Martial Arts Schools near Sherman Oaks

“I’m brand new to Jiu-Jitsu, and walking into a gym for the first time was pretty intimidating. But from day one at New Ground, the entire process felt smooth, inviting, and genuinely fun. The coaches are very patient, clear, and always open to questions. They create an environment where you can ask anything and never feel “too new” or out of place.

Very quickly, I realized the coaches treat every student the same, no matter your rank or experience level. Whether you are brand new like me or have been training for years, they give you the same respect, attention, and encouragement. There is never a sense of superiority or arrogance, just a genuine desire to help everyone improve and learn.

The other students are a testament to the atmosphere the coaches have built. Everyone I have trained with has been friendly, supportive, and quick to offer help.

If you are considering starting no-gi BJJ but feel nervous or unsure, New Ground is the place to take that first step.“

“Really like the fundamentals they are instilling in kids at this age. Martial arts is a bonus“

“Maya was super helpful in getting my first class scheduled. Coach Simmy’s class was great 🤙“

“2.14.2026 - Update. Just had a practice there for the tournament and the team at Quest Reseda is still amazing, I mean Quest Van Nuys is still going to win, but the deepest at Reseda are still amazing...

Cheers All...

Old Review...
The team here is absolutely amazing, my daughter has been going here since the very end of May, being 10 you would not think much affects their thoughts in life, but this place did.

She has said it has changed her life, how I have no clue (she's 10), but is so focused with Quest and the staff it amazes me. Her goal is to stand beside Mr. Seah, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Moralis, Mr. Morano, of course Master Gunther, and be an instructor at the Reseda location. The girl has goals.

Zales is counting down the days till she is in Masters Club, she turns off all her devices and practices every night. The team at Quest has been a very positive influence on my girl.

Cheers to you all...“

“I can’t speak highly enough about 10th Planet Van Nuys. Top notch training experience, beginner friendly, family owned and they make every member feel like family too, and the staff is super professional. I developed my jiu jitsu skills here. I made life long friends here. I learned how to be a jiu jitsu coach here and I built my business based on the mentorship of Alder and Jean (the owners). They truly care about every student. You are not just a number here, you are truly a part of the team. These are the things people don’t understand when they see a membership price. The value you get back from a school like 10th Planet Van Nuys is 10X what you will ever pay in. The fist class is always free. Do yourself a favor and take your free trial so you can make an educated decision on what your life and future is worth to you.“

“Our daughter has been at CMK for two years and she loves it. The staff is excellent with the kids, and does a good job of dealing with different age groups and skill levels. There are regular events and a real community. Highly recommended.“

“My experience at mrg has been good and lots of fun and I learned a lot of techniques.“

“gsc sports genteel service & co bjj gi supply manufacturing co, bjj clothing gi & nogi oem source company“

“My partner and I were hunting for a great gym in the studio city area. I was visiting so I signed up for a month. In a nutshell, Hunter has the best approach to fitness I’ve ever experienced. I was an overweight kid and I always felt like working out was a “have to” and something I just would never enjoy. Hunter changed my experience. Like other reviewers mentioned, his approach is very unorthodox and his workouts feel like adult play-time. I live in NYC and I wished I could bring Nomad gym back with me. Btw nomad gym has a great app, but to get Hunter’s hilarious, playful, kind and chill vibe that makes working out actually fun, you have to be there in person.“

“This gym is perfect for any beginner looking to start training martial arts. All the coaches are really chill and take the time to help you out, and they'll slowly introduce you to sparring before just throwing you in.

The Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu classes are both really fun, and I’ve learned a lot since I started. It’s a good place whether you want to learn self-defense, get in shape, or just pick up a new hobby. Everyone’s friendly and the environment is really welcoming. I’d definitely recommend checking it out.“

“Very interactive atmosphere that pushes you to be better everytime you come in. If you like tight knit communities and the chance to challenge yourself mentally and physically this place is for you.“

“Real old school karate here with makiwaras, emphasis on human development and mental discipline. Very tough to find anything better than Fujishima-sensei’s style of teaching. You are dealing with one of the remaining legends of karate.“

“I have two boys that attend Panther Martial Arts. Grand Master Shawn has a gift for working with children and bringing out out their confidence and boosting their spirit. My younger son, who has ADHD, participated for about a year. There were times when he wanted to give up and quit, but each instructor was able to help him to find a reason to continue. My older son just received his purple belt and is excited about beginning to assist teaching the younger age classes. Every instructor at Panther has been kind and compassionate and they all teach my boys respect, courtesy and commitment.“

“An incredible workout experience! The trainers are not only highly skilled but also thoughtful and supportive, and the community is so welcoming. I was hooked after my very first class and have been a consistent member ever since“

“Great experience. Kids have been going to this studio since last 6 years. Ms Tall is an excellent master“

“I have been attending yoga classes at North Valley Aikikai for two years, and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. From my first visit, I felt truly welcomed and supported. I also felt this was a place we're I would get all the benefits that yoga can provide to my health. I have taken yoga classes regularly from Maureen Benoit and from Rachel Escalera. Both are totally committed to their teaching and pay attention to details helping us get as much benefit from the practice as possible, withouth risking injurying ourselves. The yoga teachers are genuinely interested on helping us get the most benefit from our time there. They are very knowlegable, supportive, and they are passionate constantly conveying information relevant to our yoga practice . All of this makes North Valley Aikikai an ideal place to get all the benefits that a yoga practice offers to improve our bodies as well as contributing to our spiritual growth.“

“I have 2 kids in this studio and can only say positive comments about classes and coaches. The daugther in jiu jitsu absolutly loves it! It lets her feel powerful and confident. My boy loves both classes but gravitates towards muay thai, which is also a wonderful class for defense as well as strengh and conditioning. The coaches are knowledgeable, but they pay attention to the kids with an encouraging attitude. The studio is always clean. I like it that they are flexible if showing up to class late or having to leave early.“

“Best gym I’ve ever seen coaches are the most badass mfs out there if ur not goin to Hayastan mma what are u doing with ur life.“

“I’m two years into my belt program, and I couldn’t have chosen a better dojo family for this martial arts journey. I’m continually awed at how Sensei Bryan and Sensei Ron can teach and motivate so many different student levels — from little ninjas to teens to adults (including this “woman of a certain age”). The universal enthusiasm and commitment from all of them is a testament to the community they’ve built.

My twice-weekly training sessions are a true highlight — and I’m continually overcommitted with all sorts of enriching activities. It’s a marathon and I may be a septuagenarian before I get to black belt, but I’m learning, expanding my horizons and getting in lots of kicks, strikes and blocks!

Highly recommend for kids, teens and young adults — so impressed with how mature, committed and well-rounded these students are— and adults of all ages and abilities. It’s never too late and it feels amazing!“

“Awesome BJJ gym with great coaches and a very welcoming environment. The instruction is detailed and beginner friendly, and the training is both fun and challenging. Definitely recommend to anyone looking to start or improve their Jiu-Jitsu.“

“My home Dojo... I wouldn't trade it for the world. This is where I grew up practicing Judo.
Sensei Sus is about the development of the kids. I“

“Master Kim and his Leadership has been an amazing place for my family—we’ve seen so much growth in confidence, discipline, and focus. The instructors are patient, encouraging, and truly care about every student’s progress. I greatIy appreciate Instructor Alen for all that he has done for me in my training and I wish him well in his future endeavors at UC Berkeley. This academy feels less like just a martial arts class and more like being part of a supportive community.“

“Fantastic classes and top notch instruction where you can learn real, applicable and effective self defense techniques in a controlled and ego-free environment. A rare find these days. I initially found combatives academy when searching for a Filipino martial arts school for knife/weapons defense and fighting. I figured I carry a knife so may as well learn how to use it. After just the first class I was shocked at how much I didn't know (in a good way). Sifu Raffi has a very calm, detailed and easy to follow way of teaching. He's also a very talented martial artist which was obvious to me after seeing just a few demonstrations of techniques. So many self defense situations involve a weapon even on one side. Knives, baseball bats etc. This art really covers a lot of things. I have previously trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.I asked about the Jeet Kune Do classes and the instructor recommended I take this, along with my Escrima classes to have a complete system as the hand to hand translates well over to the weapons. After the JKD class I took a few weeks later, I was very impressed with how complete of a martial art it was. In one class we covered some effective strikes as well as a few grappling moves. Each technique was shown in detail and we were given ample time to really practice it and get it right with a training partner. An all encompassing art like JKD is really what you need for self defense. It's also a fantastic workout along with stretching, etc. The JKD along with Escrima covers all the bases for me, effective striking, grappling, distance control plus weapons use and defense. I would highly recommend trying the 2 free classes if you're on the fence! Hopefully I'll try a Silat class in the future and can update my review with that aspect.“

“Our family (kids/adults) have been enrolled in TumbleKick and previously the Martial Arts Center for over 15 years now, a testament to Master Kim and his organization.
The TKD class for kids has been a mainstay since ours were 5 (now teenagers). The staff have perfected the balance between discipline and fun in the classes, moulding intelligent and well-mannered kids. Can’t recommend it enough!
Also a great place for alternative medicine, gymnastics etc.“

“A great school with wonderful staff and students. It is the REAL DEAL. If you're a lifelong martial artist or a beginner you owe it to yourself to stop by and check it out!“

“Been training here for a little
Under a year now . Highly recommend . They make learning how to box natural and non-intimidating with a familial vibe“