Tandez Academy of Martial Arts

I've been coming to Tandez Academy for 8 months so far and I can't recommend it highly enough! I had been practising Karate for many years in many different places. When I moved to the Bay Area I wanted to try something different, with more practical application. I decided to pay a visit to Tandez Academy, best decision ever! Sifu Adrian Tandez not only masters all the disciplines he teaches but he also has a great ability to transmit them to his students. His teaching method is very effective, he is warm and you can tell that he truly cares about your development. Other instructors and senior students are also deeply involved in teaching and really help you advance with a lot of 1:1 time, especially when you are new to the practice. I also appreciate the great variety of disciplines available like Kali, Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, etc. It allows you to find your way and enjoy the path. I started attending classes two or three times a week, but I liked it so much that I'm now attending 6 days a week! In class, time flies... you not only learn a lot each time but there is also place for fun! Sifu Adrian Tandez has created a really welcoming environment, everyone is friendly and easygoing. I'm very satisfied because I notice very significant improvements in reflexes, coordination and awareness. Now I feel much more confident that I would know how to react in a real life situation. In summary, Tandez Academy is a great place to learn, exercise and also have fun!

I am about four months into my training at Tandez Academy and it has been a phenomenal experience so far. I always look forward to coming to classes and being challenged but supported in my goals of physical fitness, martial arts skills, and overall self-improvement. It is a marvel to see just how knowledgeable and skilled Sifu Adrian Tandez and his senior students are. They say that great students are made by great teachers; Sifu Adrian's martial arts lineage tracing directly back to Guro Dan Inosanto, therefore this martial arts academy sets a high standard of quality instruction. And there is a strong sense of community, from Sifu Adrian Tandez and his senior students down to the newest students. Everyone is respectful but easygoing and understands the importance of enjoying the journey and helping each other grow together. Although I'm no expert, I am aware enough of the martial arts landscape to say that there are few places in the US where you can find any style of Silat being taught, and the LaCoste Inosanto style of Kali (including the many other styles it borrows from) has a deep and comprehensive curriculum. The Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do taught here are also geared towards practical self-defense. This place has it all, plus Muay Thai (which I currently don't train in because four different martial arts is all my schedule and body can handle at this time). If you can make coming to class regularly work with your life, you should absolutely take advantage of the opportunity. Another thing to note is that Sifu works in lessons on martial arts history and cultures of the originating countries of the martial arts he teaches, which is so important because it ties back into the school's commitment to fostering respect and understanding. In my opinion as well as the school's, martial arts knowledge should not be taken from its cultural roots and used purely as a tool for aggression or dominance over others while failing to credit the peoples who developed the arts. I think I've written plenty at this point, so bottom line advice: come on in and give this place a try. I am a hard judge of martial arts schools and I'm still here, so yes, I give this school my highest recommendation. Come see for yourself; I daresay you will find everything you need or want from a martial arts school, if you are looking for the right things.

What I like about this school is the friendly and cooperative environment. The students are very helpful, especially to the beginners. I also got a lot help from the instructor. When he teaches me how to do a certain move, he explains the reasons behind it. I was surprised I could get this kind of individual attention from the trainer. That's something I did not get from the gym I previously went to. I want to thank the instructor for keeping the school a safe place to train. One time I expressed concern about one new student's behavior. Later I found out that person left after the instructor explained to him the code of conduct at the school. The school cares about student's safety and i'm happy about it.

I went for a month and while the FMA instruction is good, we only sparred once for 5 minutes. "A fighter who trains without sparring is like a swimmer who hasn’t immersed in the water” -Bruce Lee

If you are looking for the best all-inclusive martial arts school in the Bay Area, you just found it. I attended my first free week of classes back in 2008. I was blown away after seeing the instructor demonstrate JKD Bruce Lee trapping, Kali stick and knife hostage disarms and Silat take-down self-defense techniques. It’s now 2015 and I’m still going strong training every week. Sifu Adrian Tandez is a dedicated passionate instructor. Whether you’re new to martial arts, have previous martial arts experience, young or old, everyone is welcome and will benefit immensely from Tandez Academy training. Try it out. Since you can train for one week free of charge, there is really nothing to lose and a lot to gain. Needless to say, I highly recommend the instructor and the school.