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    Rise Above Self-Defense

    5.0 (19 reviews)
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    Updated 3 months ago

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    Miriam C.

    Hi everyone, i just took the gun instruction course with Andrew our instructor for the day. I have never touched a gun in my whole life, but knew I wanted to learn how to handle and fire a gun, and especially to understand all of the safety precautions. It was a comprehensive course with instruction in the AM, then learning about the gun components, proper cleaning, aiming and practicing on BB guns first, then we graduated to real guns and Andrew taught us all about the different calibers of bullets, how to load, unload, even showed us how to adjust and fix the gun if it gets stuck too. I have to say at the end of the day, my apprehension was gone and I felt comfortable and confident that I could now handle and fire and handle a gun. Andrew was patient and calm with me, and most especially he demonstrated to me that he was competent and knowledgeable.

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    2 months ago

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    Andrew J.

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    3 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    5 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Rise Above Self-Defense

    Review Highlights - Rise Above Self-Defense

    With the help of Andrew and this class I have acquired a confidence and strength that I never thought was possible.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Andrew to brown belt

    SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    5.0(84 reviews)
    1.0 km

    This review is long overdue! My entire family trains at this gym. BJJ has truly transformed us for…read morethe better. My kids have gained so many valuable life skills both on and off the mat -- confidence, strength, resilience, and discipline. This gym has become like a second home for us. We absolutely love all the coaches here; it's evident how much they care about the growth and development of each student. They maintain a great balance of structure and fun -- firm enough to keep the kids focused, yet encouraging and engaging so they continue to enjoy the sport. This gym is perfect for the whole family -- kids and adults alike. If you're a woman who's ever felt intimidated or never imagined yourself doing martial arts, this is the place for you. The coaches and community make it so comfortable and welcoming that I was able to ease into BJJ with confidence.

    Our son began training here in 2021, during the pandemic, and I was deeply impressed by the…read moreprecautions and safety measures implemented to protect both the children and adults. This academy is, without a doubt, one of the most beginner-friendly places to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, whether for kids or adults. The coaches are not only highly skilled professionals but also teach with genuine passion and dedication. They truly care about the growth of students, both on and off the mat. The environment is welcoming and family -oriented, fostering a strong sense of community and team spirit. Additionally, the ample parking and comfortable seating for waiting parents are much appreciated. As parents, we wholeheartedly endorse this academy and are grateful to be part of its community.

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    SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - PRE-SCHOOL NO-GI BJJ

    PRE-SCHOOL NO-GI BJJ

    SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
    SCHOOL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - As of 2023. We have NOGI classes 5 days a week.

Monday and Wednesday - 12pm
Monday through Thursday - 7pm
Saturday - 12pm

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    As of 2023. We have NOGI classes 5 days a week. Monday and Wednesday - 12pm Monday through Thursday - 7pm Saturday - 12pm

    ZR Team California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Professor Lucas Rocha, 2014 American Heavy Weight Champion

    ZR Team California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

    5.0(32 reviews)
    0.5 km

    ZR Arcadia is a great place to train. Professor Lucas is one of the nicest guys you'll meet. He…read morewelcomed me with open arms when I started. I can tell you my Jiu Jitsu has reached a new level training at ZR. There is so much talent in this gym and everyone is very nice and respectful. I would definitely recommend ZR if you're looking to get into BJj or just need a new gym.

    While I've only been here a couple weeks so far, I am very pleased with Professor Lucas Rocha and…read morehis school. There are many BJJ schools in the neighborhood (actually about 4 on the surrounding blocks). I have tried at least one other school in the area, as well as 3 or 4 more in the SGV but not nearby, and this one impresses me so far. First off, the space is a good size and clean, plus there is ample parking between the street and the free lot in back. The price is decent and the amount of classes offered is good. But what makes a school is the instructor(s). A lot of the places I have tried taking my young son have blue belts or at best purple belts teaching the kids. Some schools do not want to pay a black or brown belt to teach kids. And the curriculum suffers at those schools. Since I've been here, either Professor Rocha or another black belt have taught the children's classes. I cannot tell you how important I feel it is to have a black or at least brown belt teaching your class. In many of the kids classes here, the sizes are also quite manageable. Professor Rocha has split the kids into two groups (Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday - there is also a no Gi Friday class, a combined group class on Saturday morning, and a competition class on Saturdays) so the classes are not over full one day and empty the next. That is smart. So far the classes are about 10 to 12 kids per class. The last few places I tried out had upwards of 25 to 30 kids and with just one or two instructors for the entire class. That was too many. Here you have 10-12 kids and at least two instructors (a black and brown belt) and as many as four instructors (I've seen Professor Rocha teach along with 2 brown belts and a blue belt). With so many instructors, no kid is left behind or falling through the cracks. If a new kid needs special instruction or attention to learn what is going on, one instructor can focus on that new kid (as they did with my son), without the other kids suffering. I also appreciate the teaching style here. Some places let the kids goof around. Not here. Professor Lucas is young and has fun with the kids, but he also will make sure no one is zoning out or goofing off. That is important. Martial Arts should always include self-discipline. I also like that Professor Rocha is the nephew of Ze Radiola (ZR), who is a legend in BJJ. This is one serious place. That his own nephew is the head instructor is fantastic. These are champion builders. You can tell the training is traditional and old school in a good way. Some schools will be teaching brand new students how to do inversions and wild competition stuff that won't work in a real street fight. Here, so far everything I've seen has been practical and wonderfully explained. Simple sweeps done right. Effective take downs. And, happily he works on the core training which any BJJ practitioner needs. Some kid schools don't do this enough, but you need to build your core to lose weight and get faster and stronger. Professor Rochas doesn't neglect any of this. All in all, so far I am very happy. I think this is a very strong school and worth checking out. The adult classes I've seen following the kids classes seem very good, as well. I hope to train here myself one day soon. Highly recommended. At least come in and try a free class or two. You'll probably find yourself hooked, like me.

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    ZR Team California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - I COPA ZR TEAM SoCal - In house competition

    I COPA ZR TEAM SoCal - In house competition

    ZR Team California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Professor Lucas Rocha, teaching class

    Professor Lucas Rocha, teaching class

    ZR Team California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - The little details can make a big difference in Martial Arts

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    The little details can make a big difference in Martial Arts

    Strikers - Little Dragons!

    Strikers

    4.9(61 reviews)
    7.0 km

    I've been coming to strikers since February 2025 and it has been an incredible experience! Coach…read moreJoe is truly one of the most excellent teachers I've ever met. The space he cultivates here isn't your run of the mill martial arts gym. It's an encouraging, collaborative, and welcoming learning environment where Coach takes time to focus on and refine technical skill, depth of knowledge, and rhythm. I recall in particular how Coach Joe took the time to fix my middle kick in a way that really clicked. He takes special care and attention to help you learn not only the proper form of a move but also the why behind it. Once you have it, it's impossible to forget. If he takes the time to help you correct something, just know that he believes in your capacity for growth and improvement. He is a wellspring of expertise. This learning environment is also reinforced by the athletes and experienced students who I've had the pleasure of training with. Through drills and sparring, everyone works to support each other and reinforce our learning. What you get here is not just an education; it's also a didactic community. I can't recommend this gym enough.

    We took our very gentle and sweet six year old here one summer after a bullying incident where we…read morerealized she needed some skills and confidence to defend against a brat at school. Duveen was a phenomenal teacher and we saw great progress in just one summer. She is skilled at teaching, has patience and keeps the classes engaging and varied enough to maintain the students' attention. Although our child was not in love with the sport as she is with other activities, we felt it was a very valuable experience and a summer well-spent.

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    Strikers
    Strikers
    Strikers

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    Logic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Arcadia - Professor lucas breaking down the move of the day

    Logic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Arcadia

    5.0(20 reviews)
    0.5 km

    My 6 year old has been coming here for a few months and it's been a great experience. We checked…read moreout a few other spots nearby for some time and found the attention from the coaches here were more suitable. The place is a bit small, but works out well. Plenty of parking in the back. The coaches really make this place great - my kid looks up to them, they are patience, but stern and they do an excellent job teaching the kids.

    After driving past this location numerous times for years, November 2025 (better late than never as…read morethey say) was when I finally decided to reach out to the Logic IG account and get the free trial lesson booked. They provide a clean Gi for the trial lesson (just show up 10 mins before the practice starts) and off I went to link up with the rest of the group. The first 15 mins or so are dedicated for warm-up/stretching, thereafter the next 25-30 mins are to learn and practice several techniques, and the rest of the hour is to do live rolls/sparring. I was physically exhausted by the end of the trial class (I still get exhausted to this day), but felt great psychologically. There was no pressure to enroll, however it was a no-brainer for me. I want to take a moment to discuss the overall environment at Logic. Yes, I was the "new one" but felt welcomed and the folks I was practicing with genuinely wanted to make sure I was doing the techniques correctly. Everyone was (and still are) very patient. When I'd mess up a step, they'd say to not worry and try it again. They mentioned they went through the same process I was going through when they started. Professor Thiago is also open to questions and provides constructive feedback to ensure you succeed. He goes around and has a knack to notice where his presence is needed to support us. The second part of my review has to do with the kid courses. When I took my daughter for her trial lesson, the same structure that the adults go through they also experience. The exception is there are more coaches present to ensure the kids are focused when they practice, provide feedback and hands-on support (if necessary), encourage them, and most importantly keep them safe. The latter being a big positive since kids sometimes forget to tap, so the coach will tap for them and then reset. I echo the passage on a previous review with regards to Professor Thiago and all the instructors/coaches with the kids. They're enjoying themselves out there while teaching our young ones. It's infectious in a positive way. At the end of their lesson, they have the kids play a game as a reward for the hard work they put in. If you're a parent and are a bit hesitant on having your kid pick up BJJ, you can rest assured that you can trust the folks at Logic. Just give the trial lesson a try and see/experience it. Lastly, in addition to learning self-defense, you'll notice your body changing. When you're sparring you get both cardio and strength training. That's the cherry on top. I highly recommend this place.

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    Logic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Arcadia
    Logic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Arcadia
    Logic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Arcadia

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    Shark Boxing Club

    Shark Boxing Club

    4.9(29 reviews)
    4.4 km
    Available by appointment
    Committed to quality results

    Joining Shark Boxing is the best decision that I made in 2025. All the coaches are super friendly,…read moreknowledgable, helpful and badass. The classes are very fun and beginner friendly yet challenging. Each coach has their own style of teaching and will go through different combo exercises and conditioning workout. The coaches adjust the level of difficulty based on the level of students that show up for that specific class. Regardless what the level of student, each class will guarantee an amazing workout that pushes the mind(learning different boxing skills) and the body. The gym is very clean and has a small free weights section attached to it. Not only can one improve his/her boxing skill, one can lift weights and get stronger and fitter as well. All coaches are very qualified. Some have been boxing for decades and some are pro fighters. I have taken some private classes. I had nothing but amazing sessions. The price is very reasonable as well. $150 for basic gym membership which includes all classes and all access to the entire gym. $250 is the next level up which is what I have. It includes two 1hr private sessions per months which is easily $200 plus at other boxing gyms. Also, a pair of hand wraps and boxing gloves will be provided when signing up. Another $100 value. Personally, I lost 25 lbs since I joined the gym and on my way to my first sparring session. Shark Boxing is just AWESOME!!! For anyone who is hesitating, don't. You won't regret join this gym.

    I recently tried the free introductory training session, and I left with a whole new level of…read morerespect for boxing and the dedication it takes to reach the level of fitness that boxers maintain. The experience was motivating, challenging, and inspiring enough that I've already decided to come back, join, and continue learning. Although it's a smaller gym, the personalized attention, focus on technique, and overall quality of training far exceed what you often find at larger franchise gyms. The coaches clearly care about each person's progress, and that level of detail makes a huge difference. I would highly recommend anyone interested in boxing or improving their fitness to give this gym a try--you'll be impressed from the very first session.

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    Shark Boxing Club - Mitt work available

    Mitt work available

    Shark Boxing Club
    Shark Boxing Club - Hard work

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    Hard work

    Arcadia Firearm and Safety - Want Sushi?

    Arcadia Firearm and Safety

    4.5(140 reviews)
    0.7 km
    $$

    Like many others, I changed my perspective drastically after the pandemic kicked off and got…read moreserious when it came to all things security especially with a family. That led me to making purchases, learning everything I could online/videos, adopting a normal practice of dryfiring to hone techniques, and monthly range visits to apply and adjust what I was learning. Admittedly this has tapered a bit in the last year or so with a growing family. That said, I've invested a lot of time and effort over the years and, while I'm certainly no expert and still have many deficiencies, am also not completely brand new. Fast forward to now, I took a class with David who I found to be a wealth of knowledge and very thorough in what he teaches. When it comes to grip and stance, he is able to illustrate key techniques very clearly to help you find the right technique and make small corrections that are very impactful. Much like having a trainer at a gym, David is able to closely examine your overall form to give insights and immediate feedback that you may not realize on your own. He gives you different principles in how to approach and think about the overall process as well. I noticed a dramatic improvements in speed and accuracy over the course of our session. His teachings also extend beyond just firearm proficiency but also general understanding of self-defense scenarios and what are the factors you should consider when it comes to protecting yourself and family. Talking things through with him overlaying his insights made me realize there were many things I hadn't ever factored into my thought process. Highly recommend overall.

    I would highly recommend this shop! The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. We truly…read moreappreciate all your help and guidance.

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    Arcadia Firearm and Safety
    Arcadia Firearm and Safety
    Arcadia Firearm and Safety

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    Rise Above Self-Defense - selfdefenseclasses - Updated May 2026

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