My son has studied two other martial arts disciplines before starting Kuk Sool Won. I'm impressed…read moreby both the quality of the instruction and the friendly, caring atmosphere at the facility. The students and the instructors have great interactions that lead to a wonderful learning environment. As a professional sports instructor, I appreciate watching experts at work and it's always a pleasure to observe the classes.

I wanted to share the wonderful experience our family has had with training at Kuk Sool Won in Half…read moreMoon Bay. A couple of years ago, I was looking for a martial arts studio for my two kids, ages 6 and 8. I wanted them to learn a martial art for three main reasons 1) to gain self-confidence, 2) to learn defensive skills and 3) for exercise. I found that in KSW and so much more. My kids attended a couple of introduction classes and had a blast. We signed them up and enjoyed watching them from the sidelines. After watching them for several months, my husband and I were inspired to join too! Since then, we've trained, passed tests and broken boards as a family. The experience has been amazing. The instructors, KJN Paul, KSN Megan and JKN Dave teach from the heart and I appreciate the knowledge, commitment and patience they bring to their classes. If you are looking for a martial arts studio on the coast, I highly recommend this one!

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.

This is such a cool martial arts studio! I came to Coastside MMA looking to gain some basic…read moreknowledge on self defense and found way more. The techniques I'm learning are straightforward and easily applied to real world situations. James the owner has created an atmosphere in his studio that's comfortable for everyone, guy or girl, whether you know a little or a lot about martial arts. And one of the best things: there's absolutely no attitude or unnecessary competition. I highly recommend this place.

Box a little, grapple a little--because the real enemy isn't fatigue, it's boredom…read more Ever catch yourself on the treadmill thinking, 'There has to be something better than this'? There is. You could be doing cardio while sparring and grappling with other thinking, reacting opponents.

My father and I attended this gym in October 2025, and unfortunately we both left with significant…read moreinjuries caused by one of the coaches, Sal Lara, a black belt. For context, I am a white belt with about three years of training, and my father is a purple belt with over ten years of experience. First, I want to highlight the positives. The owner, Nina, is incredibly welcoming, and Professor Brenda is the best coach I've ever trained under. She is knowledgeable, patient, and creates a great learning environment. If this review were based solely on them, it would be a 5/5. However, our experience with coach Sal was extremely concerning. This was our first class at this gym. After an excellent lesson from Brenda, we moved on to sparring. I was paired with Sal, and within the first minute he submitted me multiple times with a level of intensity I've never experienced from a black belt working with a low-ranked student such as myself. In the past when I have sparred, higher belts typically roll in a controlled, instructional manner, especially with someone new to the gym or at a lower level. During our roll, he applied a leg lock so quickly and aggressively that I barely had time to tap before feeling sharp pain in my knee. Later, he attacked my arm in a way that caused an audible pop in my elbow. He reacted with surprise but did not check on me or apologize. The next day, I was limping from the leg lock and had to wear a sling due to the pain in my elbow. My father had a similar experience. Both of his shoulders were injured during his roll with Sal, resulting in tears that caused sleepless nights and required him to wear a sling as well. We both had to miss work and have been in physical therapy ever since. Our combined medical costs have exceeded $2,000. We informed the gym, but we never received a response. In all our years of training, neither of us has ever encountered anything like this. Injuries can happen in jiu jitsu, but the level of force used by Sal, especially with new students, was far beyond what is normal or safe. It has taken us six months to feel comfortable training again. If you choose to visit this gym, the environment created by Nina and Brenda is wonderful, but I strongly recommend avoiding sparring with Sal Lara due to the risk of serious injury.

I couldn't be more pleased with my experience at Bay Area Martial Arts. The instructor (Mike Agoff)…read morefocuses on martial training that is practical for everyone to learn regardless of age. The physical aspects of the training is also challenging and rewarding. The sense of community has also been fantastic for myself and my 6 year old. I highly recommend anyone in the area come check it out if you are looking to develop practical fighting techniques, improve physical fitness or simply learn something new that engages both mind and body.

My whole family has been going to Bay Area Martial Arts Academy for several years now and I have to…read moresay they are wonderful. So this review is definitely long overdue. Both my daughters have gained so much strength and discipline from the instructor (Mr Agoff). I love the life lessons he instills in them as well. The kids learn self defense, how to fall properly, stick work, different fighting forms, and the importance of training and hard work. They also work on strength and stamina and the belts are earned and not just given. Definitely lucky that we have this local gem so close to home. Also nice that my husband goes there too so the three of them can train together.

From the very first class, I felt genuinely welcomed, supported, and comfortable. Claudia is…read morewithout a doubt an exceptional instructor. She has an incredible ability to read the room, adapt the class seamlessly, demonstrate each movement with clarity, and challenge students with care. Her corrections are always gentle yet precise, and you truly feel seen and supported in her classes. Honestly, I wish I could be permanently enrolled in her sessions. The overall atmosphere is calm, motivating, and deeply positive. Claudia, along with the students in each class, creates a peaceful and encouraging energy that makes the experience both grounding and uplifting. Her creative use of equipment adds variety and depth to every session, while her constant attention to posture and individual needs reinforces a strong sense of safety and personalization. What truly sets her classes apart is the consistent focus on technique, safety, and individualized progression. Each exercise is thoughtfully adapted to respect your body, limitations, and personal goals. The variety of equipment allows for dynamic, ever-evolving workouts that build strength, flexibility, and body awareness without feeling repetitive. After just a few Pilates sessions, I experienced noticeable, life-changing improvements: better sleep, significant relief from lower back and calf pain caused by long hours of driving, and an overall feeling of being lighter, stronger, and healthier. I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking my mattress was the problem, only to realize that my body simply needed the right care and guidance. After some months my life really changed with Pilates Claudia has positively transformed both my body and mind. If you feel tired, heavy, or disconnected from your body, I cannot recommend her classes highly enough

Our Home Away From Home…read more my two young children and i have been training at thrive for three years now, and it has truly become our second home. as a 47 year old mom who started this journey alongside my kids, i can honestly say that thrive has exceeded every expectation. professor OJ is the heart and soul of this place. he's not just an exceptional jiu jitsu instructor, he's a mentor who guides us both on the mat and in life. he creates an environment where everyone, of all ages, feels valued and supported in their individual journey. what sets thrive apart is the genuine family atmosphere professor OJ has cultivated. the other professors, coaches, and fellow students aren't just training partners, they're a community that celebrates each other's victories and provides encouragement through challenges. my children and i have grown not just in our technique, but in confidence, discipline, and respect. whether you're a beginner or experienced jiu jitsuka, young or older, you'll find your place here. three years in, we're more committed than ever. thrive isn't just where we train, it's where we belong. if you're looking for a place to learn, grow, and become part of something meaningful, this is it.

Great way to introduce kids to martial arts. Very friendly instructors and kids love it.read more

I originally joined Martial Arts for the wrong purposes in the past but coming here changed my…read morewhole perspective. Looking for a Martial Arts School right when facilities were starting to open up again, I fortunately found Burlingame Martial Arts (Kuk Sool Won of Millbrae). PKJN Dong and the rest of the instructors run an excellent program where they help you reach your limits and elevate to new heights! Through Kuk Sool Won, In many ways, I have learned to find a balance in my life, and I learned to constantly keep learning new things, always keeping your foundation strong. But its not just the lessons learned here, but the community that has helped me out so much, as it helped me become more social and feel welcome again after a dark period in my life. If you're looking for a martial art for your kid or yourself, Try out Kuk Sool

The Cave has a very welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned grappler or a complete…read morebeginner, the academy embraces everyone with open arms. The layout of the space is inviting, with well-maintained mats. Mike is also one of the best instructors I've had the pleasure to train/learn with. Mike has the ability to break down intricate techniques which has greatly improved my jiu jitsu. Whether it's guard retention, submissions, or positional sparring, he provides clear explanations and demonstrations that clarify even the most challenging techniques. I'm very pleased with The Cave and look forward to continue training with everyone!

The Cave Academy is an amazing place; safe, clean, immaculate vibes…read more I am not skilled enough to determine if the instruction is world-class, but it certainly feels that way. Sensei Mike and Papa Frankie (and many other colored belts) are all excellent professors. Overall an amazing place to learn and train on your journey. Everyone is friendly and supportive. During live rolls I've seen the black belts correct mis-behavior which is a good sign. I recently moved further away (from Pacifica to Millbrae) and made sure to map out how far it would be to the Cave. If you are interested in starting jiu-jitsu, or already experienced and want to find a new gym, I whole-hardheartedly recommend The Cave.

Signed my son up for a one-week free trial. Arrived there to see an uncontrollable crowd of kids in…read morea small area, not even enough for the kids to stretch. Was greeted by a teenage "sin sei" (as she introduced herself). After 15 mins of "learning", the sin sei said ok, that's all. When asked about the rest of the classes to attend because it is a one-week trial, she seemed totally confused about brought of a couple other teenage "sin sei" who were equally confused but eventually agreed that the one-week trial is equivalent to this 15 mins class. Such a disappointing experience. Had we known that it was 15 mins, we did not find and wait for a week that's clear of other plans. Disorganized, disorderly, chaotic. Just a mess. These two stars were for one of the teenage "sin sei" Gabriel who was patient and nice, not for the center.

USSD Belmont is a wonderful community…read more My son (8-year-old) and I were looking for a structured outlet to exercise during SIP. We found it (and so much more) at the Belmont dojo. The families are great, and all the instructors are so warm and professional. We especially enjoy training under Sensei Advait. He is extremely passionate about martial arts and sharing it with all his students, regardless of their background and ability. He puts a lot of energy into planning and carrying out every one of his classes. Whether it is the daily group lessons, our weekly private lessons, or his Saturday morning sweat-it-out exercises, Sensei Advait is always prepared, disciplined, energetic and helpful. He sets a great example and truly inspires. Overall, our experience with USSD Belmont has been wonderful and we highly recommend it!

This is still my favorite martial arts place. The owner is amazing and so is his whole family and…read morethe staff. It is very family oriented and they believe is good values. I love this place.

Awesome place for HIIT-style kickboxing. My household and I trained here for a quarter of the year…read more The coaches are super attentive and give you the right amount of oversight and feedback, and the class is definitely paced to keep your heart health in check. I loved the kind, person-centered and inviting characters of every facilitator.