Practical Martial Arts
About
Practical Martial Arts in Corte Madera, California is a highly respected martial arts school offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and MMA training for children, teens, and adults. Led by Sensei Mike and Karen Valentine, the dojo emphasizes not just technical skills but also character development, discipline, and confidence building. The school has built a strong community atmosphere where students often train for many years, developing both practical self-defense abilities and important life skills.
Jiu Jitsu VerifiedOur weighted 10-point scoring system for martial arts academies prioritizes instruction quality, training environment, and overall student experience.
We consider factors like instructor expertise, class structure, and facility quality. Our assessment combines student feedback, expert reviews, and website information.
Scores above 9.00 denote world-class quality, signifying premier martial arts training experiences.
InstructorsClass StructureSafety and HygieneFacility QualityValue for MoneyLocation & AccessibilityPublic Review Sentiment
Instructors
Sensei Mike and Karen Valentine are highly respected black belt instructors who bring decades of experience and a holistic approach to martial arts training. They are consistently praised for their technical expertise, genuine care for students, and ability to develop not just fighting skills but also character and confidence.
Facility
While specific facility details aren't extensively mentioned in reviews, the dojo appears to provide adequate space for various class types and age groups. The environment is described as welcoming and conducive to learning, with appropriate training areas for both striking and grappling.
Pricing
While specific pricing information is not readily available on the website, the value provided by the training is consistently rated highly by members. Many long-term students indicate that the quality of instruction and positive impact on their lives justifies the investment.
Facility
Gym
Instructors
Classes
Pricing
The gym appears to offer trial classes for prospective students, with several reviews mentioning positive initial experiences that led to immediate enrollment.
Location
Opening Hours
| Monday | 2:30 - 8PM |
| Tuesday | 2:30 - 8PM |
| Wednesday | 2:30 - 8PM |
| Thursday (Today) | 2:30 - 8PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 9AM - 1PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Location
Located in Corte Madera, California, the gym is accessible to residents throughout Marin County and appears to be a well-established fixture in the local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages do they accept for children's classes?
Practical Martial Arts offers programs for children starting as young as 4 years old, with specific classes for different age groups including Little Dragons (4-6 years), Beginner Kids (6-12 years), and separate teen classes.
What martial arts styles are taught at the gym?
The gym offers training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Freestyle Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Kickboxing, and Self-Defense, with programs tailored to different age groups and experience levels.
How long have the instructors been teaching?
Sensei Mike and Karen Valentine have been teaching for many years, with the gym having long-term students who have trained there for over 16-20 years, indicating the stability and longevity of the instruction team.
Is the training focused on competition or self-defense?
While some students do compete successfully in tournaments, the primary focus is on practical self-defense skills and overall character development, with techniques taught in the context of real-world application.