We tried several Tai Kwan Do Classes. This is by far the best place . The master engages the kids…read morein every class and my son is learning how to focus. He works on mind and body focus as well as eye contact and loud and clear voice. My daughter who is only four also takes the class and loves it. She didn't want to take it until she watched one time and couldn't wait to join in! It has helped with both my children's confidence and self esteem! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this cla

Our kids have prospered SO much here over the last 3 years! Master Kang takes a great personal…read moreresponsibility for the kids that come into his studio. He treats each child and adult with a personal respect that I have not seen in American culture. My husband is Korean and I am white. Our children are so respectful and so different since they began taking classes here. I owe a lot to Master Kang and his teachings here at the studio. Today we had an AMAZING birthday party here! All of my 8 year old daughter's friends LOVED it! I have been getting a great response from the parents and the kids! Thank you so much, Master Kang - The Park Family

I've been training with this group for about a year and a half, so my review is super-late. That…read morebeing said, I have a new family in Capoeira Brasil San Diego. Our mestre , Mestre Mindinho, is a wonderful and patient teacher who pushes you when you need it, and shows you tips on how to play capoeira based on your body type. The training is hard, but so worth it as I feel like my fitness level has been upped! The group itself is warm and welcoming, and supportive. I've never had a family full of unique individuals whose contributions to the group are heartfelt as well as comforting on so many levels. You would have to be part of us to know that :-) I am happy I took the risk and joined this group :-D

I lived in San Diego for 2 months, and training with Mestre Mindinho was a highlight of the whole…read moretime. He is an amazing capoeirista that lives and breathes capoeira. As a teacher, he helps you find weaknesses and strengths in your game to make you become better. What's even more amazing is his ability to work with kids. His kids are strong, respectful, and talented. He trains them to work hard and be fearless, it's awesome. Now, if you're looking into fitness and wondering about capoeira, get ready for a transformative experience. It won't only help you move and get fit, but it also offers a wonderful community and window into the Brazilian culture. While I don't get to train with him regularly, I'm always trying to make the 2 hour commute to SD just to get some of the knowledge from this world-renowned masters and am glad to see him when he comes to LA.

Oom Yung Doe has been an incredibly transformative place for me to practice martial arts. Attention…read moreis given to many different martial art forms. There is a focus on strengthening the mind as well as the body. Instructor Mike focuses on giving students individualized training and cares about students perfecting their practice. I highly recommend Oom Yung Doe!!

Barum Jiu Jitsu - World Class Instruction and a Great Community!…read moreI cannot recommend Barum Jiu Jitsu highly enough! Training under Professor Alfredo Barum is an absolute privilege; his depth of knowledge and passion for the art are evident in every class, and the entire atmosphere at the academy is welcoming and professional. One of the highlights is having Professor Joe Kracht leading instruction. Knowing you're learning from a Master World Champion in both gi and no-gi is incredible, but what's even better is that Joe is a phenomenal teacher who can break down complex techniques and make them accessible to everyone, from beginner to advanced student. Whether you're looking to compete, learn self-defense, or just get in great shape, you'll find top-notch training here. The culture at Barum Jiu Jitsu is fantastic - everyone is there to learn and support each other, and it truly feels like a team. If you're in San Diego and thinking about starting Jiu Jitsu, or are a seasoned practitioner looking for high-level instruction, you owe it to yourself to check out Barum Jiu Jitsu! I'm proud to be part of this academy! (Included are photos from a recent IBJJF 2026 San Diego Summer Open).

We were on a family trip to San Diego/Mexico and heard great things about Barum Jiu Jitsu so we…read moredecided to drop in. This place is clean, and most importantly very welcoming. Everyone was extremely friendly and they definitely have a family atmosphere here with no egos which is important for me since my son trains with me too. Highly recommend this place. Quality instructors and home of a few world champions.

Great capoeira instuctor! San Diego is lucky to have such a…read moregreat teacher, very fun and inviting all the time. Massape's energy invites good and warm people, making the classes always enjoyable no matter how tough it can be. Doesn't matter if you've never done or you're advanced, everyone is welcomed. Capoeira Luanda is a great community. Get in touch with this art form! Axe!

Capoeira is culture, capoeira is music, capoeira is a dance and a martial art. Capoeira is a way of…read morelife. Massape is a great teacher and a great capoeirista. This is a good place for anyone to get in shape and enjoy it. For adults and definitely for kids!

As I reflect back on my experience 10 years ago as a Tae Kwon Do student at this respective dojo, I…read moresuffer from PTSD from feelings of anger and sadness. Although Master Minh maybe well portrayed on Yelp as a great martial arts instructor that is only one side of him. Having done Tae Kwon Do at this respective martial arts dojo for five years from 2005-2010 (8-13 years old), I have to say this first impression with Master Minh is key. If Master Minh likes you on your debut at the dojo he will guide all the way to the belt rank you strive for. If you cannot strike attention or interest from him, sorry you are a "step child". Unfortunately, as an 8 year old Minh just saw me as a "step child". Being the "step child" , he did not pay close attention to my forms, step sparing, kicking techniques, and punching techniques. Trying to practice proper forms of Tae Kwon Do was a struggle. Instead of helping me improve in those respective areas, he had his black belts teach me Tae Kwon Do. If I couldn't practice proper forms, kicks, & punches, Minh would berate me in front of the class ( the black belts don't know what Master Minh considers as proper techniques/forms, Minh would just berate me and NOT TAKE INITIATIVE of HELPING ME IMPROVE MY TKD Skills ). This was literally my five years of martial arts under his provision. Whereas his "favorites" would receive attentive care from Minh to improve their TKD skills if he was not satisfied with them. I think this is pathetic, my parents paid him $70/month and I was dedicating 3 days (Tues, Thurs, Fri) 3 hours/day to learn TKD. But he does not provide me with the teaching service whereas other students paid the same tuition and dedicated the same time but were receiving the service they paid for. Minh's issue with favoritism & unfair service was noticeable he would have all his "favorite " students train on one side and all his "step child's" train on the other side. It was a routine I noticed attending his TKD sessions from 8-11 years old. I was fortunate enough to have made it to Junior Black belt within the 5 year span thanks to the teachings and dedications of Minh's young adult black belt instructors (Black belt Dan 1 & 2s). Those individuals taught me the " proper " TKD forms, side sparing, & kicking/punching techniques I needed to receive my belt promotions. If there is one takeaway I got from this experience it is that " in life, you should never judge/criticize someone unless you can help them. Otherwise don't ". January 2009 was a tough time for me, a majority of Minh's black belt instructors (ones that helped earn belt promotion) left for college or a new job in another city. I wanted to quit because those instructors were the reason I progressed at the dojo. Not complying to his instructor orders/commands from already long term neglect (May 2005- December 2008), I became his primary target during classes. When Minh didn't like my behavior or forms, he would have me sit in front of the class. The class would watch me in the front get berated for my poor behaviors/attitude. Minh has no understanding of confidentiality what so ever. He would use me whenever possible as examples for bad/unacceptable behavior. For 12-13 year old, this took a toll on my self esteem. Teens can be rebellious, but calling them out for their defiant behavior in front of the public and using them for public humiliation is no way of handling personal differences. Ex. ) Using his knowledge of my personal life & struggles , in front of class, Minh told me ( a 12 year old boy then), my attitude was going not going to get me far in life. He told me I was going to end joining an affiliated gang to engage in gang violence and drug trade before finishing high school. This statement he made HAS SCARED me a decade Today (22 years old): recent college graduate, 85th percentile on the Dental Admissions Test, will be applying to Dental school, did not partake in any gang activities growing up

This place and everyone in it is like a second family to me. I immediately felt very welcomed and…read morehave since looked forward to attending every class. Students' ages range from 4 to late 20's so there's a friend for everyone. Instructors dedicate their time and patience to push you to your highest potential. They are your friends as well as lifelong mentors. A kid-friendly place with a great sense of camaraderie, Than Phong teaches self-defense and weapons alongside taekwondo. Overall, this place is great if you're looking for one or all of the above.

I am so happy I let my daughter give this a try! She will definitely be going back. Not only will…read morethis help you grow self confidence, self esteem, but also strength and knowledge on how to defend yourself if you ever need to. The class was amazing, the way it was taught was perfect and I think this class can help all ages

Full Potential Martial Arts Academy has such a welcoming atmosphere. From my first visit I have…read morefelt at ease thanks to the supportive members and teacher.everyone is eager to help each other improve, creating a strong sense of community. The space is warm and inviting, making it a great place to train. Overall, I'd give it a 5 out of 5--definitely worth checking out!

Family Karate is amazing! Master Truscott is truly incredible, his dedication is remarkable. He is…read moreso patient and kind with all his students. My son developed valuable self defense skills and discipline. I would recommend this studio over and over again.

When my daughter was in kindergarten, we looked for a martial arts school around Escondido. There…read morewere like 5 schools that we went to. Family Karate is the only school that made us feel home and seen. We tried it for a week, and we got hooked. Now it's been almost 9 years since we've been with them. After seeing my daughter enjoying it, i joined, too. I love it more and more, especially when we compete in a tournament. And bring home the medals or trophy. Grand Master Truscott and Mr. Packwood is well trained to any age. They are very patient and loving to their students. I have never seen a person who has much passion and patience. We have an indoor class now. If you want your kid/kids to be trained by a Grand Master and a 4th degree black belt without breaking your bank, this is your school. Try them and you will love everyone there. Thank you