Business Details
46 Years
experience
Empowering Martial Arts & Self-Defense Training in Oakland
Founded in 1980, we have dedicated over four decades to empowering individuals and communities through traditional martial arts and self-defense training. Our program specializes in Kajukenbo, an eclectic martial art integrating Karate, Judo, Kenpo, and Chinese boxing techniques. Under the leadership of Chief Instructor Sonya Richardson, an 8th-degree black belt with 30+ years of experience, we emphasize physical conditioning, mental discipline, and spiritual awareness. Our curriculum includes beginner to advanced classes, community safety workshops, and women-centered self-defense programs.We combine ancient practices with modern strategies to address real-world safety challenges while fostering personal growth. With instructors certified through organizations like the National Women's Martial Arts Federation, we maintain rigorous training standards. Our Oakland-based center serves as a model for inclusive martial arts education, welcoming all genders and skill levels. Through regular workshops and community events, we promote the interconnectedness of personal safety and collective wellness.
Services
Kajukenbo Martial Arts
Self-Defense Training
Women's Self-Defense
Online Martial Arts
Community Safety Workshops
Beginner Classes
Weapons Practice
Tournament Preparation
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- 40+ years experience teaching Kajukenbo martial arts in Oakland
- Instructors include 8th-degree black belt Sonya Richardson and NWMAF-certified instructors
- Curriculum combines physical techniques with mental/spiritual development
- Inclusive environment welcoming all genders and experience levels
- Community safety workshops address modern self-defense challenges
Associations and certifications
- Kajukenbo Association of America
Services
Kajukenbo Martial Arts
Our Kajukenbo program combines Karate, Judo, Kenpo, and Chinese boxing techniques. Students develop physical conditioning, balance, and practical self-defense skills through traditional forms and modern strategies. The holistic curriculum emphasizes mind-body-spirit integration for personal growth.
Self-Defense Training
Practical self-defense classes teach awareness, assertiveness, and physical techniques to handle dangerous situations. Our women-centered programs include boundary setting, de-escalation, and defense against multiple attackers. Training addresses modern safety challenges in supportive environments.
Community Safety Workshops
Interactive workshops explore personal safety through cultural context discussions and practical skills. Participants examine violence prevention strategies while addressing social issues like sexism and racism. Sessions combine physical practice with community wellness approaches for collective empowerment.
Online Martial Arts Classes
Virtual sessions maintain our physical training standards through interactive instruction. Participants learn self-defense techniques, cultural context, and wellness strategies via live Zoom classes. Flexible scheduling accommodates diverse participant needs without compromising training quality.
Beginner Martial Arts
New students receive comprehensive Kajukenbo fundamentals through structured curriculum. Instructors guide beginners in basic techniques, forms, and self-defense applications. Supportive environment fosters gradual skill progression while emphasizing personal development and safety awareness.
People
Sonya Richardson
Head Instructor
8th-degree black belt with 30+ years experience, physical therapist, national tournament medalist, and PAWMA Martial Artist of the Year 2011. Teaches at three national martial arts camps.
Aarin Burch
Assistant Head Instructor
6th-degree black belt since 2002, 1998 Gay Games gold medalist, video production professional, and PAWMA Martial Artist of the Year 2017.
Joyce Mende Wong
Self-Defense Director
4th-degree black belt since 1993, NWMAF-certified instructor, PAWMA Martial Artist of the Year 2016, and active in Kajukenbo Association of America.
Christine Schoefer
Self-Defense Director
2nd-degree black belt since 2009, Tai Chi practitioner, Mills College self-defense instructor, and NWMAF-certified instructor with curriculum development expertise.
Lorraine Mann
New Students Director
4th-degree black belt since 2008, classroom teacher applying learning science to martial arts instruction, and director of comprehensive beginner's program.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Kajukenbo, an eclectic system combining Karate, Judo, Kenpo, and Chinese boxing techniques developed in 1947 by five martial artists.
Do you offer women-only self-defense classes?
Yes, we provide women-centered self-defense programs with options for all gender identities. Our women's classes focus on boundary setting, de-escalation, and physical defense techniques.
Are online martial arts classes available?
Yes, we offer live Zoom-based self-defense instruction covering awareness, technique practice, and scenario training with flexible scheduling options for virtual participants.
What experience do your instructors have?
Our instructors include 8th-degree black belt Sonya Richardson, national tournament medalists, PAWMA award recipients, and NWMAF-certified self-defense specialists with 20+ years of teaching experience.
Videos
