Barrios Martial Arts Academy

I’m a big fan or Mr. Barrios («Mr. B») and Mr. Allen. Both of them are so attuned to what’s happening with my son and the other kids and are flexible and creative, while providing a structured environment. I’m in the classes with my son, too, and Mr. B and Mr. Allen are great at letting me be there for my son when it’s helpful, but also giving me some time to develop my own Hapkido skills. Hapkido isn’t necessarily easy, and my son definitely has a strong preference for only doing things that are easy. These guys have been great at making it fun and being flexible when he has a harder time and sort of shuts down. I’m really impressed that they have been so patient with us, and feel super loyal to both Mr. B and Mr. Allen. Thank you!

I’ve been to a few martial arts studios in my life, and this is by far the best. Mr. B’s (Carlos Barrios’) EQ is off the charts. He is so amazing with the kids and has a knack for knowing exactly what they are feeling and what will motivate them. His protégé, Mr. Allen, is a future star, and is more mature at 19 then I am now in my 40’s. It is the only studio that would take our older son (who has a learning disability) at age 4 without question or hesitation. In fact, Mr. B made it a point to sell me on why HE wants to work with our son. And he proves it every day. You can imagine that means a lot. He also has an awesome Kid Tiger program where children can start as early as 3 years old, which is very unusual. Our younger son is in that class and loves it. I am taking the adult classes, and my wife and nanny are taking their insane cardio kickboxing class. This is truly a family affair. They are very sensitive to one’s physical limitations and prior injuries, and they take great pains to take care of you. We don’t live in the neighborhood, and have to cross town three or four times a week to get here. But we are committed thanks to Mr. B and Mr. Allen.

An amazing place for your kids to start working on and improving their gross motor skills and expand their focus and attention.
While his studio is small it packs a big punch (no pun intended!). I’m a Nanny and my charge has been attending Barrios Martial Arts for going on 2 years!
She loves the classes and really has an amazing focus and determination. Mr Barrios took her from a white belt to a green in under two years!
Mr B is fully invested in your kids not only in the studio but also how their behavior is at home. He will often ask parents how the kids are doing in school and in the home environment. He knows how to speak to children in a way that they really connect with what he is explaining to them. Kids love and respect Mr B immensely!
Mr Allen is on of this Assistant Instructors and is doing an amazing job following in the footsteps of Mr B.
Both are fully dedicated to the growth, development and emotional well being of all their students. If you or your kids are looking for a family centered martial arts program, look no further.
I wish I could give 6 stars!

Our 3 year old — who is obsessed with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles — was at a MyGym class (which shares a space w/​Mr. B’s Academy), and saw young ninjas in training next door. He asked (OK — begged) for me to sign him up. He has a short attention span, so we were afraid he wouldn’t have the focus or dedication to make it through one 30 minute class. A month later, he’s going strong, and we credit this entirely to the persistence, dedication, and talent of Mr. B and Mr. Allen. His focus is lengthening, his strength building, and his discipline increasing. Mr. B and Mr. Allen intentionally include elements in the classes that stretch the kids and engage them. They have catered specifically to our son’s interests and skill level. As I mentioned earlier, our son is obsessed with TMNT. One class, Mr. B on the spot built a kid-​friendly bo staff from fun noodles and soccer pipes, and engaged our son in a fun, strength-​building game. Both Mr. B and Mr. A are super friendly, while maintaining high expectations and disciplinary standards of their students. Our son aspires to be a purple belt (clearly Donatello is his favorite ninja turtle). We’re confident that under Mr. B and Mr. A’s guidance, one day (understandably it might be a decade away), he will get there. :) Would highly recommend this academy to others!

Mr. B (Carlos Barrios) has a unique talent when working with his students, finding their motivation and getting the best from them. And though he is at almost all the classes, he also has hired only the best– so I’m assured my kids are getting great classes and are setting the foundation for a discipline that can only be discovered by personal triumphs. For my daughter, it has helped her with her body awareness and confidence. For my son, classes have helped his focus and confidence too. There is also a warm sense of community that is fun for our whole family. I highly recommend giving BMAA a try! BTW, I’ve been so impressed after a year of instruction… I’m starting too!

Mr. B is the best! He’s a great role model, along with his awesome assistant, Mr. Allen. Our son has been taking classes at BMA for nearly two years. His coordination, focus, memory, and attitude have all been positively affected by training with Mr. B and Mr. A. They’re an amazing, family-​oriented mixed martial arts school that offer additional benefits, like planning parents’ nights out and seasonal community-​building parties. Love the Hapkido creed that focuses on: Proper attitude, self defense, discipline, respect, and 100% effort. Another plus: you can take classes with your child or, if you prefer, in an all adult format. Oh, and if you just want to take fitness classes, Mr. B offers kickboxing/​cardio bootcamps designed for adults.

Got my Black Belt under Mr. B. He is a great instructor and has taught me a lot about Martial Arts. I lost 20 pounds and got in shape going to his classes. I like learning under him because he will drill the technique until you comprehend it and and do it correctly. I’ve seen him take kids from white belt to orange belt and they are already throwing roundhouse and spinning back kicks better than some adults. He is great with kids and when my nephews move back to the bay they will learn Hapkido from Barrios Martial Arts Academy.