Valley Martial Arts Center - Sherman Oaks, California

Marlene H

My son has been going here for about 4 months. Valley Martial Arts is great with kids: They have a good combination of fun, (gentle) discipline, and learning. Consider Valley Martial Arts!

Simon Schnelle

Awesome place!

The place has sparked a love for martial arts in me. I started last summer and have since become a regular in Karate and Budoshin Ju-Jitsu. I've fallen in love with martial arts so much I now try places and styles all over the greater LA area. That being said, this place is one if not the best and where I keep going back to despite other options. Even though I also train in kickboxing at another studio I prioritize my training here first.

Lots of classes for all age groups and styles. I don't train in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu but I can tell you the instructors and students are great there and everyone has a great time. I train primarily in Shotokan Karate which is the most popular form of Karate in the world, taught by instructors who have experience competing in national and world tournaments and winning. Make no mistake, this is not a McDojo that is just glorified day-care like some other places. This place is the real deal where you or your children will learn real martial arts and how to fight proper. But, in a safe and controlled environment where injuries aren't that common. There are adults who train here in addition to having their own children train here. In all available styles, the instructors have also trained previously under some of the most influential people in these martial arts.

Budoshin is the other martial art I train in here which is a contemporary style of Japanese Ju-Jitsu, it is acknowledged officially by the Japanese Ju-Jitsu association. Unless you count Waza this martial art doesn't involve sparring and is the most self-defense focused martial art. This style focuses mainly on joint-locks and similar moves for non-lethal take downs, also moves that are prohibited in Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. Many techniques are controlled drills on compliant attackers. All this considered if we did do full on sparring people would actually get hurt so there is more control and no sparring. Things like eye-gouging is taught here that would obviously not be allowed or utilized in a competitive sport setting. Unlike BJJ and Karate this is only for teenagers and older, no pre-teens allowed.

There was a time where Kali was offered but was discontinued due to lack of interest. Kali is a Filipino martial art with a focus knife-flows, stick fighting, and in a nutshell, blade combatitives. If you are interested in it, the instructor Nick still teaches on Saturday's at North Hollywood park and you can meet him here since he is a student of BJJ.

Will Huang

Highly recommend the teachers at VMAC shotokan karate. Having gone through shotokan training growing up, I particularly value the lessons for my daughter beyond karate, which is discipline, perseverance, respect, resilience. Wonderful group of teachers.

tom vu

this place is like a 2nd home (because i’m here almost everyday). sensei’s are super nice and approachable and you can tell they really enjoy their craft. the best part? they hold the kids accountable and keep them disciplined… a mix of old-school and new school. if you’re on the fence of starting a martial art, this is a great place to start.

Ákos Rudas

Fantastic dojo, knowledgeable and kind instructors - I highly recommend it for any martial arts enthusiast or anyone who seeks to learn self defence. Great place for kids starting at age 4, adults, and seniors.

Geena Gurevich

I'm delighted to share a review of the karate classes my daughter attends. From her very first day at the Sherman Oaks location, she's come a long way, now proudly holding a blue belt.

Her success is a direct result of the excellent training she receives here. She even secured first place in a tournament just last year—an accomplishment we're truly proud of.

This school is exceptional, boasting dedicated karate instructors who provide not only karate skills but also valuable life lessons. It's been an incredible journey of growth for my daughter, both in her skills and self-confidence.

I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking quality karate classes. Many thanks to the amazing karate instructors John, Eiko and Taichiro who have guided my daughter to her blue belt achievement and tournament success.

Kristen Hu

Wonderful instructors and students!!! Really clean and nice facility with a great location and lots of parking (and right next to a gas station which is convenience for me who drives a lot lol). Class is always perfect size so it can be both personal and interactive. We practice a lot of sparring which is important. Highly recommend!!

Kerwin Garcia

First time trying Bjj and I couldn't feel more comfortable. My kids are enrolled as well and now we love it. Great environment, happy people and cool instructors that are happy to answer questions and teach you at your own pace. Happy to be part of the VMAC BJJ school.