you are and pushed to do your best. He strikes the perfect balance between patience and challenge--helping you build not just technique, but also confidence, focus, and respect. What really makes Escolta Martial Arts special is the welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Everyone here supports one another's progress, and the emphasis on personal growth goes far beyond the mats. My son has learned respect, perseverance, and confidence--skills that go far beyond the mat. My son has grown so much--mentally and physically. He's more focused, more confident, and excited to challenge himself. The positive, uplifting energy here is contagious! If you're looking for a martial arts studio that teaches authentic skills, builds character, and makes you feel like part of a team from day one, Escolta Martial Arts is the place. I can't recommend it enough!

Small class sizes ensure my son learns the correct form for every move. The instructors are kind…read moreand patient yet firm, and they teach the kids to have respect for themselves as well as others. My son gets a good workout each class, and he is learning important skills. Such a great place.

We absolutely love this program! We joined in 2023 and my two boys (ages 9 and 11) are thrilled to…read morego to classes four days a week. Master Carlos is magic with children and is not only an excellent Tae Kwon Do teacher, but also acts as a mentor to the kids. He works wonders with kids of all ages and abilities; I have seen more than one child come in with no natural ability and become self-confident, morivated and skilled. I cannot recommend it more.

Master Kim came to do a full class demonstration at our school. He was insightful, patient, and…read moreattentive to the skill level of every student in the class, which was about 190 students over the course of the day. I was so impressed by his professionalism, his ability to involve every student at their ability level, and to quickly assess student's behavior, discipline, and readiness for martial arts. Overall, a wonderful educator and martial arts coach. I highly recommend Master Kim.

My son has been training with Master Kim for 2.5 years now. He has not only become more focused,…read morebut he is proud of himself when he completes his forms. He has an added confidence in him, since he has been working with Master Kim. I, as a parent (and one who is around bunches of kids all the time), is in awe at how Master Kim can demand the attention of all the children in his class, but in such a kind and peaceful approach. This is a talent that only people who were born to teach have. We feel very fortunate to be training with Tiger Taekwondo and Master Kim.