What the fuck cant go well in this gym? Im a mid 50s MARINE. (We dont say former Marine because…read moreonce MARINE always Marine) . The family atmosphere is what had me hooked. In addition, the beast and savage fighters taking time to teach low level fighters the core basics is nice....they will take you to the side and actually TEACH you while they are prepping for fights. Ive never seen anything like this. Perfecting fighting and and teaching at its finest. Ive been to literal wars...Every single soul in this gym i would welcome as a combat buddy....SEMPER FI....AKA "always faithful"..DRAGON HOUSE...USMC..UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS...fyi..they had me gassed in the warm ups...shout out to everyone

Legit gym with proven results but unforgivable unprofessionalism and predatory billing turned my…read moreexperience into a nightmare. Proceed with caution. I'll start with the truth: Zhong Luo's Dragon House MMA is a legitimate operation. Luo has undeniable credentials in traditional Chinese kung fu, runs a full-scale MMA program, and promotes his own successful fight events (Zhong Luo Cage Fighting Series) that draw serious talent. The gym produces competitive fighters, hosts high-level amateur and pro bouts, and clearly knows how to develop athletes who go on to bigger stages. No question. On paper, this place has credibility and results. But legitimacy doesn't excuse treating a sincere student like absolute shit. And that's exactly what happened to me in 2019. As someone with a profound admiration for Chinese culture and its martial traditions, I train religiously, pushing my physique to exceptional levels of strength. Raw power, disciplined conditioning, unyielding drive. I sought out Dragon House specifically for its authentic Kung Fu roots blended with modern MMA. Under proper guidance, channeling that energy and refining my skills, I could have become a devastating force in that realm; the kind of dedicated fighter any coach would be proud to mold. Instead, I got blatant disrespect and neglect. Luo repeatedly no-showed for scheduled classes; not once, but multiple times. I'd arrive eager to train, only to wait in vain while unsupervised students sparred chaotically around me. Safety was a joke. On my first day alone, one person attempted to eye gouge me during sparring. There was no oversight and no correction, only serious health and safety risks because the so called "Sifu" failed to honor his commitments, and because of racism (the person I was paired with was a racist white man, a grown adult who tried to eye gouge me, a college student). Even if those no-shows were some colossal "misunderstanding" (which I highly doubt), Luo offered zero explanation and zero apology on both occasions. Not a word. Just silence and indifference toward a student who showed up with nothing but respect and hunger to learn. Then came the real kicker: this "legit" gym still billed me whereabouts $1,700 for a full fucking year of training that I never received. When I disputed and blocked the unauthorized charge through my bank (because paying for phantom services is insane) they sent it straight to collections. Harassing me over money for services that were never provided. Unbelievable predatory bullshit from a place that claims to uphold discipline and honor. I'm not denying the gym's successes or Luo's skills. Plenty of people thrive there. But my experience exposes the rotten underbelly: chronic flakiness at the top, zero accountability, and ruthless billing tactics that screw over anyone who falls through the cracks. This isn't bitterness; it's outrage at being dismissed and exploited despite my sincerity. Dragon House has potential and pedigree, which makes the unprofessionalism even more shameful. Strong warning: sign anything here at your own risk. Demand clear terms, track attendance meticulously, and be prepared for zero recourse if things go south. There are other legit gyms out there worth considering instead. As my dear friends in China would say, "可惜你".

I am a kid who goes to this karate school and the sensei's are kind and strict.Also,our…read moresensei,Shihan Manuel is one of a kind and he is still teaching me every I need to know and the lesson is to teach students goes beyond self-defense. . Here, you will learn service to others, self-discipline, commitment to excellence, pushing beyond your limits and more just like me and I hope more kids go.

My niece has been taking karate classes here for over 5 years. This school, the instructors and the…read moreentire community that revolves them are amazing. The lessons they teach students goes beyond self-defense. Here, you child will learn service to others, self-discipline, commitment to excellence, pushing beyond your limits and more. SUPER CLEAN too.

Amazing, sweet neighborhood staple for kids starting to learn karate. Lama Kenpo is so kind!read more

My two great grandsons love Lama's Kenpo Karate: They really enjoy going to practice and wish they…read morecould go everyday. It's so nice to see them asking to go to class: They say it's the best thing ever!

I attended a 4 hour Women's self-defense class with Danilo. I did not have any prior experience…read morewith martial arts or self-defense. It was a really useful class that I think every women should take! It's a mix between hands-on practice and little tips on how to deal with different types of attacks. Despite the rather scary subject, my friend and I had a lot of fun that afternoon and walked away much more confident. The facilities were clean and the class sizes are small. Definitely recommend without hesitation!

From the owner: Traditional Martial Arts & Self Defense For Women…read more DAN ZAN RYU is a style of Japanese Jujutsu that also incorporates Hawaiian Lua, Chinese Kung Fu, and Filipino Escrima. A comprehensive system of self defense, self development, and healing, it was developed and first taught to Americans in Hawaii in the 1920s by Professor Seishiro "Henry" Okazaki, a Japanese Jujutsu Master. The San Francisco Jujutsu Kodenkai (SFJK) continues this tradition and provides training in Dan Zan Ryu Jujutsu up to 2nd degree black belt. All classes are taught by Sensei Laura Shannon-Madeja (2nd degree black belt), and Sensei Danilo Shannon-Madeja (3rd degree black belt). Classes are held at Excelsior Yoga. KUPALE: Self Defense For Women ​is a four hour clinic which teaches women the knowledge and skills necessary to survive and escape an attack. The course includes how to take falls safely, defensive positions, escapes, counter-attacks, improvised weapons, awareness, and strategy. The alarming statistics are that one in four women in the United States gets assaulted. KUPALE was created to meet the need for women to be able to protect themselves.

Awesome gym! I came in on a Thursday night for 6 PM no gi class. Coach Travis greeted me and…read morewelcomed me into his class. He taught a great class and showed great technique. I also hopped in the Muay Thai class. Coach Rocky taught the class. He's a great coach too and was very friendly. I will be back when I'm in town! Magalit Jiu Jitsu 10/10.

Great gym to train at. Travis is a skilled instructor (and accomplished competitor) and it's a…read morenice, welcoming community with people from all walks of life, students of all levels including very high, and a culture of camaraderie and support. I started training here in Jan 2023 to learn some practical self defense. From my first weeks I felt like I was learning practical things, but also realizing how much there is to learn. As a result, game becomes addictive. It's also a great workout. Engaging, cardio, strength, functional movement.

Fantastic instruction from top notch, well trained and friendly instructors! Loved my experience…read morehere. Will be coming back for more training once my schedule clears up again. The instructors were great, the people taking the classes were really nice and everyone was so helpful. From the very first class I attended we jumped right in and were learning new skills. I'd recommend this martial arts school to anyone looking to learn some basic skills, self-defense, or even more advanced training. It's fun and could even be used just to develop confidence and fitness. Great experience here.

I found UMAA sometime during my senior year of college at USF. I had previously trained with a few…read moreKarate and TKD schools in Northern California, became familiar with the existence of JKD, and wanted very much to study JKD concepts. Fortunately, I was able to participate in both regular and private lessons with Professor Hundon before I had to leave San Francisco. While I was with UMAA, Professor Hundon and his assistant instructor Beki helped me achieve a better understanding of proper footwork, economy of motion, centerline theory, proper head and body positioning, and the importance of being aware of my surroundings. One of the most interesting things that I encountered, as one of Professor Hundon's students, was the fact that he seems to take a musical approach to helping students understand movement in the context of combat. It was a very interesting approach, and I really enjoyed it. I feel that the 45+ years of martial arts experience that Professor Hundon has, coupled with his extensive study of various arts (Kenpo, Jujitsu, Capoeira, Jeet Kune Do and more), has afforded him the ability to offer one of the most well-rounded programs in the Bay Area. My instruction was second to none, and I really wish that I still lived in San Francisco. Aside from instruction that was nothing short of the best I've ever had, the thing I'll miss most about UMAA was how tightly-knit everyone was. I can remember a handful of times just sitting around after class, with Professor Hundon and Beki, and sharing experiences, stories, philosophies, laughs, and even advice. That was an experience I didn't have with other schools with which I've been affiliated. Instructors at UMAA are very approachable. They care. I never got the sense that I was just another check, at the end of the month, for Professor Hundon. This program is well worth checking out. I highly advise giving it a chance. You'll be glad you did.

Master Evans is a great role model. My daughter looks up to her so much. She's become an icon in…read moreour household. The skills and values that kids learn here will get them ahead in life.

Seems I'm right there with everyone else who has reviewed this place. I did not send my kids here…read morewhen they were kids. Just because I had no idea it existed. If you have a kid, don't hesitate for a nanosecond, just bring them. If you're older, like 61 and feeling able bodied, dont hesitate for a nanosecond! This space and place is welcoming and inviting and really sort of defies definition. So. Check it out. See for yourself.

I would like to start off by saying that this school has been here since 1983 and has a lot of…read morehistory. The owner Master Mar is very friendly and welcoming. They both make the class very entertaining for the kids. Master Mar has a different way of teaching compared to a lot of martial art schools out there, which makes his method of training by far the best I've ever trained in. If you are in search of a tae kwon do school, I highly recommend giving this place a shot, I promise you won't be disappointed. Thank you for letting me be part of the KMAC family.

I just started learning hapkido and tae kwon do here at KMAC and I'm so thrilled to be able to…read moretrain with all these grandmasters. They are all very knowledgeable and patient to ensure you meet your full potential. I'm coming from a amateur boxing background with some limitations due to a previous back injury. However the grandmasters and fellow classmates have been very considerate and caring of this. I'm very excited to see how far I can go here and for each class to see what I learn next. I researched so many gyms in SF, Berkeley, and Oakland. But i can safely say this is the best one i have found and I'm so glad to learn and train here around such amazing and talented people.

My husband and son have been coming to MAD for a little over 6 months and they love it. They were…read moregoing to a well known Kenpo school in the city previously, but were really unhappy. They tried out MAD, and have been going ever since. It's a family oriented school and Professor Moreno is very patient and personable, that's why my 6 year old enjoys going and feels comfortable. Awesome place for little ones and not so little ones!

In a time when there are many choices for martial arts schools in the Bay Area, Professor Moreno…read moreprovides quality instruction for those students and families that value a personal and focused setting to embark on learning new self-defense skills. He cares about each and every student and ensures that their progress is meaningful, functional, and fun. If your interest falls more towards the Filipino Arts, Guro Jover teaches an Eskrima class two nights a week where defense against edged and impact weapons are taught along within the context of Philippine martial culture. He is very skilled in the art and it shows in his patient and detailed teaching style.

Carlos Navarro is a real Kenpo Karate Master! His legacy in San Francisco is undeniable!read more

I've literally grown up with Kenpo Karate, and Navarro's, with all its evolutions helped mold a…read moreperson of discipline and character. After almost 50 years of dedication, on and off participation, a group of loyalist is nearing another milestone - a black belt! I owe a debt of gratitude to my instructor Carlos Navarro for helping me beyond staying fit. In large measure the lessons learned permeate my business and my life. You'll love it, and the next generation will be all the better for it. Run, don't walk to participate in all your fitness endeavors at #Navarro's. #TheBrokerWithAHeart