Adult Martial Arts Classes in San Francisco: How to Stay Consistent When the Days Get Shorter
On Sunday, November 1, daylight saving time ends and the clocks fall back one hour. In San Francisco that means the sun sets around 5 PM for most of the winter. It is the time of year when good intentions to "work out after work" quietly disappear: it is dark, it is cold, and the couch wins.
The adults who keep training through the winter usually have one thing in common. They do not train alone.
Why a group class beats a solo workout
- Someone expects you. When your training partner is waiting for you on Thursday at 7 PM, skipping is a lot harder than skipping a solo run.
- You don't have to plan anything. The coach runs the warm-up, the technique and the rounds. You just show up.
- The time flies. Learning a combination or a self-defense escape keeps your brain busy, so an hour of hard work does not feel like an hour on a treadmill.
- You make friends. Many of our members came for a workout and stayed for the people.
What our students practiced this week
These clips and photos were filmed during real classes at our academy on San Bruno Avenue.
Self-defense: breaking a grab and getting back up. (More on this in our women's self-defense guide.) In this drill, students practice what to do when someone grabs them, how to protect themselves if they end up on the ground, and how to stand back up safely and create distance.
Muay Thai pad work. A coach holds the pads and calls the combinations: jab, cross, hook, kick. It is the best cardio workout most people have ever done, and you learn real striking at the same time.
Heavy bag rounds and light technical sparring. Timed rounds on the bags, and for students who are ready, slow technical sparring with a partner. Nobody spars until they want to.
Evening class schedule
- Beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Monday to Friday, 6 PM
- Muay Thai: Tuesday and Thursday, 7 PM
- Open Mat: Monday to Thursday, 7 PM
- Boxing: Monday, 5 PM
- Morning and weekend BJJ: Tuesday and Thursday 8 AM, Saturday 11 AM
See the full class schedule, or read more about our Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu programs.
Three tips to keep training all winter
- Pick two fixed days. For example, Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM. Put them in your calendar like a meeting.
- Pack your bag in the morning. Going straight from work to the gym is much easier than going home first.
- Bring a friend. Your first class is free, and so is your friend's.
Common questions
What martial arts classes do you offer for adults?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi), Muay Thai, Boxing, Capoeira and Cardio, plus Open Mat. Every program has beginner-friendly classes.
Are there evening classes after work?
Yes. Beginner BJJ runs Monday to Friday at 6 PM, Muay Thai is Tuesday and Thursday at 7 PM, and Open Mat is Monday to Thursday at 7 PM. Boxing is Monday at 5 PM.
I'm out of shape. Should I get fit before I start?
No. Classes are the way to get fit. Coaches adjust every drill for beginners and you set your own pace.
Do you teach self-defense?
Yes. Our students practice practical skills like breaking a clinch, protecting yourself on the ground and getting back to your feet safely, inside our regular classes.
How much does it cost?
Your first class is free. Memberships start at $180 per month on the Annual plan, and Monthly is $260 per month.
Sources
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