Sama Academy of Martial Arts

Mar 2024

At 4 years old, my daughter started at SAMA. She is now GOING ON 8 YEARS OLD and still thoroughly loves attending...Here's my honest opinion as an experienced CHILDCARE WORKER, educator, DANCE INSTRUCTOR FOR CHILDREN, but mostly as a MOTHER: SAMA is a safe and healthy environment for all, and is more than that... I have personally seen kids and adults of all ages, sizes, and abilities (and disabilities) thrive on the mat; both with Joshu Hamada, and with Sensei Roxas. Years ago, my daughter was extremely nervous during her first visit. She is typically very shy and wiggly around adults, not to mention in new bustling environments. But we had lots of good conversations to prepare her for what we might expect going in, as well as how she would need to behave on the mat. Joshu noted her curiosity, focus, and bravery, even when I didn't notice those attributes myself that day. Fast forward to now, and my daughter has grown in skill, confidence, patience, self-control, kindness, and respect for others. I very much attribute that to Joshu Hamadas fun, but firm approach at teaching. My daughter has made friends through the SAMA family, and several of her friends have joined. After all these years, she STILL has fun going. THAT SAYS A LOT IN ITSELF. Our friends and acquaintances have had very similar experiences with Joshu and Sensei, and it is because of THEIR excellence that there are so many long-lasting students/attendees. I sit through almost every single class my daughter attends. My father, who is a retired police officer and childcare worker himself, comes along as well on occasion. We are shocked at how Joshu and Sensei remember every single child, youth and adults names quickly. Joshu balances discipline and structure with goofiness and fun according to each classes needs. He is able to hold the attention of SO many young children, as well as foster each one's potential and growth INDIVIDUALLY. He monitors their skill level. He uses a wide range of exercise, technique building, punching/ blocking combos, and precisely pairs leaders with groups that will work well together. He is kind, silly, personable, professional, and fair. I can't thank him enough for the impact he has made in my daughter's life, and the lives of SO MANY CHILDREN. A year or two ago, (time flies by when you're having fun) I joined the adult class myself, and i feel honored to experience learning from Sensei and Joshu. As a dancer, my muscle memory struggled to adjust to shifting to martial arts, not to mention i had become so out of shape. But one of the beauties of SAMA (like others have mentioned) is that it is a JUDGMENT FREE ZONE. Sensei's expertise and skills are notable, and he shares them with us. We strive for excellence...but EVERYONES journey is valued.The RESPECT STANDARD of this martial arts academy is outstanding. It is why many individuals and families pursue martial arts in the first place, and it is why we intend to stay at SAMA until we both reach our black belts and beyond.

Nov 2023

Sama Academy is nestled right in the corner of Pinole Plaza right next door to Trader Joe's. They offer Junior Martial Arts and Kickboxing. I signed up on a Thursday and they were running a special for $29.99 (continuous I believe) and this gave us access to 2 free classes AND my sons uniform. Pretty sweet deal. During our first class, we committed to a 6 month tuition. The monthly tuition really isn't bad and rates vary so I will not quote, BUT the schedule is very flexible allowing you to take your lil sumarai 4X per week, unlimited access. What I love most about Sama Academy is that it isn't just an organization shoveling out these classes, it's a family oriented, small local business adding to our village. I was very impressed during our first class. There were 6-8 students and 1 instructor. My son was being very shy, nervous, and meticulous about not wanting his socks off, and Sensei was firm yet gentle about the rules and allowed him to watch until he was ready to take his socks off and join. Sama Academy comes prepared for these classes because 2 more instructors were on standby to jump in and assist when needed which was amazing! The following class was a bit more full, but even better because of how organized Sensei has been with scheduling. There are staffing shortages everywhere so showing grace to establishments that are doing their best has been a virtue this past year. Post Pandemic, our kids need a place that they can go and wiggle all they want while being redirected more than ever before. Sama gives them fast paced, disciplined, structured FUN that will teach our littles not only self defense, but self discipline. Our instructor was a past and current student and she has been AWESOME! She knows when the kids are getting squeamish and redirects that energy with ease. If you have kids like mine that can't sit still if their lives depended on it, take them to Sama Academy and allow them to teach our kids how to manage that energy. If you're trying to get in shape while learning self defense, go to Sama Academy! And if you're searching for an extracurricular village for your family, gooooo to Sama Academy.

Oct 2023

This place is so great for kids-fast paced, disciplined, fun, and easy to work into our schedule with a variety of class times. We love this great community. My girls have been going 5 years and 2 years. And now hubby does it too (also great for adults) :-p