San Diego Karate: Building Character and Confidence
At SwiftKick Martial Arts San Diego, we believe that character, confidence, and physical and mental strength can all be built in the studio. Using our cutting edge approach to martial arts and self-defense training, we give all of our students the skills to realize their full potentials in their studies, work, health and relationships. After all, the martial arts are about more than just personal fitness – they represent a way of life.
While other schools may focus on one style of martial arts, the SwiftKick curriculum blends mixed martial arts with self-defense combat techniques to provide students with an unprecedented breadth of skills and abilities. Although not specifically a Karate studio, we do pull from the values, ethics and physical applications of the discipline in all of our programs. SwiftKick San Diego students learn valuable tools that can be applied on and off the mat, and have a lot of fun doing it.
What is Karate?
Karate is a Japanese martial art that began in Okinawa and started to gain in popularity in Japan and the United States in the early 1900s. Meaning “empty hands,” traditional Karate does not use weapons and can be practiced as an art, combat sport or for self-defense. Training typically involves fundamental skills, forms and sparring.
Karate stresses more than just a physical discipline. It places a strong emphasis on practicing certain values, many of which can be found in other styles of martial arts. Some of the most essential values that define the discipline of Karate include: perseverance, fearlessness, virtue, leadership, respect, integrity, confidence, responsibility, self-control and honor among others. Karate, like other martial arts, focuses both on the physical aspects of training and the personal development of the individual.
Develop Your Physical and Mental Strength
Karate and other martial arts are much more than effective fitness programs. Although students do achieve amazing levels of physical fitness, the benefits of a martial arts training program extend far beyond the physical. Children, teens and adults can all achieve amazing benefits that can make an immediate and direct impact on their day-to-day lives.
SwiftKick San Diego has created a dynamic Mixed Martial Arts and Self-Defense program that has proven to provide lasting effects for our students in all areas of their lives. Some of the benefits students of martial arts can expect to achieve include:
- A strong sense of confidence
- Tolerance and patience for others
- Leadership skills
- Improved focus
- More energy
- More restful sleep
- A positive outlet for stress and anxiety
- New and positive friendships
- Cooperation and teamwork
- Greater motivation and self-discipline
- Increased flexibility, stamina and coordination
- Fearlessness in the face of adversity
- Ability to defend oneself from an attack
SwiftKick San Diego’s Cutting Edge Martial Arts Approach
Drawing from some of the most popular and effective styles of martial arts, SwiftKick San Diego offers a unique training program based on one of the most powerful cross-disciplinary self-defense programs in existence today. Used to train some of the most high-performing individuals from the military and law enforcement, our curriculum can also be successful in training average citizens, including children and working professionals, to fight and defend themselves against an imminent threat.
When you train with SwiftKick San Diego, you will gain a comprehensive skillset in various styles of martial arts including Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts, Kung Fu, Krav Maga and Tae Kwon Do. Since self-defense should be more than theoretical, we train students to handle opponents who move, fight back and act unpredictably. We teach functional martial arts skills that can be used in real life and applied against any kind of threat.
Our mixed martial arts and combat self-defense program trains students to confidently use skills such as strikes, ground defense, takedown defense, weapons defense, grabs and chokes. Our encouraging, supportive and no-attitude atmosphere creates a positive environment to bring out the best in all students.
Learn More about SwiftKick Martial Arts
More than a fitness studio, SwiftKick Martial Arts San Diego strives to cultivate the skills, values and discipline students need to excel in their lives. Young students learn how to respect others, believe in themselves and handle challenges. Working professionals enjoy the stress relief, energy and confidence that they gain through training in the martial arts.
If you leave the SwiftKick San Diego studio feeling more self-assured and better able to defend yourself if and when it’s needed, we have achieved our goal.
Training in martials arts can help you reach your greatest potential in all that you do. No matter if you strive to be a competitive MMA fighter or simply wish to have more energy for your kids, training in mixed martials arts and self-defense can help you get there.
5 Star Google Reviews
I was in Bernado class for almost 6 months. Sadly, because of work reason, I have to move. I have learned a lot from SwiftKick. I came in as a kickboxing background student and came out as a martial arts student. I have learned more defense skills, move technique, and kick skills. If I can stay longer, I believe I can learn more skills. All instructors are very nice and reachable. For adult class, your classmates are great instructor, too.read more
Ziyue Jin
22:53 11 Mar 19
We are so happy we signed our Liam up with Swiftkick Marital Arts in RB. We started 2 months ago with our 9yr old and he has made such great progress and actually loves going 3 times a week. If he is in a bad mood going he comes out of there super happy. He smiles through the whole class. We just signed up our 7 year old this weekend and he is so far loving it also. The staff are absolutely amazing with the kids.read more
The crazy Kehles Epic lifestyle
17:44 28 Oct 18
We are so grateful that we found Swiftkick Martial Arts. We were introduced by the after school program they offered on our schools campus. After just 7 weeks of training, through that program, we already saw a difference in our children’s behavior, attitudes and confidence. We knew we needed to continue. We appreciate the flexibility of the program and the great leadership offered by the coaches in each class. We now have all three of our kids in the program. We feel good about investing into their health, their character and their safety.read more
JYNELL SCHMALFELDT
16:59 20 Mar 18
My son has been practicing at SwiftKick Martial Arts for about two years. We have been nothing but pleased with the level of instruction, the professionalism of the teachers and staff, and the difference it has made in our son's life. We love how there are always many instructors available to help a child, give them a little motivation, or keep them focused. The teachers know all of the kids, by name, and they engage them personally by knowing who they are and what they are interested in. One thing I remember from our first day, was that Mr. Smith knew that my child was new, he knew his name and he welcomed him. That little personal touch can make an uneasy child more comfortable, that little thing, has stayed with me all this time and I think it is what makes SwiftKick so special.read more
Janice Takade
23:41 11 Feb 18
My 5 year old and 8 year old started at SwiftKick about a year ago and have loved it. I have watched them become more focused, gain strength and coordination and have fun doing it! About 9 months ago, my husband and I decided to join. I have become more confident and love the fact that I am getting great exercise and learning important self defense skills. There are plenty of class times to choose from throughout the week and all of the instructors are knowledgeable and kind. I would highly recommend SwiftKick for the entire family!read more
Kelly Tognetti
01:15 22 Aug 17
My son loves Swiftkick at Rancho Bernardo. When our summer travel plans got cancelled he was happy cause he won’t be missing Swiftkick!! I noticed an increased level of discipline and alertness in him. Sometimes when I call out to him or assign a task at home he replies “ yes mom”. 😀
Thank you Swiftkick.read more
Jan S
16:30 20 Jun 19
Four of our children have trained here over the last 3 1/2 years. The coaches are excellent at engaging younger and older students alike. We count this as a valuable piece of our children's education.
Erin Nave
16:50 16 Jul 19
Our oldest daughter has been a part of Swiftkick for 4 years and she loves it. It has given her tons of confidence and let her grow as a leader. The coaches definitely engage with our kids and take an individualized approach with teaching them. While our kids have grown and have a great time there, if there is one thing that they can improve upon, it's that having more classes especially at the more advanced level would be awesome!read more
Leng Ky
14:11 18 Jul 19
My son has been a student at SwiftKick for over 10 years. The awesome thing about SwiftKick Martial Arts is while they teach self-defense, they also teach self-control.
The entire staff are incredibly patient, and mix in fun activities to get students (adult and children alike) to be active, learn self-control, and have a ton of fun doing it.
A few years ago, after seeing how much fun our son was having, my wife and I also started and have been loving it ever since!read more
Scott Kraetsch
22:51 08 Aug 19
Our family loves SwiftKick! We have been going to SwiftKick for two years and we have loved every class and event. My daughter is excited to go to each class and is disappointed if we ever have to miss. All the coaches are engaging and very knowledgeable. They teach life skills like self-defense, respect, attentiveness and self-control in a fun way. Our younger son is excited to start training at the Rancho Bernardo studio and he'll start as soon as he is old enough.read more
Karen K
20:33 29 Sep 19
My little boy loved this place , came here for a quick trial couple days ago
staff are amazing and very friendly.
Fouad Alshayeb
19:51 18 Jan 20
SwiftKick is a great place to train. My entire family takes classes here and cannot get enough. They offer great instruction that is fun for all ages and keeps us coming back for more. We pay one price and can come as many times a week as we'd like. The owner is a great guy and is very passionate about what he does.read more
M Conrad
03:33 29 Jun 17
Swiftkick Martial Arts is a great place to work out and train a self-defense class! I love the staff and the materials they teach, check them out for a free trial if you're interested!
Trevor Ng
04:38 02 Feb 21
Always a good shopping experience
Vern Hudson
21:39 28 Feb 21
I've been going regularly for about 8 months. I can say the staff are truly knowledgeable and dedicated to fostering a safe, but challenging environment for martial arts limited only by what you put into it. Loving it!
Charles Gray
03:39 08 Sep 21
We are so grateful that we found SwiftKick Martial Arts. My son has been training there since 2016.
We have been extremely pleased with the coaching staff, the level of instruction and the results.
I highly recommend SwiftKick!
Suzanne Ramm
02:29 11 Jul 21
Pros: (teachers, special needs accomodations)
I enrolled my 6-year-old son in their program almost a year ago. At the time I was drawn to the sales pitch of how martial arts can improve behavior, focus, attention, etc. My son is very ADHD so this seemed like a great fit for him.
After one year I can accurately say what the experience was like. The teachers are amazing because there are two to three teachers per group so the student to teacher ratio is great. This is especially important for special needs students. They have weekly and bi-weekly options which were useful for us. In the end, we were unable to attend because of personal issues.
Cons: (Rigid, almost exploitative billing, program implementation)
My son was not benefiting from the class and was floundering around during instruction. There were reasons that were both personal and also because he needed one-on-one teaching. I do not fault swift kick for this. However, progress check-ups were few and far between. Once every few months parents would coordinate with teachers on the child's progress. This is good but there should also be an emphasis on continuous observation and coordination of progress with parents. Especially for special needs students.
When I reached out to them to adjust our schedule it was as if they were holding my billing details ransom. I needed to submit documentation and explanations in order to adjust our schedule from bi-weekly to once weekly. On June 17th I notified them that because of personal and financial issues we would need to cancel. I was told that because I didn't notify them on June 1st that they would bill me for July 1st.
I asked for a prorate and they refused to do so. Now they're asking me to fill out cancellation forms. Please keep in mind that if you become involved with these people they will hold your billing details and make it difficult for you to adjust or leave their program.
They had me buy boxing gloves and other equipment that have never been used. And I'm currently being billed for weekly services that are not being used. Hopefully this warning will help you to avoid the same pitfall.
Edit 7/23/21:
The owner's response indicated that I did not provide an opportunity to himself and the team to rectify the situation. I spoke to billing about our family's circumstances and why they should pro-rate and they would not accommodate.
Additionally, I kept in contact with Coach L about my son's progress and concerns of that sort. This review came from a culmination of months worth of events.read more
Mary Dorsey
20:37 23 Jul 21
Very interactive coaches, kids like them.
Muthukkumar D
23:41 26 May 22
My son really does enjoy participating in Swiftkick Martial Arts. The staff is super friendly and always makes us feel very welcomed. The instructors are very patient and attentive to the kids. My son has learned a lot!
Brittaney Badger
03:49 14 Apr 21
My son joined the pathfinder program at SwiftKick in Rancho Bernardo almost 2 months ago. Our main goal in joining SwiftKick was to create a healthier lifestyle in a fun and exciting environment. In a short period of time my son has become more confident, outgoing and physically fit. All the staff and instructors are amazing and each help my son challenge himself. The entire experience here has by far exceeded my expectations. I am greatly looking forward to see my sons skills grow as he progresses in his training. I highly recommend this studio for anyone thinking of joining.read more
Tiffany main
01:15 13 Apr 17
The thing that makes SwiftKick different from other studios is that Brian, and all of his instructors, team with parents to bring out the very best in your child. They want to know what's happening at home and at school so that they can reinforce the best behavior and make corrections/give guidance when necessary. My husband and I struggled for years to find something to build intrinsic motivation in our son and SwiftKick has done that!! It has been life-changing for him. You will not find more dedicated instructors or people who care more than this staff. The classes are tons of fun and super engaging! What's more, the student-to-teacher ratio is incredible, like nothing we've ever seen!!! They develop the whole child, character development is paramount to them and they do it with the perfect balance of kindness but authority that demands respect. We're very careful about who our children spend their time with and we can state with the utmost confidence that the instructors at SwiftKick are the kind of wonderful role models we want in our children's lives!read more
Michelle Taylor
01:23 04 Mar 17
