West Wind Schools

Super nice and devvoted instructors, and a good dojo facility. Only three stars because of the type of instruction they provide; lots of kata (solo routine) memorization but almost no actual sparring where you learn how to defend yourself or repel an attacker. No fitness or strength training. West Wind is very focused on tournament preparation. After a year of twice a week training even if you won a gold medal at their tournament it is unlikely you would be any better able to defend yourself or your family.

It’s a nice-​looking dojo on Alameda’s Park Street and the students (especially the little kids) seem to be enjoying themselves. The staff is polite and professional EXCEPT they will not give any prices, for anything. I see here on another Unilocal review that this refusal to name any price is a known issue with this business. The insistence that our entire family attend the introductory classes and «ceremony» at the end — both parents, other siblings, etc. — seems to have no purpose beyond figuring out how much a family might be convinced to pay for a kids’ martial arts lessons, or how willing the parents are to do anything the kid is psyched up to do, regardless of cost. Well, we are not Google employees. And even if we were rich tech people, we wouldn’t agree to purchasing things without a price tag. What a weird way to do business!
We got to the end of the $ 20 (or «free,» if you go to their website and print a coupon) introductory lessons for our child, and unfortunately we cannot get so much as a vague clue as to what the classes would cost. Today I called and spoke to the teacher working with my son, and he was pleasant as always but would not budge on telling us the cost of the classes. (I don’t blame him; it’s clearly the management style of the karate school chain.) Sadly, we will have to find another karate school (there are plenty in Alameda) where prices are revealed before some hard-​sell «ceremony.»
Can you imagine not being told the prices for swim lessons, music lessons, tutoring, or any other kids’ activity?
(The director of the karate classes replied to another Unilocaler here who complained about the business being «cagey on prices,» saying most kids are paying about $ 120 a month for lessons. That’s not *insane* for weekly classes, if that’s what is being described, and we would most likely sign up for classes at $ 30 a week. Instead, we’re forced to start over at another karate class because West Wind steadfastly won’t tell their own customers what the prices are.)

It is a work out like no other. Words cannot express the fulfillment and value this dojo brings. Take advantage of the priceless coupons to see for yourself! You will love it!!!

I have been a student of West Wind Martial Arts School in Alameda for about 3 months now and I can honestly say that I have never felt better about myself. I practice what I learned almost daily because I believe in honing my muscle memory and my self-​discipline. The instructors are extremely knowledge with the history and the techniques of Bok Fu and my sifu, Mr. Baker, is a top-​ranked and highly-​sought after black belt instructor in his own right. I have nothing but rave compliments for West Wind and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn self-​defense.

West Wind Schools Alameda is a family-​oriented, respectful and supportive space that gives you the skills you need to defend yourself in a life or death situation.
I first walked into the West Wind Schools Alameda Dojo because it was conveniently located smack dab in the middle of the Park Street Shopping District (5 bus lines get here, there’s a parking garage right down the street, it’s a comfortable riding distance from anywhere in Alameda, I walk here…). After about a year, I have come to think of West Wind as the center of town where local people of all ages and walks of life can come to learn martial arts, stay in great shape, and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
My experience here so far has been great… The instructors are profoundly well-​educated, enthusiastic, and dedicated to their students’ development. Seriously, the people who run this place are just so awesome (hard to put into words, but I’m getting a little choked up here actually — I know that’s sappy but it’s totally true!). Being a student at West Wind Schools is like having a family of super-​heroes!
Gushy stuff aside — I really can’t believe I lived in the Bay Area for so long without any self-​defense training. Child or adult, man or woman — if you live in the Bay Area, you need to know basic self-​defense. I don’t know about the other locations, but the Alameda dojo has a super flexible schedule that enables anyone to get discounted introductory classes, so call and talk to them right now! DO it!
I have a deep sense of gratitude for West Wind Schools Alameda. I hope they stay right there forever and keep doing exactly what they’re doing. Go A-​TEAM!

I entered West Wind as a wild and angry teenager in massive need of self-​discipline and an outlet for my volatile energy. My parents and I were constantly at odds, and I had started to make a lot of bad choices about who my friends were and how I did in school. I didn’t care about anything; I stopped putting effort into school or any of my relationships with family or friends. Instead, I ended up putting a lot of holes in my bedroom walls. Though I had been in counseling for two years, I was basically in the same chaotic state as I had been when I first began.
Had I stepped into West Wind initially, I would never have needed anything else.
In a moment that I would never have estimated to be as pivotal as it really was, my sensei, who had been working with me for about six months, pulled me into the back office during one of our private lessons. I was going through an extremely difficult period to say the least, and even though I hadn’t told her any of what was going on, she still sat me down and said intently, «You’re a very bright young lady, and I see a lot of potential in you. But right now, from one person to another, I’m worried about you. Now you don’t have to tell me anything, because I’m not trying to get into your business, but I want you to know that I’m always here for you if you need me, and West Wind is always here for you, too. And no matter who you are, what you do, how you choose to dress, who you hang out with, I will always be your teacher, and you will always be my student.»
Having said that, it is impossible for me to talk about West Wind without making three things clear:
They are my family,
they are my refuge,
and their belief in me, which has never wavered, is the force behind who I am as a determined, hard-​working, and confident woman.
West Wind’s commitment to self-​defense has generated an awareness of my surroundings that has kept me out of dangerous situations, and a fearlessness to take someone down should the circumstances call for it. As a woman, both of these attributes are paramount to living in today’s society. I can’t stress enough how important it is to arm oneself with both the physical capabilities and the fierce mindset that it takes to survive. West Wind has been absolutely invaluable to me in these aspects.
After nearly 11 years, I’ve reclaimed control of my life and become more successful than I ever thought I could. Though there have been countless moments like the one I just wrote, it was in that short conversation that the nature of my dojo, West Wind, became clear: Their dedication to their students — not just as martial artists, but also as people — is unconditional. If you let them, they will change you for the better.

This school is all about the money. Like one reviewer commented, they try to scam you into getting more lessons with high pressure sales tactics. They have you prepay a full year of tuition, then only after 6 months, they tell you that their rates have changed and they try to sell you into another long-​term contract. When my family had to move to Southern California, our request to refund the prorated tuition was denied, claiming that they did not have the money to refund the tuition, although we followed all the refund procedures per the contract. Their teachings of «respect» comes short when it comes to money. If you visit this place, beware of their sales tactics. Scam!

I’ve been a student here for almost 6 years and West-​Wind Bok Fu has meant a lot more to me than just martial arts. I first walked into this school looking for a self defense class because I wasn’t feeling too confident with mace as my only option in a life-​threatening situation. Within the first few months of consistently attending group classes and one-​on-​one private lessons with my Sensei (instructor), I felt a dramatic change in my street confidence. My favorite aspect of West-​Wind is how straight forward they are as to what they preach as a martial arts school, which is obviously self-​defense. If you want to learn how to defend yourself in almost any conceivable and realistic situation that you might be confronted with someday (if you haven’t already been) you will know how to handle yourself from the training you get at West-​Wind. This is not a school dedicated to teach you how win trophies based on sport fighting, this is a dojo that is dedicated to teach you how to save your life in lethal confrontation. With that said, every lesson I have learned in the last 6 years at West-​Wind has been applicable to every obstacle I’ve faced in my life since I’ve been here. One of the first things they tell you here (and both teachers and students alike preach this) is that Bok Fu is not just a martial art, it is a lifestyle. Every Sensei in the school has been teaching for at least 10 years and they dedicate their lives to instructing others the principles and guidelines of how to mentally and physically handle yourself in a fight. West-​Wind is an extremely traditional martial arts school, and everything literally begins and ends in respect. I highly recommend West-​Wind to anyone who is even remotely interested in martial arts. And since this is an art form, not only will you learn how to effectively protect yourself, but as you advance in the ranks, you will learn how to do it with your own style. I seriously don’t know who I would be today if I never walked into this place.

I’ve been a student at West Wind in Alameda for over 2 years.
This system has been incredibly challenging to my body and mind and has taught me immeasurably about respect, discipline, and self-​defense– all of which is exactly what I was seeking in a martial arts practice. The West Wind Bok-​Fu (white tiger) curriculum has been developed over the last 40 years to incorporate multiple styles from Kenpo to boxing. As I progress, I’m increasingly impressed with how well thought out the arc of the material is and how well rounded the students are.
If anyone is in doubt of this system I would suggest they watch a West Wind black belt test. Now there, is an immense demonstration of skill, endurance, memory, and aggression that only a few attempt each year and even fewer are able to achieve.
Unfortunately, even the arts need to maintain a business model in order to survive. It would be nice if there was more separation between the money and the practice, but that’s not how a school stays in business. But what the tuition gives you here is a weekly private lesson with a rigorously trained and passionate instructor, the option of attending any of the group classes (offered 6 days a week), and freedom to practice on the mat any time during business hours.
And each time on the mat is so much more than a visit to the gym! Students are encouraged to learn each other’s names and there is a great sense of community and camaraderie as we are all on this challenging physical and mental path together. It is also, as with many things, the opportunity to get out of it what you put in. If you are a dedicated student I have no doubt that at this school your limits will be stretched and your interest will be nurtured as much as can be.

My daughter has been enrolled for a year and a half and absolutely loves her teacher and the school. The school has a real sense of community to it and works with children in all facets of their lives, not just the bok-​fu style karate. Its been a great source of strength to her to feel that she is working and training towards a goal. Those who are critical of the pricing may find that other options are lower in cost but the experience is not one of a true community of highly disciplined sensei’s and instructors. This is not just another ‘class’ but rather an investment that we have been glad to make as we’ve watched our daughter’s confidence and physical strength steadily progress.

Do not go to this McDojo!
All about the money. Cagey on prices. Asking for about $ 1700 for lessons for 17 weeks. Most places will charge you about 1K for a year. They will also try to avoid your questions on how much it costs until you start practicing and then they hit you up for the big cash. Big scam.
Shop around. There are much better places to do martial arts in Alameda.