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When we moved to Millbrae in 2020, we enrolled Markus in the One Martial Arts afterschool program, and the experience has exceeded our expectations in every way.
As working parents, we truly appreciate the safe, supportive environment where our child can stay active and learn valuable skills. The afterschool schedule is well-organized, and they align closely with the school district’s calendar, including minimum days and parent-teacher conference weeks with early pickups. Time is thoughtfully allocated for homework, snacks, and physical activity.
The instructors are highly skilled, patient, and genuinely invested in the personal development of each student.
What sets this program apart is its perfect balance between structure and fun. Beyond physical training, it emphasizes essential life values such as responsibility and personal growth.
We highly recommend this program to any parent looking for a well-rounded, enriching afterschool option that goes beyond basic childcare. It’s not just martial arts—it’s character development in action.
One marital art's instructors are strict, encouraging and often times very positive. Some students have different personalities and abilities, the instructors are generally very patient with the children. They teach kids good characters which is very important to our community. My son can be stubborn and easy to lose tempers. This class gives him a sense of the importance of discipline and sense of community building.
Staff is excellent. Facility is always clean and ready for the kids for after school and their karate and fitness classes. They are great with the kids and teach not only martial arts, but also instill confidence in our kids. Highly recommend.
One martial arts is a well-known establishment in the community. The dojo itself is very organized and clean. It's a great place for your kids to train, learn, and socialize with others. I tried out the excellent kids class with my 5 year old and it was engaging. The instructors definitely know what they are doing. Although my schedule doesn't work with the current classes, I can definitely see my son here in the near future. Thank you One Martial Arts!
My son has enjoyed summer camp at One Martial! He has gone when he was 6- and 7-years old. Throughout the year, he talks about how fun it was and asks when he can go again. The counselors are engaging, make sure the kids have a great time, and the lead instructor had great communication (including, sending photos of my kiddo) and really connected with each camper. The price is very reasonable, and the hours great! We are so happy with One Martials Arts!
It was still during covid when we had to look for an afterschool program for our son. Our main requirements were safety, cleanliness (hygiene) and physical activities. We visited a few different school/program at the time and only One Martial Arts fulfill all our requirements.
Our son has been attending One Martial Arts afterschool program since then and we still love it. The afterschool teachers take great care of all the students, making sure all students get pick up at their respective school and bringing them to the studio safety. Teachers always encourage the students to participate in different physical activities so they are not constantly stuck sitting on a chair.
We never once doubted our decision to enroll our son at One Martial Arts.
Very inclusive class teaching all the basics of being a good person discipline for my 3 year old. They are very invested in your child's growth. When we miss classes because of sickness. We receive a postcard in the mailbox saying they miss us and hope to see us soon. It’s a very nice touch that shows they care that we are in class.
Both my kinder and 2nd grader are enrolled in afterschool care, which includes two classes/week. We are very happy with their afterschool care and the girls love their instructors. We like that they teach kids about life skills such as being respectful and listening.
Starting a martial art as an adult is intimidating. Especially early on, you see kids (teens in this case) who are a lot more experienced, and they're generally faster to memorize the new patterns. But being an adult also provides me with a different perspective and more of a willingness to engage with the details and subtleties of the techniques we learn.
Happily, OMA is a great environment for that. Even in a mixed teen/adult class, they take the time to engage with my nerdy questions about not just "what" but "why." I look forward to classes each week, knowing that I will have a chance to challenge myself and learn something new.
As someone who is generally fit but not naturally a great athlete, I appreciate the support and encouragement of the OMA staff. They foster a positive atmosphere to help everyone reach their own potential.
I'll admit that some of the very early lessons can feel pretty slow as an adult; they're designed so that even very young children can digest them. But even those are an important learning opportunity: They provide an opportunity to focus on establishing good habits with, for example, footwork early on.
I'm very happy I took a chance on starting lessons here. Having recently reached the black belt class, I've been excited to start learning the wider variety of techniques that come with that level.
One Martial Arts is truly an exceptional place to train, grow, and be a part of a supportive family.
From the moment you walk in, you can feel the positive energy and passion that Professor Brannon Beliso, and all the instructors bring to class. They do an amazing job of balancing discipline, learning, and life lessons beyond Karate.
Our daughter has been attending classes since she was 4 years old and is on track to achieving her Black Belt before reaching High School.
Instructor Brannon is such a gem! He is so dedicated, focused and wise. We started the Excellent Kids 3-5, and both my husband and I even learn so much. It is a great parent child activity and it helps build in a focus for our family to continue to reinforce throughout the week! Highly recommend One Martial Arts for afterschool or weekend kids' activities!
My son has been doing the Excellent Kids program for two months now and he absolutely loves it. The teachers are wonderful with the kids and I really like that they focus on both physical activity and respect/manners/discipline in the kids’ behavior. It has translated into an even better behaved kid at home.
Great place to develop defense skill. I referred some friends to join and they like the place. The instructors there did well to teach.
Great parties every holiday. We feel appreciated as part of OMA family. Leaning life skills and keep kids away from screens.
Love this place! My little brother has so much fun here, and learns a lot too! Definitely recommend this place! Family friendly and the staff is amazing!
This place is amazing my son loves it here! The whole team is fun and great! We love coming here and will be part of the school!
My kids love coming here to do martial arts . We definitely recommend to friends and family . Great family business
This place is amazing! It's fun and engaging! They are super inclusive! The teachers have all been wonderful and I have learned a lot here at OneMartial.
Love this martial arts studio! They teach so much more than karate - respect, Self-worth, and commitment to name a few!
The best family fitness spot in the city! Your mind, body, and heart will thank you for checking them out.
My son studied karate with Professor Beliso for about 14 years. His patience and encouragement was instrumental in shaping our son, who ultimately reached black belt. I appreciated the life lessons that went along with every lesson - basic values that encourage a person to work hard, be honest, and stay humble. Life lessons for everyone.
It's a great place for your family members to learn self-discipline, focus, respect, and self-defense. My son attended here for over 10 years and graduated with a black belt! I highly recommend this business.
Brannon Beliso is among the most skilled and inspiring martial arts instructors I have come to know. I’ve been affiliated with Brannon’s organization, off and on, as a practitioner since the early 1990’s with satisfying results. If you are looking for structure, guidance and motivation, there isn’t a more suitable facility than One Martial Arts.
A great martial arts studio keeping kids and adults in shape on Taraval for decades! One of the best!
IMHO, One Martial Arts is about much more than martial arts. Brannon and his team truly encourage adults and children to learn, grow, and develop core life skills as part of the way One Martial Arts teaches martial arts. I highly recommend this establishment. Being part of the One Martial Arts experience helped make me a better person.
There are two OMA locations, one in SF and the other in Millbrae. My oldest just earned her black belt and this is her proudest accomplishment yet. Brannon Beliso is an amazing and inspiring teacher/coach/business owner and the other instructors are absolutely dedicated to helping all the kids learn, develop and grow in every way possible. We are beyond fortunate to have found this martial arts studio for it is the best investment yet for our daughters to not only learn karate but other critical life skills and values to do their best and gain confidence while having fun in a caring, supportive and safe learning environment.
One martial arts is an amazing place. While it’s great to learn karate more than anything is the life lessons, the incredible staff and how much fun my girls have. It teaches them discipline, respect and much more. Cannot recommend it highly enough
Really great karate program for kids! They not only tech them martial arts but also organize plenty of family activities, like this one for Halloween 🎃
OMA SF feels like our second Family
Great instructors. Really good for kids and Adults.
My family LOVES OMA San Francisco! The sifus and staff are amazingly patient, dedicated, and skilled. The classes are structured well with attention to life skills and themes, and their family-oriented events are fun community building!
We love One Martial art! The way they are teaching kids with respect, kindness, discipline are very important!
Thank you!
My son has been doing the Excellent Kids program for two months now and he absolutely loves it. The teachers are wonderful with the kids and I really like that they focus on both physical activity and respect/manners/discipline in the kids' behavior. It has translated into an even better behaved kid at home.
We couldn’t be happier with OneMartial Arts! Our child absolutely loves going to class, and we’ve seen a huge boost in confidence, focus, and discipline since they started. The instructors are incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. They make learning martial arts both fun and engaging, while also instilling valuable life skills.
The number ONE Martial Arts 🥋 the best school in SF, from the staff to the teachers, my 3yo kid loves coming here, and the program “Excellence Kids” is one of the best out there; you have to take the class with your toddler, and it has been so fun
My child absolutely loves this karate class! The instructors are amazing with kids—super patient, encouraging, and always make learning fun. My child has gained so much confidence and looks forward to each class with excitement. The perfect mix of discipline and enjoyment! Highly recommend to any parent looking for a positive, engaging activity for their kid!
Dear Caryn,
I wanted to follow up to tell you how much fun we had today. The team at the Millbrae location is truly exceptional. This was the best organized event we have ever had for a birthday, and my family is grateful to the team for making everything run so smoothly. From set up, to decorations, to the variety of activities, to cleanup, the team executed flawlessly.
My son had an amazing time, and so did the guests.
Thank you again!
Sofia
This is my favorite martial arts studio. The owner is an amazing man and all the instructors are great as well. My son has been going there for a few years now and I love it.
They have badges for things such as balance, discipline, and respect that the kids can earn and they get stripes on there belts. They even have fun parties. It’s an awesome place.
I love coming here for the kickboxing classes every Tuesday and Thursday! They're so welcoming and really made it easy for me to sign up after the first class. Such a good cardio kickboxing workout - exactly what I need!
ONE Martial Arts has been an amazing program to our daughter.
She has learned a lot from the helpful and friendly staff through the summer camps and Kata classes.
We can tell a significant difference in her performance at home and the way she interacts with her peers. I definitely recommend this program to those who are thinking of joining.
Our son has built up incredible confidence, focus, and physical strength at One Martial Arts. They have become part of our village.
My 8-yr old attended the summer camp for the first time and he loved it! He was proud when he came home after the first day and broke his first board. It’s a good mix of physical activity and crafts, indoor and outdoor. I really appreciate the flexible drop off and pick up times to work around our busy schedules. Will definitely send him again next summer!
One Martial Arts is amazing. The staff here are amazing and provide stellar support. Initially when we started classes here we were under the assumption that this would be only for summer but my son has enjoyed his classes so much that we decided to go for a full year and longer. My son started off as being shy and could be full of energy, as any other 6 year old could be, but now he has learned much self control as well as more confidence and independence. He is excited to go to classes and even is upset when he misses a class. I am grateful for the life lessons being taught here. Important life values such as respect, responsibility, and much more. I am excited to see my son grow as he continues here with OMA.
My 10 YR old Son has been attending Karate at One Martial Arts at their Millbrae location now for 3 years. The Teachers and All the Staff are phenomenal!! My Son loves Karate and he Excels here, and in school and I know One Martial Arts is to be praised for their Strength in promoting Strong Values, Lessons for Life, and Giving Lots of Fun to All who Attend. Thank You One Martial Arts, Karen
My son has been enjoying his classes here at One Martial Arts. The instructors make the curriculum age appropriate and fun for the kids and parents are also very actively involved, which makes it more engaging for the child as well. There is a good balance of both physical movement as well as teaching the kids the skills to be calm and more focused. These were all reasons why I wanted to enroll my son here as he generally has very chaotic energy and needs an activity that can allow him to burn off some of that energy while still learning the life lessons of good behavior and having discipline.
Just wanted to say a quick thank you to the One Martial Arts team, the community & Professor Beliso for creating this incredible place for our kids to flourish. We've been part of the community for 14 years now and the work you do is commendable. So thank you for encouraging us ALL to live our best life!
It is not just a place to learn Martial Arts, it is a place where all of the lessons are taught around real life. We don't leave the teachings at the school, we take them home, to school, and to work. My favorite part is joining my grandson on the floor at the end of class and helping him earn his badge. Thank you Professor and dynamite staff!
This review is for the birthday party that we had on 3/10/19 for my daughter's 5th birthday at One Martial Arts SF. If to say in a few words: It was AWESOME!!!!!!
It definitely exceeded my expectations. First of all, It was very well organized. They did such a great job decorating the party room with themed balloons and the customized birthday banner. Even water bottles had a theme label on them! Second, the staff was very friendly, attentive and engaging to all kids. I was pleasantly surprised how many staff members they had present for the party. The games were really fun and entertaining, like dodge ball, zombie tag etc. and of course the favorite of them all - the breaking board part :)
Very well done!!!
Best martial arts program for kids out there. Smart combination or fitness, fun, and good behavior training. Staff is super knowledgeable, friendly, and happily focused on the kids well being. Amazing program, with great extras for parents. Super clean and organized environment. Our 4 years old boy loves it. Extremely recommended.
My son had his 7th birthday party at One Martial Arts and we had the best experience. The staff was very prompt, organized, friendly to all our guest. They decorated the room beautifully and provided structured games and activities for all the kids. Not to mention the studio is always so clean and a positive atmosphere. I would recommend anybody to have their birthday party here!!!
Sent my son to their summer camp for a week. It was awesome!...they have a clean place, friendly staff and my son had a great time. It is right down the street from my work so it was awesome that I could pick him up for lunch easily.
What an amazing place to celebrate your child's birthday. From booking to planning, they are extremely helpful! The set up was amazing we had customized banner & water bottles! K'waun was awesome in helping plan and get it all together...all we had to do was show up with food/goodie bag for our guests! By the way this was our 5th time here...each and every time we have had a bday here everyone is great with kids, super friendly/welcoming & really goes above/beyond to make sure your children have a great time. What's even better, you'll get exhausted kids and an exercise session for them. Their dojo is also always immaculate as well! A+ I would recommend for anyone wanting to do any themed party, we chose Godzilla, which was very hard, but the dinosaur substitute they chose was just as cool & matched our goodies! Thank you for making it such a special day for us!!
My daughter started Excellent Kids here a few years ago and moved up to youth karate last year. She loves it! She has gained so much confidence and has learned so much respect toward others as well. The instructors are all terrific people and really put the time into helping their students learn and become the best at what they do. Highly recommend this school!
The entire staff is amazing! Everyone honestly cares for each child and teaches them the way they learn best. Both our boys love coming and adore all the instructors
My son had been attending for almost 1 yr.
although we have encountered some challenges with my sons ability to have constant focus in class the staff is always kind and patient. They are full of encouragement and a positive attitude. We love one martial arts and all the advice and life skills they have provided for our family.
BTW they also offer a FREE parent night once a month. Yes. You can eat dinner at a restaurant without your kids .. That alone is worth it.
Heart rate up, getting my sweat on, my muscles worked, thinking of people I'd love to punch in the face as I get my upper cuts and hooks on the bag, it can't get better than this! All the teachers are good and I love Saturdays because that's where I feel I really get my sweat on!
This is a world class establishment that really cares about their clients. You feel like family. I started with the virtual kickboxing classes during the start of Shelter in place and it has helped me overcome my post partum depression and has given me something to look forward to in my daily routine. The teachers, Brannon, Kim, Sophia, Annabel, etc really motivate you and encourage you to live your best life! If I can give more that 5 stars I would! I can't wait for my 9 month old son to be old enough to join classes as well one day! Thank you for all that you've done for the community especially right now that we need more positivity in the world.
BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER!!!
We had our daughter's birthday party here and it was amazing! They decorate using a theme of your choice, and the party room looked like an ad for Party City. Even the water bottles were on theme! It was such a nice place to have a snack and then cake, and each kid got a helium balloon.
The best part were the activities led by the One Martial Arts instructors. A team of three instructors leads kids and parents through age appropriate activities, and even the youngest guests had fun. There were relay races and everyone was a winner. At the end, every child got to do a karate kick and break a plywood board.
All of our parent friends were gushing about how amazing the party was, yet for us as hosts it was a breeze! The One Martial Arts team took care of everything and we were truly able to enjoy our daughter's party.
While we haven't been enrolled in a class just yet, we have attended the community free events for the past few months and my daughter has LOVED it. The staff is kind and encouraging and the facility is clean.
I love how they practice what they teach and really focus on building confidence and kindness along with physical fitness.
We will certainly find a spot in our schedule to enroll my daughter in a weekly class.
One Martial Arts teaches discipline and builds self-confidence, which is essential for developing social skills. My son loves it and can’t wait to be black belt !!
I would definitely recommend One Martial Arts to anyone who has a child. Professor Beliso not only teaches martial arts, but also teaches life skills that our children need to protect themselves and to be better people in general. The classes teach children how to build their confidence, how to use manners, treat others with respect, and how to live their best life. My son is 4 years old and has been enrolled in their classes for about two months now. I can honestly say that this is one of the best decisions we have ever made. He is learning so much while being reinforced to try his best. The skills have translated in his home life as he is focused and disciplined in the house, always wanting to help out, while treating others with respect. If you are considering enrolling your child into a martial arts, One Martial Art would be the best choice and one of the best decisions you can make. I promise you will not regret it.
We've been coming to OMA in SF for the past 5 years and what can I say - everyone here has started to feel like family! Their methods - while less "traditional" than what I thought karate would be, have come to impress me with the outcomes I see in my boys! My boys (9 and 6) are consistently improving their focus and confidence.
We love OMA! They have a wonderful program with weekly themed lessons created by Prof. Beliso. Our daughter is learning about self-confidence, focus, and discipline.
Our son has built up incredible confidence, focus, and physical strength at One Martial Arts. They have become part of our village.
I can't say enough good things about OMA. From the instructors competency to the mission of OMA itself, this is a bright spot in so many lives. They truly want every student to succeed and do their best to help not only with the physical aspect, but with the important life lessons along the way that are essential to understand in order to live your best life. All of this, but at the same time they maintain high standards - so important in an age where everyone gets a trophy and so often the hard work and disappointment are overlooked or brushed aside.
Over the years, as I was observing the class and overhearing what the instructors were saying I wanted to jump up and cheer. They ask: What does it mean to be responsible? What does it mean to have discipline? How can you show your family that you appreciate what they do for you?
I have come to see OMA as a partner on my son's path to achieve everything he is able to achieve.
My son gets so excited to go to summer camp every day! This camp is a great mixture of outdoor and Indoor activities. He is so proud to come home with a new patch everyday, & breaking a board on his first day! I would recommend this great camp to anyone and my son will definitely be going back next year for summer camp!
My son has been at One Martial Arts for over 8 years and just recently earned his black belt with them, and I can't say enough about how amazing OMA is! We compared different martial arts studios initially and we liked the fact that OMA focuses on the whole child, not just earning belts. During every lesson the kids learn about values such as perserverance, family, hard work, etc. and are taught to live their best life. Over time, these messages really do pay off - I can see the positive impact that OMA has had on my son in everything he does, from school to music lessons to other sports. They also offer classes at multiple times, which is great for busy families, and have summer camps, parents' nights out, birthday parties, and a whole range of services that we used at different ages. The owners and staff are incredibly community oriented, and the instructors are amazing role models, very caring, and push kids to do their best. I really liked how as they kids got older, the instructors were still supportive but expected the kids to be more responsible for practicing and being ready for class. OMA is an absolute treasure for San Francisco famlies, and I highly recommend them!
One Martial Arts has been an important part of my(now 16 year old) son's life since he was 4 years old. He was a camper, a karate student, a junior counselor and now a counselor and after school helper. It has shaped his view of himself and his place in the world. It has made him more confident and responsible in all he does. Most importantly, it has helped him immensely with his focus-which is a huge issue for a child with ADHD. I can't say enough good things about the amazing instructors and the supportive environment. Send your children here...you will be amazed at the impact!
We love One Martial Arts. I’ve been doing the virtual kickboxing classes when my schedule allows and I always get a great workout! My son has been signed up for a few months now for the Karate (outdoors) and it has been so helpful for us through this pandemic in getting him outside, moving, learning a new skill and connecting with other kids and grown ups. Thank you!
I highly recommend kickboxing at OMA. I've been doing this virtual workout for a year now. It has been a fun way to stay in shape from the safety of my home during the pandemic. There are classes spread throughout the day making it easy to find a time that works. You can do the workout with or without a bag. Both ways are fun and a great workout. Lots of cardio mixed with strength training. All the instructors are great and make it fun. If you want to be part of an encouraging fitness community, sweat, and have fun, try One Martial Arts.
My teenage son has been taking Karate lessons at OMA since summer. He has embraced martial arts like no other sport or activity he's ever been involved with. He especially loves one to one instruction with his favorite instructor, Professor Brannon Beliso. OMA has a flexible schedule with many options both indoor and outdoor for all levels. OMA also gives back to the community in countless ways through free events for kids and donations to schools and non profits.
Great place to learn and get fit! Best kickboxing instructors in the Bay Area! Even throughout the pandemic, their team continues to challenge you to always do your best virtually and in person. I feel stronger and motivated after each workout. The kids programs are also top notch. Kids learn basic life skills through martial arts such as family, discipline, and respect. Added bonus are the private birthday party rentals available. My family loves OMA!
My daughter has been doing karate at One Martial Arts for almost 6 years. It has been a wonderful experience for her. The staff is professional yet caring. The owners are very hands-on and always around to greet you and check-in with your child. One Martial Arts is more than a martial arts studio, they become family.
My son is currently attending the Distance Learning Camp, and he enjoys attending every week. OMA's staff are professional and great at communication. The place is very clean and safe for kids to learn, play and have social interaction with one another. My son loves Karate lessons together with life skills. I would recommend this place since it provides excellent programs for kids!
I have had my children go to One Martial Arts for several years for a variety of events like birthday parties, parent’s night out, baseball/soccer team parties, lessons and after school camps. Each time we were impressed by how welcoming, professional and organized the facility is for a place often filled with kids and adults. My kids enjoyed themselves so much there and I really liked how the staff seemed to really connect to each child making it a memorable experience. My kids never viewed going to One Martial Arts as a burden, but instead as a reward or treat. Fair pricing and great customer service. Highly recommend them!
When I moved to the Bay Area I tried so many different martial arts/boxing studios looking for something that still held true to boxing but also was a good workout. One Martial Arts was that and so much more. All of the staff are so friendly and kind. The classes seemed to fly by since they are engaging & challenging. They also have great kids programs.
My 6 year old daughter has been attending OMA for the past couple months. She absolutely loves it here. Each class is themed with a life lesson (ie. Teamwork, Respect) that I as a parent I can appreciate. Not only is she learning self defense, she's having a blast doing so. We've had the opportunity to cycle through the various teachers and they are all excellent.
My family has been going to One Martial Arts for nearly 10 years. It has been a terrific experience. As someone who has practiced martial arts from an early age, One Martial Arts is one of the top of the schools that I have attended. The instructors are technically precise and incredibly patient. I would recommend One Martial Arts in a heartbeat.
My now 9 year old has been a student for the last 4 years or so, and my wife and I are continually impressed by this school. They are extremely good at connecting with the kids, both in the context of making the classes fun, and showing them how the skills being taught apply to real life. There's a clear emphasis on "life skills" like Respect, Manners, Focus, Effort, etc. while the actual martial arts come along for the ride. There's also incredible attention to detail as well, in terms of being very quick to learn, remember and use kids' names, excellent communication with parents and students outside of the classroom. We'll occasionally get a postcard or email from them celebrating a specific child achievement, birthday or other milestone, and it shows they are really focused on delivering an excellent experience.
We absolutely love OMA! The instructors really care, the place is kept clean and it has a very positive vibe!
My Son started about 3 months ago and Now can see the difference, He's doing great and getting stronger. He really enjoy every single class. Great Job One martial arts
OMA is a great place to learn martial arts for both kids and adults. Highly recommend!
One Martial arts, is a great place for children not only for learn Martial arts, but life values that are important to grow up a respectful honorable caring person. My son has been taking classes for almost 4 years. He's learning and has so much fun there. We absolutely love One Martial arts.
I love this place! Great instructors and excellent curriculum. We are so grateful for this community and the opportunity for Trent to learn respect, practice, and discipline from them these last three years!
This karate school is AMAZING!! My 12 year old son just earned his 1st degree black belt and I am SO proud of him, but what's most impressive is how proud he is of himself. He's gained such confidence through professor's well structured program. A positive and nurturing environment with very dedicated instructors and staff to give your family a life changing experience!
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As a parent, I’ve come to understand that love is unconditional. There isn’t anything I would not do or give to my children. My wife and I have sacrificed to provide our children with the opportunities we never had. We strive to teach our children the joy that comes with the practice of gratitude, one […]
We recently held our quarterly black belt testing, a testament to the dedication and perseverance of our students. Each of them, who have been with us for at least four years, some as long as eight, demonstrated their growth and commitment. Witnessing our students’ remarkable growth and personal development was genuinely inspiring. The teaching staff […]
Today, we laid to rest our Uncle Rudy, my father’s youngest brother. He was my first superhero. My first memory of him was when he rode a motorcycle. He had a goatee and wore those cool biker shades. Instead of wearing a cape, Uncle Rudy wore cars: a vintage orange Chevy Nomad sedan and a […]
As parents, we experience many firsts with our children: their first step, birthday, and other cherished memories. We also share their first disappointment, exclusion, bullying, and other unfortunate things that can happen in life. Our paternal instinct is to shelter our children from every bad thing that could happen, but we realize that is impossible. […]
Time is an integral aspect of life. It helps to label and store an event in a catalog of memories. It is a way to measure the duration of an experience that impacts us. We often perceive time based on the past, present, and future. As parents, we see time in milestones of our children’s […]
Humans are capable of giving love at such infinite depths. We unselfishly serve those we love unconditionally and with great sacrifice. The love we have for our children is an example of this. We witness the miracle of love from the day they are born. It overwhelms us to tears, and there is nothing we […]
Every night at midnight, I quietly whisper to myself, “Happy New Year.” I celebrate it like most would traditionally in any given year. Saying it fills me with the excitement that everything is possible. It is an opportunity to live it better than the day before. I look forward to that time before midnight when […]
Dear Parents, It’s the season for giving. As loving parents, we understand that in a unique way. We give so much to our children throughout the year that every day could be Christmas. I see your faces on soccer fields and at basketball games. I know the prideful shout when our kids score the game-winning […]
The upcoming holidays represent three fundamental beliefs for me: Gratitude, hope, and love. Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude. Looking back at the past ten months of 2023, I am thankful for every blessing and challenge I am gifted with. Witnessing a world facing many hardships and difficulties, I wake up each day appreciating life. […]
As a martial arts instructor and father, I must be mindful of the difference when off the mat. It allows me to be a better dad at home and with all my kid’s activities. Martial artists will say martial arts is a way of life, and it is tough to separate the two. Having trained […]
Change is a constant in life. Our children offer us the best example of that. Each year of their growth offers us new milestones to celebrate and challenges to face together. Some days, we feel like the best parents in the world, right? On others, we are lost in inadequacy. I pre-frame this by sharing […]
As a father, the values of family, respect, and unconditional love are the foundation of my life. My wife and I humbly embrace the joys and challenges of raising a teen and pre-teen. On the best days, I feel like a better parent than my own. At my worst, I am indifferent to acting at […]
Happy Independence Day! We bbq, enjoy fireworks, and celebrate the holiday. As I partake in these activities, I can’t help but reflect. Freedom is not free. It comes with a price. It requires great sacrifice. People have died in pursuit and preservation of our liberty. They have stood with conviction and protest of what it […]
I am a writer. I am a storyteller. I create content from real-life experiences of pain, suffering, overcoming challenges, and learned experiences. I would never allow A.I. to take away from the writing experience. That process is a journey of self-discovery, healing, expression of the self, and so much more. I read these AI-generated writings, […]
Mentoring, for me, has always been about asking the right questions to inspire self-discovery. So many people fail in life and business because they do not want the accountability that comes with it. People seek a mentor because they have yet to discover their purpose in life. I say life because that is where living […]
The fortunate truth of owning and running a small business. I wake up each day and carry on a family tradition that has served tens of thousands of friends and families in San Francisco Bay Area communities for over 50 years. I am privileged to be an entrepreneur who can create and grow my wealth […]
The other day I walked into a local coffee shop to get my morning tea with my computer in hand. I needed to check my email and post a few things. I was absorbed with the task at hand. I picked up my tea, found a spot to work, and set about completing my tasks. […]
I am a student of self-improvement. It is a path to being a better version of myself. I wake up to each new day and strive to be a better husband, father, brother, friend, leader, and community servant. Why do I need to be a better version of myself? It is a fundamental human need […]
The law of attraction is powerful. The energy you put out is the energy you receive. You get what you give. There are so many cliche sayings like this because data has proven that they hold true over time. Misery loves company and holds as well, right? When someone says trouble always finds me, I […]
I find that an important part of my happiness is living from a “white belt” or “learning mindset. I’ve been practicing the martial arts for more than 50 years, and hold the rank of eighth-degree black belt, but have always believed the belt simply holds up my pants. I stand by the philosophy, “Always a […]
A smile and a positive attitude are the traits of a successful person. When we smile, we feel better and attract positive people into our lives. When we smile, the challenges we face will be easier. Exuding a positive attitude will inspire others. People will want to be around us. To create a positive attitude, […]
Dear friends and family, Welcome to Spring! I hope all of you are enjoying the break with your loved ones. At One Martial Arts, we are busy with our quarterly best testing and review and prepping for our Family Egg Hunt Celebration. Our purpose with everything we do is to help our friends and family […]
Mounting studies and data show that the increased depression in our youth have a direct correlation with social media use. The Seattle school district is suing social media companies because they now have data that prove it negatively impacts student’s learning. 1 out 3 girls who use Instagram have body image issues. And it was […]
Dear Friends & Family, Have you ever beaten yourself up mentally over something you believed that you did that was wrong? Or find yourself saying, “I am really good at beating myself up?” For me, this is a form of self-bullying. It is a habitual behavior that does not allow us to live our best […]
Dear friends and family, Happy New Year and welcome to 2023. As we reflect on the past year, we take stock of our learned experiences, memories created, goals achieved, and of course, our losses. We do so with a deep sense of gratitude and a humble heart. We are all one year older and hopefully […]
I have many war stories about times I have behaved inappropriately or made bad choices. But I don’t believe that is what is important to share here. I do know that whenever I was confronted about my actions and asked why I did what I did, my response was most likely, “I don’t know.” I […]
I remember the time my wife and I rushed our then 4-year-old son Brayden to the emergency room with a severe croup attack. While there, he stopped breathing and went Code Blue. His lips were blue; his eyes rolled back in his head; and his little body shook violently. I remember when the attending doctor […]
Dear friends ands families, At One Martial Arts, we define family as the most important part of our lives. We celebrate the value of it, in every class, life skills talk, community event, and offering we serve to our friends and families. The holidays are all about family and kinship. For those of us who […]
CHANGE is an absolute in life. It will happen whether we like it or not and it cannot be stopped. I personally choose to embrace the ebb and flow of change like a dear old friend no matter how challenging it may be. I welcome it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a […]
Every morning when I wake up, I lie there for several minutes in meditation. I breathe in and say to myself, “I am breathing.” I breath out and say, “I am grateful I get another day to live my best life.” Next, I go through a gratitude list to remind myself just how truly blessed […]
As parents and educators, my wife Kim and I are passionate about helping our children discover their unlimited potential. We believe that if we empower them with a skill set to be their very best, that one day they can create amazing lives for themselves and impact others. Our dream is to be able to […]
As human beings, one of our greatest assets and liabilities is our mindset. It is about cultivating a system of checks and balances to create the most optimal and consistent state of thinking and feeling. Easier said than done but very obtainable if you are present and fully aware of where your mindset is at […]
I can’t look at my kids when they are fourteen and say, “Please be ten again, I have time to spend with you now.” Time is our most precious commodity, and we should nurture and invest in it wisely. Every day that we wake, we understand our commitment to earning, in order to best provide […]
As parents, we share a collective purpose to giving our children the tools they need to one day create an amazing life. We humbly accept that they will be out in the world on their own and our influence will not be as impactful as it is today. We cultivate experiences to help our kids […]
Being a parent can be challenging. We give unconditionally and sacrifice so much to provide our children with all the opportunities to discover their best selves. We hope that every memory we create and share with them will show them just how amazing they truly are and can be. Often we stumble and fumble around […]
Happiness is a choice, and I choose to make it my purpose to learn, practice and master it. Do I have to work at it some days? Absolutely. Am I always happy? No. But I view being happy like any relationship I choose to be in. I take the good with the bad because I […]
Goals are important because they build your self-worth and help you to better your life. To achieve goals, you must be able to visualize them. As the saying goes, “If I can see it, I can be it.” Write down your goals. Divide them into three lists; “A”, “B” and “C.” The “A” list are daily […]
My earliest memories of the martial arts were as a five-year-old boy back in 1967. My father and a group of fellow martial artists trained in the basement below our apartment flat in San Francisco. I remember the ceiling being so low that when they trained, they frequently bumped their heads on the beams that supported […]