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I studied with Adrian for many years. He is by far the most focused and knowledgeable instructor I've ever known. The lessons I learned from him go far beyond just Martial Arts but also basic life skills. I was also fortunate enough to teach at the dojo and see firsthand the benefits of Martial Arts training for young children. As an elementary school teacher, I can't emphasize enough how the skills he teaches in his classes, focus, discipline, responsibility, positively affect students in their academic lives. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to train with him!
I am a grandfather, father, and teacher with 40 years experience, elementary to high school. I thoroughly enjoy watching my grandchild participate in BAMA.
We want our children to be successful, to grow in a healthy environment; we want our children to be challenged, and to have fun. The Bay Area Martial Arts staff provides all these aspects. They love to teach, they know their material, and deliver with passion and compassion.
Thank you, BAMA staff.
This place is awesome. My 4.5-year-old attends the early skillz level at BAMA and he loves it. He’s been learning fundamentals like kicking, punching, and blocking all while practicing patience and perseverance with his peers. The instructors do a great job at making it fun while teaching discipline. If it were up to my kid, we’d come here every day. I love seeing the big smile on his face at every lesson, how proud he is when he earns his stripes each week, and his excitement about advancing to the next belt color. We’ll be coming here a long time!
My son has been going here for a couple of years. Great instructors. They have a really good sense of how to tailor the program to where the kids are at, age-wise. They manage a really good mix of hard-core martial arts (or the need precursors) and fun.
I have trained at Bay Area Martial Arts for almost 10 years; from the age of 9 until I was 18 years old. I loved coming to class and the teachers were great. I did not just learn self-defense, but also gained self-confidence. At Bay Area Martial Arts you learn skills that help you develop and grow as a person.
Our 5-year-old son (and us parents) absolutely love Bay Area Martial Arts. The staff is incredibly positive with the kids and have created an environment where kids learn respect, martial arts, and have fun at the same time. Scheduling is easy and we love that we can come multiple times per week and love the various camp offerings. We didn't think it could get better but just completed a b-day party where all 25 kids had an incredible time learning martial arts, swords and lightsaber fighting techniques. Our son is still talking about how he broke a board....Well done team BAMA!
This is a top notch martial arts school! We have known the owners for years as they are part of the SKILLZ organization. They offer quality training and strive to make students become the best version of themselves by improving in all areas of development - physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. The instructors are amazing!
This is an extremely great place to bring your kids to train martial arts but this place is a whole lot more than that both of my boys train here and the skills that they have learned go way beyond the dojo. The amount of respect my kids have learned is mind-boggling for a 5- and 7-year-old, I know it's hard for them to understand the word let alone, start showing respect to their elders, they listen better the first time around. We were really struggling with our kids' behavior before they started here, I spoke with one of the Sensei's and they really helped us transform our family dynamic for the better.. both my boys have been here for over 2 years.
If you have any kids SEND THEM HERE. This place rocks. It can really help.
#BAMARocks!
I signed my kindergartener daughter in the six-week promotion to see if she would enjoy martial arts. I knew after her first class that this was going to be truly enriching for her, and she loves going to her classes.
I love that the classes are age specific- and you can see how the teaching styles are geared towards each age group. As explained by Sensei Adrian in our assessment- four-year-olds and seven-year-olds are capable of different things at different times. Having them in age-appropriate classes will help them succeed because they are with their peers.
The instructors are firm but fair, and are amazing with a large group of kids. They don't coddle anyone, they have the same expectations of everyone.
I'm proud of how my daughter has taken to BAMA in such a short time. She has gotten stronger and already shows more self discipline (as much as can be expected from a five-year-old)!
My husband and I are so happy that we found Bay Area Martial Arts!
My son just started and I already can see the difference in him. Thank you. This place is GREAT! You all should see if your child or children like it.
My 13 year old son started at the dojo when he was 5 and my 9 year old daughter started when she was 3. Bringing them here has turned out to be one of the best decisions that my husband and I made for our children. The amount of focus and discipline that they have learned through martial arts has encompassed all parts of their lives. Both are excellent students and know how to stick up for themselves. My daughter will not think twice about being an ally for someone else. I am blown away by their self confidence. They have learned that you can succeed at anything you put your mind to with hard work and perseverance.
While learning the skills of working hard and self esteem, students get a great work out and have fun with Sifu Adrian and Sensei Ceci. They create a nurturing environment where children learn skills at their appropriate developmental stage. They have become family and I am forever grateful for all that they have done for my children.
My 7 year old son started at Bay Area Martial Arts in January of this year. After nearly 6 months I have seen such a change in him both physically and emotionally. My son was always scared of trying new things - like riding a scooter or doing a handstand - because his balance has never been that great. Martial arts has really helped him build confidence and the physical strength to try new things. Respect for yourself, your family, and people in the wider world is something that he is learning and doing. Sensei Adrian, Nate, and Ceci have been so wonderful not just to our son, but to our whole family. They really care about these kids - not just to make them ninjas (because lets face it... what kid doesn't want to be a ninja?!?!), but about helping them be the best version of themselves that they can be. Thanks so much you guys!!!!
How Near-Peer Mentoring Creates Tomorrow’s Leaders Mentoring has been around for many years and has shown to have many positive outcomes for all participants. In SKILLZ Martial Arts, the mentoring program that is implemented is called the STORM Team, or Special Team of Role Models. This is a “near-peer” type mentoring program that is very structured and incorporates a full curriculum […]
Becoming a parent is, for the most part, an exciting adventure to undertake. Along with this, however, comes an enormous amount of responsibility. And while most feel prepared, others may experience anxiety and uncertainty about how to begin this journey. But no matter what, parents ultimately want to raise their children to the best […]
Over the past few months, we have been inundated with information that seems to change almost daily, making it hard to resolve what should and should not be done. Everyone has their thoughts and feelings about varying current debates, especially regarding starting school. And while there will be no answer that satisfies everyone in the short term, we must […]
As back to school plans continue to change almost daily, children’s emotions will remain unpredictable. One day they are thinking about returning to their friends and teachers at school, and the next, they are told they won’t be returning for another few months. Because of this, our children’s emotional needs have never been greater. And while the uncertainty […]
Helping Children Feel Secure in an Uncertain World The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by […]
Should I Worry? Tuning into Teens’ Emotional Shifts As we approach the one-year mark of an ever-strong pandemic that has rocked our world, we are searching for ways to keep ourselves mentally and emotionally in check. For teens, this has been an even more difficult feat. Adolescence is already fraught with stress and moodiness but adding in […]
Seven to nine-year olds are what most people consider “the golden age.” They are proficient in their vocabulary and problem-solving skills, yet they are not at the age where they want complete independence from adults. This makes the teacher-student relationship stronger than ever. The problem we discovered is they still lack core skills, and although […]
As people grow older, they begin to find ways to be more productive and make use of their time. For senior citizens, in particular, they find that there is even more time they need to utilize and want to do so effectively. Many will go out and find other jobs while others will pursue hobbies […]
Grade school can be quite the experience for any child. It is a place where a child not only learns academically but one where a child must learn to socialize and function in the world. Unfortunately, there are a lot of negative experiences that a child may have when going through school. Whatever those experiences […]
As we continue through the current pandemic and re-opening efforts show real challenges, school districts everywhere are trying to devise the best plans for children, teachers, and staff to return. And while there will be no perfect solution for each family, parents must consider all the information and choose the option that works best for […]
It is becoming more and more apparent that no one is to blame for everything that happens. So, if this is the case, how do we get ourselves in such turmoil if no one is responsible? Although this seems ridiculous, the use of “blame-shifting” has become the go-to way of justifying mistakes. When we have […]
In today’s world, there is an overgrowing focus on “me” and less on “us.” This “all-about-me” emphasis has led to a lack of empathy, which, in turn, results in more and more conflict. The primary reason for this…people do not listen. Their focus is on their own agenda, and they are not open to really […]
As the world continues its reopening efforts, more and more parents are headed back to work. And while this is a positive sign, it leaves parents with the task of finding their children a fun, yet safe, program to spend each day at. Since summer camps are unable to provide some of the usual daily […]
The symptoms of ADHD can be devastating for children. It is especially hard for school-age children who feel isolated and don’t know how to express what they are feeling. They can become quickly behind academically and socially, which leads to a lack of self-confidence and depression. Symptoms of childhood ADHD can include inattention, hyperactivity, and […]
Leading by Example, The Power of Self-Care in Parenting Parents have always served as the first, and typically, the most important role model for their children, even though family members, teachers, and coaches have a significant impact on a child’s development as well. However, in the wake of the pandemic, these people have had less […]
Raising a child can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And while it’s exciting to watch children grow and develop into caring humans, parenting definitely brings about it’s fair share of challenges. Fast forward to 2020 and we are now faced with parenting during a pandemic which presents with even more difficulties. And […]
For years, parents and children have been faced with the dreaded summer slide, a time when the school year ends and summer learning loss begins. And as if it wasn’t detrimental enough in it’s own rights, this year the summer slide has been accelerated by the COVID slide and trauma related to the pandemic. The […]
As we continue to navigate the unchartered waters of the current pandemic, many are looking to the future and what it holds. And while it’s hard to predict how long our current daily life modifications will last, what we do know is that the experience of this trauma will have personal changes that could last […]
Learning is a big part of child development and how children learn things is dependent on a variety of factors. Much of the time, observational learning contributes to how children learn information and behaviors. This type of social learning can be greatly influential because of the role that mirror neurons play in learning. Providing children […]
We’re almost halfway through 2020 and even though life has been disrupted a bit with COVID-19 doesn’t mean our goals stop. Anything from working out daily to saving money to losing weight, our society knows how to dream big! However, when big dreams aren’t broken down into smaller, achievable goals, failure often ensues. And to […]
For the past two months, we have been asked to socially distance ourselves from others in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. We’ve put most of our “normal” daily living routines on pause and created a secluded environment for ourselves and our children. And while many things are in a holding pattern, one thing […]
We are all human and our responses to our current situation vary. Some have hunkered down and sorted through their new reality in a way that has motivated them to complete tasks and put new goals in place. Others have become increasingly overwhelmed and feel like they have no control over their lives at all. […]
As the pandemic carries on, our coping skills are starting to unravel. For many people, this has become the ultimate emotional test. As we continue to maintain our distance from each other, not only have our social lives been halted, but our emotional support is wavering as well. And while we have been living this […]
Parents are an essential element to their child’s success in anything. The enthusiasm and support, or lack thereof, of a parent, can make or break a child’s accomplishments. In SKILLZ martial arts, it is even more essential that parents be involved as part of the teaching team since the SKILLZ system applies child development and […]
stimulation makes us uncomfortable. And, unfortunately, our children are learning to satisfy these unpleasant feelings with technology. As Bertrand Russell, a British philosopher said: “We are less bored than our ancestors were, but we are more afraid of boredom.” However, when we try to rid ourselves of every moment of boredom, we close off our […]
With our country at somewhat of a standstill due to the current pandemic, it’s easy to get into a routine that is more laid back. Anything from going to bed late to increased screen time, habits may start leaning on the unhealthy side. And one of the major behaviors that appear when we are in […]
Children and teens are involved in a myriad of physical activities and sports. And whether they are at a competitive or recreational level, the basic physical requirements are the same. In order to achieve optimum training levels, it’s important that the exercises prepare the athlete for the best physical outcome. The safest way to begin […]
Stress is a significant part of our lives today. And while we all experience it, children and teens have a more difficult time managing it. Academic pressure, social tensions, family stressors, etc. all impact a young person’s mental well-being. For this reason, it’s important for parents to help their children develop coping skills by guiding […]
Let’s face it, conflict is hard and is bound to happen no matter what ground rules are put into place. Whether it’s on the playground or right in our own homes, children will clash. And while it can create challenging situations, it is a normal event that occurs between children. This is why conflict resolution […]
The news can be full of scary stories and information, especially for children. Our current situation has brought about even more concern for everyone in the world. If adults are feeling panicked, imagine how children must be feeling. And no matter the age, children can be emotionally affected by the news and begin feeling anxious […]
The recent closures of schools and businesses are widespread and have led to major disruptions in the daily routines of families. Children are trying to adjust to doing school at home and parents are now trying to balance their new work from home life with their role as teacher to their children. To cope, it’s […]
This post will be updated as new information becomes available, or as we make policy changes to adjust to that new information. The team at Bay Area Martial Arts is committed to the health and safety of our members. We are also dedicated to helping our kids understand what is going on so that they can feel […]
Let’s take a deeper dive into the differences between punishment vs. discipline. As I mentioned previously. Good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their roadmap. Children usually behave per their own emotions and impulses. At the same time, being a parent is also a learning process and sometimes we rely on […]
Hey BAMA Families! Is testing coming up soon? Testing is an amazing opportunity to help children learn that accomplishing goals is FUN! Our ninjas work hard all cycle long and earning a new belt at the end is an exciting achievement. Sometimes though, we may get a great score but not the “perfect” score […]
Hello, this our mindful tips to use when kids don’t want to attend class. So, kids are not naturally self-motivated. When your child’s mind says not in the right place, even the most fun activities can be a struggle to get to. With that said, here’s some strategies to help you work around lack of […]
Can I be real with you for a second? The relationships we forge between teacher and student on the mat each class is very special. More special to us then you know… It has taken many years of blood, sweat, sacrifice, and tears to be able to provide what we do each class. Please remember […]
Why does your child need to learn how to lose? Hello my name is Sensei Adrian, I am the owner and head instructor of Bay Area Martial Arts in Oakland. It is really important to teach kids how to fail and how to among failure learn how to get through it and learn how to […]
So good behavior is a learning process for children, and we are their roadmap. Children usually behave per their own emotions and impulses, and at the same time, being a parent is also a learning process, and sometimes we rely on our own emotions and impulses to teach. Usually, that means we divert directly to […]
Role Models matter – Kids copy One of our main goals at Bay Area Martial Arts is to create a positive and supportive environment for kids. We all know the impact an environment can have on a person, especially a child. As adults, it is easy to pick up the habits, attitudes, and behavior of […]
When we think of human behavior, we often first focus on the problems or deficits that people have and how this affects their achievements, or lack thereof. Rarely is the first thought of what motivates someone and how to utilize that to help them grow and develop. Abraham Maslow’s development of the “Hierarchy of Needs” […]
Back to School season is upon us and children all over the country are preparing to return to the classroom. Some will be going for the first time, and others are preparing for their last year in public education. For all students, going back to school can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. […]
It is common knowledge that the more time and effort you can put into developing a skill the faster and farther you can become great! But after a long day at school or at the Dojo it may be hard to find the motivation to practice. Below are 3 easy steps to teach a proper […]
By now summer is in full swing and we hope that everyone is taking advantage of our summer camps here at Bay Area Martial Arts! If you are looking for something fun to keep your ninja occupied this summer feel free to find us at the front desk or give us a call and ask […]
Did You Know a Chemical Produced by Your Gut is Responsible for Keeping Your Kid Happy? More kids than ever before today are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders that make it hard for them to get along with other kids, have fun, and enjoy life. They feel a burden to do well […]
Game-Based Learning Play is often overlooked as a learning tool for children. Dictionary.com defines play as “engaging in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.” It is seen as a type of “free time” when nothing else important is happening. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. For 3 […]
Before we begin, I want you to remember a time one of the instructors walked a crying student off the mat. Remember the ice pack they placed on the students knee and had them count to 10? Do you remember how the student returned to class with a smile on their face?! How about this! […]
By Heidi Burmann I have had a few conversations regarding what we are teaching students in class, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to expand the discussion to include everyone. Watching class from the outside, it may just look like lots of fun for the children, but we are actually developing all […]
Promoting Good Decisions Does your ninja have a hard time making good decisions? That’s OK! Often times, preschool and younger school aged children may find it difficult to follow the rules. The good news is that they are not doing this on purpose. After years of working with this age group and observing the emotional […]
When you think of the US military, you probably think of high-tech weaponry – smart bombs and things like that. What you might not know is that the martial arts play an important role in military training. Being proficient in hand-to-hand combat can save soldiers’ lives. There are several forms of martial arts that are […]