Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy, Inc.

I started at twin dragon as a student when i was 15. They were nice and welcoming, it didn't matter that i was like a jelly fish across the mat. I did do karate when i was 3yrs old because my dad did karate but I stopped when i was around 10yrs old. When i was an orange belt i had also turned 18yrs old and was looking for a job. My sijo(head instructor) found out and offered me a job. I ended up starting behind the counter, super nervous, and starting last year (2014) i started teaching tiger tots, 3-5yr olds. Twin Dragon is getting to be known for our Tiger tot program. We also offer camps starting in june going till about august. Our camps have kids from all ages and everyone has fun, not all the kids are Twin Dragon members. Some are family members of students and some are from outside the studio. Twin Dragon is more than a karate studio it is a home away from home. A lot of our students who are now brown belts started as PeeWee's (5-7yr) and Tiger Tots (3-5yr). If all you want is your child to be handed a belt, then this isn't the place for you. TDA wants their kids to work for their belt and walk away actually knowing what they're taught. TDA teaches them responsibility, to not lie, cheat, or steal. Twin Dragon does have a website, so if you want to know more please visit the home page or call and stop by!

This is the best martial arts dojo on the West Coast. SiJo John is not only imensly skilled, he knows how to teach at every age, from young children to adults. My daughter was a student here, and learned how to defend herself. As an adult, she feels much more confident.

My son can't stand still to save his life! He has anger management issues & can't stand authority..... Anyone who can get my love to focus, work hard & enjoy what he's doing for an hour, is simply a blessing! A lot of the instructors were students who have been there for many years.... I appreciate them bc they are great role models; showing impeccable manners, respect & intelligence. The amount of respect & care my son & I receive from the staff and them expecting it in return, is something you don't see much of these days! After one month of starting, I knew we had found a place for us to stay until my son is in college... or from the looks of it, past college! ....and somehow, my son doesn't care about how quickly he receives his black belt anymore; only skills & the experience..... Sijo, you're simply awesome! Thank you TD!!!

It's an amazing studio with the best teachers around! Some of my best memories were at Twin Dragon. Several of my peers recommended I try martial arts here and I'm loving it. 11/10 would keep taking classes :)

My kids were going physically before the pandemic, now they are taking zoom lessons. And my daughter Avery wants me to yet again put her YouTube channel name here 😂. Her channel is called ItsAvery:D. Anyways, this place is great for Kung Fu lessons!

Amazing kung fu dojo. It is difficult to find family dojos and this one is perfect. Love😍

Very good academy

My 3 yo has been coming here for about a year (in addition to soccer & dance) and this is by far her favorite activity. She has a blast during class and is literally smiling the entire 30 minutes. Her senseis are amazing too. They are firm & really help guide the students and keep them focused during class (which isn't easy but they do a fantastic job). Also my daughter has gotten stronger practicing at home. My husband & I agree that it's hands down the best activity she's in. I highly recommend.

I took my nieces here and they are regulars. I will say that the parking lot is a pretty good size. And easy to find with and without my nieces lol. I gave it 4 stars only because I was not greeted by the small front desk. I looked very out of place and even though I had my kiddies with me, they had other things on their mind to get done; ie phone, homework or reading lol. But everyone else seemed to know what they were doing. It seems like a fun place, You get to watch your kids with no glass partitioner and you hear the coaches make jokes. I saw two different classes and age groups and saw how they helped the little ones pay attention and bring them back in, and the older ones were more serious. Which I think is important in any sport; that balance of fun and get to work attitude. They have 3 work spaces and sitting areas and some couches. Bring a book and read or catch up on some work!

Fantastic studio an amazing instructors. The online classes are great. My 7 year old wants to do Kung fu everyday!

It's not just a place where you drop your kid off and they throw some punches and you pick them up. There's a community around the discipline of martial arts built on respect for each other and for the art of Martial Arts. My son was shy when he arrived but try barking "yes Sensai" back to a person who justly teaches (no judgements, no scolding) and remaining shy...no he listens and responds. (Hey Moms - you know it's different at home). If you are a mom, like me, who wanted a place where your student could build WHO they are and have a challengings physical activity - I highly recommend Twin Dragon. They will like it - and so will you. YES Sensai!

Twin Dragon is a family-oriented dojo. Many of the instructors grew up there when they were toddlers, and many students literally "grow up" together as they advance through the belt ranks. There are programs for all ages, from a tiger tots program for young children to an adult weapons and women's self-defense class to Wing Chun. On weekends, its not uncommon to see the entire bleachers filled with parents observing class, compared to other schools where parents just drop off their kids. Sijo John Oliva is a martial arts grandmaster, who is passionate about his craft and teaching. The only thing he is more passionate about are his students. He is generous with his time and teachings. My son started training here three years ago under Sijo and has learned sooooooooo much...not only about the various weapons, martial art forms, and combinations--of which there are many--but about himself as well (respect, honesty, and discipline). There are times where I think he lives at the dojo. I feel lucky to be considered part of this family. If your child is interested in learning martial arts, I can't recommend this place enough.

This is the best school ever! The staff and instructors are super caring and we feel like part of the larger extended family. The main master (Sijo) instills really great core values to the students - hope my son will take this advice for his life skills.

Sensei Mike and Sifu run a great place where kids learn kung fu, but more importantly learn discipline and respect. I am always amazed to see a dozen five-seven year-old boys and girls sitting in rapt attention as Sensei explains a technique or demands that they do pushups. This place is warm, caring, and also a bit demanding. My son loves it, and has learned a lot. I am going to have to take classes here soon to keep up with him! Beyond the lessons, we just had a really fun birthday party for 18 kids this weekend. The staff was great, and kept the kids going for 90 minutes before we served them amazing Sibby's cupcakes (http://www.yelp.com/biz/sibbys-cupcakery-san-mateo#hrid:jXmPEUcdAl4gBaHIvdREAg). If you are considering martial arts for the kids (or even for you), I recommend you give this place a good look.

Updated - 2/2/13 I should have written this years ago. My son started at Twin Dragon when he was 10 yrs. old and he's been there a wonderful 5 years. I'm going to try to let you know what to expect.... hang on, this is a long review! Instructors: Most of the instructors have come up from within the school as students. The few exceptions are already skilled in martial arts and are required to excel at the forms taught here before they can teach them. While all are serious about this art, there is a kindness to students here that is really wonderful. Sifu can be loud, but he is also fair and truly cares about his students. Over the years, when my son's interest diminished, Sifu would talk to him about why, and make changes to his instruction. Also, they never allow a child to take a belt test until they know the child will succeed. In addition to Kung-Fu; morality, honesty, and self-respect are taught. When one student left a bullying note for another student, the student was reprimanded, and the class was stopped while Sifu explained that this was not acceptable, that this Dojo was a safe place for all, and that he expected better from his students. Sifu expects good grades, and will work with parents on encouraging this, as well as allowing the students to earn an "Academic Achievement" patch for their uniform. Classes: Check out their website. I can't speak to the Peewee classes, since my son began at the ripe old age of 10 ;-), but for the same monthly price, he can take a regular class every Tues. & Thurs. and on Sat. if he wishes. There are also extra classes he can do when interest & homework allow. There have been times over the years when it seems like he lives there! At the moment he is a green belt, and a Junior Instructor, so he's helping to teach 2 Mon. classes. What's that I hear you saying? "5 years and he's only a Green belt?" Yes. And proud of it. In some schools, belts are given out regularly. Here, belts are given when the material for each belt has been mastered. Yes, it takes some time - but they're getting exercise, focus, self confidence, and having fun as they work towards their next belt. My son has especially enjoyed sparring and re-directions, and isn't concerned with getting his next belt. Extras: Every year, Twin Dragon has a family picnic in a near by park, marches in the San Carlos Hometown Days Parade, and camps when school is out. They always offer special classes for Mother's and Father's Day to include parents who are game to try something new. Once or twice a month, they offer a "Kids night out". There is a fee for this but it's less than a sitter :-) OK - whew! Just one more thing... if you want to chat, parent to parent, send me a message. Yelp has filtered my review, but I'm a real Twin Dragon parent, and would be happy to chat.

Wonderful place with wonderful students and phenomenal instructors. It has this sense of rhythm and organization that is easy to follow, and students are well-taught and can definitely thrive here. It's a place where I feel at home, a place where I can relax without feeling unproductive or guilty for not exercising, and it has all the weapons you could ever want to try. I didn't know fan was a weapon until I enrolled! Thanks Sijo! This place is GREAT!

I absolutely love this place. My kids have been taking classes at Twin Dragon for almost 6 years. Sifu and Sensei are amazing guys and have been a very positive influence in the life of my children. This is not just another place to drop your kid after school, it's a school and a community that really gets to know each family. They participate in parades, have school events, summer camps, spring camps, clinics . . . They teach discipline and respect to the kids as well as self defense. They give the kids confidence that will benefit them throughout their lives. I have loved working with these guys and feel lucky to have found Twin Dragon. They also have programs for adults for fitness and fun, to learn self defense or/and to start training and earning belts. I haven't done this yet, but think about it alot. Some day, I will do it. This is a great place. I will continue to send my children there to benefit from all of the wonderful training they receive from the teachers at twin dragon. What an asset to our community! A real gem!

If your serious about learning the finer details of the art and practicality of Kung Fu, Escrima stick, weaponry and more then look no further than Sijo John Olivia and his team over at Twin Dragon. From the youngest "Pee Wee" classes all the way up to Black belt and beyond Twin Dragon has it all covered. Multiple class times, no contracts and no long commitments. It's a Winner!!

work for Cool Box Portable Storage and I delivered a container that the school was renting from us. I met the Master John Olivia. After I delivered the container to the school which in no way was easy, but easier with the help of Master John and a friend. I'm very thankful for amazing people like Master John for teach our youth to have discipline and respect for each other and other around them. Master John was Friends with my Grand Master Ernie Reyes Sr. and his son Ernie Reyes Jr. Thank you for the shirt Sir. Its greatly appreciated. And I promise to where It to all of your events that I attend for you school.

My daughter has been taking Kung-Fu at TDKFA for almost a year and a half, and as I watch her develop an appreciation for martial arts, I also see how much she's learning how to respect herself and others. That said, it inspired me to share her experience with our Daisy Scout Troop, so I planned a Daisy Scout meeting centered around the theme "Respecting Yourself and Others". Sensei Rita, Sensei Kyle, Sensei Lissa, and one other lovely Sensei (I'm so sorry, I don't recall the name) did a phenomenal job...beyond amazing. The Troop learned about martial arts philosophy tying in self-defense and self-protection. Sensei Rita spent a good amount of time talking to the troop about what it means to respect yourself by demonstrating disciplined power and strength (mentally and physically) while explaining to the Troop what it means to respect others (i.e., authorities like teachers, instructors, the Senseis who were teaching class today and last but not least, parents). Then all four instructors led the practical portion of the meeting, teaching the Troop the fundamentals of self-protection. A big, huge thank you goes to Sensei Rita and all the instructors. Beyond the meeting today, they always show such compassion and empower students to be their best. I'm thankful for TDKFA and happy that they will be a part of my daughter's personal growth for years to come.

We just had 17 4th graders here for a 2 1/2 hour long birthday party. WOW! What a blast! I have never seen an "organized" party come off so well, but still feel fun and light hearted - not forced or silly. It was perfect. They had the whole thing beautifully organized in advance with games - games - games that kept those kids movin' movin' movin'. Two excellent senseis led the kids in the play activity, and they hardly repeated a game more than once. Nobody was bored. Nobody got hurt. Everybody had fun. We had 2 rooms - one for games, and one for food and presents and party stuff. Logistically, the space works great. Some of the invited kids knew a bit of Kung Fu or Karate or Taekwon Do etc. Most had no background in martial arts at all. But all responded with smiles and their full attention. Twin Dragons does amazing "Group Play." They totally get children. (They also teach adults - but I marvel at how well they "get" kids, without coddling them). Honestly, if I ran a bigger team at work, I'd have Twin Dragons lead an offsite "play date for grownups." Seriously. (hmm, would that include cupcakes...?) My daughter is a student here and loves the regular classes. We've also enjoyed their once-a-month "Kids' Night Out" parties. So we decided to repeat that format for a birthday. It was great. Not something they'd done before (the longer-format evening birthday), but they understood I wanted "Kid's Night Out" format and they jumped at it with a positive, creative attitude. Got active kids and don't want to kill yourself organizing a party or activities for kids you don't know well? Call Sensei Rita at Twin Dragons. Whatever the age group - from PeeWees on up through High School I imagine they'd handle it. Our 10 year olds were lovin' it. Two $$ Five ***** Fairly priced and worth every penny for the hands-on "instruction" for a large group of kids.

So, my son is now 9 and taking lessons from Sifu John. He's a bit tough with the kids in class (even though he's really a big softie) but he gets a lot out of the kids and they really respect him. My daughter is now 6 and has been taking lessons from Sensei Mike for 3 years. She is doing great and has learned a lot, and really enjoys the classes. I still strongly recommend Twin Dragon Academy for anyone considering martial arts lessons.

My son has been a student with Sifu John and Sensei Mike for nearly four years. We're non-violent people, so it wasn't entirely natural to introduce our son to martial arts. But its been a great experience. He's now a Junior blue belt and is as enthusiastic about learning forms and improving his skills as he was during his first class. The studio puts a good emphasis on personal discipline and skill achievement. It is a safe place to learn martial arts including forms and weapons. This has been a great source of self-confidence and life skills for him.

My daughter (13) and son (10) have been going here for more than a year and a half. They have advanced from white belts to orange belts. My daughter is pretty easy going so the moves and routines don't bother her at all. My son is a lot more sensitive and has struggled at times with Kung-Fu. But with the guiding hand of Sensei and Sifu he has perservered. The amount of self confidence that they have learned is more valuable than the self defense moves they have acquired. I love taking them to this place because I know what they are experiencing is going to stay with them for a very long time.

Twin Dragon is amazing - I would give it 6 stars if I could. My daughter Ella has been going twice a week for months, and it's helped her in so many areas: self-discipline, respect for authority, physical stamina, and coordination. Although she drags her feet at times when having to do physical drills, Sensei Mike knows exactly how to motivate her - using a no-nonsense yet very gentle approach that the kids respect. Ella loves loves loves him - he's definitely part child psychologist. Thanks, Twin Dragon and Sensei Mike!

Our family was looking for a place to take our son for martial arts and we couldn't be happier with the program Tiger Tots program. We started him at 3 and have been attending for 6mo and are delighted. It's now part of our weekly routine and something we all look forward to once a week.

We ended up enrolling our son at Pure Shaolin Kung Fu in Belmont. My son LOVES that school. It is run by a husband and wife team and their nephew. They are true masters who started training from age 7. They are also wonderful with kids. What a great school. So glad we didn't enroll here.

Great people and instructors. Clean and safe facility. Grest kids and tires them out and sleep like babies when home. Well done sensei :)

Sifu John is an excellent instructor and person. My two girls and I attend here. I love Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy because it is a very family oriented place and the staff is awesome. This place has become my second home. They really train the kids well to have discipline. Everything is really organized and you get a great workout while learning Kung Fu. I still strongly recommend Twin Dragon Academy for anyone considering martial arts lessons.

Since our first welcome over 6 years ago, we've seen our 1st grader grow leaps and bounds with Twin Dragons as his only martial arts studio. Daniel, now a 4.0 6th grader, started with Sensei Mike who quickly captivated his heart. As he grew up, Sifu John took him into his studies. There have been additional instructors, which is part of the plus at Twin Dragons, as they come from the same school. It's a real family here as is shown by the annual events which bond the students and instructors together. One thing for sure, you will earn your rank here... Awesome place!

Twin Dragon is an excellent place for kids to learn.... not only Kung Fu skills, but also self respect, self confidence, respect for authority, social skills, focusing skills, & core stregthening. Their classes are a 'work out' - incorporating large motor muscle training to precise balance activities, using both repetition of skills & entertaining games. Twin Dragon, under the direction of Sifu John & Sensi Mike, has been a like a 'second home' to 2 of my sons (ages 9 & 6); my oldest has been a student there for nearly 5 years. These instructors truly care for their young students, while in the process, demand the most effort from the kids in order to achieve success. I highly recommend the Twin Dragon Kung Fu Academy - a definite worthwhile experience.

High, High marks from me!! If you are looking for a positive, effective martial arts academy for your kids, I strongly say you can feel comforatable signing up. My 6 and 10 year old boys have been in this program for a little over a year and it has been a very positive experience. Sifu John, who runs the place, is tough and sometimes loud - which worried me at first but my 10 year old, who has a significant amount of instruction time with him, likes his classes the most!! Great program!

This place is the BEST. My three and a half year old is completely in love with this place. She loves the instructors especially Sefu John, Rita, Brenda, and Dominic. She has learned several new techniques quickly and loves to brag about them to friends. Also their ten drop in sessions card is great. No worries about missing a class because of sickness. I would recommend this place to children/adults of all ages. (They start them at three)

I know some families have a great experience here, but our experience was not positive. I guess it depends on the teacher. Be sure to observe the teacher carefully before signing up to see if they he/she has the skills to work with children. The Sijo typically made a child cry every time he visited the classes we were involved in, and then would say loudly "I'm just trying to help you!" Some of his comments to the students were humiliating and borderline abusive. This does not demonstrate the concept of "respect." Not sure if he's trying to be funny with these comments, but it's very uncomfortable to observe.

My 4 yr old can't get enough of his karate class with Sensei Mike. It's great discipline and exercise for them! Anthony (my son) asks everyday, "do I have karate today?" Sensei Mike is so great with the kids. He has a lot of patiences and he makes the class so much fun for them. I would recommend this academy for kids 100%!!!!

I thought martial arts were based on respect. Last night I witnessed aggressive behavior by an employee of this business. I seriously would not want my children taught by someone who behaves in this way. (This happened in October but I didn't finish the review then).

This school doesn't only do an excellent job at teaching self-defense but also disipline. When I first joined I was taught how to show respect to my fellow studens and martial arts teachers. After about two years, I have started learning how to teach younger students, and give them the same advice and lessons I have learned. This experience has really impacted me in a positive way and it will teach me more responsibility in the years ahead. If you want to send your kid to a martial arts school or if your child wants to learn self-defesnse, then go ahead and join Twin Dragon. :)

My kids love Twin Dragon and so do I. Sijo John and all the instructors are great at teaching and making class fun. We've been at Twin Dragon for six years. For my oldest son, Twin Dragon has been important in building his confidence, coordination, and he certainly can now defend himself. My middle son has learned self-control, patience, and he now really know how to move. My youngest son has lots of fun and loves everyone there, but particularly Sensei Rita. I highly recommend Twin Dragon.

My kids dread going to their classes and I never knew why until they told me that their teacher is yelling at them because they were taught wrong by one of the purple or blue belts.

My nephiew went to this place for years. I were very happy but my sister moved him because it was far from home. I still think its the best. The sensei and sifu are great teachers and really care about the students.

My son took Peewee Karate classes there for a year and a half. He loved it. Sensei Mike is a natural with kids and is a great instructor. My son always had a smile on his face during class. After he got his Peewee orange belt, classes got a bit more serious and my son eventually lost interest in it, so we left, but we would definitely recommend.

My son has been taking classes here for 7 years and the experience has been nothing but positive. The dojo is always clean, everything is well organized, and there's even a work-out area in the back (with free-weights, machines, etc) that parents can use while their children are taking classes. The staff are all friendly and the place really feels like a community. However, it is important to remember that this is a 'martial arts' school where students are taught to fight and defend themselves in dangerous situations and so a certain amount of focus and discipline is required. Students who work hard and apply themselves reap incalculable benefits in self-confidence and strength.

My son (4) and daughter (6) started attending about 6 months ago and I love how much they've learned in terms of discipline, self-reliance and fundamental fitness skills. Sensei Mike is fantastic with the kids (still can't get over how quickly & how well he remembers everyone's names!) I can also personally vouch for Sifu John as I take his Women's Self Defense class every other Sunday. If anyone is looking for a great workout while learning life-saving techniques, this is the class to check out! I highly recommend Twin Dragon for kids & adults alike!!!

Great place, great teachers. Both my boys have been attending this academy for over 1 1/2 years now and have been enjoying it greatly. The teachers are wonderful, supportive and make learning martial arts exciting. The facilities are clean and organized and very child friendly. I would recommend this academy for anyone wanting to learn martial arts. The academy has classes for children as well as adults!

My Son who is 4 1/2 has been taking classes with Sensei Mike for a year now. Karate, as an activity itself, was recommended to me by the Director of my son's Preschool. I was told it would be a great way for my son to learn "self-control." I was lucky enough to have found Twin Dragon Academy. Sensei Mike is amazing with the kids and seems to know exactly what to say and do to get my son's attention and respect. He is tough but in a supportive way. Sensei makes the kids listen while having a ton of fun doing something physically challenging. The students at Twin Dragons learn that you have to work hard, listen and always try..... As a mother that's more than what I could ask for out of an activity....especially one that is so much fun!

This is an exceptional learning environment for kids/adults of all ages. The teachers are simultaneously professional and organized while also being very caring and supportive. They expect a lot from the kids and they give even more of themselves. My girls have learned a tremendous amount about movement (exercise), martial arts, safe practices, self-defense and respect - all while having a fantastic time at the classes. This is a safe, community-centric environment where people truly care about one another. I highly recommend Twin Dragon to anyone interested in the Martial Arts.

We moved to CA from out of state a year ago and my young son was unnerved by the change. At 6 years old, leaving everything and everyone he knew was tough. We made the transition as easy on him as we could, but his self-confidence took a bit of a knock. This is where Twin Dragon comes in. We met with Sifu and he "interviewed" my little guy. He spoke to him as a person, not a little kid, and we agreed to try the Junior class. It was hard at first as my little guy was not used to the discipline, but he has thrived! He is now testing for his Orange Belt and we could not be happier, both with the personal skills he is learning, but also with the self-confidence and care for others he is learning and modeling. He has been asked to help new students learn the basics (bow on, bow off, how to tie the belt) and is so proud every time he gets to do it!

Twin Dragon has lived up to its excellent reputation and then some. My daughter, Daniela, and I are very happy with the class, the instructor, the people, etc . The staff we are most familiar with, Gabriella, Sifu and Sensei, are all very friendly and helpful. Daniela's instructor is Sensei Mike. He is an awesome instructor. Sensei Mike is the perfect combination of fun and serious. What a great role model he is for these children! He is playful and great with the children yet doesn't let them get away with much (meant in a good way). :) He guides them and teaches them accountability. Taking Kung Fu at Twin Dragon is teaching/reinforcing important aspects of life... respect , discipline, healthy body/mind and so much more. Skills build, self-confidence grows...it is cool! The environment is positive and safe. Our experience at Twin Dragon has been fabulous and is so much more than we expected. The program they run is impressive! Thank you!