Cal-West Karate School

My son started martial arts in January and he is enjoying every aspect. The instructors are great and always aware of students individual needs. You pay for individual class and have the luxury to attend as many groups classes during the week. There is always room to come and practice at your own pace. Great school. The emphasis is not on aggressiveness but in teaching self defense and confidence.

This place is awesome. It builds incredible confidence for kids while teaching them discipline, respect, and awareness of themselves and the world around them. Strength and skill as self defense rather than fighting or being a bully– a very important lesson that some kids never learn.
Mr. Kawaoka does a great job running this place and his teaching staff are all great, too. My kid was actually disappointed that our vacation meant missing group class and private lesson!

I’ve been to this karate school ever since 2008 and it’s one of the best karate schools ever. The trainers here are very friendly and there very open to you and there very understandable. Children and adults can attend at this school but I usually see more children when I come here… I remember when I first started to go here I used to see lots of younger adults but they all quit since they went off to college and this goes to some of the instructors, some of the instructors left because they went off to college which was sad because I think of them as my friends. The instructors here are very respectful and they will help you with anything that you need help on. This karate school has stripe tests and belt tests but believe there’s nothing to be afraid of they’ll know when your ready (trust me). As for money wise it’s pretty reasonable it’s $ 40 a week (or depending on how many times you’ll go here for a week). You do get a private lesson with your instructor and also they do have group classes from Beginning, intermediate, and advanced group classes and all the people who are in your group class are mostly at the same rank as you are. Belt colors goes from White, Orange, Purple, Blue, Aqua, Brown, to Black. Once you reach black you can continue to move on or become a teacher there and also once you reach the BLUE belt you get to switch to the black gee and also get to work with weapons which is exciting. Other than that I give this place 5 stars!

A great place for the entire family. Great teachers who are well trained and friendly.

This school is one of the best in the Bay Area. I did allot of research before transferring to Cal-​West from my previous school (WestWind)of 5 plus years. The instructors treat you with respect and earn not demand yours. I have learned more in the two years at Cal West than I had learned in 5 plus previously. The prices are reasonable and money is not the driving force at this school, teaching one well is!
I researched dojo’s from San Jose to Vallejo, various styles and formats. Cal-​West is the best and a jewel to have in the Bay Area. Bok-​Fu is the perfect blend of soft and hard style martial arts. Cal-​West does the founders of the art proud, and I am proud to be one of their students. I am 51 and will attend even past my Black Belt rank.
You will be very happy to take lessons here and you family will love it.

When my son and I started at Cal West, we were the oldest and youngest students at the school. JB was 5 when we began classes and is now 17 working diligently on a new belt to before leaving for Stanford next year. Fortunately I was in good enough physical condition from my Karate training to survive a massive heart attack (not related to the school) several years ago. However, my Cardiologist did curtail Karate, flying and SCUBA diving.
The instructors at the school are very professional and take a personal interest in the progress of their individual students. I highly recommend the school for instilling a sense of self confidence, discipline and physical training.

I attended this school nine years. I can appreciate the instruction and ability to work out in Private rooms as well as having the large class setting.
You don’t know what you have learned until you learn it.
When a person can FEEL self-​confidence within.. .. it is indescribable.
RATHER, it is something you act upon when the moment is presented.
This can happen in many ways. It can be how you respond to someone, or something when you are speaking.
It can be the way you discover you have the ability to feel the entire scope of your surroundings while navigating a city street without physically turning your head around to look behind you.
It can be in recognizing the benefit of doing nothing rather than reacting.
And it can be so much more, or so much less that makes you ONE with the moment.
ONLY YOUR LIFE CAN TELL YOU about yourself, and with Bok-​Fu Karate training at Cal-​West every nuance of your thought and action in your life has more sustainability.
That’s a confidence you can own.

I love this school for my son (9yrs old) — he has learned so much being there. The instructors are great role models for the kids, they even ask them about how things are going with school, homework, etc.
The school feels very friendly and professional. Though my son learns well, I appreciate that they really let him take the time he needs to really learn the techniques before he is allowed to advance. This seems to be great for his self-​esteem. We are very pleased