I Put a 5 Star because:…read more 1. They have really good stuff to learn and are very helpful to learn in life. 2. The instructors are very nice and kind. They help your kid very well and also they have low stress for kids and they believe in kids no matter what. If you feel worried or scared before a belt test or stripe test they always make you feel more better before you start the test. 3. The prices are very good in the Bay Area. You have 1 class each week with your instructor and how many group classes there is to take. ( The group classes are free if you part of the team.) Only in your own class you will need to pay. I am very grateful to be part of their team and very grateful to be there student! I started on April 2019 and got very good so far. My teacher believe in me and also asks me " How is your school going?" Or "I like your haircut!" or something nice about you.

I signed my daughter Luna up for karate lessons about 2 years ago and it helped her out soo much…read more The instructors were amazing and professional. Cost for the lessons are very reasonable also. Thank you to the whole crew at Cal-west Karate for teaching my daughter many lessons. Only reason why we stopped going was because we moved out of the area. Thank you to the whole crew.

We enrolled our tween-age kids at Karatedo Shinyokai in October 2019 for two reasons: they needed…read moreexercise, and this was the closest dojo. It turns out that we are fortunate to have found one of the best teachers I've encountered, in any subject. Mark Sensei teaches traditional Okinawan karate in a way that is still fun and engaging for typical California kids. He expects a lot from his students, yet is dynamic, understanding and fair. This dojo transitioned seamlessly into virtual classes on Zoom as soon as the shutdown began, and these virtual lessons have been going as well as anything possibly can at this time. The opportunity to engage daily with a group of peers, even virtually, has been priceless. The kids have learned so much beyond punching and kicking: discipline, culture, the value of working hard towards incremental goals... The more senior students help the junior ones with instruction and feedback, and their self-confidence and engagement is something unusual in the average young person. Our kids spent eight weeks in Summer Camp and got to try their hand at so many other fun activities: shodo calligraphy with brushes and ink; various traditional weapons like nunchuks and sticks; even making their own sushi and somen to eat "with" their karate friends! I myself joined the Adult classes in March, and they have helped me in so many ways that I've made this training a priority in my life. Not only have I lost 12 pounds so far :), but there are so many other benefits I was not expecting: better stamina, better mood, a new community of friends, and the mental exercise of learning complex kata. The expression "it's never too late to try something new" has never seemed more meaningful. Karatedo Shinyokai: cannot recommend highly enough!

My 6 year old son takes classes from Sensei Mark and loves it. He looks forward to every class and…read morethe atmosphere is great for boys and girls of all ages. Sensei Mark is fun, patient and informative and offers his students more than just self defense, but a positive way for the kids to carry themselves in all aspects of their lives. The older or more experienced kids help out the younger, newer students in a very postive caring manner that is very impressive ; and fosters a environment that stresses students supporting each other and improving ones technique by also being a good teacher to one another. My son has shown an increase in discipline, self control and confidence. My wife and I are very pleased and highly recommend Karatedo Shiyokai.

Sama Academy of Martial Arts is such a great place for both kids and adults! My son joined a little…read moreover a year ago, just before he turned 5. He had a slow start, but he's been consistent and has made so much progress. He loves coming to karate and even practices at home! My son gets so excited whenever he earns a new belt, and I've seen how the classes are teaching him about the importance of working hard to reach your goals. Sama Academy also has amazing promotions throughout the year. They had one where parents could train free for a month and receive a $100 voucher toward our child's tuition or get our first month free if we decided to join the adult kickboxing classes. I decided to take the free adult kickboxing classes, even though I was nervous because I hadn't worked out in over a year. It was intense, but such a great workout! I actually found myself craving to workout, which is something I never thought would happen! The atmosphere is so welcoming, and everyone is super helpful in guiding the newer people. By the end of my free month, I loved it so much that I decided to join! Every class is different, and I always leave feeling completely exhausted but accomplished. If you're thinking of enrolling your kids or yourself, I highly recommend Sama Academy! They welcome all fitness levels, and everyone there makes you feel comfortable and supported! 10/10 recommend!

My daughter has been attending Sama academy of martial arts since she was seven and has developed…read moreinto a strong independent young girl. My daughter has loved the sport and learning the discipline it takes to climb the ladder of earning her black belt in the near future. She is currently sitting at a brown belt level and continues to develop and improve in such a high level. You can say we love Sama Academy.

Dumlao's Academy of Martial Arts is such an amazing place for any aspiring martial artist. They…read morehave so much to offer from Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Cardio kickboxing and more! I've been in their Jiu Jitsu program for about 5 years and absolutely love it. The atmosphere is so welcoming, not only for this program but any program you choose to be a part of. All of the instructors are knowledgeable and take the time to ensure that you understand what they are teaching before moving on. anyone and everyone who either attend classes here or have children/family that attend classes here can tell you that it's one big family. Dumlao's is simply the best school around!

If you're looking to learn martial arts and get in shape then this is the place. The culture,…read morecoaches and fellow students are all very supportive and encouraging. I've taken BJJ and cardio kick boxing classes for the last 6 months. I was a little worried as an older student about injury and not "keeping up" with the younger crowd, but everyone is so supportive and care is taken for all our training partners. It has definitely been a life changing experience for me, and I hope to continue to journey. Thanks to all the coaches and students.

My girls have been learning/training with Instructor Ed for 2 years and love every minute spent in…read morehis school. Modesty, Courtesy and Integrity as well as additional fundamentals in Karate are taught daily. Classes, tournaments and friendship with others in their classes make each class that much better. Instructor Ed teaches so much more than these kids even grasp today, but will remember as adults. Of course my hope is my children never need their karate training to come into play in a real life experience, but I know with what they have learned and continue to learn with Instructor Ed, they will be ok. Thanks Ed for keeping these kids on track and moving forward to achieve their goal of Black Belt.

Love instructor Ed.. My son always looks forward to going for karate class. He is great with kids..read more

Our now 5-year old has been attending ECMA for after school program during his TK year. We…read moreoriginally were splitting time between martial arts and an on-site school after program, but after a week, he couldn't stop talking about martial arts and we just signed him up for the full week. Extra bonus - they pick up the kids from school every day. I've really grown to respect the approach that Cody and his staff take with the kids. They never force the kids to take the classes, but for those that do, they are incredibly patient, thoughtful, and kind to them. Beyond core martial arts, they teach discipline, accountability, and other strong lessons. Obviously, martial arts may not be right for any kid. But if your kid loves ninja turtles, likes a bit of exercise, and likes also playing with other kids of other ages, then definitely consider this place.

My 4 year old son loved the winter camp! He was excited to go everyday. Cody is very patient with…read morethe kids.

Hanabi Judo has been a fantastic experience for our family. We moved from abroad and Hanabi…read morewelcomed us in with open arms, working with my son to feel comfortable and confident. Dan Sensie is accomodating, always available to give families and kids the individual support and attention they need, and runs a dojo that is warm and community-centric while still maintaining the highest level of discipline and professionalism. We have watched my son grow stronger and improve his skills and practice, while working hard and enjoying himself!

Great experience talking to the owner about conditioning my older body, safety and learning how to…read morefall. Obviously his focus on children is important for the future, but he has great wisdom for us older folks as well.and a special session Tuesday nights for the more mature.

I can't believe it, but my kids have been attending Solis Martial Arts for 3 years now. They…read morestarted as white belts and have made steady progression over the years. The journey has not lacked complaining, but generally, they come out of class drenched in sweat, but with smiles on their faces. I think they are healthier and stronger from the consistent exercise. They're also more confident. Sifu James is a wonderful instructor that teaches with positive energy. His teaching style is a good blend of discipline and compassion. Solis Martial Arts is trying not only to produce good martial artists, but also good members of the community. Ms. Carla is the owner but also teaches some of the classes. She's very friendly and has been more than fair to us over the years. Our kids' classes have the option of going up to 4 times a week. That gives us some flexibility given that we try to get the kids there 3 times a week. Overall, we've really enjoyed the program and being part of the Solis Martial Arts family. A good business starts with people and there are 2 good ones currently managing things there.

My daughter has been a student at Solis for almost 5 months now. Sifu James, Ms. Carla and the…read moreother instructors are the kindest people and they are all great with the kids. My daughter looks forward to coming to class every week. Not only have I seen her confidence increase, but she's more focused, disciplined and eager to learn -- all of this with a huge smile on her face in every class! I look forward to seeing my daughter continue leveling up at SMA. Thank you SMA for all that you do!!

Hanshi Sharifi is a gem in the Shotokan world. He trained under Hidetaka Nishiyama, a student of…read moreShotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi. His unique blend of Iranian heritage, karate, Qi Gong, and Sufism, means every training offers new insights to young, old, and in-between! I offer my humble perspective from a karate journey that began as a green belt in Wado Ryu under Hidetaka Abe sensei. I received my Shodan from sensei Frank Hashimoto of the JKA in 1984, and after a 20 + year break, I found Hanshi Sharifi in 2007. Starting over as a white belt was hard for me, but in retrospect, was a wise decision on Hanshi's part. I have my Yondan now, and continue to train with Hanshi Sharifi. I am not exaggerating when I say I learn something new every time I have the privilege of stepping into his dojo. Please visit us at The Church on the Corner in Albany to experience Shotokan karate in its traditional form!

I've been studying with Sensei Sharifi since 1989, and he still teaches every class himself. This…read moreis not squishy Berkeley martial arts-- we work hard!-- but I really appreciate Sensei's empahsis on karate as a means-to-an-end where the end is spiritual development. As if becoming a better karate practicioner is simply a good way to become a better human being. But thankfully he doesn't say things like this in class-- while he's hassling you about your sloppy technique, it's clear his underlying goal is self-improvement, not just knowing where to put your fist or foot. Sensei Sharifi clearly loves his students and loves what he does. He's especially good with kids... as close to Mr Miyagi as you're going to find. :-) Not a lot of sparring until you get to higher belts, but if you like working on mental and physical focus through practice (and more practice, and more practice) this is a good place.