Services Offered
Verified by Business
Virtual Classes
Review Highlights
“For the past couple of months now, I have been taking women's self-defense classes with Sifu Darryl.” in 4 reviews
“My son took classes here for about 8 months and improved his focus, skills, and discipline dramatically in that time.” in 4 reviews
“He is patient and caring, best place for your little one to learn.” in 2 reviews
Location & Hours
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Amenities and More
About the Business
Business owner information
Darryl J.
We Teach Attitude First: We are conveniently located in El Cajon, our kids and adult martial arts classes are excellent choices for self-defense, discipline, and fitness for all ages & fitness levels. We serve the El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee communities
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Overall rating
14 reviews
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1 star
- Nia B.Spring Valley, CA024Jul 10, 2023
Awesome!!! Mr.Sifu is amazing with kids and I admire his passion for Martial Arts. He is patient and caring, best place for your little one to learn.
Not only my child enjoys the class but I do as well looking at him learn and have fun.
Do not hesitate to enroll your kid, this is the place you want to be.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Laura Y.San Diego, CA03Dec 21, 2022
My 4 yo recently started the Kosho Cubs classes. We started with a trial class and I was instantly impressed. Sifu Darryl has amazing rapport with the young children he works with. His classes are full of variety and a perfect balance of disciplined practice with light hearted fun. My son loves going. Such a great teacher, truly a gem, I highly recommend checking it out.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Kristen R.San Diego, CA056Oct 21, 2022
Our son loves coming to class every day, and we love bringing him! Sifu is excellent with the kids. They have fun while still learning respect and discipline. We're so happy we signed up for James Martial Arts Academy! We look forward to watching our son grow and learn here.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Jennifer P.San Diego, CA109Sep 25, 2021
We love James Martial Arts Academy! Found this place when looking to get my 5 yr old son into karate after a year of the pandemic. From the moment I spoke to Darryl I could tell this would be a good fit for us. He puts the kids first and focuses on attitude and control over all else. He has been such a good role model for the young kids and we are lucky to have him in the community. He is great with the little kids, but will always make sure they feel challenged. I've also heard great things about the adult and older kids classes. It has been amazing to see the amount of control and body awareness my son has gained from this class.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Lara T.Escondido, San Diego, CA3491Nov 8, 2020
We just started but we already love what's it's doing for our son. He looks forward to going and tries very hard for his sifu. (Darryl is the best)
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Oct 1, 2015First to Review
My nine-year-old daughter has been learning Kosho-Ryu from "Sifu" Darryl James for several years now. Her self discipline, overall physical conditioning and self-defense knowledge are noticeably stronger as she continues with Darryl's classes. Classes are small and each participant gets Sifu's full attention as they practice the Kosho-Ryu forms and techniques.
The classes are fun and disciplined at the same time. Darryl doesn't let anybody sneak by and move forward unless they're ready. Kosho-Ryu is not just an outstanding physical self-defense system, either... it incorporates philosophy regarding respect for others.
I would recommend the James Kosho-Ryu Academy for adults and kids alike!Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Sep 2, 2017
We came in this morning and Sifu Darryl James let both my boys "try out" the class. He was great with them. This was their first time taking a martial arts class and he did an excellent job of redirecting them and keeping it fun. They are 3 and 6 so that can be quite a task. The class itself was the perfect amount of time for their ages. The class was well structured and promoted discipline and respect. I would definitely recommend James Martial Arts Academy to anyone interested.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Thomas W.Chula Vista, CA60322Feb 2, 2016
With so many disciplines in Martial Arts schools, it can be confusing for many people to pick an instructor or school to train. In the current climate of Mixed martial arts, many people may gravitate towards Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Grappling training for understandable reasons. Choosing an Instructor or school is often about personal preference. As someone who has witnessed the aftermath of crime and violence for 20+ years, I fell it is important to consider three things: 1) A highly competent/qualified Instructor/Coach; 2) A Reputable and sound training curriculum that addresses all ranges of combat and self defense to include: striking, grappling, weapons and multiple attackers; and 3) Physical conditioning during the class that conditions and strengthen the mind and body.
James Martial Arts Academy provides all three of qualities and then some!Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Alyssandra J.San Diego, CA5108Nov 5, 2018
Hands down the best trainer I've ever had. Sifu Darryl is exceptional at what he does. He is motivating and pushes you to your limits and then some. I was fortunate enough that one of my friends had found him and invited me to a class. Even though there were 3 other people in there he is attentive to you and making sure you are doing the workouts correctly with good form. I was fully out of shape and within a couple of months, I noticed things improving such as my form and strength. I have always had a hard time motivating myself to get to the gym but with Sifu Darryl, I am excited about the class every time.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Leslie S.San Diego, CA3591Dec 9, 2018Purchased a Yelp Deal
My son took classes here for about 8 months and improved his focus, skills, and discipline dramatically in that time. The best thing about Darryl James is that in addition to be highly skilled, he is patient, kind, and trust worthy as a karate teacher. We would have kept taking classes here if we hadn't moved. Thankfully, my son has continued martial arts, and fondly remembers his time at James Martial Arts.
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