Hiruko Wellness

My son is a very bright, sensitive, and active boy who, when he was 5 was diagnosed with some sensory integration issues. His father and I had taken him to occupational therapy to address these and they recommended we try also try enrolling him at Hiruko. (They specified Hiruko… not just TKD.) I was hesitant, not knowing much about Tae Kwon Do in particular and martial arts in general. I was concerned that it might encourage physical violence but I decided to give it a try. I couldn’t have been more wrong. We are now in our third year with Hiruko in their KinderDojo and will soon be moving into the youth group. Jorge, Natalia, Jonathon, Gilbert and the other instructors have all done a wonderful job and are very patient and caring. The focus is very holistic and our son has benefited greatly. His focus is much improved as is his ability to transition from a highly active to a quieter state which is something he struggled with. He has gained self-​confidence and is proud of his achievements. He has a lot of respect for his instructors as do his father and I. Ironically, we stopped going to occupational therapy not long after enrolling in Hiruko as we felt that his time at Hiruko was helping him much more than the occupational therapy. Bonus… given that the OT cost almost 10x as much!
HIs father is also a student now and is working toward his black belt.
I highly recommend them!

At this time I feel comfortable giving Hiruko a full 5-​stars. My daughter is 8 years old and joined several months ago. She went from her beginniner (white belt) to the next level at the end of May. So her experience has only been at the Junior level (we’ll add more reviews after she continues her experience here).
My daughter loves going to Hiruko, about 3 times a week. I never have to push her, she is always excited to go. She is quiet in the classes, she is not one of the students that is very outgoing. But the instructors still take the time to weave in and out of the lines to carefully watch and adjust each child’s stance, movement, attitude, etc.
I had a small concern with my daughter because she was experiencing a bit of disappointment due to the fact that we didn’t understand how students achieve ‘stripes’ and when that happens. I called Natalia and she was more than helpful and kind in explaining things to me and how to explain it to my 8-​year old.
Jorge helped explain to me how they are teaching my daughter how to be more comfortable ‘performing’ martial arts in front of others, and how they are learning as individuals as well as within a group.
I am a fairly critical and picky when it comes to paying for activities for my children — and Hiruko has not disappointed. They teachers are enthusiastic, kind, knowledgeable and caring. They explain and guide the children, not just throw instructions their way and hope something sticks.
This is a place with a heart.
Both my daughter and I recommend this place!

This place does not teach taekwondo.
After doing TKD for almost 26 years and having competed at the national level, I have a pretty good idea of what TKD is.
I am sure, that they offer a great program for kids and families, but they are not teaching real Taekwondo.
I just want to be sure people are not mislead into thinking that they are learning real Korean Taekwondo… Becuase they are not.

It’s been a great privilege to be a part of the Hiruko community. The opportunity to train along side my daughters has been a huge blessing for our family my parent/​child relationship development. Also, the school rekindled my love for sports and athletics. Jorge went out of his way to show up at the track at 630AM to help me train for my first run competition!
Thanks for letting us be a part of your story.

The very best attention to the confluence of mind, heart and body. I have absolutely loved watching my daughter mature through her experience at Hiruko.

Our family has been privileged to train with Jorge and Natalia for over a decade. Our oldest son has received Jorge’s instructions (while in West Coast Association) since he was six years old; now he is seventeen and owns a second degree black belt. I would not exaggerate, if I said it was a life shaping experience for him.
As soon as our daughter turned four, we came to Hiruko looking for the same quality of experience, and we were not disappointed. Jorge has a real passion and a talent for working with students of all ages, fitness levels and belt ranks. He has an excellent rapport with students, and, in my experience, is always willing to address parents’ concerns.
I would recommend Hiruko to a friend in a heartbeat.

Attending the Hiruko martial arts school for the past 3 yrs. earning my third black belt, watching it grow to the over 200 students. The growth is driving changes from the mom and pop school to needing to hire employees as well as manage time and projects better. The instructor’s wife controls this part of the business. She teaches occasionally as well.
They are planning on moving soon to Midtown Palo Alto (2741 Middlefield Road) for a larger space and «better demographics», but may be able to keep the Los Altos location as they have two more years on their lease… who will be teaching where? (info in public records)
Classes are composed of 10 – 15 min. warmup, 20 – 35 min. instruction/​practice, 5 minutes closing. Very young students are regularly led in physical games the last 10 – 15 minutes of class.
Be careful in allowing your info to be posted on the website/parent’s forum. It has been used to send unwanted and negative emails. Gossip is tolerated causing rumors and conflict. Policies for resolution aren’t in place.
The «head instructor» Jonathan, while terrific, is leaving Hiruko in the Summer for college. Overall, for kids in need of afternoon activities locally, Hiruko provides a nice place. At $ 149/​month (+ $ 65 annual «comm. fee), it’s mid-​level price is reasonable.
Hiruko attempts to teach «life changing» concepts to all students which may or may not align with parental views. Some students have been offered «scholarships» to Landmark Forum (see Wikipedia).
The «master instructor», while earnest in his efforts, sometimes misapplies language, is wordy and difficult to follow for children and adults. Parents should be attentive and help their children through confusion, frustration and double messages. Validate the feelings of the child and maintain a solid view of reality. Be wary of medical advice.
Black belt candidates are required to achieve certain levels of fitness, some of which are extreme (i.e. 50,000 push ups over a 6 month period or 277+ per day*). As adults or parents, keep in mind that YOU have the final authority in what is safe.
*Requirement from 2009 Black Belt candidate documents.
(This is an update from my original review in 2006.)

I joined Hiruko for my New Years Resolution.
45 years old and overweight.
The balance is perfect for me, stretching, martial arts and conditioning.
I actually enjoy exercising again.
The Staff is very friendly and knowledgable and they meet each individuals needs.
I Highly recommend Hiruko for Adults who want to get motivated and make a change in their life.

Fantastic place. My son takes karatte here and loves it. They do a great job. I would recommend you go at least 2x per week. I think 3x per week is ideal. I would recommend this place without a second thought. I think they are especially helpful with kids who need a little extra help/​time. Best Martial arts place in the area without a doubt.

Hiruko with Natalia and Jorge is a great martial art studio.
My son started there in the Pandas (3 – 4 yr old) class.
After his first visit he turned and said «Mom — can we do this every day! «
The structure and tone of the Panda class is just right for the learning environment and the limited class size keeps it under control and allows each child to get some focus and attention.
We are looking forward to having our son progress through the next course levels and highly recommend Hiruko

I went through a number of martial arts programs with my kids. Hiruko is much more than just a martial arts studio — it’s a community lead by people who love kids, love martial arts and have a vision.
My son is not an athletic child and did not do well in previous martial arts, tennis, skating, etc classes. Hiruko made him much more coordinated, helped him to loose weight, but most importantly showed him that he can achieve the goals that he sets for himself with wonderful guidance from Jorge and Natalia. This is his fourth year and he still loves it.

I chose Hiruko Center for my children, ages 9 and 4, because I wanted a disciplined martial arts studio with an understanding of the whole child and sensitivity to my son’s special needs.
Hiruko has surpassed my expectations. the instructors do an excellent job of motivating my kids to push themselves beyond limits. Jorge and Natalia have a unique talent for breaking down skills in a way that minimizes frustration and maximizes success. With every session, they introduce a variety of fun activities that develop my kid’s strength, flexibility, endurance and problem solving skills. My children look forward to their lessons and feel pride in their accomplishments.
Hiruko’s focus is on building community. Hiruko teaches more than tae kwon do. They are interested in the bigger picture of what parents hope for their children as they grow and mature.

Natalia/​Jorge & Angela are fantastic. Jorge is so experienced. He is fantastic with my special needs son and gives him extra 1:1 time at no additional cost so he can keep up with the class. It is really helping my son’s self esteem and strength. The kids in the class are very nice. There is a boy who is one year older than my son who looks out for him at the Middle School they both go to.
They host special events like «bring your teacher», «bring a friend». They also will host movie nights at moderate cost which is wonderful for parents.

I’ve got three little kids with half a dozen after school activities and Hiruko is the only one that matters.
Natalia and Jorge run the place and teach your kids not only tae kwon doe but respect, focus, meditation, and integrity.
Their school is without compare.