Martial Arts Schools near National City

“This is a great school to learn Modern Arnis, a Filipino Martial Art. Grandmaster and the instructors are fun and knowleable. The environment is family friendly and they welcome you with open arms. I highly recommend. Its also a great way to get in shape and learn self-defense on multiple fronts. Give them a try.“

“I went to this try out this class for women’s self defense for the first time and I feel that I left with a lot of new knowledge. And this gave me the opportunity to open my eyes into the reality and the dangers that women face in the world and the importance of self defense. I absolutely loved this and I would definitely take some classes here! 10/10 !!!!!!“

“Sensei Sifu brings the best of vibes& the kids have so much fun while learning @the same timeHe knows how to talk to them in a way they understand &is able to control energetic students by redirecting“

“My family and I have been taking classes at Blue Dragon Martial Arts since October 2023 and have had a great experience so far. The owner and primary instructor, Professor Anthony, is very dedicated and knows a lot about MMA and Jiu Jitsu. He also has an amazing staff, Sensei Daniel, Carl and others who join in and help with the classes, as there are multiple classes for all ages and genders on the weekends and in the evenings. Overall, the place is great for all ages. Our son with his learning difficulties has benefitted enormously from this – in the relatively structured and stimulating environment, along with the engaging classes, his attention and discipline has improved immensely. Our other daughter’s confidence has been raised through the training, which in turn has only helped her excel in other areas. My wife and I also both take adult MMA and Jiu Jitsu classes with him, and both classes are phenomenal. His instructors make it feel like a fun and supportive atmosphere, which in turn pushes you to work hard to get better. He also gives workshops for women’s self-defense now and then, which are fantastic for building self-confidence and learning to defend yourself.“

“Experienced and dedicated instructors teach traditional Shotokan karate at this dojo of Shotokan Karate of America. Dojo members have different backgrounds and skill levels, but all share an honest attitude, strong mentality, and a desire to learn and understand their martial art. I was looking for a new karate dojo in 2009 after moving to the U.S. and having taken a break from practice for several years. At this dojo I immediately found a new home, new friends, new motivation, and a journey that is continuing to this day. If you're thinking about trying karate or trying a new dojo, I highly recommend visiting San Diego Peninsula Shotokan Karate Dojo. You will not be disappointed.“

“I found HOD online and signed up for a free class. We have been there 4 months and it's one of the best decisions we have done for our 16 year old son. Mr. De La Rosa is a excellent instructor/teacher/guide. All of his principles are based on respect for others and oneself. I love the philosophy he teacher our son. The training is very rigorous but the reward is worth it. My son has lost weight, gained muscle and can defend himself should he ever need too. The biggest improvement in my son is that he has gained confidence physically and mentally.
Don't think about it anymore. Come and try the class and you'll see you're child flourish in all aspects of his life.“

“Great atmosphere! My kids and I have been training here for the past few months and we feel at home. Professor Julio is the owner and he is amazing! His teaching is thorough. He makes sure every single person is treated with respect and greeted as they walk in. The students that train there are very respectful and welcoming to new students as well. Coach Ro is one of a kind! She runs the women's class on Saturday mornings at 8:45 am and she makes the class so much fun with great instructions! My family and I have been welcomed by open arms by everyone there and we feel blessed to be a part of this great family owned gym.“

“Excellent training academy for martial arts. Grand Master Kim focuses on respect, hard work, and excellence, yet is a very approachable and kind instructor. The perfect balance between being strict yet very caring. The students learn so much in class, and get an amazing workout. Plus I believe the lessons help them excel at school and in life. Highly recommend.“

“One of the oldest dojo in San Diego, Jiai Aikido has more than 20 years of proven track record under multiple teachers. Frequently visited and recommended by the executive director of Shimbokukai and several members of the international aikido community, Jiai boasts two Shidoin as the primary sensei, and a wealth of knowledge from the senior students. And while the lineage, longevity, and accomplished nature of the dojo is what drew me in, the diversity and inclusiveness and community are what keep me coming back. Cat Strada-sensei brings a direct approach: often explaining with practical applications, and technical precision the whys and hows of the techniques. Her inclusion of Systema on some of the Sunday classes hold an emphasis on conditioning and practical functionality, and while not aikido in the strictest sense, adds a certain fluid functionality which both draws from and expounds upon the main stem of aikido. Tom Liu-sensei has a more esoteric focus, and his subtle arts provide world-shifting perspectives as an effective counterpoint. The students in their classes, both the beginners and the other black belts, are welcome, friendly, and helpful. All in all, it is a wonderful, welcoming dojo, with an impressive array of skills, that avoids the typical traps of stuffy formality while still providing structure and excellent instruction. It might not be for everyone, but it is exactly what I was looking for.“

“Great School. Great learning experience for my daughter. She's learned so much not only skills wise but behavior and mental abilities as well. She's learned to be more self disciplined and I'm very thankful she has had and continues to have good experiences from Judo here at this Dojo.“

“Had an amazing experience at this martial arts school! The instructors are knowledgeable and patient, and the facilities are top-notch. Highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their martial arts skills.“

“Frank (the sensei) has been an amazing instructor for my son. he is teaches discipline, perseverance, and respect. it has been an amazing learning journey for my son and me as part of this journey of karate. highly recommended“

“My son(8yrs old) has been practicing jiu jitsu just under a year and I've seen his attitude, self confidence , and over all his behavior vastly improve. The coaches are great the staff is awesome, and it is one of the better decisions to enroll my son in here I've done in my life.“

“Thank you, Grandmaster Bill Helm & students, for allowing me to experience the Chen style of Tai Chi during my short stay in San Diego . I would recommend this school to anyone interested in Chen Tai Chi. Health & Longevity to you all.“

“I studied the art with master david chaanine and I have never forgotten what he taught me.thank you for my black belt“

“Sam is a great teacher! My son has really enjoyed his tkd classes here. He has felt well supported, learned to defend himself and has developed more self-confidence.“

“We've been coming here with my son for a little over 3 months now (from almost 5 to now newly turned 5) and have had an outstanding experience. Seifu Mario is wonderful with the children and achieves a beautiful balance between building genuine relationships with kiddos, while also commanding their respect, focus and discipline. Seifu manages a class full of 4-7 year olds with such ease, keeps the class running smoothly and quickly, and checks in individually with students to keep them progressing in their own KungFu practice. The studio is clean and organized and it's clear that Seifu is truly passionate about what he does as shown through his style, interactions with children and parents.“

“LOVE this establishment, highly recommend!PROs: Hands down the best choice for martial arts for kids in the area. Master Kenny and his colleagues are true professionals. They have the knowledge and attitude to keep kids attention non-stop while instilling the tenants of Tang Soo Do. My kid loves going to class and it's quite a show to watch. No matter the skill level, they give every child the same amount of attention, discipline, and respect. The very flexible class schedule is also supportive of family schedules. Looking forward to staying here for years to come!CONs: Parking is tough but otherwise this place rocks!“

“This place has great skills and real defense techniques for kids to grow up with, the teachers pay attention to each child too and are kind“

“San Diego Aikikai has been the institution to represent traditional Japanese style teaching of Aikido in San Diego. Aikido is a martial art and as such has a martial approach in it's philosophy, but one of the tenets is to seek ways to avoid conflict. This dojo and the instructors associated with it represent that philosophy as passed down from our principal instructors.“

“This is a great school to learn taekwondo. Master Torres is not only teaching the students martial arts but also is creating a community. He is a great master and role model. I very much recommend it!“

“My teenage son started a couple of weeks ago and was absolutely hooked from day one!!! He's like "mom, I don't need to keep trying this out, I want to sign up now!!" **They do a 2 week trial so there's nothing to lose and so much to gain!** Master Chaz is a great mentor to the kids, teaching them history, technique, and respect for the art and sport of Eskrima. What my son likes most about the class is the variety (no class is exactly the same) and that Master Chaz is patient (he isn't mean like my son's experienced at other dojo's), treats everyone like family (aka "Ohana" in Hawaiian) and it's lots of fun (work hard, play hard!). Highly encourage for anyone and everyone. Class prices are competitive and affordable (unlike what I was paying in the past for comparable kids classes). I am looking forward to trying the adult class when my schedule frees up!“

“My 10 year old son enjoys the activity and training. His friends also attend training. Master Tony is great with kids.“

“Fantastic training. The staff is extremely qualified If you need some extra time to understand and execute something then they work with you I’ll be back as often as I can for the dangerous in a day training“

“Coach Daymon is one of a kind in a very positive way. He mixes in discipline and humor in an uncanny way that makes you comfortable from the moment you meet him. Really a great experience“