Both of my sons started training here when they were 6 years old, and they are now 11 and 13. The…read morecoaching has been EXCELLENT throughout their training. The coaches are firm and technical, but also fun, caring, thoughtful, and understanding; my kids love it here! My older, quieter son has developed strength and confidence, and my younger, energetic son has learned to manage his strong emotions; skills they didn't even realize they were developing through their training and amazing coaches! As a single mom, I really appreciate the support and teaching from each of the coaches, not only in jiujitsu, but also in strong positive values, compassion, mindfulness, and community. The coaches take the time to individualize their training to each student's personality and needs, and I have been awed at times by their patience. Students learn the importance of respect/kindness for others, regardless of differences; they learn to feel comfortable and confident with themselves and with peers. This inspired me to also start training 2 years ago, as I saw that the classes, coaches, and students are all so welcoming! And I have noticed positive changes both physically and mentally (much needed with 2 kids and work!). The school has always been understanding and flexible to our schedule and genuinely tries to work with families' various needs to the best of their ability. Coach Cris and Larissa are both wonderful to work with, and their kindness has fostered this community that many have commented "feels like family" (it really does!). My kids have developed long-lasting friendships where classmates stay to have dinner after class with us (next door at PJ's Pizza!), and I am finding the same sense of family in the adult classes. My sons and I are so fortunate to have found Charles Gracie San Mateo!!

My kids and I have been training here for a few years now and it has been amazing. All the coaches…read moreare excellent especially Coach Cris and Coach Daniel who are great with both the kids and the adults. My kids have become a lot more confident ever since they started training here and the environment is so welcoming. I started after seeing how much fun my kids were having and I am not an athletic person by any means being close to 40yo. I feel so much better about myself ever since I started training. I'm in better shape than before and it is an excellent stress relieving exercise as well as useful in certain situations.

I've been practicing Kempo since 2003 and I absolutely love it, as is evidenced by the fact that I…read morecontinued to practice it after moving back to the Bay Area from San Diego (where I was introduced to Kempo). As a martial art that focuses on balance and natural body movement, it's excellent for anyone and everyone, regardless of size, shape, or physical ability. The Peninsula Dojo is headed by Karahashi Sensei, who is truly terrific as a teacher and just a generally great guy. The dojo is small, so you can get a lot of personal attention, regardless of what level you come in at. You can also come by and check out a practice prior to joining: no pressure! I'm really glad I found them.

(Disclaimer: I'm biased because my spouse is the branch master)…read more Shorinji Kempo is really a great martial art. They are not run for profit (anywhere, worldwide), and their practices are accommodating for all ages and fitness levels. It is Japan's most popular (most widely practiced) martial art. Shorinji Kempo is a self-defense oriented MA, with emphasis on cooperation and mutual respect. It encourages discussion on the philosophy behind the principles, as well as individual persistence. Techniques include the basic punches/kicks/blocks, but also include a focus on tumbling, grappling, and pair forms.

I really wanted to love this place because, to be fair, the quality of the Brazilian jiu jitsu…read moretraining here is excellent. The instructors clearly know what they're doing, and the kids' program is well-structured and engaging. However, as a parent, the overall experience leaves a lot to be desired. The biggest issue? No WiFi for parents. If you're going to have parents sitting around for an hour or more during classes, it's pretty unreasonable not to provide even basic internet access. Not everyone can just disconnect from work or responsibilities during that time. The waiting area is minimal, and without WiFi, you're essentially stuck doing nothing or burning through your mobile data. In this day and age, that feels like a pretty basic amenity that should be standard--especially for a place that otherwise operates at a high level. So yes, great training--but not a very parent-friendly environment. Until they address this, it's hard to fully recommend.

My boys have trained at Marco's for over 4 years and it has been a fantastic experience. Our family…read moreowns a BJJ academy in San Fransisco and this is the only academy we have entrusted to teach our boys. If they want to train for competing or train for fun all are welcome!

Great place to train with a solid group of people. Whether you're a competitor, hobbyist, or…read moretraining for fitness, 10PSM has what you need. I think my skillset and training has progressed relatively fast here and don't know if it would have been the same elsewhere. All the instructors are knowledgeable and have great teaching pedagogy.

The gym has profoundly impacted my journey over the past three and a half years, especially in…read moreearning my blue belt. It's not just the physical training; it's the mental growth. I've learned to adapt in various situations, think outside the box, and approach challenges with a strategic mindset. The community and instructors have been supportive, pushing me to grow both on and off the mats. Thank you Coach Adam, Coach Ian, Coach Alan for all your insight, strategy, and guidance!

We've been part of this gym for almost 4 years, and I can't say enough good things about it. All of…read morethe parent coaches are wonderful, but Coach Chris and Coach Ed stand out as truly exceptional. They not only teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with patience and skill but also instill important lessons about discipline, respect, and following instructions. What makes this place so special is the family-like atmosphere--everyone is welcomed and supported, and my kids look forward to every class. We're so grateful to have found a gym that cares just as much about character and community as it does about technique. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a BJJ gym

Looks fun for kids. They have toddler group lessons but realistically, the kid would have to be…read morearound four or older to really get it. Regardless, the sifu's try hard to get everyone involved.

Grandmaster D K. Shin founder and president of Hwa Rang Kwang is a 9th Dan black belt in both…read moreTaekwondo and Hapkido. Very friendly atmosphere for newcomers, youth and adults. Learn from the Grandmaster who has over 50 years experience. Kickboxing is going to be added this year! Great way to keep in shape, and learn martial arts.

The hubby stumbled upon this studio by chance! He has always been searching for a traditional…read moreGrandmaster of taekwondo, which is a rarity nowadays since most have retired... I can't comment on past reviews, but based on what I have seen NOW in 2015. The instructors are personally coached and instructed by Grandmaster Shin, who teaches traditional Taekwondo including the art of Hapkido. I was invited to their 50th anniversary ceremony in Concord recently; and to my surprise, witnessed so many students coming from countless studios that are associated branch of Hwa Rang Kwan Martial Arts at the event! The students demonstrate respect to their instructors, pride of being a Hwa Rang Kwan, and strength when they performed; this tells me that this studio will teach any student who loves to learn martial arts to their full potential or perfection. I highly recommend you go check it out!

Sensei Angelo is a good instructor and businessman. Angelo is patient and teaches his students…read morevery well. Angelo works hard and we are lucky to have him.

Writing this review now as my daughters have attended USSD with Sensei Kevin and Kate for the last…read more18 months. The five star review is not taken lightly by me and they've earned the excellent review. Overall it's a straight-forward, honest small business that also has the support of a large national organization. I imagine the support of the national organization helped the training continue throughout the tough covid times. The effort and flexibility of Kevin and Kate was spectacular and greatly appreciated. They moved to on-line instruction which was done so well my daughters were able to learn, practice and then eventually teach new techniques and defenses without having been in person. My wife and I have many years of formal martial arts training and we could tell the quality of the training was high, yet also age-appropriate for our children. Martial arts-wise, you and your family will be in good hands with Sensei Kevin in teaching the self-defense and creating a strong internal spirit. Yet, he and Kate are also great at creating a fun and varied environment for the students. The 4 year-olds in class get age-specific encouragement and instruction, while in the same class the 10 year-olds get messaging appropriate for their development and skill-level. It's also impressive to come early and see the older teens' and adults' skills with, and without, weapons and how Sensei Kevin helps good/dangerous martial artists get better. My daughters developed a lot in their discipline and safety since starting at USSD Half Moon Bay. It's definitely a good business to support.

Really love this boxing gym, can't say enough about the coaches, owners, and the community here…read more This was my first boxing gym and I came in with zero experience. Jake and the team were super welcoming, I was having fun in my first class and I've been going ever since. The energy in this place is great, plenty of begginers so you're never the only one, and plenty of folks with a lot of experience that you can learn from. Solid vibes, great coaching, good equipment - you'll have fun and learn a lot. Side note: All the coaches I've worked out with are great, but Michael, Alexey, and Troy particularly stand out.

I've been training here for my entire martial arts journey and have zero regrets about the 4 years…read moreand counting. I train primarily Brazilian jiu jitsu under coach Brian "Hulk" Fernandez who is a black belt under Ralph Gracie. Jiu Jitsu schools can have a very up tight environment as I've learned going to trial other gyms or visit open mats which is why I'm always so refreshed coming back to my gym. Our gym has a very welcoming, friendly and chill environment. Training partners are always happy to share knowledge and Hulk is always more than happy to share one on one time with you to ensure you are learning. I've seen many people enter the gym with zero experience and through trial and time grow to be competent practitioners. I couldn't recommend their jiu jitsu program more. I have also taken many Muay Thai classes here and coach Phil and Vick are great coaches with an inviting demeanor and teach easy to learn techniques which are beginner friendly but have a plethora of knowledge which has led many members to great success in amateur and regional matches. The sparring partners are also very nice people who can ramp it up if you'd like but are happy to practice techniques and push you to get a good workout in. Also, I have done many hours of weight lifting with their available free weights, squat racks, cable machines and kettlebells. They also have assault bikes and rowers. Basically all you need to reach whatever fitness and strength training goals. All in all, this gym has everything you need, great schools that teach martial arts, very well equipped, friendly staff that are always happy to help and most importantly an inviting and encouraging atmosphere. I couldn't recommend it any more! Thank you to the two Jake's that work the front and to all the staff for the support in my martial arts journey.