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December 2022 by Nathaniel Holland
As a student, this is the best place you can learn Taekwondo in the entire Bay Area. The instructors are amazing and the club is one where you have to really earn your rank.
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September 2022 by Ryan M.
Absolutely the best martial arts studio I've personally trained at. The instructors here really know their material so well they have even found the easiest ways to explain things to complete beginners. They have a nice mixture of classes that include options for all skill levels. Sensei Jensen is the best. I feel so fortunate to have trained with him myself for many years and now to see my son being given the same great experience really makes this place unlike anywhere else. If you want to get your children into a self defense class, this is the place. 6 stars.
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September 2022 by Jax M.
Absolutely the best martial arts studio I've personally trained at. The instructors here really know their material so well they have even found the easiest ways to explain things to complete beginners. They have a nice mixture of classes that include options for all skill levels. Sensei Jensen is the best. I feel so fortunate to have trained with him myself for many years and now to see my son being given the same great experience really makes this place unlike anywhere else. If you want to get your children into a self defense class, this is the place. 6 stars.
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August 2022 by The 3 J Brothers
Best place for TK, they are great with kids and our 3 boys love the instructors.
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December 2019 by Chin S.
Having had my 2 boys attending classes at Golden State TKD for the past 6 months. I have high praises for Mr Jensen, Ms Pederson and their team at Golden State TKD. They have created a nurturing and positive environment with individualized training without the "buy your way to your next belt" . You have to EARN your belt by mastering the required skills. Mr Jensen's life stories, Mr Lipinsky's fun style of teaching and sense of humor - as well as "games" (I think meant to build up strength and reaction time) keeps my boys faithfully coming back and looking forward to their lessons. Thank you Golden State TKD! Wish we had discovered you guys earlier!
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October 2019 by Brian Morris
The staff here are very awesome guys and very experienced. They always motivates you to do your best. Great gym.Give it 5 stars.
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October 2019 by Mark M.
I had earned a brown belt in Shotokan Karate Do and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do before arriving in the SF Bay Area. I searched up and down the peninsula. I knew I would need to make some stylistic changes and learn new kata ("forms") for almost any school I chose. I was looking for a "hard style" school where the basic stances and movements were sound, the energy/spirit high, and where earning a belt actually meant something. When I visited what was then Mackowski's Tae Kwon Do, in San Mateo, I knew I had found my new home. When Marty retired, his top students created Golden State TKD, following in his footsteps and carrying forward the knowledge from a lineage going back hundreds of years. All the black belts followed them. They've had a dojang in Foster City, then in San Carlos in partnership with Undisputed Boxing, and now back in San Mateo. Sometimes it has been a short trip from my home, and sometimes long; but it has always been worth it. Sure, I could exercise at 24 Hour Fitness, where I have a lifetime membership. Sure, I could continue practice my art at any number of closer "McDojo"'s -- by which I mean schools that "sell you a belt" based on time and money rather than based on the quality of your techniques and the strength of your spirit. The folks at Golden State love children and truly help them grow. Many of our current highly ranked black belts began as children at GSTKD. Many go on to college and beyond, returning as doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, or other successful careers -- while continuing to train the next generation at GSTKD. There are classes for all ranks and ages -- elderly students are also welcomed (I'm 69 and will turn 70 in February, but I remain healthy by training at least 3x per week!). There are no limits on how many classes you can take, unlike some of the McDojo's. Students learn self-control, self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-defense, in a friendly, welcoming environment that feels like your extended family. There are many black belts available, so it is easy to get your questions answered and your techniques perfected. If you are coming from another style, the instructors will work with you to adjust to GSTKD's versions of techniques and set of forms. Many champions have come from GSTKD. Besides head instructor Chris Jensen, his partner Deb Pedersen, and other highly ranked senior instructors (including Mike Lipinski and Eric Lee) GSTKD training has contributed to the careers of Olympic champions (Dana Hee), NFL players (Roger Craig), professional boxers (Eddie Croft, Brian Schwartz) any many other successful athletes and athletically-minded professionals. Data shows that students do better in school when they train here and even youth with physical or emotional challenges can find the experience life-changing. Before you plunk down your money somewhere that promises you a "belt" in 2-3 years, while simultaneously limiting how many times per week you can train, you owe it to yourself and your family to come for a free trial lesson at a school that will help you hold yourself to the highest standards and then help you succeed every step of the way. Come to a school where martial arts truly is not merely a set of techniques, but a way of life, faithful to centuries of tradition.
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May 2019 by Alexey Mustafin
Very professional and attentive instructors. Diverse training routines for all levels. It's the best Traditional Taekwondo school in the Bay Area. Highly recommended! They have an option to practice Jiu Jitsu there as well!
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April 2019 by Maurisa Sommerfield
Great instructors and super students
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January 2019 by Michelle H.
I really appreciated how Chris honored both tradition and thoroughly applied reality. My 5 and 6 year old girls love class, to my complete surprise - the teachers are so excellent with children and so skilled so I'm certain with adults too. Highly recommend!
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January 2019 by J W.
We've been a member for around 6 months. Great atmosphere and instruction. I really like the individualized attention, and the skill building.
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October 2018 by Lex Mustafin
Very professional and attentive trainers. Diverse weekly training routines for all levels. It's the best Traditional Taekwondo school in the Bay Area.
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October 2018 by Lex M.
Very professional and attentive trainers. Diverse training routines for all levels. It's the best Traditional Taekwondo school in the Bay Area.
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August 2018 by Wolf Hillesheim
The instructors are the best
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August 2018 by Assia H.
The best dojang around! I've been going here for a year and cannot emphasize enough the quality teachers they have. The black belts are humble and super helpful, and often teach as well. They also trained Olympians and the students have earned toooons of trophies (only a small fraction sits in the studio). Ever since starting at Golden State I have gained so much muscle mass, precision with kicking, and improved my flexibility dramatically. I walk straighter and feel confident. The classes can be challenging, but the teachers are always patient and gracious. They offer morning and evening classes, as well as sparring and forms classes. Lots of children around too, which I love. Golden State is also a family, we care about each other and socialize/banter around all the time. Though not a super upscale dojang, it's cozy and feels familiar, and you can come as often as you like. Golden State TKD has become my happy place. Thank you so much Mr. Jensen & Ms. Pedersen for this amazing place!
