Martial Arts Schools near South San Francisco

“Been coming here for Muay Thai a little over 2 years and it's become something I look forward to every week. I've seen my skills slowly improve over time. Sparring is kept light and technical unless it's the fighters getting ready for competition. They also have very fair business practices.“

“Ive trained here with sensei Pat for several years now. Over that time ive really benefitted from his detailed teachings and his wide breadth of martial arts experience. Even a few years in im still learning new things from him and class is still physically a great workout. Id definitely recommend trying a class to anyone who is interested.“

“One Martial arts is a wonderful place for kids. My kids have truly enjoyed taking classes there, participating in the afterschool program, and being involved in their camps. The instructors are very nice and are great role models for the kids. Thanks so much for everything that you do in the community.“

“I dropped in for two classes on a trip to SF and had a great time! I’m an adult green belt visiting from Boston. The senseis are very attentive and the students very welcoming. You’ll find great technical instruction and tough randori rounds here.

From what I saw of the kids classes, there were a lot of students and the senseis worked well with the kids.

I wish I had more time in SF to train here and will definitely try to visit again.“

“If you are looking for a way to get a great workout and increase your confidence while having fun and finding a great community of people look no further, becoming a member of ABB is one of the best decisions of my life, the whole community and environment are really stimulating to improve each day physically and mentally.“

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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!“

“My 3 year old daughter loves her tiny tots classes and even I found myself practicing Kali. Great community!“

“The owner/ head instructor is a true master of the art. He leads by example, showing high levels of skill and attention to detail, along with safety and understanding. The school is geared for all ages. I'm proud to be part of the team here. The students train to be amazing!“

“Family friendly coaching atmosphere. Great place to start the fencing journey for our son. They keep him engaged and interested.“

“My whole family has been going to Bay Area Martial Arts Academy for several years now and I have to say they are wonderful. So this review is definitely long overdue. Both my daughters have gained so much strength and discipline from the instructor (Mr Agoff). I love the life lessons he instills in them as well. The kids learn self defense, how to fall properly, stick work, different fighting forms, and the importance of training and hard work. They also work on strength and stamina and the belts are earned and not just given. Definitely lucky that we have this local gem so close to home. Also nice that my husband goes there too so the three of them can train together.“

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

“I've been training here for years. I love the art but more than that I love Jimmy our Sensei. I've made wonderful friends through the years and feel like Norm from Cheers when I come in and everyone knows my name. The place is welcoming, overly clean and it's a great art you can do for the rest of your life.“

“I grew up training here. Not only did I learn self defense but I also built my self confidence and spatial awareness. Grandmaster Paik has always made me feel like family even after 25 years. Now as an adult with my own child, I hope to bring her to learn the same skills and values that were taught to me!“

“I’ve been working out there forever. And l absolutely love the vibe of family that I receive“

“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!!!“

“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!“

“I love love love this studio! It is truly my escape that I use to destress after work and is full of amazing instructors that are both knowledgeable and helpful. They also offer morning workout classes that get me energized for the day. I also love that they provide all of the equipment you could ask for like the basics of mats and blocks to the more extra things like straps, blankets, mat cleaner, etc. It really feels like a community at this studio and I highly recommend!!“

“Over the last few months, my two daughters have been coming to this place on nearly every weekday. During their sessions, I usually hang out in the waiting area, observing how the students are not just mastering Taekwondo, but also developing a range of other valuable abilities and positive mindsets. It's clear that Master Park is an exceptional instructor. I have no hesitation in recommending this to anyone, regardless of age or skill level.“

“Master Dondero is great. Wonderful with the kids but strong enough to push the adults hard. My family has nothing but wonderful things to say about this school and instructor. Keep it sir.“

“Thank you for your good stuffs and for your good facilities for athletes. and I happy ? to have the membership of this Gym.“

“This school changed my life, forever. I would not be the same person without KSW. I wish them the best.“

“Great teachers, firm yet relaxed vibe which makes it good for kids. Affordable classes for kids MWF and more classes too for teens and adults.“

“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.“

“Yes, Sifu Zhong is a great person as well as an accomplished martial arts instructor. His staff is easy to workout with and his gym has everything you need to get a great workout!“