Ernie Reyes West Coast Martial Arts

Ernie Reyes West Coast has surpassed my expectations. The morals taught have trasfered to all facets of my children’s live at school and at home. My son Is more focused. He got a perfect score on the state’s standardized test last month. And won his grades science fair. He is now going to district tomorrow. He has his black belt and is on the demo team. He is 9 yrs old. My daughter is testing for her black belt in June. I am constantly told that my kids are the best behaved kids they have seen.

My son and I joined about 1 month ago and honestly we can say this place is awesome. Very friendly staff and the teachers are awesome. You can tell they know what they’re doing. Highly recommended

This is the place to be if you want to learn self defense, but most importantly self discipline and RESPECT. I trained at WC Santa Clara for 7 years, and the staff members here are now family to me. When you walk into the facility, you are greeted by the best staff– from the receptionist to the martial arts instructors. Not only are you learning self-​defense, but you are also learning how to respect others and yourself.
The facility has gone through so many great physical changes, and it’s also close to some good food/​drink shops if you need to grab a bite after class.

If you want to learn martial arts, this is the place to go! I’ve been training here for quite a while and can definitely say that they have top notch instructors and really good curriculum. The style of martial arts here is not exactly focused on one style. Master Ernie Reyes want to create well rounded and diverse martial artists, so they start with teaching TKD basics, boxing, and self defense techniques, then move on to things like escrima, jiu-​jitsu grappling, and various MMA techniques. There is also regular sparring so students get to actually practice some fighting. I think all of that really does create diverse martial artists. The instructors here all have a lot of experience, especially the two head instructors masters Dave Medina and Donna Bernardi. Those two have been teaching for so long, and really push the students to be the best they can be. Beyond martial arts they teach gymnastics for kids, and do cardio kickboxing for adults, both of which are really incredible to participate in. Lastly the atmosphere here is fantastic; I sometimes like to just go there, hang out, and practice on my own for fun too. Again, this is the place to go to learn how to defend yourself and really getting a great workout too!

Outstanding Martial Arts in a welcoming atmosphere. with high level of training in a family atmosphere. My son Kekoa has trained here since he was 4 and since then he has made Martial Arts his passion. I am a proud parent and glad my wife and I made the decision for our son be apart of something awesome. Someday my son will be a black belt in class but forever he will be a black belt in life PURSUIT OF MASTERY!!!

This review is for cardio KickBoxing.
the class it self is just OK. it is kind of boring since they dont change the exercises too much. each class is more or less the same.
I used to go on Monday evening and saturday morning. On saturday it felt like whoever instructor was available is coming and doesnt really wanna better but has to since it is his turn. kind of lamwe.
the price is too high for what you get. It costs 49 $ a month, while in other gyms with group exercises you get so much more for less money.
The girl in the reception *at least on Mondays evening) is really not nice.
you have to sign for at least 3 months before you can cancel.
Would not recommend! there are gyms that have cardio kickboxing in the group exercises — you pay less a month and get cardio kickboxing and all the facilities of the gym.

First, I’ve been here as both a kid and adult, and have plenty of years of experience here (around 7).
First read up on «mcdojo faq» as I will tailor this for that.
OK so like people said already, this place is expensive. First of all, they lock you into a one year contract, and they charge you for every little thing. They have multiple programs: standard, Black Belt Club, and XPT. Each is more expensive than the previous. However, if you want access to unlimited classes, and some extra curriculum such as weapon training, you gotta get XPT.
The belt progression is OK. There is a schedule for testing, but it is not too quick. So that is good. There are also requirements to test. There is a curriculum in place, and there will be times when the instructor will pull you aside toward the end of class and you demonstrate to him that you have part of the curriculum down. Once you show that you can meet all the requirements for the belt at a good level they will let you test for the next belt. The instructors can be a little lenient on their evaluations though. So testing isn’t quite mcdojo status, but it could be a bit tougher. To get the black belt I believe it takes an average of 5 years. And the test is difficult, and there is a lot of conditioning and required extra training. anyone can pass the test if they put in some effort. You will not quite be at the level of a real traditional black belt, but you will feel good about yourself.
So what do you learn? I’ll say this first, there is a BIG lack of sparring! It happens, but it’s just too rare. When we do spar, full gear is required, and it’s point sparring. I don’t think they allow shots to the head, but other than that, you are in full gear so you can punch and kick as hard as you want. So sparring is at mcdojo status sadly. OK, the curriculum isn’t just taekwondo. There are boxing patterns, PLENTY of grappling, knife defense, forms, stick fighting patterns (you do actually fight with the sticks), and for people part of the XPT programs you also learn various weapons such as the bo staff. Of course you don’t actually fight with them but rather learn techniques and forms. Also XPT there is tumbling which is mostly for kids (since they are in the prime of their life for learning this stuff), but I don’t believe there is an actual age limit. The tumbling is actually really cool, and the kids that learn things like aerials, butterfly/​butterfly twist, corkscrews, back handsprings, etc. are actually really awesome. They only have tumbling once of twice a week, so there is not enough of it to actually learn the stuff though, and it will take a LONG time at the teaching pace. There are students that are proactive and will actually practice some things on their own or with friends in an empty spot in the studio, and without the crash pads, and those students are part of a small impressive bunch. So there is a lot of stuff you can learn, but is it actually «watered down»? I say sort of. You learn it all at a level that is acceptable. It’s at a level where anyone can do it, BUT the instructors do try to push you to be better.
Instructors range from younger 2^nd degrees (they most teach kids though), to Ernie Reyes himself. Mostly the classes are taught by a few sixth degrees that actually do have lots of experience. All the head instructors really know what they are doing, great teachers, and above mcdojo status. Ernie is definitely very qualified to be a master. While he doesn’t usually take over teaching completely, when he does he is hard. Much more than the rest of the staff, he GREATLY stresses the technique and details. If he sees that you are not pushing yourself to your limit, he will get VERY serious with you. He can be a bit scary, but he is great.
Conclusion:
This place can definitely be considered a mcdojo for it’s business practices, belt progression, and difficulty, but instructors are great, and the curriculum is good for anyone (although that could be considered mcdojo status too since a real black belt must be in top physical condition, etc).
Adults looking to learn real TKD, look elsewhere
Adults looking to be more active, this place is great for that, BUT take a look at the price, and check out the classes and decide for yourself if it’s worth it.
For kids, this place is wonderful for building confidence, punching things, and it’s just an all around great environment for them after school. However, take their belt rank with a grain of salt (but don’t tell them it’s meaningless, that will ruin confidence). I HIGHLY recommend it for them.
I definitely consider this place for the most part a mcdojo, and it’s sad to learn that after so many years my rank is somewhat invalid, but it’s a good community, great excessive, and I guess in the end, you do learn how to defend yourself. I don’t think mcdojos should be supported since they ruin the tradition of martial arts, but check this place out for yourself and decide is it what you want.

The energy here is palpable.
My son has been attending classes here for two months now and he absolutely loves it. He used to take karate classes at his elementary school but that didn’t prepare him for the awesomeness of this school. West Coast monthly fees are higher than his other school but the skills and discipline that he’s learned so far are unmatched.
He has so much fun… it’s also evident that his friends here feel the same way.
I would absolutely recommend West Coast to my friends. They’re committed to teaching your children Black Belt Excellence!

My kids and I have been coming to this location for the past 4 years. I love everything about this place but if I had to narrow it down I would pick 3 things:
1. Martial arts program. This studio teaches mixed Martial Arts techniques, which give a solid base for future growth. On top of that, there is a big emphasis on respect, focus, commitment, and other skills/​traits of character that kids and adults could benefit from in every day lives.
2. Instructors are amazing!!! No student is left behind. Everyone gets the proper attention and training they need to get ahead. At the same time, no freebies are handed out. You need to work hard and deserve to move to the next level.
3. Friendly front desk ladies. This studio is always busy. So many people coming in an out all the time. So many parents having questions, needing to buy gear and considering all the pressure and hassle, you always get a courteous, friendly and attentive service from all of the front desk ladies. Most of the time you speak with Irene and she’s been so patient and nice with all of us, it really amazes me how she can keep her cool.
It is such a great pleasure to be part of the West Coast Martial Arts family. Thank you to everyone who makes it such a great place!

The only good instructors are/​were KJN Donna, Dave and Brian. They are professional and teach well, but they don’t teach real martial arts. Even as a black belt, their moves are simple and you can’t apply them to real world. My son went here and became a second degree black belt. All they care about is the money. There are a few instructors who really care but Ernie Reyes is just about the money. He’s very favoring of his kids only and doesn’t really give other students, even if they are better than his children, a chance. The instructor’s children who roam around daily and also do karate are bullies and bully other children in the studio. It’s very «clique“y and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. There are far better karate studios. Even during the tournaments, Ernie Reyes’s kid’s always win first place. Yes, sometimes they might deserve it, but other times, they really don’t. Most of the events that they host is just for the money. They’re material isn’t that good and they don’t really teach properly. Because it was the closest martial arts school to my house, I admitted my son there. Even he complained of Ernie’s kids and some of the other world action team kids bullying and belittling him. I was very disappointed in this. If you want your children to have a positive experience, go elsewhere. Take it from someone who’s been with the school for 7 years and regretted every penny wasted.

My daughter has been going for about 4 months and is already a green belt. I just started and soon will be an Orange belt. The people that work there are so nice and they are always on time. Irene the front desk receptionist is very nice and never rude. I love her. I feel that Karate, Tao Kwon do or any other school like this you will need to pay moneyyy. To me what I am paying is worth it. My daughter and I are learning how to defend ourselves from dangerous people.

I started with Santa Clara WCWMA about 3 ½ years ago… I started by taking a cardio kickboxing class after my good friend had been nagging at me for months to go with her. About a week later I saw some adults in karate uniforms getting ready to take a class, so on a whim i asked the front desk about the karate classes for adults…
I will say hands down that asking that question was one of the best things I could’ve done, it changed my life and has made me a better person all around.
The curriculum is very well rounded and the instructors at this dojo are without a doubt the very best of the entire association. We are lucky to have Master Reyes himself frequently visit, teach and lead our classes.
Master Ernie Reyes, Sr. is one of the most inspiring people I have ever had the opportunity to meet. I think anyone who watches, listens and learns from him would have no choice but to feel inspired to get up and do something great for themselves, the lessons resonate both physically and mentally.
I’m a 35+ yr old career woman with a full time + job here in the valley, 5 years ago if you’d have told me I’d have earned my black belt in martial arts by now, I’d have probably laughed at you… Yet, here I am, incredibly proud to be a part of one of the most positive associations I’ve ever known.
If you’ve been contemplating coming to the dojo and checking it out, I encourage you to take the initiative now! I guarantee you’ll find it a positive experience for all aspects of your life.

This review is for Kardio Kickboxing only.
If you’re looking for a good «kick your butt» kickboxing workout, this is the place for you :) It isn’t a froufrou gym, but you do get to workout to Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, which always puts a big grin on my face! Don’t mistake the fun music though — this workout is intense!
All ages and levels come to Kardio Kickboxing. It really is a go at your own pace class, but be prepared to push yourself… your workout is what you make of it!
For $ 49/​month, you get unlimited kickboxing classes. The schedule is Monday — Thursday at 7pm and Saturday mornings at 9am. The workouts are roughly 45 minutes with approximately 35 – 40 minutes of cardio and 5 – 10 minutes of floor work. When you sign up, you are committing yourself to 3 consecutive months. After that, you may cancel or continue.
Be sure to arrive a few minutes early in the evenings to find a place to park. They have a private lot that they share with a few other businesses, but it can get crowded.
Feel free to come a few minutes early and sign up to try the class for free. After the class, they will call your name and ask you if you would like to sign up.

Credit card Karate that’s what it is. And its not even karate its Tae Kwon Do. But I do agree with Bino B. Its all about the money. My son earned a black belt from this place after 4 years of paying $ 180 a month and its not even a real black belt. His black belt is only recognized in his westcoast organization nowhere else. He now goes to a different school now but was bumped down to a red belt because his ability was not up to his new masters standards. So if you want a real blackbelt go somewhere else but if you want it fast and easy go here and PAY PAY

I’ve totally disappointed the way they handle their business!
It’s all about money rather than Martial arts discipline.
Let me tell you how…
My son signed up. First there will be no registration fees and 1 free month BUT they will tied you up for 6 months, therefore you pay $ 130 a month for 5 months. Thrice a week for 45 mins.
After 2 months, they will ask you to require to join the XPT or BBC to
continue to achieve black belt… it’s $ 200 one time registration fees OUCH! (this is already 50% off, $ 400 if you miss the deadline)
then for XPT you need to pay $ 180 a month and become unlimited…
Plus the mandatory sparring gear for $ 280 (If you searched these gear online you can get it for $ 100 shh!)
This is in top of weekly activities such as $ 25 belts, $ 5/​boards, $ 20 shirts, $$ competitions and activities…
Of course, parents did not know that they usually psychologically brainwash these children by saying the mottos, demonstrate the XPT’s moves and even my son sitting out because you dont have sparring gears and others do and let the 45 mins. go by.
Well, if you have spare money to spend this is for you else your just
standard earning Dad like me that you only like your son to know the self defense I suggest go find somewhere else that worth the money…
One star for all the instructors, their all awesome. Especially Medina:)
Even sometimes the ratio of student is 1:15 or 1:20
Additional one star for their programs and good lessons.
Now i do understand why their motto is «Never ending commitment to payment every month Sir…» and why children shouting ‘Pay’ :)
I really hope that they have program that not expensive.
They are loosing GOOD STUDENT who’s very interested with Martial arts.

Always late, say the teach discipline but do not show by example. They are always late.

Awesome people!
My daughter went there, myself as well, and after they incorporated Cardio Kickboxing, well I signed up.
I miss two of my favorite instructors from a looong time ago.
Expensive, yes, but it’s worth your money if you do it for the long haul.
Thanks Ernie Reyes and Staff!