Nor Cal Systema

(3 reviews)

0.5 mi

This course is held twice a week on Monday and Tuesday, starting from 6 pm, lasts for 90 m…read more I joined the class six months ago with no experience, and picked up the basic movement fairly quickly. The class has people with a wide range of levels, from beginner to advanced, which helps the progress a lot. Besides the physical training, the course also teaches the basic musical instrument that adds lots of fun to it, I've enjoyed it a lot.

I joined Jadson's class because I had a Groupon for the old location. It was for ten classes…read more.. I've been training with him now for 3 years! He's a talented professor with much to teach and a friendly motivating personality. He goes beyond expectations in answering questions after class, Capoeira movie nights, making berimbaus with class the OG way, and keeps students posted on events all around the Bay. It's not a big school relatively (so far), but that means more instruction for you! The current facility (Bladium) is great for Capoeira because easy parking, decent space, and after open roda, we can get bar food and drink upstairs!

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Rio Combat Team

(41 reviews)

0.5 mi

My son participates in their Kids BJJ program. He is 4 years old. It is awesome! It has taught him…read morea great awareness of his body and movements, which is what we wanted. It also further enhances his understanding of discipline and its benefits. The coaches are sweet and encouraging. Coaches Gabby and Alberto is the best! Diogo, who runs this program, is great at communicating and gets back to you within 24 hours. Our family is really enjoying this program.

This is my home gym…read more I love the atmosphere that Diogo has created at our academy; we train to defend ourselves, but we also take care of each other as teammates both on and off the mats. Good people. Solid teammates. Relaxed atmosphere. No "bullshido." Come train at Rio Combat!

Rio Combat Team

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Bladium Sports & Fitness Club

3.4

(377 reviews)

0.5 mi

I grew up playing at The Bladium since I was 4 years old with lil kickers. I played with the Bay…read moreOaks and SJND for indoor footie and played with my AAU basketball team in this facility. So many memories, like winning a state championship and rock climbing with my friends. The Bladium was an experience: to drink, to play sports, to work out, to have fun. I recently came back after finishing college, just to find the main football field and a majority of the weight room gone to pickleball. At first, I did not mind, however, it feels like the only people who come in are pickleball players. Its sad to see my friend's old family business being made into a pickleball center. Even the new company's logo shows where their priority is at. Heartbreaking to see. I will always remember the sounds the floorboards made.

I am getting overcharged, and they never pick up the phone to help. Super frustrating. Now I'll…read morehave to drive all the way out there just to deal with this mess. Do better!

Tiempo al tiempo

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Outdoor view

Alameda Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self-Defense Academy

(31 reviews)

1.3 mi

We've been with Sergio for more than 3 years. With so many choices in the area the standout…read moredifference is he's not just giving jiu jitsu classes but he's a great human being and role model for the kids. I have 2 boys with 1 that started with struggles at school on kindergarten related to self regulation. Since being in jiu jitsu with Sergio his behaviors have improved tremendously and the teachers at school have noticed. Sergio not only teaches them jiu jitsu he also teaches manners and respect and discipline. Kids love him and we do too. You can tell his heart in his work. Thank you Sergio! Kids are now 4th and 3rd grader. Highly highly recommend!

Team Silva is an amazing place to learn jiu jitsu. It's a diverse group of people and everyone is…read morevaccinated. Everyone is safety oriented. I usually go to the 6am class which is now at Ruby's tumbling. Rated are affordable and the instructors are humble, always smiling, and friendly, but they are extremely knowledgeable.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense Class in Alameda.

Noon Jiu-Jitsu Class

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beginner class on Saturday at 8am .

Wado Ki Kai Karate Do

(4 reviews)

1.3 mi

I started this program years ago as it was free as part of the MSAC membership. Great workouts,…read morepractical self-defense and a great time training mind, body and spirit.

As a martial art enthusiast, I was looking around for a good dojo to start up my training for black…read morebelt. I looked around at a few dojos in Berkeley and Oakland, but didn't find a place that I felt would give me the training I wanted. After the first class with Sensei Grant Butterfield, I knew this was the place for me. I've been training with him for 2 years now and feel my balance and focus has improved tenfold. It's a great class for students of all levels of interest in the martial arts. Each class is unique and the black belts are very good at instructing all the different levels of colored belts. Come to a class and learn basic self-defense techniques and work your way up to Kata & Kumite Sparring. It's an excellent cardio workout and I always leave class feeling stronger.

Sensei Grant Butterfield: 3rd Degree Black Belt: Head Instructor for Bladium Karate Do.

Group Kata

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Armada MMA

4.8

(12 reviews)

2.3 mi

This gym is like a second family. The coaches are knowledgeable, patient, and push you to improve…read moreno matter your level. Training is challenging but structured in a way that helps you build real skills while getting in shape. What I appreciate most is the culture -- everyone works hard, respects each other, and supports one another. It's not just about fighting; it's about discipline, growth, and learning every day. If you're serious about training MMA, jiu-jitsu, or striking, or just want to learn to defend yourself and become more confident this is the place to be.

Wonderful coaches, community, and facility…read more When I first moved back to the Bay, I was on the hunt for a new martial arts gym. I tried three other Muay Thai gyms before finding Armada. After my first class, I was hooked and knew I had found my place. After a while of exclusively training Muay Thai, I tried a Jiu Jitsu class. I originally had no interest in rolling around with sweaty people but Omar's knowledge and passion for the sport was so palpable that I knew I had to at least give it a try. Once again, I was hooked. With highly accomplished and friendly coaches, you will receive top tier instruction. This gym has a great community and is welcoming whether it's your first day on the mats or you're a seasoned competitor. As a woman, I really value that there is a good group of other women that train here. There's Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, Wrestling, and Judo. Can you ask for more?

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International Chi Institute

(25 reviews)

1.7 mi

I wanted to take a Qi Gong class and made several efforts to inquire about instruction. No one ever…read moregot back to me. Very disappointed.

I highly recommend this Shaolin Kung Fu studio. My son started there when he was 5 and now he is…read more17 - a black belt and part-time instructor with Master Yan. I recently told Master Yan's wife, Joanna, that Master Yan helped me become a better father simply by watching his classes. Master Yan is a true master from the Shaolin Temple in China - something that I found out later on my own as Master Yan is very modest. I am so grateful for all Master Yan has done for my son and me. It's amazing that a true master from China teaches here in Alameda. And it's more affordable than any other martial arts place that I have found. Thank you.

The power of wushu

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Suigetsukan

(9 reviews)

2.5 mi

I have known the Chief Instructor at this dojo for 35 years; I can say unequivocally that he is one…read moreof the most qualified martial artist I know. He also is one of only a handful of people that teach traditional Japanese swordsmanship using live blades for test cutting. The dojo also boasts several other styles being taught including: Jujitsu, Aikido, Ba Gua and Wing Chun (my class btw). If you want to train at a school that is devoted to traditional martial arts in an environment that is friendly and supportive, look no further.

Went by there a few years ago to look at a class. The guy who teaches Wing Chun is a jerk and…read moreunprofessional.

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Korean Martial Arts

(1 review)

1.7 mi

I highly recommend this course of martial arts training, for men, women and kids alike. I am a…read morecouch potato by nature, and I've found it hard to stick to a solitary gym routine. This has turned out to be a great option for me, even having no prior experience with martial arts. It is an excellent workout *and* a lot of fun. Since I started training over a year ago, I have lost weight, gained strength and flexibility, and learned valuable self defense skills. It is fun interacting with classmates, unlike at the typical group gym class where you attend side by side with a bunch of others but never really get to work together. The group here is really friendly and supportive - a great community feel.The course is also a challenge for the mind: I've had to memorize many techniques such as joint locks, strikes, throws, kicks, falls, and "forms" (a series of techniques). With such rich, varied training content, Instructor Moore is a very good teacher - patient, clear, challenging and encouraging.

From the owner: Affordable and quality traditional Korean martial arts and practical self-defense instruction for…read moreall ages. -Small classes that ensure plenty of one-on-one instruction. -Heavily discounted multiple family member discounts on tuition. -We teach the world's most comprehensive and effective style including: kicking & punching (striking), pressure points and stretching, joint-locks & grappling (jujitsu), empty-hand & weapons forms, breathing & break-falling. Never heard of Kung Jung Mu Sul? We are most similar to Hapkido and Kuk Sool, but also related to aikido, karate, taekwondo, judo, jujutsu, and kung fu.

StretchLab Alameda

(42 reviews)

1.1 mi

My lady and I Went to see Daniel to get stretched out after doing a 9 day, 3500 mile ride to…read moreArizona on our bike. After riding 8/9 hours a day, Daniel knew just what we needed. Felt great walking out of there. We will definitely be back before our Baja ride next month. Thanks Daniel.

Let me tell you something. I don't vouch for places often, but the StretchLab and assisted…read morestretching should absolutely be a thing. I'll get back to why I said "should" a little later. I walked in for my 12:00pm appointment and the place was pretty much empty, aside from the attendant at the desk who happen to be who would be stretching me. Estrella introduced herself, asked me to sign my waiver, and walked me over to the assessment tablet. Before laying down to start my stretches, I asked that she rewipe the table (can never be too careful) and she did it without any issue. Thank you for that. She was so easy going and very informative about muscle groups, necessary stretches needed to loosen me up, etc. Once we got into it, the stretching was amazing (as was the conversation) and the information she gave me about my own body. She was putting me in stretches that I've never done and when it was all over, my body felt so good. Now things I didn't like: The place being empty made me waaaaaaay more comfortable because the openness can be a bit off-putting for some of the stretches/conversations. Shortly after getting started another customer came in and it went from peaceful to hearing his conversation about his body with the other attendant. I also didn't like that Estrella had to keep stopping to help walk-ins asking about services. That was a bit distracting during my session. The massage "waiting" chair being stationed right next to the table where my stretch was taking place was a bit of an issue too. When other clients walked in, she offered them the chair, but it was so close to us. It made me a little uncomfortable and a little more reserved in conversation. Nevertheless, it was a good experience. I was able to get in on an introductory price of $79.00. After my stretch was done, Estrella spoke to me about the benefits of continuing my stretches and about purchasing membership/subscription options - all at a higher price. I honestly believe $79.00 is the perfect price for this service, especially in this economy. The membership/subscription options are pretty expensive and why I said it "should" be a regular thing, but feels like more of a luxury that you must decide whether you need or not. Overall, it was a great experience I'm still on the fence on whether I'll buy a membership/subscription, but I have recommended quite a few people try it out.

Relieve neck tension and improve upper body mobility with a 1-on-1 assisted cross-body stretch at StretchLab.

Relieve mid-back pain and improve thoracic mobility with a 1-on-1 assisted seated twist stretch at StretchLab.

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Relieve neck tension and improve upper body mobility with a 1-on-1 assisted neck stretch at StretchLab.

East Bay Regional Park District

(595 reviews)

8.6 mi

This park is fantastic. The first time we visited was back in 2018 and honestly we can't remember…read morewhere we parked or which trails we hiked. But I know we enjoyed ourselves. Fast forward to yesterday. We had a restaurant in Albany that we wanted to check out so of course we had to hike first to get our appetites whet. I found a loop I wanted us to try on AllTrails. It's called the Dunn Trail--Monteiro Trail Loop. We parked at the Richard C. Trudeau Conference Center on Skyline Blvd. It was the perfect spot to start. Free parking. Public restrooms (even flush toilets!). If you have a dog, most of this trail is off-leash which I have never seen before. Every dog we saw were well behaved and having a great time. We don't have dogs of our own but I am a big dog person. This particular loop was exactly what I was looking for. It had several different biomes. Despite what AllTrails said, it is not all shaded but it was a beautiful, sunny, windy day. We saw lots of wildflowers blooming. We found there to be a difference between AllTrails and our measurements. AllTrails said it was roughly 500+ ft elevation gain but ours said 1000. That's a huge difference! But I would believe ours over theirs. There were a lot of inclines. Also, their's said it was 3.5 miles but ours said a mile longer. The trails were all very well maintained. We saw gorgeous views, small waterfalls/creeks, redwoods, butterflies--just lovely. It was less busy than I anticipated but we arrived before 9 a.m. We finished by 11. This is a big park and lots to explore. Highly recommend!

I went hiking at the Reinhardt Regional Redwood Park for the first time and loved it!…read more Plenty of street parking at the Redwood Bowl lot and we had no issues with vehicle break ins, luckily, although there were a few warning signs up to remind you to put your valuables away. There are bathrooms by the Redwood Bowl but we couldn't find any helpful maps so just used our phones to navigate. The trail we ended up taking was around 4 miles and took 2 hours. Most of it was shaded and among redwood trees so I really enjoyed that this could work as an afternoon hike. It's a moderate difficulty level with some steep areas. There's also a popular picnic area with grills and an archery range. You could even walk to the nearby swimming pool or visit the Chabot. We only did one half of the hiking loop so will be back to check out the other side.

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

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Reinhardt Redwood Regional Preserve

USCG Gym, Fields & Swimming Pool

(6 reviews)

2.8 mi

Pool was great. temperature was a bit chilly only 74°. i was able to water jog on the outside…read morelane. like that, it's olympic size pool, and it's very deep, so I can jog without touching bottom and ease up on my joints

Friendly staff with good maintainance on all the equipments and facilities. I really appreciate it…read morethat they also offer the dancing classes during the weekends for me to attend!

Pool hours

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Bay Farm Island Shoreline Trail

4.5

(21 reviews)

4.5 mi

Great wide walking/ bike path with occasional benches. If…read moreyou love airplanes (I do) this is a fantastic spot as the takeoffs from OAK go right overhead!!

parked at the ferry parking lot which is free…read more it was nice to ride bike along the water but the trail itself is bumpy not smooth. rode all the way to jack london square and the path to get there was not quiety as often you are riding on the should along with traffic. overall i think there are some better bike trail options that are easier to ride and smoother.

Two of my most favorite people.

Low tide today.

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Crown Memorial State Beach

4.3

(169 reviews)

2.2 mi

Fantastic beach for younger kids, and a great option for East Bay residents who aren't up for the…read moretrek into the city or the even longer drive to Santa Cruz. The beach is clean and has useful amenities, including outdoor showers, picnic tables, and restrooms. I haven't actually used the restrooms, so I can't speak to their condition, but I can say I've never noticed trash on the beach, even on busy days. The crowd is generally respectful, which goes a long way. The downside is that the water isn't exactly pristine by appearance, smell, or feel...but you can't have everything. My favorite thing about this beach, aside from the fact that the water isn't freezing, is how shallow it stays. I can wade out with my kid what feels like half a mile and still not feel like we're anywhere close to being too far from shore. P.S. Do NOT forget to pay for parking if you're in the lot. It's yellow, located at the far end, the fee is 5 dollars and it's easy to miss. Also, they don't accept Discover debit.

In The Teen and I's new Friday ritual of water watching before we head home, we stopped by Crown…read moreMemorial before heading through the tunnel to let traffic die down a bit.. This was definitely the place to be back in the day! Parking was a snap and we found a bench to sit on starting the water watching. The view was awesome and the sun was shining just like Bob Marley said. There were people, young and old playing in the sand, lots of bike riders, and of course, those dog walkers. The Teen put the phone down and ventured out and some sand, touching and driftwood drifting.. Definitely, we will be back when it gets warmer with hopes of finding front row parking again!

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Splash Pad Park

3.7

(3 reviews)

3.3 mi

This park is small, but has a great location!!…read more Also home to the Grand Lake Farmers Market on the weekends, this is a great place to come to eat at after grabbing a bite at one of the nearby restaurants, especially on nice days when you want to eat outside. There's a small water fountain area here, plenty of parking under the 580 freeway, and plenty of areas to sit down. Decent Park!!

It's one of those, places in the Oakland area other than right on Lake Merritt a place where you…read morecan sit in feed the birds and watch people pass by Fun fountain structure for kids and nice enough on farmers market days, One of the places we walk by on our daily walks A gem of an urban park, mostly maintained by neighborhood volunteers. The Saturday farmer's market is year-round, and well worth a visit. Restaurants in the Grand Lake neighborhood (on Grand and Lakeshore) are diverse and welcoming. The Grand Lake Theatre shows first run movies and include an organ player on Friday and Saturday evenings. A walk around Lake Merritt is a 3 mile jaunt well worth the effort.

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Alameda Beach

4.0

(167 reviews)

3.6 mi

Very calm and accessible. We parked on the roadside and the beach is right there - miles and miles…read moreof shallow water and sand. There are a lot of driftwood and kelp, so it smells fishy. It's still clean enough that we played frisbees without our shoes. We moved onto the Crown Memorial State Beach afterwards. Although that beach had a parking lot and a cleaner beach, we thought the Alameda beach was more chill. Regardless, both had shallow water where it's safe for small children to wade out and play.

Alameda beach is one of the few beaches in norcal where you can lounge at…read more We have been regularly doing our open water swims in the area and the water's always feeling relatively clean and refreshing. There is plenty of parking all along the roads and overall, a great place to reset in the mornings, evenings and on weekends.

Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary

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Clear view of the city on today's walk. Happy weekend, everyone.

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Joseph A.

16 years ago

I absolutely believe that Systema is the most effective martial art for self defense out there. The training isn't that physically demanding but the techniques are definitely brutal. But all the drills are practiced slowly so even when somebody's "breaking my arm" I never feel like I'm going to get damaged I've seen class sizes between 4 and around a dozen. The teacher gives lots of individual attention especially when I was starting out and the other students are always really helpful. I also liked that I didn't have buy an expensive uniform to get started. Most everybody wears cargo pants with T-shirt / sweatshirt. read more

Nor Cal Systema - martialarts - Updated August 2026

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Alameda Aikikai

4.6

(16 reviews)

I've been training at Alameda Akikai with Mitsu Sensei for three years alongside my oldest child…read more(12) who has been there for 2+ years and his sibling (10) who has been there for about 1+ years. Bottom line: I love it. For me, Aikido is both an escape and an exercise. The art is challenging, physically and mentally and requires one be alert, agile, strong and flexible. I try and practice several times a week which is very easy to do here. The other people on the mat are engaged and kind and look out for one another. There are also a variety of classes to choose from (for adults there are 530 am, 9am and 6pm classes, and one on Saturday, and for kids there are many options to choose from after school and also on Saturdays). Speaking of kids! Training with my own kids is a real joy. It's a fun activity we can do together and Aikido exemplifies, and teaches, important values about capability, respect, effort and diligence. 10/10 can recommend!

I've been training at Alameda Aikikai for just about two years, and it's been incredible! Mitsu…read moreSensei is extremely clean with his instructions, makes sure the students are being personally challenged without being pushed too far, and utilizes his background in physical therapy to make sure everyone is practicing safely. The community is incredible with a strong familial, but welcoming atmosphere. I absolutely love being a part of this dojo and look forward to all of y'all being a part of it as well!

East-West Wing Chun Kung Fu

(8 reviews)

Sifu Jason is an amazing instructor, great community, the curriculum is easy to follow but also…read morechallenging. Feels like second family

I've been to a lot of martial arts schools/mma gyms etc, none have been funner and a tighter…read morecommunity than EWWC. The style is fun, the instructors are wonderful, and the friendships will last you a lifetime.

Hayward Aikido

(7 reviews)

RIP Sensai JD Sandovalso missedMelissa, Chief Instructor is awesome! Following the teachings of…read moreSensai, "Mind, body and soul". Aikido: Japanese art of self-defense employing locks and holds and utilizing the principle of nonresistance to cause an opponent's own momentum to work against him. No matter big or small, young or old, disabled, this is the best practice with a good workout, mentally and physically. You will not be disappointed...

I hate lifting weights and going to gyms -- even though I have a free membership through work, I…read morenever go. Something about that environment which I do not find fun. Then I thought about martial arts... It's something I've always wanted to try. This is my first martial arts training ever, and I've taken the plunge. I'm training in both Aikido and Iaido, from Sandoval Sensei. Last year, I had a 6 week sabbatical, during which I was determined to get into an exercise regiment. When I first started training, learning how to fall was a daunting task. I know that sounds weird, let me explain. In Aikido, we generally train in pairs -- with one person being the attacker. During a technique, the attacker needs to be able to take the technique without being injured. Likewise, the person being attacked needs sensitivity to know their partner's limits. What keeps bringing me back is Sandoval Sensei and the people who train here. The people who train at this dojo are all genuinely nice people. The students here come from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, yet the we all get along on and off the mat. Prices are extremely low for the quality and quantity of training that is offered. I'm so lucky I decided to train here! They also offer kids classes, and the instructors are very good with kids.

Suigetsukan

(9 reviews)

Went by there a few years ago to look at a class. The guy who teaches Wing Chun is a jerk and…read moreunprofessional.

Moon Dragon Dojo

(2 reviews)

Wow, what a blast from the past i could cry finding this place! Heres me in 2005? (what i can…read moreremember to be the early 2000s) What i would give to have the chance to take classes again!

I went to this dojo for about six years before having kids, and studied martial arts (mainly Cuong…read moreNhu) for almost fourteen years. Moon Dragon's instructors are knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. While the dojo encourages self-control and discipline, it is one of the more relaxed environments I have found to study and share martial arts practice. There is a high level of teacher-student interaction -- you aren't just left on your own to struggle along, there's always a lot of encouraging feedback. I'd recommend this dojo to anyone -- maybe particularly to people who are new to martial arts, or coming back after a break, or seeking a feeling of community to go with the training. The high number of female instructors makes it a particularly welcoming environment for women seeking to learn self-defense techniques. I am now absolutely THRILLED to learn that they have classes for kids, and am hoping to re-enroll soon with my eldest!

Kuk Sool Won

(12 reviews)

Amazing place to train! The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and make every class fun and…read morewelcoming. The environment is friendly, supportive, and great for students of all ages and skill levels. I've learned so much and always look forward to coming back. I highly recommend Kuk Sool Won of Dublin to anyone looking to build confidence, learn self-defense, and be part of a great community!

Kuk Sool Won of Dublin is absolutely outstanding! The teachings here are incredible, and the…read moreinstructor Master Saidi is truly amazing--knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about helping every student grow. I've learned so much since joining, not only in martial arts skills but also in discipline, focus, and confidence. The environment is warm, kind, respectful, and inspiring, making it a place I genuinely look forward to coming to. If you're looking for a place to train, learn, and be part of a supportive community, I one hundred percent recommend Kuk Sool Won of Dublin!!

DJ's Martial Arts & Fitness Unlimited

(33 reviews)

I take the cardio-kickboxing class and can truly say it is a kickass workout at a fabulous deal…read more Sifu Doug Jones runs you through arm and booty-sculpting drills, fantastic ab-work (he sneaks Pilates in there!), then tops off with circuit training - bag work mixed with strengthening exercises. Believe me, there is no cure for a tough day at work like beating the crap out of a bag. (Or, at least, trying to.) Truly. Another thing I like is that Doug just doesn't teach the same routines again and again, he changes it up week to week and goes around checking each student for technique - and effort. :) Classes are mostly female, but men work out with us, too. Not a problem either way - sooner or later all the genders are sweating equally. You can buy a book of ten classes for $75; $7.50 a class! (That's the great deal I was talking about.) And then, after I became a regular, there was the plus of Doug and classmates always being glad I showed up. For me, that's an added inspiration to work out. **Addendum**: I started taking the wun hop kuen do classes here in November 2007, and I have to say it's totally transformed me. Not only am I in better shape, but I come away from each class learning something new about myself. Enlightened, even. No, seriously - even if in a small way. Sifu Doug Jones has a stellar background, and is amazing and incredibly motivating. Sihing Damond brilliantly balances technique and practical application. Our other instructors--Sihing Sinclair, Sisuk Teresa, Sisuk Tray, and more--are all extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I know there are many good martial arts schools in the bay area, but I feel very fortunate to have found such a great school and community.

I've been coming here for four+ years now. This place is like home for so many people, including…read moreme. I've come to group classes and also trained with Doug privately. He's an awesome, inspiring, encouraging and attentive trainer. The great thing is that he always meets people at whatever level they are at, and brings them to the next level. So when I've been out of shape, injured or just not feeling great, he's helped bring me up gently, and when I feel strong and healthy he really pushes me to incredible places. It's all great. I have to respond to "The O" who gave a 1-star review based on the "sketchy" neighborhood, but who has never attended an actual class at this place. Umm? I've been coming to the gym for years, at all hours of day and night, and have NEVER felt unsafe. How irresponsible to post a review like that. PLEASE IGNORE.

Shaolin Life

(15 reviews)

I have been going to this class for about a year and I think its an awesome class! The instructors…read moreare all super cool and patient with the students. I've been doing martial arts for over 7 years now and I've had my share of so called kung fu schools that don't really teach and are all about making money. This is not one of those schools. The monks are incredibly talented and inspire me as a student. Since going to these classes, I've really improved my own martial arts as well as my overall health and fitness. If you've never taken martial arts before or just wanna try, I highly recommend this class... it's a totally friendly atmosphere and everyone is very supportive. oh yeah, love the convenient night and weekend classes since I don't do kung fu to make a living! note: some of the forms we are learning in addition to basic training (kicks, jumps, stances, etc) are: xiaohong quan, dahong quan, tongbei quan, shaolin staff, freestyle wushu.

Life Changing! I met Sheldon about 5 years ago when I was…read moregoing through a very rough patch in my life. I had difficulties coping with traumatic events and I felt completely lost. By pure luck, I stumbled upon his Qigong and Kung Fu classes. With his openness, calmness, warmth, patience, and frankness, he managed to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel. He introduced me to kung fu as a way of living. Sheldon is multi-talented: he's a martial artist, a musician, and a technology-savvy entrepreneur who speaks multiple languages and has travelled the world. His life experience allowed him to build a solid martial arts program capable of expanding people's minds. His class is very approachable, relatable and enjoyable. With his high emotional intelligence, Sheldon taught me how to understand life at a deeper level, he helped me see the world with a better eye, and he helped me find the focus i needed to start really living. It completely changed the way i think, the way i work and the way i live. I will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from him and encourage anyone who is ready for true transformation to take one of his classes!

Capoeira Mandinga Academy

4.9

(23 reviews)

I was looking for a physical exercise that was challenging and fun. I'm Brazilian and my boyfriend…read moredoes capoeira, so I decided to give it a shot! Not for the faint of heart, Capoeira can be pretty intense. But this group is welcoming and the beginners class, on Wednesdays, a lot of fun. As a beginner you can come any day and will be getting somewhat of a private class but being able to play with the group is fun, so I def recommend that class if you are starting out.

Ever want to be Eddie in Tekken 3?…read more Well, it's not likely that you could be. But the guy the japanese brought over to japan to motion-capture to do Eddie's moves is the Mestre of this awesome group. Mestre Marcelo is impressive, friendly, and fun. The group has some extremely talented capoeiristas, great dancers, wonderful axe, and will make you sweat. Within a couple weeks, you'll be doing things you didn't think you'd be able to do, and enjoying it all the while. The academy also doubles as the/a Brazil Cultural Center, with classes in Brazilian dance, music, and portugese. And they throw parties. If you've wanted to simultaneously fight, dance, do gymnastics, and make music, capoeira is the art for you. I'd still be doing it, if my wrists could've endured...

Coastside Mixed Martial Arts