Martial Arts Schools in San Francisco

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“Words cannot express how much my family love this place and everyone there! My daughter (4 years old) has been training here since March 2025. I see big improvement on her self-confidence! Good balance of discipline and fun in class! Thank you Coach Renan and the rest of the coaches!“

“I've been fencing here for about six months, and everyone I've met have made the space such a welcoming, and inclusive environment. I don't feel pushed beyond my skill level, or belittled for my lack, but ever growing knowledge of the sport. I was a little hesitant about starting fencing again, and I'm glad that I chose this place to do so.“

“Great place to train. Clean mats, good instructors, lots of black belts. pretty good place to learn. as a beginner.“

“I'd just like to give a totally glowing review to Friedman Sensei and the 11th street Dojo, it's an amazing and inspiring place! Friedman Sensei is an incredible teacher and a breadth of fresh air to experience as a student. His wit and sense of humor on the mat make everyone feel welcome, and his teaching style is clear, concise, and exemplifies a mastery of craft that only comes from a lifetime of devotion to Aikido and the martial arts in general.

It's rare to find classes as informed and inspiring as Friedman Sensei's, because his Aikido teaching encompasses a great respect for traditional Aikido practices, yet he allows the teaching process to be informed by other martial arts, and thus in my opinion strengthening the students' abilities who have no grounding in other forms.

Also, the other instructors at the dojo are top notch and inspirational teachers as well, the guest seminar folks who come through are amazing, and maybe most importantly the black belt community at 11th Street Dojo is incredible, great people, very accomplished folks who are always sharing their knowledge with the newer students.

I have only had the chance to be a guest at the dojo, due to my unique work situation that requires travel and specialized work with my hands, so my opportunities to train are limited. But I studied Aikido around the US for 12 years from 1990 to 2002, had to stop due to injury, and am trying to come back to Aikido. Thank you Friedman Sensei for the inspiration in trying to get back in the dojo and on the mat!!“

“My nephew loves it, the class is always different so the children don't get bored and learn, in addition to karate, they are taught discipline, cleanliness, respect, order, punctuality. Very professional!“

“Incredible place to train! As a beginner, I felt welcome from day one. Masters Matheus and Jeff are highly skilled and genuinely care about your progress. The environment is respectful, friendly, and the gym is always clean. By day three, I already noticed improvements in my mindset and daily life. One visit and I was hooked— training here has become the best headstart and part of my day. Highly recommended!!!“

“The kids' instructors are great, and we even have a friend who volunteers their time to teach here. However, the admin is very disorganized. Due to a separate issue not related to teaching staff or admin I’ve tried to cancel since November with no phone or email response. I spoke to Prof Basilio in person in December and finally got a verbal confirmation, yet I was still overcharged, am owed a refund, and just got notice of another upcoming charge.
It’s frustrating because the community is so nice. Many martial arts gyms use a parent volunteer system to reduce the amount of work; ABMMA could really benefit from this type of system to fix their communication and protect their reputation. Love the people, but the billing is a nightmare.“

“I was a student at St. Clair’s Tae Kwon Do back in 2000 at the Taraval location. In 2022, I reconnected with Grandmaster St. Clair when I enrolled my son in the Little Tigers class at the current school.

Since then, it’s been a great experience watching my son move up in rank and grow more confident. I’m very proud of his progress. His journey inspired me to return to training myself. Picking up where I left off 25 years ago.

Over time, I’ve seen many of Grandmaster St. Clair’s students grow. Building confidence, learning discipline, and working well with others. It’s clear that this school helps develop not just martial arts skills, but strong character and teamwork as well

If you’re looking for a Tae Kwon Do school that teaches respect, focus, teamwork, and self-discipline in a positive and encouraging environment, St. Clair’s Tae Kwon Do is the place. It’s a great school for both kids and adults.“